Description
This fully supported endurance walk follows a largely flat route with minimal incline and is organised across four sections.
You do not need to be a marathon athlete to take part. The event is paced for endurance walking, with regular stops, group support and experienced leaders throughout the day.
The walk begins at Hale Lighthouse on the Mersey Estuary. From there we pass through the village of Hale, walk past the Giant Childe of Hale statue, and join the Mersey Way for the first waterside stretch. The route then follows the Manchester Ship Canal before joining the sheltered Trans Pennine Trail.
There are planned rest, refreshment and WC stops along the route, with a lunch break at the halfway point in the village of Stockton on Heath. This is also the start point for the entry level 21 km Stockton Half.
The final section continues along the canal through Lymm and Dunham before returning to Hale, finishing at the Millennium Clock.
A support coach will accompany the event throughout the day. Walkers can store belongings on the coach, access the onboard WC at stops, and use a return service from the finish back to the start area for an additional charge.
Finish times are expected to be around 8 to 9 hours of walking, plus a lunch stop at Stockton on Heath (lunch not provided). Don’t think of the miles/kms or steps think of this as a day on your feet like touring a city or Disney
For those new to endurance walking, the Stockton Half offers a great entry point, allowing walkers to join the event at Stockton on Heath and complete the second half of the route. Teenagers may also join the walk from this point.
Participants are encouraged to fundraise using our JustGiving platform for any UK charity of their choice and to share their journey using the hashtags #hale2hale and #giantwalk.
Walkers will be supported throughout the day by experienced highly qualified instructors leaders, mentors, assistants and vehicle support. Start times will be staggered in small waves between 7.45 am and 8.00 am. Walkers who are not already part of a group will be allocated one based on expected pace. Each group will have a designated leader and mentor who remain in contact with Event Control.
Closer to the event, walkers will receive a medical questionnaire and full event information including the detailed route, GPX file, training guidance and kit list. Group transport to the start location may be arranged depending on demand.
For those not fundraising for a charity, a donation option is available. Contributions support event logistics including medical and radio equipment and help subsidise overseas trekking opportunities for youth workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there transport to the starting point?
Yes, we have a Morning Bus and an Afternoon Bus so you can choose where to leave your car. You can make your way to the starting point in Hale (on Merseyside) yourself, but if you would like a place on the Morning Bus from Hale (Cheshire) please book yourself a VIP ticket (an extra charge will be made for this), or a return to the Start Area on Merseyside please book the Afternoon Bus
How do I make sure I walk with friends?
Firstly, you should buy tickets for the same event day! Then the best way to ensure you walk with your friends is to enter as a group. Otherwise, please let us know who you would like to walk with and we will put you together (subject to maximum group size).
Where can I meet my family or friends at the end?
The walk ends at the clock tower in Hale and pizza/drinks will be available. We will also be passing venues such as schools and sports clubs in the Hale area where you can meet your family and finish together.
How fit do I have to be?
This is an endurance walk, and you must have prepared for it. We ask that you have a good basic fitness and have undertaken some training in the run up to the event. A good rule of thumb is that you should have completed at least one 20km training walk in the shoes you plan to wear on the day and that you practice changing layers of clothes on the move, and train with a weighted rucksack.
Can I be a mentor?
You must have sufficient walking experience or qualifications to be a mentor. Please email the organisers if you want to be part of the team of volunteers on the day. You will also be given a discount code for you to share with friends.
Is it a race?
We discourage treating this event as a race, but you are welcome to time yourself. Groups will be formed with similarly able walkers, and you can switch groups at check points if needed. There is no chip timing.
What happens if am too slow?
There are check points at the rest stops along the route, where the vehicles will be waiting. If any walker is struggling to meet time checks, you may be asked to either leapfrog forwards to the next point, or remain in the vehicle. These check points aim to ensure a maximum 10 hour completion time. Your welfare is being monitored both on the move and at rest stops.
Please can I see your T&C's, Risk Assessment or Insurance?
These are available upon request. Please email info@giantwalk.org
What is your cancellation policy?
We have a no quibble cancellation policy up to 7 days before the event, and your entry fee will be returned in full minus any platform or card fees deducted. Once inside the 7 day period, no refunds are available but you can transfer into a future event.
Boots or trainers?
Fashion or gym trainers are not suitable, but then heavy walking boots are not necessarily required as all the terrain is level and on footpaths. A good running trainer or trail shoe or lightweight walking boots are ideal. Tips will be circulated based on the weather in the days before.
Do I have to raise funds for a charity?
No, but, this is a fundraising event, so if you just want to pay for a ticket and not fundraise, then noting are a not for profit, and is itself fundraising for medical and event support equipment including a lightweight defrib. Perhaps you would consider an optional donation to that?
Can I bring my dog?
No, but you dog will enjoy training with you in preparing for the event on shorter distances. Dogs can walk with walkers from the cheering points for a bit, but must remain with a handler, and on a lead. Pick it up!
What if I need the loo?
WC's along the route will be marked out in the event guide, and group mentors will know where they are. There are also plenty of "sheltered" areas you may take a moment. Or our VIP vehicle support will have a WC on board. There is normally a queue for the loo at the start, so could men please use the bushes behind the pub, and ladies remember you pass the bus twice in the first 40 mins and the first facilities are 6k away.
How will I navigate the route?
A GPX (satnav) file will be available in advance. Group mentors and leaders will have this available and are tracked, and although the route is pretty straightforward, key signposts will be on site at junctions. All mentors will have GPS and radio support from Event Control and there will be chalk markings. There is also a tracking beacon on the bus (that the driver does not know about! Shhh!)
Can I bring my children?
Young walkers are encouraged but must be of secondary school age, fit, and that you remain responsible for your children as our mentors will not be in loco parentis. They are encouraged to complete the Stockton Half though. There is a cost to this that cannot be discounted because of paediatric first aid ratios.
