Big Hike Jurassic Coast

Training support:

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, we're here to help you prepare for the big day. Head to our Information Hub to get a training plan for your distance, tips on nutrition and a checklist for the day.

Fundraising:

Your entry fee covers the cost of putting on the event. But it doesn't stop there. The money you raise will help us change the lives of people affected by cancer. To help you reach your fundraising target we’ve got lots of advice, tips and fundraising materials - start by checking out your Big Hike fundraising guide.

If you have a place with us and are struggling with your fundraising, please get in touch; there’s lots we can do to help. Visit our FAQs to find out more.

Entry pack:

Before the big day you will receive an entry pack with details of your event and arrival time, a CRUK t-shirt, your hiking number and a back sign. The sign can be attached to the back of your t-shirt to show who your Big Hike is for. Your pack should arrive no later than one month after your registration date.

Start/finish venue: Norden Farm, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5DS

We strongly recommend you use the following 'What 3 Words' link to find the precise location of your Big Hike venue: //what3words.com/youngest.formal.quaking (link is external)

Parking: You’ll be able to park your car at the start venue for the duration of your Big Hike, with free car parking available to all Big Hike participants. 

Public transport: The closest mainline railway station to the start/finish venue is Wareham. Please visit the National Rail website for full timetables.

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.

Arrival time: Please report to Norden Farm as close to your allocated arrival time as possible. We’ll email you a reminder of your time as soon as you’ve signed up. 

Now you’ve planned your travel and arrival (above), here are some other bits of information to know for the day:

Safety and security:  

• You’ll receive a safety briefing before starting your Big Hike. 
• There won’t be any lockers, so pack light but remember your 2 litre water bottle fully filled when you arrive at the event. Check out our training guide to get your on-the-day checklist. 

Facilities and support:  

• Toilets and first aid services 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 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. We'll send you an email around one month before your event to ask for your dietary requirements. Dietary requirements will also be catered for on the day.
• You’ll notice a little chip device attached to your hiker number. This is so you’ll be able to view your personalised time after your hike. Please make sure that you don't bend your hiker number at any time. 
• Dogs are not allowed, except service dogs.

Don't forget: 

• Read our FAQs for more information about Big Hike. 
• Bring your Cancer Research UK t-shirt, back sign and hiking number and don’t forget to add your emergency details to the back of your hiking number. 
• Check the weather forecast for your Big Hike day, 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 star rating or higher. 

Our Big Hikes can be challenging but don't worry; we'll send you lots of training tips and route information to help you prepare. Head over to our Information Hub to learn more. 

Full marathon route: 

• The marathon is a circular, anti-clockwise route. You'll climb a total of 2,762 ft during your hike. Starting near Corfe Castle, you'll walk toward the Hardy Way with beautiful distant sea views before heading to the coast at Kimmeridge Bay. The route then hugs the coast for several stunning miles, before dropping back into the event hub. 
• Support points: this route has three support points where you'll find refreshments, snacks and toilets.
• How long it will take: we estimate fast walkers will finish in around 7 hours whilst slower walkers could take around 12 hours.
• Route elevation: See the full marathon elevation chart

Half marathon route: 

• The half marathon is a circular, anti-clockwise route. You'll climb a total of 1,499 ft during your hike. Starting near Corfe Castle, you'll discover Hardy Way with incredible distant sea views before heading to the coast at Kimmeridge Bay. The route then follows the coast for a few miles before heading back to the event hub. 
• Support points: the route has one support point where you'll find refreshments, snacks and toilets. We'll share more information about the location of that support point by email closer to the event. 
• How long it will take: we estimate fast walkers will finish in around 3.5 hours whilst slower walkers could take around 7 hours. 
• Route elevation: See the half marathon elevation chart

Our marshalls and volunteers will be there to assist you all along the two routes. All routes are fully signposted so all you need to do is lace up your hiking boots, take in the extraordinary views of the Jurassic Coast and fundraise for life-saving research!

*Please note that the routes are subject to change.