Big Hike Suffolk & Essex 2026
Take on Big Hike Suffolk & Essex, 18 July 2026
Escape to nature and take on a 10k, half marathon or full marathon experience at Dedham Vale National Landscape, nestled along the stunning Suffolk-Essex border. You’ll explore rolling meadows, the River Stour and pass by Flatford Mill, immortalised in Constable’s most famous painting, The Hay Wain, 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.
Choose your distance
The Big Hike experience
About The Big Hike Suffolk & Essex
Explore the beautiful scenery of Dedham Vale National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on this hiking experience. You'll start in Manningtree and walk across rolling meadows, through magnificent woodlands and along the River Stour 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
What you get when taking part
Your Cancer Research UK t-shirt and medal
Training and fundraising support
Signposted route, support points and toilets
Water refill points, meals and snacks
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 breath-taking 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.
Catherine and 11 family members took part in the Big Hike challenge in 2023. They hiked in memory of her husband Adrian, who died from bowel cancer, and his mother June, who died from lung cancer.
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.
Get fundraising support
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.
Prepare for your hike
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.
Join the community
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.
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.
£150 could pay for a day of the clinical trial of the iKnife for breast cancer removal surgery
£200 could fund our team of cancer nurses for an hour, offering confidential support and guidance
£500 could fund a lab technician for a week, bringing us closer to the next cancer research breakthrough
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 Tendring Hundred Showground, Lawford House Park, Nr Manningtree, Essex, CO11 2NE. 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/cupboards.secretly.round
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.
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 along the Essex Way, across rolling meadows, through small woods and picturesque villages. You then join the St Edmunds Way and the Stour Valley Path hugging the winding River Stour for miles. The route captures the pastoral beauty and tranquil charm immortalised in Constable's celebrated paintings, before crossing the finish line at the showground. The hike will follow a circular, clockwise route climbing ≈ 1,000 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*.
Half marathon route
This half marathon hike takes you along the Essex Way, across rolling meadows, through small woods and picturesque villages. You then join the Stour Valley Path, hugging the winding River Stour for miles. The route captures the pastoral beauty and tranquil charm immortalised in Constable's celebrated paintings, before crossing the finish line at the showground. The hike will follow a circular, clockwise route climbing ≈ 440 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*.
10k (6 mile) route
This 10k hike starts at the medieval village of Langham where you will join the Stour Valley Path hugging the River Stour for a few miles, passing historic cottages and mills, ancient woodland, capturing the pastoral beauty and tranquil charm immortalised in Constable's celebrated paintings. The hike will follow a linear route climbing ≈ 170 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.
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, Tendring Hundred Showground, Lawford House Park, CO11 2NE. What3words: https://what3words.com/cupboards.secretly.round
Bag drop
No bag drop is available
Still have questions?
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 find your perfect adventure.