The Big Walk 2024 - itinerary
Are you ready to be a part of the University's biggest fundraising event? Join us on Friday 28 June 2024 to fundraise for MND research at the University of Sheffield.
Please note, bookings are now FULL. To be added to the waiting list, please email giving@sheffield.ac.uk
What do I get for signing up?
By booking your place at the Big Walk, you'll receive:
- Entry to the Big Walk 2024 on Friday 28 June 2024 - this includes access to bespoke briefing notes in the run up to the event and support on the day
- Your Big Walk 2024 fundraising t-shirt, medal and certificate
- A lunchtime veggie salad box (please bring additional food as required)
- Hot dog and salad at the University Arms finish line (other charged options available at the bar)
- Free celebratory finish line pint or soft drink (ask at the bar for available selection)
Big Walk 2024 walker briefing
Are you taking on the Big Walk this year? You will have received the Big Walk briefing via email on 14 June. If not, please request an email copy below:
Request a copy of the Big Walk 2024 briefing via email
20 mile (32 km) route
The 20 mile route begins at Redmires. Head down to Hathersage and Grindleford. Enjoy a delightful lunch break at the Grouse Inn before heading back to city centre via the Sheffield Round Walk. Finally, return to the University Arms for a well-earned drink, sit and bite to eat!
Please note, locations marked on the map with a blue dot are water and toilet facilities along, or close by, the route.
20 mile route card - NEW version 13 June
We're keen for our walkers who like to "road-test" the route cards to try them out and give your feedback. Let us know if we can change anything to make these route cards easier to follow.
20 mile GPX file - NEW version 13 June
Schedule for the day
This may change prior to the event
| 8:30 |
Coach leaves from the Octagon to start line - only for those who have purchased a coach place |
|
8:30 - 9:25 |
Registration at Redmires Playing Field, 580 Redmires Road, Sheffield S10 4LJ - change added on 21 May 2024 |
|
9:30 |
20 mile Big Walk begins! |
| From 12:00 |
Lunch at the Grouse Inn, Longshaw House, Longshaw, Sheffield, S11 7TZ - high carb veggie salad boxes |
| 17:00 | Must have arrived at the Grouse Inn by this time to continue - participants who arrive after this time will be driven to the University Arms finish line |
|
From 17:30 |
Hotdog and a Big Walk pint/soft drink at the Finish Line, University Arms |
| 20:00 | Must have arrive at the Norfolk Arms Pub by this time to continue - participants who arrive after this time will be driven to the University Arms finish line |
|
21:30 |
Last walkers to arrive at the University Arms |
30 mile (48 km) route
The 30 mile route begins at Redmires. Venture through Hathersage, Grindleford, and Curbar before making your way to Baslow. Then it's back up to the Grouse Inn for a spot of lunch. Heading back to city centre via the Sheffield Round Walk. And then back to the University Arms for a well-earned drink, sit and bite to eat!
Please note, locations marked on the map with a blue dot are water and toilet facilities along, or close by, the route.
30 mile route card - NEW version 13 June
We're keen for our walkers who like to "road-test" the route cards to try them out and give your feedback. Let us know if we can change anything to make these route cards easier to follow.
30 mile GPX file - NEW version 13 June
Schedule for the day
This may change prior to the event
| 7:10 |
Coach leaves from the Octagon to start line - only for those who have purchased a coach place |
|
7:25 - 7:55 |
Registration at Redmires Playing Field, 580 Redmires Road, Sheffield S10 4LJ - change added on 21 May 2024 |
|
8:00 |
30 mile Big Walk begins! |
| From 12:00 |
Lunch at the Grouse Inn, Longshaw House, Longshaw, Sheffield, S11 7TZ - high carb veggie salad boxes This is roughly two thirds of the way through the route. Please ensure you pack enough food to sustain you until the lunch stop! |
| 17:00 | Must have arrived at the Grouse Inn by this time to continue - participants who arrive after this time will be driven to the University Arms finish line |
|
From 17:30 |
Hotdog and a Big Walk pint/soft drink at the Finish Line, University Arms |
| 20:00 | Must have arrive at the Norfolk Arms Pub by this time to continue - participants who arrive after this time will be driven to the University Arms finish line |
|
21:30 |
Last walkers to arrive at the University Arms |
Dates for your diary
Friday 31 May: Booking deadline. Also deadline for swapping routes.
Wednesday 12 June, 12:30 - 13:30: The Route webinar. Join Big Walk Will online for a whistle-stop tour of the route. Also a chance to ask your questions before the big day!
Tuesday 25 June, 11:45 - 12:30: Big Walk Participant Briefing session and t-shirt collection.
View the presentation slides here
Friday 28 June: The Big Walk!
Big Walk equipment - things to bring with you
Main rules of thumb:
- Look at the weather forecast and come prepared.
- Steer clear of all things cotton – no jeans
- Whatever you use, make sure it’s comfortable.
You will need:
- Day sack (lined with a plastic bag)
- Water bottle with at least 1 to 2 litres of water (more if especially hot)
- Sunscreen and hat
- Waterproof jacket and trousers for a wet forecast.
- Spare warm top
- Comfortable walking boots / shoes - there are some steep ascents and hard terrain (especially the 50km!) so bear this in mind when choosing your footwear
- Pair of spare socks
- Personal 1st Aid kit
- Mobile phone
- Food/snacks - snacks will be provided at several marshal points but be sure to bring enough food to keep you going until lunch and the finish line!
Optional items if you have them:
- OS Map sheets of the area
- Walking poles
The risk assessment for this event will be circulated with the Big Walk 2024 briefings.
Request the Big Walk 2024 Risk Assessment here
Big Walk Will's training walks
Will, our Big Walk route planner, has put together a series of practise walks to get you fit and prepared ready for 28 June. Familiarise yourself with the route with this set of cracking practise walks.
Fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease research
MND research has now reached a point where life-saving treatments are potentially on the horizon. And Sheffield is more than ready to be a frontrunner to find the answers. The University of Sheffield has world leading MND researchers working tirelessly to find a cure for this debilitating disease.
Sheffield has already been the first UK site invited to use genetic therapy trials for MND. And this therapy is helping to advance our research to ultimately deliver treatments to patients living with this devastating condition. Your support can make a much needed breakthrough in MND come sooner. And improve the lives of patients long into the future.
We are asking each participant to fundraise £150 towards Motor Neurone Disease research. You are welcome to fundraise as a team. Just remember that your team's fundraising target should be £150 times the number of people in your team.
Read the Big Walk 2024 Fundraising Guide
Once you've bought your place, you can set up your Just Giving page here. And download your 'I'm fundraising for MND' email signature here.