How to fundraise for a charity walk

Choosing which type of walk you want to do can be exciting but also tough, but we are here to help. It is important to do a walk which is enough of a challenge to be able to fundraise for, but not one so difficult that it will feel impossible to complete. Consider your own fitness levels, how far you want to walk, what type of terrain you will be walking on, and how much time you want to complete your walking challenge in. Once you have decided which walk, hike or challenge you want to take on the next step is to make as many people as possible aware of it. From kickstarting your fundraising and maximising your fundraising online to top tips on events day Macmillan are there with you every step of the way. Check out our fundraising tips.

How do charity walks work?

There are hundreds of walking and hiking events that take place across the UK every year and you can raise money for your chosen charity at any of them. Equally, if none of those are of interest then we have lots of tips and advice on organising your own walk. Whether you choose to organise your own or join someone else's event all you need to do is set up a JustGiving page and start spreading the word. There are also more exclusive events that take place throughout the year that are much harder to get a place for through public ballots. These events allocate a number of charity places which means runners have a second chance at gaining entry to the event. Take a look at some of the walking events where you can represent and support Macmillan.

What to do before a charity walk

Before you embark on your hiking challenge there are plenty of things to think about from training plans to making sure you have the right equipment with you on the day. But don't worry, we'll be with you every step of the way. Check out our top hiking tips and information.

What distance are charity walks?

Whether it's a 1km fun run that all the family can get involved with, a 10km race, the full marathon or a unique ultra distance challenge such as walking the length of the UK there is no distance too short or too long when it comes to charity walks. When considering the length of your walk you want to choose a walk that's suitable for your ability and/or fitness level. Enough of a challenge to raise money for but not so tough you can't complete it. Whatever your distance Macmillan has some great advice and training plans to help you along the way.

Are charity walks and races worth the effort?

Walking or hiking for a good cause has a number of benefits both for your chosen charity and for yourself. The biggest benefit to the charity of course is the much-needed money that your fundraising will help to provide. Additionally, walking events are great to raise awareness for your charity of choice by proudly wearing one of their running vests. Find the right walking event for you.

Can you make friends on charity walks?

Of course! Charity walks are a brilliant way to meet new, like-minded people who are all there to support a good cause. Whether it is a Macmillan Mighty Hike where everyone is pulling together for the same cause or one of the many other organised charity walks, where everyone will be supporting various charities, you'll be sure to have a great time and make new friends.

Might Hikers walking across the Giant's Causeway coastline

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Charity walks and hikes

Lace-up your hiking boots or walking shoes and go the distance for Macmillan. Whether you choose to take part in a Macmillan organised event or do your own challenge, we have everything to help you enjoy your ramble.

A crowd of people celebrating at a Mighty Hikes event. Their arms are in the air and in the distance is a banner that states: Good Luck Mighty Hikers.

Join a hiking event

From UK hikes to overseas treks, every step helps us go the extra mile. Help us do whatever it takes for people living with cancer. Find your perfect event and sign up today.

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Do your own hiking challenge

Taking on a walking challenge for Macmillan is a fantastic way to keep healthy, enjoy the great outdoors, and support people living cancer. From a morning walk in the park to steep hill climbs - whatever kind of walk you do, we'll support you every step of the way.

I'm doing a different hike

Found a hiking event you love, but it isn’t listed on our website? You can still walk for Macmillan. Sign up for the event directly and join Team Macmillan so we know you’re fundraising for us.

Taking on your own challenge

Creating your own walking or hiking challenge is an exciting way to support people living with cancer. You choose the route, you choose when, and you make the rules. You can hike solo but why not get a group together. The bigger your team is, the bigger your network of fundraising support will be.

A group of volunteers are standing behind a barrier at a fundraising event. They are cheering on participants. One volunteer is holding a sign that says you can do it.

Get your fundraising pack

Set up your JustGiving page

Set up your JustGiving fundraising page so your network of friends and family can support your challenge.

Popular charity walks and hikes

London Winter Walk

30th & 31st January 2027
London SE11 5SS
Bath 50 Ultra Challenge

20 March 2027
Bath and North East Somerset BA1 9BU
Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge

15 - 16 May 2027
Poole BH15 1JJ

View more hiking and walking events

Fundraising support

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Fundraising tips

All the information you need to get your fundraising started and raise as much as you can for our vital services.

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Materials and resources

Create your own fundraising materials or order some additional resources to give your fundraising activity the iconic Macmillan look.

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Online shop

From water bottles to sweat bands and everything in-between. Get the full Team Macmillan makeover from our online shop.

Training essentials

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Training plans

Whether this is your first hike or you’re a regular hiker, we have the plan for you.

Prepare your body

Get your body into tip-top shape with our guidance on stretching, conditioning and nutrition.

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Practical tips and information

Read our top 10 tips on training for your hike, along with guidance on what gear you’ll want to wear and carry to be comfortable and safe.

Your hiking stories

A blind man standing next to a second man who is leading him

Khalid

Khalid hiked 13 miles for Macmillan in July 2021. Since the age of 7 he has had no vision. Khalid was able to complete the Yorkshire Dales Mighty Hike with a sighted assistance.

"I've been wanting to fundraise for Macmillan for a while, but kept saying to myself, 'Ok, after lockdown finishes, after Covid. Then I heard about Captain Tom Moore and I thought if he can do this now, why am I sitting around?'"

A man wearing a Viking costume on a walk

Dave

Dave completed his first Mighty Hike for Macmillan in 2018. He was inspired to fundraise for Macmillan after a conversation with a woman he met on another walking challenge.

"Having discovered a small trace of Swedish DNA I completed the Thames Path Mighty Hike dressed as a Viking! All the advice and support from Macmillan and the other walkers really helps you get through it."

View more fundraiser stories

Frequently asked questions

Fundraising

If you have signed up for an event, we may send you a Macmillan top in the post.

If you're doing your own challenge or taking part in an event not listed on our website, you can order a t-shirt, other clothing, water bottles and many useful items from our online shop.
You can create your own event materials on Macmillan Orders. Once you've registered on the website you can create any materials you need for your event.
Yes, you can download another sponsorship form here.

If you don't have access to a printer, you can ask us for one us by emailing fundraising@macmillan.org.uk and we'll post one straight out to you and you can carry on with your fundraising.

Planning your own walk or hike

We can recommend a few popular routes across the UK, but many more can be found on the National Trail website (England and Wales) or on Walking Scotland.

You have the whole of the UK's incredible walking network at your fingertips. Check out Komoot to help plan your route Komoot.
Solo walking events

If you are taking on a solo challenge, it can be safer - and more fun - to have friends or family meet you at points along the way. If that's not possible, make sure there's someone who knows your route and is waiting to meet you at the end.

For an excellent and detailed safety checklist, have a look at the Mountain Rescue website. Their advice is tailored for hills and mountains but is well worth a read whatever kind of walk you're planning.

Group walking events

If you are leading or organising a walk, one of the most important things to do is a risk assessment. This will help you to anticipate and plan for anything that might go wrong. You can find advice about how to do a risk assessment at the Health and Safety Executive.

There's also some useful information on organising your own event from the Institute of Fundraising.

You will also need to consider whether you need insurance. This might be insurance for yourself if you're doing an overseas walk, or public liability insurance if you're holding a public event. For private events, this may not be necessary.

Planning a large walking event can seem a bit daunting but we've teamed up with Walk 4 Life to help make planning your own event easy with lots of useful online resources. Simply visit the Walk 4 Life website for more information.

If you need further advice, get in touch with our Supporter Care team on 0300 1000 200 or by emailing fundraising@macmillan.org.uk.
If you're organising a large event you may need to check with your local council about whether there are any special permissions required. Does the walk cross any local farms or private land? If so let them know about your event as this will ensure that they know in advance and will help avoid problems.
If you're organising a large event you may need to check with your local council about whether there are any special permissions required. Does the walk cross any local farms or private land? If so let them know about your event as this will ensure that they know in advance and will help avoid problems.

Other events

What if I can't find my hiking or walking event listed on the website?

Unfortunately we can't be at every walking or hiking event happening across the UK. However, that doesn't mean you can't organise your own walk or hike, or take part in a different event to raise funds for Macmillan!

If you can't find your event listed on our Find An Event page, then fill in our form to tell us about your challenge so we can support you. We'll send you helpful tips and tricks to get you ready for your event and raise funds for Macmillan.

Why support Macmillan

Cancer isn't going anywhere. And neither are we. But we can't do it without you.

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Impact of your donations

Macmillan is needed now more than ever. Find out how your support means we can continue to be there for people living with cancer.

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Our promise to you

You have the right to know you can trust us to be fair, honest and treat you with respect. You do great things for Macmillan. We promise to do the right thing by you.