Escape to nature and take on a 10k, half marathon or full marathon experience along the Jurassic Coast. You'll see stunning coastal views, cliffs and castles, 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.
Explore the stunning Jurassic Coast, England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this hiking adventure. Starting near Corfe Castle, you'll walk along trails and footpaths before heading down to the Dorset coast. Prepare for some steep sections and you'll be rewarded with stunning views. 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
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.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 Norden Park & Ride field, Corfe Castle, BH20 5DW. Please use what3words to identify the precise location of your Big Hike venue.
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.
*Please note if you have signed up for the 10k event, your start time is the departure time for your 10 minute coach journey to the start line. Please arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before this.
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 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. The hike will follow a circular, anti-clockwise route climbing ≈ 2,600 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* and elevation map(PNG, 134 KB).
This half marathon hike takes you from Corfe Castle onto the Purbeck Ridge before heading to the coast at Kimmeridge Bay. You'll follow the coast before heading along the Purbeck Way, through Corfe Common, and looping back to Corfe Castle. The hike will follow a circular, anti-clockwise route climbing ≈ 1,500 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* and elevation map(PNG, 129 KB).
This 10k hike takes you along the Hardy Way to Swyre Head, and heads along Smedmore Hill before climbing up onto Purbeck Ridge. The hike will follow a linear route climbing ≈ 350 ft. There will be a water refill station along the route.
Maps: See the route map* and elevation map(PNG, 24.2 KB).
*Please note that the routes are subject to change.
Free parking is available for all Big Hike participants at Norden Park & Ride field. You'll be able to park your car at the start venue for the duration of your Big Hike.
The closest mainline railway station to the start/finish venue is Wareham. Please visit the National Rail website for full timetables.
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 Norden Park & Ride field, Corfe Castle, BH20 5DW. Please use what3words for the precise location.
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.
