The 30km and 5km routes start at Sandbanks at 8:30am.

You can choose from:

30K Coastal Challenge
A full-day coastal challenge from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head and back, suitable for regular walkers and those looking to push themselves while enjoying some of Dorset’s most stunning coastline.

5K Wellbeing Walk
A shorter, more accessible route from Sandbanks to Branksome Chine Beach. Suitable for all ages and abilities, including families, those new to organised walking events, and anyone looking for a gentler way to get involved.

Mid-route join option
Participants taking part in the 30K Coastal Challenge can also join the route at Hengistbury Head. This flexible option allows people to experience part of the challenge while still being part of the wider event and supporting Dorset Mind.

We encourage everyone to choose the option that feels right for them and to take part at their own pace.

No – but you’re welcome to join us for as much of the walk as you’d like to or feel able to do.

We’ve divided the route and registration form into manageable sections – simply select what you’d like to do.

We ask that you follow the route map and arrive at your chosen checkpoints at the times given to make sure you catch us in time and also so we can keep track of our walkers.

We’ll be dressed in Dorset Mind blue t-shirts, so you shouldn’t miss us!

Travelling by Car:

Parking is available at the Sandbanks pay and display car park opposite Rick Stein (Sandbanks, Poole BH13 7QQ) – but it is quite expensive at over £20 for the day.

We suggest you car share or get dropped off if you’re able to.

At the car park, payment can be made using cash or using JustPark www.justpark.com to pay online or using the parking app. The car park location number is 3262.

More information about this car park can be found here.

Travelling by bus:

There are also buses from Bournemouth (Breezer 50) and Poole (Breezer 60) to Sandbanks. Follow this link to find out more.

Adult tickets are £10. Children (under 16 years) tickets are FREE.

This helps keep the event accessible while supporting the essential costs of putting on a safe, well-organised community walk, including route planning, marshals, signage, and event delivery, while ensuring as much fundraising as possible supports Dorset Mind’s work.

You’re welcome to donate as part of the sign-up process!

Alternatively, why not join our JustGiving Campaign by setting up your own JustGiving page to share your achievements with your family and friends.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Follow this link and hit the orange ‘Start Fundraising’ button on the right.
2. Create or log into your JustGiving account.
3. You’ll be asked whether you’re fundraising in memory of someone – indicate ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’
4. You’ll be asked whether you’re taking part in an activity – select ‘I’m doing my own activity.’
5. Then tell JustGiving a bit more about your activity, including when it is and the name ‘The Dorset Mind BIG Walk.’
6. Set your fundraising target – we encourage you to raise over £50 to receive a FREE Dorset Mind t-shirt to wear on the day!
7. Choose your web address – and write a bit about why you’re joining the walk – this will be the link you can share with your family and friends when you ask them to donate.
8. You can add your own cover photo, or use ours.
9. Click ‘Finalise’ and then ‘Launch my page.’

And now, you’re done!

You can now share your fundraising page with your family and friends and ask for their donations.

Fundraising is at the heart of The Big Walk. Every pound raised helps Dorset Mind provide vital mental health support, including wellbeing services, community programmes, and crisis support across Dorset. Taking part directly contributes to helping people access support when they need it most.

This is a fun and accessible event for all to attend!

A free child ticket is required for each child aged 16 and under for safeguarding and event capacity purposes. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Yes. The 5K Wellbeing Walk is designed to be accessible and suitable for all ages and abilities, and the 30K route can be walked at your own pace.

The event will go ahead in most weather conditions. If there are any safety concerns, participants will be contacted with updates or changes.

If you have any questions, please email:
fundraising@dorsetmind.uk

Bookings are open now via the above form. Early booking is recommended.