About
Starting at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, which is a large country park situated on the South Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and conveniently located on the A3 south of Petersfield, Hampshire.
This amazing hiking event has it all, spectacular tree-lined paths, magnificent views, and sturdy trails which are a pleasure to walk on.
The route starts and finishes in QECP, exploring its hard-packed off-road trail network.
Head out of the park where you’ll enjoy hiking through the ancient woodland at ‘Head Down’ before reaching the iconic South Downs Way. From here both routes loop back to the park via the famous local path called the ‘Milky Way’.
Back in the Park all 3 routes combine together to explore ‘War Down’ which boasts weatherproof, tree-lined gravel tracks. You will get a real sense of being at one with nature, allowing your mind to wander whilst your steps clock up the kilometers.
What better place to experience a walking challenge than with a course that allows you to discover multiple terrains and overloads your senses with such a variety of incredible views.
Regardless of experience or ability, we actively encourage new hikers to our events and have 3 route lengths to choose from. Every step brings you closer to that finish line, and to your well-earned medal, a refreshing drink, and exciting finisher’s goodies.
21k Hiking Entry, 15k Hiking Entry and 7.9k Hiking Entry
Where and when
Location: Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean PO8 0QE, UK
Start times:
- 21k Hiking Entry: 8:30 AM
- 15k Hiking Entry: 9:00 AM
- 7.9k Hiking Entry: 9:00 AM
Event summary
Here are the distances available for Queen Elizabeth Country Park Hiking Trail (Hampshire, UK)
Route information
This amazing hiking event has it all, spectacular tree-lined paths, magnificent views, and sturdy trails which are a pleasure to walk on.
The route starts and finishes in QECP, exploring its hard-packed off-road trail network.
Head out of the park where you’ll enjoy hiking through the ancient woodland at ‘Head Down’ before reaching the iconic South Downs Way. From here both routes loop back to the park via the famous local path called the ‘Milky Way’.
Back in the Park all 3 routes combine together to explore ‘War Down’ which boasts weatherproof, tree-lined gravel tracks. You will get a real sense of being at one with nature, allowing your mind to wander whilst your steps clock up the kilometers.
What's included
- Chip-timed entry
- High-quality metal medal
- Finisher's goodie and refreshing drink
- Personalised certificate
- First aid cover
- On-course refreshments
- Friendly, supportive marshals
- Fully marked routes
How to get there
Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Gravel Hill, Horndean PO8 0QE, UK
Event parking is £3 per vehicle, and we encourage car sharing wherever possible.
A parking map will be available on the event organiser’s website and included in your pre-event communications, which will be sent during the week of the event.
Please avoid parking in the Queen Elizabeth Country Park official car park. If you choose to park there, it is your responsibility to check and pay any applicable parking charges.
Event day logistics
7:15 am - Venue Opens
The car park opens to allow hikers to prepare themselves for the hike and grab a coffee.
8:30 AM - 21.6km Distance Hike Start!
The hike kicks off as the Half Marathon distance walkers cross the start line.
9:00 AM - 15.2km Distance Hike Start!
The hike kicks off as the Medium distance walkers cross the start line.
9:00 AM - 7.9km Distance Hike Start!
The hike kicks off as the Short distance walkers cross the start line.
2:00 pm - The Hike Finishes / Cut-off Time
Your adventure finishes, you will cross the finish line and collect your bag full of goodies.
2:30 pm - The Event Centre Closes
The venue closes.
Things to note:
- Times may be adjusted for logistical reasons.
- This is a walking event. Please remain on the designated route at all times and do not leave the course for coffee, lunch, or picnic stops. Feed stations will be available along the long route to help keep you hydrated and fuelled throughout your walk.
- There will be no toilet facilities along the route. However, toilets will be available at both the start and finish within the event village.