Why you should take on the Macmillan Mighty Hike - and why it's easier to walk 26 miles than you might think
All you have to do is show up, put one foot in front of the other and keep going - Macmillan do the rest
You should sign up for a Macmillan Mighty Hike. Go on, you can do it.
Are you looking for a charity challenge that doesn’t involve jumping out of a plane or running every day for a year as training? Walking for 26 miles while drinking in the scenic British countryside alongside hundreds of others might be the ticket.
You can do it - seriously, you'll make it.
Firstly, because you can do anything you put your mind to.
But secondly because, at least at The Star’s attempt at the Mighty Hike Peak District 2026 on Sunday, July 18, Macmillan proved themselves first-class organisers.
If you sign up to walk 26 miles for cancer support, then the team behind the Mighty Hike will ensure you'll want for nothing for the whole day.
All you have to do is show up, put one foot in front of the other, and keep going.
Sponsor The Star’s team HERE:
The Mighty Hike is a well oiled machine built to keep walkers healthy, hydrated and fed on their 26-mile expedition, and all kept running by the efforts of hundreds of sunny, helpful volunteers.
The morning starts with a free hot drink, a dance to warm up, and the assurance there will be someone to help no matter what.
Every leg is clearly signposted, every mile marker laid out, every rural road you might cross guarded by a cheerful Macmillan steward there to make sure everyone gets across safely.
There are three major pit stops to rest at along the way. The bright green tents marking these are shimmering oases when your legs are sore and will keep you fuelled for miles. This is not a cup of squash and a pack of Mini Cheddars - this is a rest stop fitted with enough water to run a farm, with trays and trays of popcorn, energy bars, flapjacks, chocolates, and piles of fresh fruit, with first aid tents and toilets (including disabled) at the ready.
At one moment a volunteer went around simply reminding everyone to top up their sun cream and to please refill their water bottles.
To say nothing of lunch. The halfway point after Mile 13 was a party serving a full buffet spread, where hungry hikers could pile on pasta, coleslaw, salad and muffins for the final stretch. At each stop, a discreet sign promised that if any walker wanted to retire and get a stress-free shuttle bus back to the start line, all they had to do was ask.
But for those who powered on to the finish, your welcome was a DJ announcing your name, a paper cup of prosecco and a medal over your head - followed by a hot plate with fish and chips, burritos, and meatball pasta.
The Mighty Hike is truly a brilliantly organised event.
Macmillan have taken every effort to remove any barrier that could keep you from hitting those 26 miles. They’ve taken on every mental load and even some of the physical - all that’s left is to raise your fundraising pledge (£250 per person) and make it happen.
