13 & 14 June 2026
Bakewell Showground
Full marathon, half marathon and 10K
Escape to nature and take on a 10k, half marathon or full marathon experience in the Peak District National Park. You’ll explore woodlands, rivers and beautiful dales, all whilst supporting life-saving research.
Whether you're an experienced hiker or it's your first time, we're with you every step of the way. Ramble, amble or stride – solo or with a group – as you join a community that’s powering progress for people affected by cancer.
Image by Barry Pells
Explore the beauty of England's oldest National Park on this hiking adventure. One of our flatter routes, you'll start in Bakewell and walk along woodlands, rivers and dales on a fully signposted route. Find more details about the route in the Event details below.
Depending on your pace, we estimate the routes will take:
10k (6 miles): 1.5 - 3 hours
Half marathon: 3.5 - 6 hours
Full marathon: 7 - 12 hours
Image by Barry Pells
Your entry fee covers the cost of your event, but your fundraising helps us save and improve lives. Get tips, ideas and resources to help you hit your target and raise money for life-saving research.
Whether you're new to hiking or a regular walker, it's important to prepare. Get your training plan and tips on nutrition for the big day.
Share support, photos, training tips and fundraising inspiration with your fellow Big Hikers! This is a great way to connect with other hikers before the big day.
Nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime
. Every pound you raise helps us say yes to more chances of diagnosis, preventing and providing kinder treatments to those living with cancer.
Could fund an international trial improving treatment for children and young people with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) for one day.
Could fund our team of nine cancer nurses and their amazing work with people affected by cancer for one hour.
Could fund a lab technician for one week, bringing us closer to the next research breakthrough.
Once you sign up for your Big Hike event, you'll receive a welcome pack with all the need-to-know details to help you feel fully prepared for the day.
The start and finish point is Bakewell Showground, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1AH. We strongly recommend that you use the following 'What 3 Words' link to identify the precise location of your Big Hike venue: https://what3words.com/relishes.unit.fewest
Please head to the event site 45 minutes* before your start time; we'll email you a reminder of your time as soon as you've signed up.
*Please note if you have signed up for the 10k event, your start time is the departure time for your 10 minute coach journey to the start line. Please arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before this.
All routes are fully signposted and our marshals and volunteers will be there to assist you along the way.
This full marathon hike takes you past the stunning Chatsworth Estate, along the Limestone Way and through beautiful Lathkill Dale, Deep Dale and Monsal Dale. The hike will follow a circular, clockwise route climbing ≈ 1,800 ft. It has three support points where you'll find hot drinks, a selection of snacks and fruit, water, medics, ample bench seating, music and toilets.
Maps: See the route map* and elevation map(PNG, 128 KB).
This half marathon hike takes you past the stunning woodland of Chatsworth Estate before revealing the gardens and contours along the River Derwent. The hike will follow a circular, clockwise route climbing ≈ 1,300 ft. It has one support point where you'll find hot drinks, a selection of snacks and fruit, water, medics, ample bench seating, music and toilets.
Maps: See the route map* and elevation map(PNG, 130 KB).
This 10k hike heads through the breathtaking Monsal Dale, across the Headstone viaduct joining the Monsal trail. The hike will follow a linear route climbing ≈ 200 ft. There will be a water refill station along the route.
Maps: See the route map* and elevation map(PNG, 122 KB).
*Please note that the routes are subject to change.
Free car parking is available to all Big Hike participants at the start/finish venue.
The closest train stations to the start/finish venue are at Matlock, Chesterfield and Buxton. Please visit the National Rail website for full timetables.
Toilet facilities will be available at the start and finish areas and at support points along the route.
Water refill points, hot drinks and snacks will be provided at the start area and at support points along the route.
Full marathon hikers will receive lunch at the second support point, followed by a hot meal at the finish area. Half marathon and 10k participants will receive a hot meal at the finish area.
Dietary requirements will be catered for on the day. We'll send you an email around one month before your event to ask for your dietary requirements - please complete this as soon as possible.
The start/finish venue is wheelchair-friendly, but the course is not. If you're taking part in the Big Hike and wish to bring a carer with you, please ask your carer to call 0300 123 2424 and we can talk them through the process.
Dogs are not allowed, except for service dogs.
Free parking is available for all Big Hike participants at the start/finish venue, Bakewell Showground, DE45 1AH. What3words: https://what3words.com/relishes.unit.fewest
No bag drop is available.
Interested in hiking but can't make this location or date? Whether you're looking for coastal views or rolling hills, we have a Big Hike for you. Discover our seven hikes taking place across the UK so you can find your perfect adventure.
From guiding our hikers on the route, to helping out at support points, there are lots of opportunities to get involved, while enjoying breathtaking views.
