Big Hike | Jurassic Coast | Marathon

Start time

You'll have a choice of start times when you sign up. if you're a slower walker, you are encouraged to opt for the earliest arrival time so you can fully enjoy the day.

Kit list

• Personal clothing and footwear
• Waterproof rucksack
• Trekking poles (optional)
• 2 litres of water
• Sunscreen
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Mobile phone
• what3words app
• Additional snacks

Wheelchair users

Due to the rural nature of this event unfortunately the course is not wheelchair accessible. The start/finish venue however is wheelchair-friendly.

Dogs

Sorry, dogs are not allowed to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Big Hike, with the exception of service dogs.

Runners

This event is a non-competitive walk so running is not allowed.

Event HQ

Norden Farm
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 5DW
UK

The start and finish point is Norden Park & Ride field, Corfe Castle, BH20 5DS.

Free parking

There will be free car parking available for all participants for the duration of your hike. Simply look for the Cancer Research UK flags at the entrance to the start venues where charity representatives will direct you. To minimise congestion please car share wherever practical to do so.

Toilets

There will be toilet facilities at the start/finish and at each pit stop along the route.

what3words

You are advised to use the following 'What 3 Words' link to find the precise location:

//what3words.com/youngest.formal.quaking

This full marathon hike takes you from Corfe Castle onto the Purbeck Ridge heading to Swyre Head.  You'll follow the coast to Swanage and Old Harry's Rocks before heading along the ridge line of the Purbeck Way back towards Corfe Castle.

This route has three support points where you'll find refreshments, snacks and toilets.

All routes are fully signposted so all you need to do is lace up your hiking boots, take in the extraordinary views and fundraise for life-saving research.

Food and refreshments

This is a fully supported event and therefore there will be a wide range of services available to participants:

• Water refill points and snacks will be available when you arrive at the start area. 
• Water refill points, hot drinks and snacks will be provided at the various support points on the route.
• Full marathon participants will receive lunch at the second support point, followed by a hot meal at the finish area. 
• Dietary requirements will be catered for on the day.  

Duration

7-12 hours.

Cut off time

Due to venue restrictions, the finish area will need to be closed from 7.30pm.

There will be sweep marshals behind the slowest walkers to ensure that everyone gets back to the finish safely. Please note that in some situations such as bad light or inclement weather, the team has the right to enforce cut-off times for health and safety. Where participants miss a support point cut-off time, transport will be provided back to the start/finish venue.

Please note that the routes are subject to change.

Environmentally mindful

• Envelope, back sign, letter and hiking number can all be recycled (remove chip first)
• T-shirts are made from recycled plastic (rPET materials)
• Recyclable cutlery will be provided
• Route maps are digital

Included before

• Cancer Research UK t-shirt
• Online giving page
• Fundraising tips
• Training plan
• Kit checklist
• Hiker number
• Back sign
• Safety pins

Included on event day

• Fully signposted route
• Marshals to guide you
• Medical assistance
• Cancer Research UK medal
• Recorded finish time
• Meals, snacks and drinks
• Hot meal at the finish

Training plan

To help with your preparation beforehand, you can download the Big Hike training guide from the Information Hub which includes tips on nutrition, training plans for each distance and a kit checklist.

Cancer Research UK

Nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime.

Every pound you raise helps towards greater chances of diagnosis, prevention and providing kinder treatments to those living with cancer.

Your entry fee helps cover the cost of putting the event on. But it doesn't stop there. The money you raise will help change the lives of people affected by cancer.

When you reach your Big Hike fundraising target, Cancer Research UK funds long-term research. And when this happens, the biggest breakthroughs are made.

You'll be supporting the vital work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses who are taking on more than 200 types of cancer.

So walk together, fundraise and play your part to support life-saving science. Because your big steps help Cancer Research UK make big breakthroughs.

Entry fees

Catherine and 11 family members took part in Big Hike in 2023, hiking in memory of her husband Adrian and his mother June:

When I read about The Big Hike I knew this was the perfect challenge. The day was so poignant and yet brilliant too. Just to be out in breathtaking countryside surrounded by everyone who loved Adrian and June was incredible.

I’d thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is thinking of doing it this year. For those of us who took part, it was the ideal way of honouring them both and to help do our bit to help fund life-saving research.