Essentials to bring with you on the day
Don't forget to wear your breathable trekking t-shirt and your walker number!
A water bottle and snacks
There will be rest stops on the route where you can fill up your bottle and get some refreshments, but you'll need plenty of water and snacks to refuel between stops.
Comfortable and weatherproof clothing
Wear or bring thin, breathable layers alongisde your trekking top, so you're prepared for all weather conditions. We recommend three - a moisture-wicking layer, a warm layer, and a waterproof layer.
Walking shoes or boots
A good backpack
Bring a comfortable and lightweight backpack that you can fit water, snacks, a map, and anything else you're bringing with you in. Make sure it's not too heavy so it doesn't weigh you down.
First aid
We'll have fully stocked first aid points at our rest stops, but it's always worth bringing a few extra blister plasters, painkillers, hand sanitiser/antibac wipes and any personal medication.
Extras
We'd also recommend bringing a hat, a portable phone charger, suncream, a spare pair of socks, and some cash or a debit/credit card. Trekking poles are welcome too if you'd like to use them.
The start line
The Big Marsden Trek start line is located at Milton Court Farm, Dorking, RH4 3LY
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your start time.
The Big Marsden Trek route
Route description
You’ll start your trek at Milton Court Farm, heading uphill towards Denbies Wine Estate before joining the North Downs Way. From here, you’ll climb up Box Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views across the Surrey Hills.
Continuing along the North Downs Way, the route leads you towards Gatton Park, offering more breathtaking scenery along the way. You’ll then head north towards the hospital, passing through Banstead Woods and finishing at The Royal Marsden.
Terrain description
The route is categorised as tough, with terrain that reflects the undulating landscape of the North Downs. This is a hilly route with several sustained climbs, including the ascent of Box Hill. The route has a total elevation gain 1013m.
You’ll cover a variety of terrain throughout the walk, including well-maintained trails along the North Downs Way, woodland paths, open fields (some with stiles), and short sections of quiet country lanes and pavements.
Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support are highly recommended due to the varied and hilly terrain.
Rest stops
We have three rest stops along the route where you’ll find toilets, water points and first aiders on hand.
Family and friends are welcome to cheer you on at the finish line but not along the route.
Water
Toilets
Refreshments
Water
Toilets
Lunch stop
Water
Toilets
Refreshments
The finish line
The Big Mardsen Trek finishes at The Royal Marsden in Sutton.
When you cross the finish line, you’ll receive your hard-earned Big Marsden Trek medal!
All walkers will receive a hot meal at the finish line.
Travel on the day
Coaches
The coaches will leave from the Cotswold Road entrance, at The Royal Marsden, Sutton.
You can select a coach ticket as part of your registration and select the most appropriate departure time for your start wave.
Please make sure you are on time for your coach on the day - we recommend arriving 15 minutes before your coach is due to leave. Unfortunately, we are not able to wait for any late arrivals.
Parking
Free parking is available at The Royal Marsden in Sutton all day. Marshalls will direct traffic on the day. Access is via the Cotswold Road entrance only. Please do not park on Cotswold Road itself.
There is no parking available at the start location.
Public Transport
- The nearest train station is a Dorking (RH4 1TF) - which is a 7 minute drive from the start line
- Box Hill & Westhumble train station (RH5 6BT) - which is an 8 minute drive from the start line
More questions? We have answers!
or get in touch at fundraising.events@rmh.nhs.uk
