BIG Walk FAQs

Sunday 22 September 2024, Herrington Country Park 

The Active Sunderland BIG Walk is a walking event that starts and finishes in Herrington Country Park. Participants have the choice of five different routes: 

• 3 miles - easy

• 5.5 miles - easy 

• 7.5 miles - moderate

• 9.5 miles - challenging 

• 12 miles - challenging 

The 3 mile route takes place entirely within the boundaries of Herrington Country Park and is ideal for children, families, beginners and those with mobility issues. 

The other route options leave the park and take in the beautiful countryside behind Penshaw Monument. All options require good, strong sturdy footwear and are not suitable for wheeled access. These routes can be very muddy after heavy rain. 

How much does it cost to take part? 

• 3 mile route - £5 per person 

• All other routes are £7 adult or £10 with a T-shirt and £5 for under 18s 

• Under 2 year old's go free 

• Group offer -
  £15 for 3 people, 1 adult and 2 children 
  £20 for 4 people, maximum of 2 adults  

Where can I find out more about the routes?  

Route maps can be accessed through the My Sunderland website : Active Sunderland BIG Walk - MySunderland 

What time does it start? 

Participant arrival from 9am at the Amphitheatre and walks setting off from 10am.  

How do I enter the event? 

Entry is available online only.

Will I receive confirmation of my entry? 

Yes. Confirmation will be sent via email, upon receipt and processing of your entry form. Please check your spam folder just in case your confirmation email ends up there.  

Additional information will follow in the weeks before the event.  

If you do not receive a confirmation email or any correspondence after entering then please email us at active@sunderland.gov.uk  

Are there any age limits?  

• 3 mile route - children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

• all other routes - children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 

Will I be given a personal time when I complete the walk? 

No.  The BIG Walk is a non-competitive, enjoyable, participation event giving you the opportunity to get active and enjoy Sunderland's beautiful countryside. Times are not provided. 

Do participants need to have any previous experience to take part? 

No experience is required for the shorter distances. However, the longer routes requires a basic level of fitness, as they are moderately challenging routes that follows public footpaths through open countryside with several hills. 

Any participant unsure of their physical ability to take part should seek medical advice from a general practitioner prior to the event. 

Are the routes signposted? 

Yes. All routes will be signposted throughout. In addition, marshals will be located at key positions to assist you further. 

Are dogs allowed on the walk? 

Dogs are allowed on the walk but they must be well behaved and kept on a lead at all times as the BIG Walk passes through areas of open countryside, including farmland, where livestock such as cattle and horses can be present. Marshals will be on site to alert walkers of areas that potentially contain livestock.  

If I don't turn up on the day will I get a refund? 

If you don't turn up on the day unfortunately we will be unable to issue a refund.  If we cancel the event, for example in the case of adverse weather conditions, then a full refund will be issued to all participants. 

Is this a charity fund raising event? 

No. It is a mass participation event and any income generated is used to stage the BIG Walk and to support future events. However, if you wish to do the walk in aid of a chosen charity you can do so. 

What do I need to wear? 

Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the day. If rain is forecast, it is advisable to carry a lightweight waterproof jacket. 

Good quality, supportive, comfortable and sturdy footwear is required for all routes, particularly the longer options. Comfortable clothing which allows you to move freely is also recommended.  

Please pay attention to the weather forecast for the day of the event and tailor your outfit accordingly. If the sun is very bright, consider wearing a hat and please remember to apply a suitable sun block. 

Are changing rooms available? 

No.  Please arrive changed and ready to participate. 

Are toilets available on the day? 

Yes. Toilets will be available at Herrington Country Park. In addition, portable toilets will also be available along the route at Cox Green. 

If I have a disability, will I be able to participate? 

Yes. Please note that only the 3 mile route is wheelchair accessible. 

How do I get there?  

Herrington Country Park is located on the A183 opposite Penshaw Monument.    

Herrington Country Park  

Houghton-Le-Spring  

Tyne and Wear  

DH4 7EL  

If using public transport, please visit www.nexus.org.uk  or www.gonortheast.co.uk for the latest bus timetables.  

Is car parking available on site? 

Yes, free parking, including accessible parking, is available within the park.  

Can I bring my own food and drink?  

Yes.  Please bring plenty of water for hydration during the walk and any food/snacks that you may need throughout the day.   

Will there be a first aid presence at the event? 

Yes. There will be first aid provision by St John's Ambulance. 

Will the event go ahead if it's raining? 

Yes. The event would only be cancelled in the event of any extreme weather.  

Can I volunteer for the event?  

Yes. We're looking for a large team of volunteers to help us with the delivery of the event. Please register your interest by e-mailing active@sunderland.gov.uk  

Where can I find further information about other Active Sunderland events?  

Information about all Active Sunderland BIG events in 2024 can be found by visiting Events - MySunderland or find us on Facebook and keep up to date with all the latest information. 

If you have any further questions please email  active@sunderland.gov.uk