Saturday 27 June 2026
Grasmere Showground
Full marathon, half marathon and 10K
Escape to nature and take on a 10k, half marathon or full marathon experience in the Lake District National Park. You’ll explore majestic mountains, stunning rivers and take in the beautiful scenery, 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 Patrick Harrison
Explore England's largest National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site on this hiking experience. You'll start in Grasmere and walk along the shores of Lake Grasmere and Rydal Water, enjoying stunning panoramic mountain views 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
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 at Grasmere Showground, Stock Lane, Grasmere, Ambleside, LA22 9SJ. 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/pressing.limo.inspected
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.
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 along the shores of Lake Grasmere before joining the iconic Cumbria Way. You'll follow the winding River Brathay, then drop down to the banks of Lake Windermere. From here, you'll follow the West Windermere Way, then along the banks of Rydal Water. The hike will follow a circular, anti-clockwise route climbing ≈ 2,400 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*
This half marathon hike takes you along the shores of Lake Grasmere before joining the scenic Cumbria Way. You'll follow the winding River Brathay, then head east around the top of Lake Windermere. The route continues along the southern banks of Rydal Water and the eastern side of Lake Grasmere. The hike will follow a circular, anti-clockwise route climbing ≈1,200 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*
This 10k hike takes you along the shores of Lake Grasmere, then heads east to take in the stunning panoramic mountain views as you head along the banks of Rydal Water and along the eastern side of Lake Grasmere. The hike will follow a circular, anti-clockwise route climbing ≈500 ft. There will be a water refill station along the route.
Maps: See the route map*
*Please note that the routes are subject to change.
Free car parking is available to all Big Hike participants at the start/finish venue.
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: Grasmere Showground, Stock Lane, Grasmere, Ambleside, LA22 9SJ. What3words: https://what3words.com/pressing.limo.inspected
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.
