Join us for Hike for Health – our annual East London fundraising walk – and help support the hospitals that care for our community every day. Whether you’re walking for a loved one, your local hospital, or want to say thanks for the care you received, your steps will make a difference.
Sign up with friends, family, or colleagues and help fund vital healthcare and research across East London.
You asked. We listened.
NEW for 2026: a 21k route is coming for those ready to go the distance. Stay tuned – more details to come.
All routes begin and end at St Bartholomew’s Square, taking in the City of London’s historic landmarks and hidden gems.
Enter your details in the form and register your interest to join Hike for Health next year.
For over 40 years, Lilian has called Newham home. Newham and Whipps Cross Hospitals have been there for Lilian through it all, including the birth of two of her three children.
She took on Hike for Health last year and raised the incredible £1500 for Barts Charity and to give back to her community. She shared with us:
I saw the advert for Hike for Health and thought it would be a great way to show my support to my local hospital.
We’ll be with you every step of the way. When you sign up, you’ll receive:
✔️ Expert fundraising tips and ideas
✔️ A free Hike for Health t-shirt
✔️ A finishers medal to celebrate your achievement
✔️ The chance to be featured on our social media
“It gives me a chance to mix with people from various backgrounds. The route was very good and we were very well looked after. You get to see a lot of places you may not usually go to and have time to enjoy the sights.”Subir, Hike for Health participant 2023 and 2024
Every step you take and every pound you raise will help us continue to go above and beyond for families in East London.
Together we can support staff and pioneer research. We can refurbish wards and equip Barts Health hospitals with the very best equipment. And we provide families with the little things, too – like phone charging stations in A+E – to keep you connected with your loved ones. In the toughest times, even the small things can mean so much.
Funds raised through events like Hike for Health have helped transform the dayroom on the Sycamore Ward at Whipps Cross Hospital.
The bright walls, calming sky panels and fresh new flooring and furniture have turned the room unto the central hub of the ward, where patients can meet with friends and family in peace and quiet.
Families find comfort, staff discover respite and patients experience solace thanks to your invaluable support.
Muzit Ghebreab, Senior Sister- Sycamore Ward, Whipps Cross Hospital
Hike for Health 2026 will take place on Sunday, 13th September 2026.
The hike starts and finishes in The Square, St Bartholomew’s Hospital – EC1A 7BE.
We will have a staggered start from 10am with the aim of everyone being on their way by 10.15am. These timings may be subject to change, but we will communicate any changes to you.
Where possible, we encourage everyone to arrive by public transport. However, there is Smithfield Car Park nearby, but this will incur a cost to park: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/parking/car-parks/smithfield-car-park
We welcome your furry friends on the hike, but please bear in mind that there are potentially lots of people at the start and finish line.
Our 10km route is accessible, but there are cobbled streets and the paths alongside these are narrow at times, so please bear this in mind.
Refreshments will be available at the starting point, but we’d encourage everyone to bring water with them.
Clothing: We’ll be sending you a Barts Hike for Health t-shirt and we’d love for you to wear this.
We live in the UK, so keep an eye on the weather reports and be prepared for unusually warm weather or rain! We recommend layers and loose-fitting clothes, or sports attire.
Footwear: It’s important you are comfortable. Some of the route includes cobbled streets and some parts of the longer distances may be slightly uneven. Please wear comfortable, worn in running trainers, walking boots or shoes.
We will have three aid stations on the route, and these will be marked on the map you receive on the day.
We will be taking photographs and video footage on the day and by taking part you’re confirming that you are happy for Barts Charity to use these to help promote and publicise future events. Of course, if you’d prefer us not to use photos just drop us an email.
We ask all adults taking part to try and raise as much as they can, and the suggested targets are listed on our website. But please do get in touch if you have any exciting fundraising ideas or need some advice – we’re always happy to help.
We recommend using JustGiving to collect any sponsorship funds.
We welcome everyone on the walk.
Anyone under 16 years old will need to be accompanied by an adult.
You will be sent a guide in the week leading up to the event.
If you need to finish walk earlier then all we ask is that you give us a call on the number included in your pack, so we know that you are safe and accounted for.
If you have a question about Hike for Health, please contact our Fundraising team.
Take on the Brighton 10 Mile this June and experience one of the UK’s most iconic seaside runs. With fresh sea air, sweeping coastal views and an electric atmosphere, this is the perfect challenge for runners ready to step up from a 10km.
Join us after work for an unforgettable evening run on one of the longest days of the year.
Join us on the summer solstice for the Finsbury Park 5km or 10km, a friendly, scenic run around the wide paths of Finsbury Park.
