It’s January. So naturally I’ve set about setting myself up with some hiking related challenges for the year. A friend suggested one of the MacMillan Mighy Hikes (26 miles on the Norfolk Coast) and that seems like fun, so I’ve signed up for that. And then for another 2 Mighty Hikes because, why not? And then the Welsh 3000s on top as a non-organised event.
You know the perks of getting involved with charity hiking challenges? It’s the commitment. You pay to sign up. You set up your JustGiving page and commit to a minimum donation. So you start telling people about it and convincing them to donate.
So basically then you’re in. You’re all in.
This is why these challenges work for me. So I’ve set myself up for a few this year.
If you like the accounability (plus coupling a healthy activity/challenge with a good deed) then here are some superb charity hiking challenges and events taking place across the UK in 2025.
Charity Hiking Events 2026 – The Summary
| Hiking Event | Distances | Registration Fee | Fundraising Target | Best For… |
| Macmillan Mighty Hikes | Half (13m) & Full Marathon (26m) with some slight variation course to course. 12 different options available including Peak District, Lake District, Giant’s Causeway and Norfolk coast | £20 for half marathon distance. £25 for full marathon distances | £250 | The “Party” Hiker. Great atmosphere, marquee finishes and very beginner-friendly. |
| The Cateran Yomp | Bronze (22m), Silver (36m), Gold (54m) | £99 for civilians | £400 | The Hardcore Hero. 24 hours non-stop. Tough terrain. |
| Shine Walk | 10km to a full marathon distance | £19.99 to £39.99 depending on distance | £150 to £260 depending on distance and event | The “I’d rather streets than hills” walker. Largely street based walks done at night time in a party atmosphere |
| Alzheimer’s Trek26 | 13 miles & 26 miles | £20 for the half marathon distances. £25 for full distance. | £200 – £300 depending on which distance. | The first timer. Simple, clearly marked routes and a slightly lower fundraising barrier. Lots of locations across the UK. |
| Cancer Research UK Big Hike | 10km, Half & Full Marathon | £20 to £25 | £200 – £250 | The Low-Stress Walker. Known for being well-supported without feeling too intimidatingly “athletic.” |
There’s so much choice.
MacMillan Mighty Hikes
A dozen different hikes to choose from with distances ranging from a half marathon (13 miles-ish) to a full marathon (26.2 miles). There’s some distance variation route to route to check out the specific route information on the website.
There’s a ton of location options which also brings many options in terms of the type of terrain. From easy terrain to hilly walks or coastal options, you’ll likely find something amongst these routes that’s right up your street.
The registration fee for full marathon distances is £25 with a fundraising target of £250 per event.
I’ve signed up to do 3 of these this summer. Better get some distance training in!
The Cateran Yomp
This is the biggie. And I was so close to signing up for this in 2026, but (I’ll be honest) I bi***ed out. 54 miles in 24 hours across that type of terrain is an incredible feat. Yes, there are 2 shorter distance options but I feel as though, if I’m going to do this, I’m going to the full distance. And maybe that’s a summer 27 target with another year of training under my belt.
The fee on this one is £99 to enter with a minimum fundraising target of £400.
Cancer Research Shine Walks
Shine Walks are overnight walks in various locations around the UK that are generally street walks (technically easier walking terrain but lots of people report finding these more challenging than hilly and variable terrain hikes, interestingly).
Sign up fees vary depending on whether you choose a 10km, half marathon or full marathon distance. Do note that not all distances are available in all locations.
Alzheimer’s Trek 26
This is similar in format to the MacMillan Mighty Hikes insofar as there are multiple events in multiple locations on multiple different dates. In addition, you can choose between half marathon hiking distances and full marathon hiking distances. There are 13 different hiking events to choose from including locations in London, Northumberland and Snowdonia.
Cancer Research UK Big Hike
Another series of events much like the MacMillan Mighty hikes. There are 6 events in different parts of the country with options ranging from a 10km walk to a marathon distance hike.
Why Charity Hiking Events?
Look, I hike all the time. I could just set myself up to suffer long distance hiking alone or with friends. I don’t need a charity to organise something big!
But, let’s be honest… it is ludicrously easy to bail on a planned Sunday hike because it’s drizzling and the kettle is already boiling. It is miles harder to bail when your next door neighbour’s Auntie Susan has sponsored you £20 and is expecting a sweaty selfie at the finish line and to get a glance at your medal the next time you’re visiting.
Signing up for a charity challenge is the ultimate ‘accountability hack.’ It turns a vague resolution (‘I should walk more’) into a concrete deadline with a very loud cheering squad. But beyond the guilt-tripped motivation, there is the ‘Helper’s High’. As humans, we apparently get a genuine dopamine spike from knowing our suffering is helping others.
You get the fitness, you get the glory and you get to feel smug for a solid week afterwards. Plus, let’s not pretend the fully stocked rest stops along these routes (usually loaded with cakes and tea) aren’t hugely attractive.
Sadly, I’ve (as yet) been unable to convince my friends to set up tea stops along my regular hiking routes to just sort me a brew out mid walk. Selfish of them, really.
Fundraising Tips
The daunting element of these hiking events can be the fundraising pledges – not something you have to contend with if you just organise yourself a long distance hike. So here are a few tips for fundraising for yours:
1. The “Payday” Sniper Strategy
Don’t just post your Just Giving link at random on a Tuesday morning. Wait for the last Friday of the month. British generosity peaks between the hours of 9am and 12pm on Payday. That’s a fact! Catch people when they feel flush and the coffee is kicking in.
2. Sell the Suffering, Not the Walk
People want to see you suffer. Yep, even your best mate.
People rarely donate because you’re going for a “lovely stroll.” They donate because you are suffering. Post pictures of your blisters during training. Post a video of you training in the pouring rain. The caption shouldn’t be “Please donate,” it should be: “I am wet, cold, and regretting everything. Make this misery worth it for [Charity Name].”
3. The “Corporate Match”
Before you harass your mates for a fiver, ask your boss. Many UK companies have a “Matched Giving” policy hidden in the HR handbook somewhere where they will match whatever you raise up to a certain amount. You could hit your target in one email without ever having to nag your group chat. Have a quick word.
And if you are signing up for any charity hiking events this year, maybe I’ll see you out on the trail!
