Big Hike Peak District 2025

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 at least 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. 

Full marathon route 

This full marathon hike takes you past the stunning Chatsworth Estate, along the Limestone Way and through beautiful Lathkil 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.

Half marathon route

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.

10k (6 mile) route

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 water stops along the route to refill your water bottle.
Maps: See the route map* and elevation map.

*Please note that the routes are subject to change. 

By car: 

Free car parking is available to all Big Hike participants at the start/finish venue.

By train:

The closest train stations to the start/finish venue are at Matlock, Chesterfield and Buxton. Please visit the National Rail website for full timetables.

Toilets 

Toilet facilities will be available at the start and finish areas and at support points along the route. 

Refreshments

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. 

Full marathon hikers lunch;

Sandwiches (mix of brown and white baguettes).

• Tuna mayonnaise
• Coronation chicken
• Egg mayonnaise (v)
• Cheese and chutney (v)
• Spiced hummus and beetroot (ve & other dietary requirements)  

All hikers hot meal;

• Chilli with skin on spicy potato wedges, garlic bread and a flapjack
• Veggie/vegan chilli with skin on spicy potato wedges, garlic bread and a flapjack

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. 

Accessibility

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 0770 and we can talk them through the process.

Dogs 

Dogs are not allowed, except for service dogs. 

Parking 

Free parking is available for all Big Hike participants at the start/finish venue, Bakewell Showground, DE45 1AH

Bag drop

No bag drop is available