Every year, thousands of hikers lace up their boots to take part in something amazing: a full or half marathon hike to raise money for people living with cancer. As well as being an incredible achievement, it’s a memorable day out with your friends and family in some of the UK’s most beautiful places.
Being a Mighty Hiker, you’re part of something special. People across the nation come together to celebrate, remember and show support for loved ones affected by cancer. So, why not do something Mighty for Macmillan and sign up today?
How to choose your hike
Before you check out the different locations, what does every Macmillan Mighty Hike include?
- Regular pit stops with snacks and refreshments, a fresh buffet lunch and a hot meal waiting for you at the end
- At the finish line you’ll be greeted with a glass of fizz and your Mighty medal
- Free professional photos to remember your special day
- All routes are signposted with toilets available along the way
- Trek masters and medics are on hand for any help you might need
There are hikes across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland with a mixture of flat and hilly routes, so there's something for everyone. You've got the option of stunning mountain views, beautiful riverside paths or dramatic sweeping coastlines.
To make it easier to choose, we've created this handy guide detailing every Macmillan Mighty Hike including exact distances, difficulty levels and sightseeing highlights.
Macmillan Mighty Hikes: your guide to every walk
Keep reading for stats and facts on each hike to help decide which is right for you.
Norfolk Coast | 10-11 May 2025
Full distance: 26.1 miles
Half distance: 14.3 miles
Expect sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages and fresh sea air on this hike along Norfolk’s picturesque coastline.
Difficulty rating: Easy
Why choose:
- Start in the gorgeous coastal town of Cromer
- Finish at 18th century country house Holkham Hall
- One of the flatter routes
Total elevation gain:
Full: 985.33 ft
Half: 609.48 ft
Average time to complete (2023):
Full: 09:57:46
Half: 05:30:20
Find out more about the Norfolk Coast Mighty Hike
South Coast | 7 June 2025
Full distance 26.2 miles
Half distance 13 miles
Iconic seaside towns, towering white cliffs and coastal views await you on the South Coast hike.
Difficulty rating: Challenging
Why choose:
- Start in the vibrant seaside town of Brighton
- Walk along the iconic Seven Sisters
- Satisfying hill climbs
Total elevation gain:
Full: 3,165.12 ft
Half: 1,578.54 ft
Average time to complete (2023):
Full: 10:43:27
Half: 05:36:50
Find out more about the South Coast Mighty Hike
Lake District | 14 June 2025
Full distance 24.9 miles
Half distance 12.4 miles
Discover rolling hills, vast lakes and charming villages across the landscape of the Lake District hike.
Difficulty rating: Challenging
Why choose:
- Takes place in the biggest national park in the UK
- Walk around Ullswater lake
- Summit Gowbarrow Fell
Total elevation gain:
Full: 2,703.38 ft
Half: 1,836.84 ft
Average time to complete (2023):
Full: 10:03:11
Half: 05:18:28
Find out more about the Lake District Mighty Hike
Giant's Causeway | 21 June 2025
Full distance 25.7 miles
Half distance 12.8 miles
Experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the UK on this hike along Northern Ireland’s coast.
Difficulty rating: Challenging
Why choose:
- Walk past the ruins of Dunseverick Castle
- See Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Finish at the beaches of Portrush
Total elevation gain:
Full: 2,495.14 ft
Half: 2,275.56 ft
Average time to complete (2023):
Full: 10:19:07
Half: 05:30:41
Find out more about the Giant’s Causeway Mighty Hike
“What a truly incredible day that was. This was my first Mighty Hike so I was slightly nervous. I had no need to be. EVERYTHING has been thought of by the organisers, and the attention to detail and professionalism were amazing.”
Gary Dillon, Giant’s Causeway Mighty Hike
Yorkshire Dales | 28 June 2025
Full distance 25.8 miles
Half distance 14.5 miles
Blessed with grassy trails and beautiful bridges, experience the best of the British countryside in the Yorkshire Dales.
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Why choose:
- Starts in the charming town of Skipton
- Takes place along some of the Pennine Way
- Walk past the iconic Hebden Suspension Bridge
Total elevation gain:
Full: 2,820.87 ft
Half: 1739.00 ft
Average time to complete (2023):
Full: 10:14:23
Half: 05:48:32
Find out more about the Yorkshire Dales Mighty Hike
“Thanks to Macmillan Cancer Support for such a well organised and supported event — my third one. I did it for my girlfriend Tina Hudson who passed away in 2020 from cancer, and all the help you gave us in her final years. I will continue to help wherever I can. Bring on 2025…”
Gary Powell, Yorkshire Dales Mighty Hike
Gower Peninsula | 5 July 2025
Full distance 26 miles
Half distance 14.6 miles
Expect beautiful sandy beaches popular with walkers and surfers in this corner of South West Wales.
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Why choose:
- Visit the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Enjoy several stretches of beach walking
- Fantastic views of Worm’s Head
Total elevation gain:
Full: 2,711.61 ft
Half: 1,595.47 ft
Average time to complete (2023):
Full: 10:40:39
Half: 06:19:48
Find out more about the Gower Peninsula Mighty Hike
Rob Roy
Full distance 25.2 miles
Half distance 15.3 miles
Iconic landscapes of moorland and lochs await you on the Rob Roy hike in Scotland.
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Why choose:
- Takes place in Trossachs National Park
- Walk through the Achray Forest
- Long, slow climbs with spectacular views
Total elevation gain:
Full: 2,855.54 ft
Half: 1,740.39 ft
Average time to complete (2023):
Full: 09:46:52
Half: 05:51:00
Find out more about the Rob Roy Mighty Hike
Peak District | 19 July 2025
Full distance 26.2 miles
Half distance 14.2 miles
Discover green hills, crystal-clear rivers and historic railways on this hike in the Peak District.
Difficulty rating: Easy
Why choose:
- Takes place in England’s oldest national park
- Starts in the picturesque town of Bakewell
- One of the flatter routes
Total elevation gain:
Full: 2,415.62 ft
Half: 1,331.04 ft
Average time to complete (2023):
Full: 09:44:38
Half: 05:32:48
Find out more about the Peak District Mighty Hike
Thames Path | 26 July 2025
Full distance 25.4 miles
Half distance 13 miles
See riverside wildlife and picture-perfect villages on this walk along the River Thames.
Difficulty rating: Easy
Why choose:
- Starts in the town of Windsor, home to Windsor Castle
- Perfect for all abilities
- The flattest route available
Total elevation gain:
Full: 810.56ft
Half: 264.07 ft
Average time to complete (2023):
Full: 09:24:11
Half: 04:30:43
Find out more about the Thames Path Mighty Hike
Northumberland Coast
Full distance 26.2 miles
Half distance 12.9 miles
Historic castles, fishing villages and sweeping coastal views are just a few of the highlights on the Northumberland Coast hike.
Difficulty rating: Easy
Why choose:
- Castle to castle route, starting in Alnwick and finishing in Bamburgh
- Coastal views almost the whole way
- One of the flatter routes
Total elevation gain:
Full: 994.00 ft
Half: 555.28 ft
Average time to complete (2023):
Full: 09:51:24
Half: 05:01:45
Find out more about the Northumberland Coast Mighty Hike
Jurassic Coast
Full distance 26 miles
Half distance 13 miles
Experience the very best of Dorset’s gorgeous coastline, with sea views and historic sites.
Difficulty rating: Challenging
Why choose:
- Walk past the 11th century Corfe Castle
- Panoramic views of the coastline
- See Old Harry Rocks
Total elevation gain:
Full: 2,299.70 ft
Half: 1,400.16 ft
Hiker ages (2023):
Oldest: 82
Youngest: 14
Find out more about the Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike
Did you know, in 2023, there were...
16,350 doughnuts eaten
448,128 individual Skittles sweets munched
519,703 total miles walked
23,732 hikers making a difference
Become a Mighty Hiker
By 2030, there will be 4 million people living with cancer in the UK. But with your help, better cancer care is possible for everyone. So, wherever you decide to clock up the miles, sign up now for 2025 and do something Mighty for Macmillan.
