Big Hike South Coast

Start/finish venue: Alfriston Camping Park, Pleasant Rise Farm, Polegate, BN26 5TN

We strongly recommend you use the following 'What 3 Words' link to find the precise location of your Big Hike venue: //what3words.com/tidal.forever.duck (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 train station to the start/finish venue is Berwick (Sussex). 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 Alfriston Camping Park 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. 

• The marathon is a circular, clockwise route. You'll climb a total of 2,468 ft during your hike. You'll head along the South Downs Way, then track along the stunning South Coast passing the Birling Gap and Seven Sisters cliffs, before exploring the Cuckmere River back to the event hub. This route has three support points where you'll find refreshments, snacks and toilets. We'll share more information about the location of those support points by email closer to the event. 
• The half marathon is a linear route. You'll climb a total of 1,297 ft during your hike. You'll hike along the South Downs Way, then track along the stunning South Coast passing the Birling Gap and Seven Sisters cliffs, before exploring the Cuckmere River and the Vanguard way back to the event hub. 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.

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 South Coast and fundraise for life-saving research!

*Please note that the routes are subject to change.