Big Hike Peak District 2023

Start/finish venue: 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: ///drifter.cooked.vineyard in the free app, to find the starting point.

Free car parking is available to all Big Hike participants.

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

The start/finish venue is wheelchair-friendly, but the course is not.

• There will be an ‘arrival window’ between 07:00 am and 08:30 am (for the full marathon) and between 08:30 am and 09:15 am (for the half marathon). Therefore, on the day of your event, all you need to do is arrive at any point during the arrival window.

• If you are a slower walker, you may want to consider arriving earlier in the arrival window. If you are a faster walker, you may want to consider arriving later in the arrival window. Please arrive at the time which is appropriate for you, but it’s important that you don’t miss the arrival window.

• After checking in, you will then receive your safety briefing and start your Big Hike.

• There won’t be any lockers so pack light but remember your water bottle. Bring your Cancer Research UK t-shirt, back sign and hiking number and don’t forget to add your emergency details.

• Check the weather forecast in the build up to your Big Hike, and pack appropriately for the conditions.  

• Weather conditions can change throughout the day. Stay sun safe using sunscreen with at least SPF15 and a 4 or more star rating.

• Toilets and first aid services will be available at the start/finish area and at the support points along the route. Water refill points, hot drinks and snacks will be provided at the support points.

• Full marathon participants will receive lunch at the second support point, followed by a hot meal at the finish. Half marathon participants will receive a hot meal at the finish. Dietary requirements will be catered for on the day.

• Your Big Hike will also be chip timed (you will notice the little chip device attached to your hiker number). So after your event, you will be able to view your personalised timings.

• Read our FAQs for more information about Big Hike 2023.