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Two Big Hike participants, wearing Cancer Research UK shirts, stand close together on a grassy hill overlooking a valley.

Big Hike Cotswolds 2026

Take on Big Hike Cotswolds, 11 July 2026

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Date

11 July 2026

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Location

The Cotswolds

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Distance

Full marathon, half marathon and 10K

Choose your distance

Sign up to full marathon

Entry fee: £25 Fundraising target: £300 Start time: from 6.45am Age: 16+

Sign up to half marathon

Entry fee: £20
 Fundraising target: £250
 Start time: from 9.30am
 Age: 14+

Sign up to 10k

Entry fee: £20 Fundraising target: £200 Start time: from 12pm Age: 12+

The Big Hike experience

A group of Big Hike participants walk up a grassy hill towards the Broadway Tower under a blue sky.

Image by Patrick Harrison

About Big Hike Cotswolds

Explore the picturesque Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on this hiking adventure. Starting in Moreton-in Marsh, you'll walk along footpaths fields and hills on a fully signposted route. Find more details about the route in the Event details below.

How long will it take?

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

Two Big Hike participants stand on a grassy hill, both wearing backpacks; the person on the right smiles to the camera.

Image by Patrick Harrison

What’s included in your entry fee

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Cancer Research UK t-shirt and medal

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Fundraising support

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Training support

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Fully signposted route

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Toilets and support points

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Water refill point, meals and snacks

Meet Catherine

Catherine with medal.

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

How your support makes a difference

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.

hand holding a knife.

£150

Could fund a day of the clinical trial of the iKnife for breast cancer removal surgery.

nurse and patient.

£200

Could fund our team of cancer nurses for an hour, offering confidential support.

An illustration of a researcher sat at a desk looking into a microscope.

£500

Could fund a lab technician for a week, bringing us closer to the next research breakthrough.

We're with you every big step of the way

Whether you're new to hiking or a regular walker, we'll support you from fundraising to the finish line.

Event details

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.

Meeting point

The start and finish point is Moreton-in-Marsh Showground, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh. 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/farm.improving.attic

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.

About the routes

All routes are fully signposted and our marshals and volunteers will be there to assist you along the way.

Full marathon route

This full marathon hike takes you through pretty villages, across Dover Hill for stunning views and past the famous Broadway Tower. The hike will follow a circular, anti-clockwise route climbing ≈1,900 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.

Half marathon route

This half marathon hike takes you along rolling hills through the pretty villages of Aston Magna, Paxford and Ebrington. 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* and elevation map(PNG, 127 KB).

10k (6 mile) route

This 10k hike takes you along rolling hills up to the stunning Bourton-on-the-Hill and Batsford Park. The hike will follow a circular, clockwise route climbing ≈250 ft. There will be a water refill station along the route.

Maps: See the route map* and elevation map(PNG, 123 KB).

*Please note that the routes are subject to change.

Travel information

By car:

Free car parking is available to all Big Hike participants at the start/finish venue.

Facilities

Toilets

Toilet facilities will be available at the start and finish areas and at support points along the route.

Refreshments

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.

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 2424 and we can talk them through the process.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed, except for service dogs.

Parking

Free parking is available for all Big Hike participants at the start/finish venue Moreton-in-Marsh Showground.

What3words: https://what3words.com/farm.improving.attic

Bag drop

No bag drop is available.

Still have questions?

Visit our FAQ page

two woman walking.

Other Big Hike locations

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.

A Big Hike volunteer giving a medal to a participant at the end of their hike.

Volunteer at Big Hike

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.

References

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