UK Hiking Events 2024

The UK has seen an explosion of ultra hiking events over recent years, with many ultra challenge companies, charities, and independent organisations offering a huge variety of challenges to suit people of all abilities. From 10km fun walks, to more challenging 25km and 42km marathon hikes, to gruelling 100km challenges! On this page I have chosen a selection of the most popular hiking/walking challenge events, and charitable organisations that I would recommend personally. Of course, there are more to choose from, and if you’d like me to highlight those, then please feel free to message me.

JANUARY 2024

LONDON WINTER WALK: 27th/28th Jan 2024 - Full or Half Marathon, or 10km. ACTION CHALLENGE

A great event to walk off the Christmas & New Year celebrations, and maybe to kick start a new fitness regime! There are Full Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K walking options, all starting & finishing at The Oval Cricket Ground on Saturday & Sunday, and taking in highlights of the Thames, its historic bridges, and many of the Capital’s landmarks.

FEBRUARY 2024

DARTMOOR WINTER TRAVERSE: Sat 24th February 2024 - 50km. CLIMB SOUTH WEST (THROUGH SI ENTRIES)

The Winter Traverse is not your everyday run or walk on Dartmoor; The route passes Red Lake and the sources of the rivers Erme and Plym, (don’t expect to keep your feet dry!) After a welcome break in Princetown, you will continue to some wild locations on the North Moor including: Roos Tor, Tavy Cleave and Chat Tor. From here, the route picks up the Rattlebrook dismantled railway before descending to the finish in Meldon.

MARCH 2024

THE LONDON WALK: Fri 22nd March 2024 - Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 0r 10km. THE LONDON HOMELESS COLLECTIVE

This walk brings charities working in homelessness in the city together to walk as one. Every step powering the journey towards brighter tomorrows. There are three routes available; a 10K, half marathon and marathon through Central London. Starting and finishing at The Connection St Martin’s in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square. Walking through the night offers an opportunity for reflection on the experience of people who are homeless.

APRIL 2024

EASTER 50 CHALLENGE: Sat 6th April 2024 - 50km, 25km, or 10km loop. ACTION CHALLENGE

Take on a 50 km Ultra, a  historic 25 km, or a NEW 10 km challenge – and make it an active Easter! From our Windsor Racecourse basecamp 2000 adventurers will head out on looped routes through the Great Park with fantastic views of the Castle, on to Runnymede, along the Thames Path, and takes in some wonderful surrounding countryside.

THE BLACK DRAGON CHALLENGE WALK: Sat 20th April 2024 - 30 miles (49k), 26 miles (42k), and 19 miles (30k). The event is organised by Brecon Mountain Rescue Team supported by Newport Outdoor Group, and raises funds for the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team.

MAY 2024

ISLE OF WIGHT CHALLENGE: 4-5th May 2024 - 106km, 53km, 25km or 10 mile. ACTION CHALLENGE

Great challenges need great settings – and few are better than the Island’s stunning coastal path. Up to 2,000 adventurers will take on the Isle of Wight in May 2024 – all out to push themselves further. It’s along the spectacular southern cliffs, past the iconic Needles, and up to historic Cowes at the half way stop. For Full Island challengers it’s on to historic Ventnor, and back to our welcome base camp in Chale after an epic 106km journey.

NORFOLK COAST: 11th May 2024 – Marathon or Half Marathon. MACMILLAN MIGHTY HIKES

Join us at the Norfolk Coast Mighty Hike, where you’ll explore beautiful beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Get 20% off your registration fee with code SPRING

TREK26 STONEHENGE: 11th May 2024 - Marathon or Half Marathon. ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone living with dementia. Explore historic landscape dominated by the world-famous stone circle of Stonehenge. Use code LOVE to receive 20% off your registration fee.


BIG HIKE THE TROSSACHS: 18th May 2024 – Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10km. CANCER RESEARCH

Venture to the exquisite landscapes of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, through Callander and past stunning Lochs and waterfalls. Get 30% off your entry fee by using code: BHSALE24.


JURASSIC COAST CHALLENGE: 18th-19th May 2024 - 100km, 75km, 50km, 25km, Marathon, or 10km. ACTION CHALLENGE

Spectacular World Heritage coastline, and an amazing challenge with distance options for all! This is one of the best Ultra Challenges – a tough one – but the most popular, as there’re distance options to suit all!  From the Corfe Castle start, the main route heads down to Swanage, and along to Weymouth at half way for the 100 km full challenge, with lots of ups & downs – and then on to a welcome finish line celebration in the vibrant Dorset town of Bridport.


THE CUMBRIAN CHALLENGE: 18th May 2024 - Peak: 11km, 650m ascent, Tough: 21km, 1,400m ascent, Tougher: 28km, 1,700m ascent, Next Generation: 20km, 1,000m ascent. WALKING WITH THE WOUNDED

The Cumbrian Challenge is our annual flagship fundraising event for individuals, organisations and companies who want to show their support and experience a memorable team-building weekend in the Lake District alongside our beneficiaries. We target those who have fallen the furthest, men and women struggling with mental health issues, unemployment, homelessness or caught in police custody. By providing early intervention programmes and speeding up access to therapy we are changing the lives of veterans and, crucially, their families.

TREK26 LONDON: 18TH May 2024 - Marathon or Half Marathon. ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone affected by dementia. Experience the capital like never before, everything from the world-famous tourist attractions to hidden corners of the city – taking in bustling streets, quiet green spaces and of course the iconic river Thames.


ERYRI (Snowdonia): 25th May 2024 – Marathon or Half Marathon. MACMILLAN MIGHTY HIKES

Join us at the Eryri Mighty Hike, where you'll explore and take in the views of the breath-taking Eryri National Park. Get 20% off your registration fee with code SPRING.

TREK26 NORTH YORK MOORS: 25th May 2024 - Marathon or Half Marathon. ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone affected by dementia. Experience stunning coastline and moorland views across the North York Moors and trek through the cobbled streets of the famous seaside towns of Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay. Use code LOVE to receive 20% off your registration fee.

LONDON 2 BRIGHTON CHALLENGE: 25th-26th May 2024 - 100km, 50km, Marathon, or 25km. ACTION CHALLENGE

A favourite route for vintage cars & cycles – and the original Ultra Challenge – now in its 11 year, with a varied 60% off-road route, and a classic challenge! A Richmond and on towards the North Downs and on through wonderful Surrey & Sussex countryside to Turners Hill at halfway (with optional camping). The Full 100 km challenge heads up & over the South Downs before the welcome sight of the Brighton coastline and the racecourse finish line.

JUNE 2024

TREK26 LAKE DISTRICT: 1st June 2024 - Marathon or Half Marathon. ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone living with dementia. Experience the beauty of Ullswater lake surrounded by towering fells and the powerful Aira Force waterfall. Use code LOVE to receive 20% off your registration fee.


SOUTH COAST: 8th June 2024 – Marathon or Half Marathon. MACMILLAN MIGHTY HIKES

Take on a challenge and join us at the South Coast Mighty Hike - where you’ll explore the stunning South Downs way, take in spectacular views of unspoilt coastline and the stunning chalk cliffs. Get 20% off your registration fee with code SPRING.

BIG HIKE PEAK DISTRICT: 8th June 2024 - Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10km. CANCER RESEARCH

Hike through magnificent woodlands, past pretty waterfalls and limestone cliffs, and take in beautiful views across the Peak District. Get 30% off your entry fee by using code: BHSALE24.


TREK26 SOUTH DEVON COAST: 8th June 2024 - Marathon or Half Marathon. ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone living with dementia. Trek through the English Riviera and take in stunning views across the water as you walk through woods, along cliff tops and past stunning beaches. Use code LOVE to receive 20% off your registration fee.


LAKE DISTRICT CHALLENGE: 8th-9th June 2024 - 100 km, 50km, 25km, Marathon, or 10km. ACTION CHALLENGE

Take on & enjoy some of England’s finest countryside at your pace. From our convenient Kendal basecamp (with optional camping) the full 100 km route is an anticlockwise loop taking in a few tough hills & fells, Ambleside, Lake Windermere at half way (with hostel accommodation option) nature reserves, and forests  – with stunning views en-route – and distance options to suit all adventurers!

LAKE DISTRICT: 15th June 2024 – Marathon or Half Marathon. MACMILLAN MIGHTY HIKES

Join us at the Lake District Mighty Hike, where you’ll walk through the stunning National Park from Dalemain Mansion taking in amazing views across Ullswater Lake. Get 20% off your registration fee with code SPRING.

BIG HIKE BRECON BEACONS: 15th June 2024 - Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10km. CANCER RESEARCH

Hike along the peaceful canal towpath, across the River Usk, into the majestic mountains and enjoy views of Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons). Get 30% off your entry fee by using code: BHSALE24 

GIANT’S CAUSEWAY: 22nd June 2024 - Marathon or Half Marathon. MACMILLAN MIGHTY HIKES

Join us at the Giant's Causeway Mighty Hike where you'll be taking in the dramatic views of Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get 20% off your registration fee with code SPRING.

TREK26 BRECON BEACONS: 22nd June 2024 - Marathon or Half Marathon. ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone living with dementia. Trek in the heart of Brecon Beacons through wild moorland, past tumbling waterfalls and sweeping mountain slopes. Use code LOVE to receive 20% off your registration fee.

COTSWOLD WAY CHALLENGE: 22nd-23rd June 2024 - 100km, 75km, 50km, 25km, or 10km. ACTION CHALLENGE

A spectacular 100 km looped route from our new basecamp in Cirencester – the ‘capital’ of the Cotswolds – which takes in some fabulous scenery. Stunning views, idyllic villages, and rolling hills – it’s easy to access, plenty of parking, and there’s onsite pre-event University style accommodation at basecamp. A testing challenge, with some tough climbs in the first half –  and rewards with a real sense of achievement.


YORKSHIRE DALES: 29th June 2024 – Marathon or Half Marathon. MACMILLAN MIGHTY HIKES

Join us at the Yorkshire Dales Mighty Hike where you'll be taking in the magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park. Get 20% off your registration fee with code SPRING.

BIG HIKE SOUTH COAST: 29th June 2024 - Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10km. CANCER RESEARCH

Roam through glorious grasslands and villages, along riverbanks and coastal paths, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views from Beachy Head. Get 30% off your entry fee by using code: BHSALE24.

TREK26 SNOWDONIA (ERYRI): 29th June 2024 - Marathon or Half Marathon. ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone affected by dementia. Experience the natural beauty of Snowdonia National Park (Eryri) and its magnificent peaks, spectacular valleys, serene lakes and idyllic trails. Use code LOVE to receive 20% off your registration fee.

JULY 2024

GOWER PENINSULA: 6th July 2024 – Marathon or Half Marathon. MACMILLAN MIGHTY HIKES

Join us at the Gower Peninsula Mighty Hike, where you'll take in the UK's first 'National Landscape' and explore the dramatic coastline with incredible views over Rhossili Bay and Worms Head. Get 20% off your registration fee with code SPRING.

BIG HIKE COTSWOLDS: 6th July 2024 - Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10km. CANCER RESEARCH

Hike through the rolling hills and picturesque villages of the Cotswolds. Walk right past Broadway Tower and take in stunning views from Dover’s Hill. Get 30% off your entry fee by using code: BHSALE24.

TREK26 COTSWOLDS: 6th July 2024 - Marathon or Half Marathon. ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone living with dementia. Explore the rural landscape of the Cotswolds as you trek through ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows and historic Cotswold stone villages. Use code LOVE to receive 20% off your registration fee.

PEAK DISTRICT CHALLENGE: 6th-7th July 2024 - 100km, 50km, 25km, or 10 mile. ACTION CHALLENGE

We’ll welcome 2,000 adventurers into the fabulous Peak District National Park, and our major ‘Basecamp’ hub set-up in idyllic Bakewell, with a range of camping options, hospitality & local accommodation. The full 100 km Challenge takes in a varied figure of 8 route through Derbyshire’s finest scenery with wonderful views, and with 50 km, 25 km  & 10 mile distance options passing Chatsworth House.

THAMES PATH: 13th July 24 – Marathon or Half Marathon. MACMILLAN MIGHTY HIKES

Join us at the Thames Path Mighty Hike, walking along the beautiful Thames Path from Windsor Racecourse to Henley. Get 20% off your registration fee with code SPRING.

BIG HIKE JURASSIC COAST: 13th July 2024 – Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10km. CANCER RESEARCH

Explore England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the outstanding beauty of its cliffs, fossils, and landforms. Sign up today and save 20% with code SPRING.

PEAK DISTRICT: 20th July 2024 – Marathon or Half Marathon. MACMILLAN MIGHTY HIKES

Take on a challenge and hike a full or half marathon at the Peak District Mighty Hike - where you'll trek through the UK's oldest National Park. Get 20% off your registration fee with code SPRING.

NORTH DOWNS 50 CHALLENGE: Sat 27th July 2024 - 50km, 25km, or 10km loops. ACTION CHALLENGE

The popular ‘North Downs 50’ was back again for 2023 – with a new start & finish basecamp venue in Guildford – and was a fantastic event!  The looped route takes in some of the North Downs Way, The Surrey Hills, and the magnificent views over the countryside to the south. Join us for this fantastic mid-summer challenge – with good access from London and the surrounding area, plus looped routes for easy logistics, and optional adjacent University style accommodation.

AUGUST 2024

SOUTH WEST COAST 50 CHALLENGE: Sat 3rd Aug 2024 - 50km loop, 25km, or 10km. ACTION CHALLENGE

Was new for 2022 – and proved to be a real gem! From basecamp in the shadow of Dunster Castle, the route takes in the fabulous 1st section of the 630 mile SW Coastal Path – from Minehead to Porlock, with fantastic views out towards Wales. Then it’s up & over scenic Exmoor via Dunkery Beacon as we head back to basecamp after an unforgettable 50 km & testing 1600 metres of climb.

TREK26 SUFFOLK COAST: 3rd Aug 2024 - Marathon or Half Marathon. ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone affected by dementia. Trek through stunning coastal villages, nature reserves with an abundance of wildlife, past ancient monasteries and through forests. Use code LOVE to receive 20% off your registration fee.

TREK26 PEAK DISTRICT: 10th Aug 2024 - Marathon or Half Marathon. ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone affected by dementia. Experience the beauty of Peak Districts famous hills, dramatic rocky outcrops, wild moorlands, and tranquil dales. Use code LOVE to receive 20% off your registration fee.


LONDON SUMMER WALK: Sat 24th Aug 2024 - 25km loop. ACTION CHALLENGE

Explore the ‘gateway to London’ along the River Thames eastern section. Starting by Woolwich Royal Artillery Barracks, our NEW 50km looped route heads to Docklands and to the Olympic Park, through the City, along the Thames  along the Thames to Greenwich where it joins the 25km route.  Past the Cutty Sark, a rest stop at the Naval College, around the Greenwich Peninsula – past the O2, Old Royal Naval College, past Thames Barrier Park – and back to the Woolwich basecamp.

ROB ROY: 31st Aug 2024 – Marathon or Half Marathon. MACMILLAN MIGHTY HIKES

Join us at the Rob Roy Mighty Hike, where you'll explore the Rob Roy Way through the wild and beautiful Trossachs National Park. Get 20% off your registration fee with code SPRING.

CORNWALL: 31st Aug 2024 - Marathon or Half Marathon. MACMILLAN MIGHTY HIKES

Join us at the Cornwall Coast Mighty Hike-  through the fishing port of Padstow, passing spectacular coastlines and beaches finishing in Newquay. Route returning for 2024! Get 20% off your registration fee with code SPRING

SEPTEMBER 2024

WYE VALLEY: 7th Sept 2024 – Marathon or Half Marathon. MACMILLAN MIGHTY HIKES

Join us at the Wye Valley Mighty Hike, where you'll walk through the glorious Wye Valley, bordering England & Wales. Get 20% off your registration fee with code SPRING.

SOUTH COAST CHALLENGE: 7th-8th Sept 2024 - 100km, 50km, or 25km. ACTION CHALLENGE

The South Downs National Park is a superb backdrop for 2000 adventurers to take on a real challenge. An Eastbourne start, up Beachy Head, the magnificent Seven Sisters, and along the South Downs Way, with stunning views over the sea, to a Brighton half-way. Devil’s Dyke, and a few ups & downs lie ahead before historic Arundel comes into view after an amazing 100 km journey.

NORTHUMBERLAND COAST: 14th Sept 2024 – Marathon or Half Marathon. MACMILLAN MIGHTY HIKES

Join us at the Northumberland Coast Mighty Hike where you'll hike from Alnwick Castle to Bamburgh Castle along the beautiful beaches and fishing villages of the Northumberland Coast. Get 20% off your registration fee with code SPRING.

THAMES MOONLIGHT 10 WALK: Fri 13th Sept 2024 - 10 mile or 10km loops. ACTION CHALLENGE

Kicks off the Thames Path Challenge festival of events on Friday evening. Take on a spirited 10km or an energetic 10 mile looped route through the heart of London as darkness falls, passing famous landmarks – including St Paul’s, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, the London Eye and more.

THAMES BRIDGES TREK: Sat 14th Sept 2024 - 25km and 16 Bridges (London). ACTION CHALLENGE

Venture across the Capital with unrivalled views of the skyline. Setting out from Putney Bridge – it’s East towards the City, zig-zagging over 16 of London’s historic bridges – each with its own fascinating story, and with a mid-point refreshment stop at The Oval for some snacks & drinks. 25km later it’s a finish line celebration & some food in Southwark Park, beyond the majestic Tower Bridge, where a big cheers, some fizz, a medal, food, & a celebration await!

THAMES PATH CHALLENGE: 14th-15th Sept 2024 - 100km, 50km, 25km, or 10km. ACTION CHALLENGE

Take on England’s greatest river with a ‘flat’ 100 km route heading out from Putney Bridge, past Hampton Court to Runnymede, of Magna Carta fame, at the 50 km half way. For the full challenge – it’s on to Windsor and then past wonderful historic scenery & countryside to Henley. With half & quarter distance options also, the Bridges Trek, the Moonlight 10 & Henley 10K – there’s a Thames Path Challenge for everyone and the most popular event of the season!

SHINE NIGHT WALK LONDON 2024: 21st Sept 2024 - Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km. CANCER RESEARCH

London, it’s your moment to Shine. Together we light up our city’s streets, beating cancer one step at a time.

SHINE has 16 amazing night walks throughout the UK in the Autumn of 2024. Visit their website for a full list of SHINE WALKS

CHILTERN 50 CHALLENGE: Sat 28th Sept 2024 - 50km loop, 25km, or 10km. ACTION CHALLENGE

Our end of season challenge takes in some of the best of the wonderful Chilterns countryside, with historic trails, nature reserves, forests, and a few hills with fantastic views. Starting & finishing at our basecamp near Henley on Thames, there’s a Saturday night celebration BBQ, bar & entertainment, with extensive on-site weekend camping & parking options. 

OCTOBER 2024

KENT DOWNS 50 CHALLENGE: Sat 12th Oct 2024 - 50km loop, 25km loop, or 10km. ACTION CHALLENGE

A NEW end of season Ultra Challenge®– in the ‘Garden of England’.  A basecamp near Maidstone, with parking & weekend camping options, the main 50km looped route heads anticlockwise around the Kent Downs – starting on the North Downs Way to Blue Bell Hill, around picturesque Aylesford, and following the River Medway to Mote Park at halfway for a picnic. Along the Len Valley Walk to the majestic Leeds Castle, then the North Downs Way back to the showground finish line and celebration.

LONDON HALLOWEEN WALK: Sat 26th Oct 2024 - 25km, or 10km loop. ACTION CHALLENGE

A hair-raising hike around some of the City’s scary streets and historic haunts! Gather your bravest guys & ghouls to make up a team – or go it alone if you dare and meet other chilling challengers. Dress to distress, and our creepy dungeon keepers at The Oval Cricket Ground basecamp start & finish will meet, greet & shock! Once you escape there’s ghostly looped routes, with zombie rest stops, and if you manage to get back in one piece there’s a macabre medal, a glass of the Devil’s fizz, some horrific hot food & drink.

NOVEMBER 2024

DECEMBER 2024

Other challenge events in 2024 not listed

Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA): Have a full calendar of challenge events across the UK. The majority of which have limited places, which is why I haven’t listed them all individually. But you can check out their events here.

If you’re looking for something a little bit further afield, then check out my extensive INTERNATIONAL HIKING CHALLENGES page for more details! With over 50 events to choose from spanning 6 continents!