Dementia Support Line
Trek26 Suffolk Coast
The challenge
Trek for loved ones and bring help and hope to everyone affected by dementia. Trek through stunning coastal villages, nature reserves with an abundance of wildlife, past ancient monasteries and through forests.
'It was a fantastic experience from start to finish, I loved every moment of it. All of the volunteers were full of energy and support, which was exactly what I needed in the final miles! ... Will definitely be back next time.'
- Trek26 participant 2024
The route
Starting Location: Thorpeness
Both routes start and finish in Thorpeness, a pretty coastal village on the Suffolk Coast. The route follows the coastal path past Sizewell and its imposing power station, with far-reaching views up towards Southwold. Walkers will pass through RSPB Minsmere with its amazing birdlife.
The 13 mile route will then return down South through nature reserves and heathlands teeming with wildlife. The 26 mile route will continue to Dunwich, home to an ancient monastery, and through the serene Dingle Marshes to quaint Walberswick. From there, the route will head back down South through the Westwood Marshes and Dunwich Forest back to Thorpeness.
*The map above can be expanded for more detail. Simply click the box in the top right corner.
**Please note the route and rest stops above are subject to change.
Not a trekker? Find out more about volunteering
You can still do something incredible and make a difference to people affected by dementia.
We will be looking for enthusiastic volunteers to cheer our trekkers over the finish line. We'll kit you out with an Alzheimer's Society t-shirt and provide you with everything you need to give our trekkers an amazing event day experience.
You'll help to set them on their way to raising even more money to change the lives of people affected by dementia. And we can guarantee you'll have a great time!
Contact us about this event
Call us on 0300 222 5808
Got a question about this event? Get in touch and we'll respond as soon as we can.
Terrain
This route is categorised as moderate and the terrain is reflective of that. This is a mostly flat route, with some small hills to conquer but no significant climbs. There is a total elevation gain of 236m on the 26 mile route, and 117m on the 13 mile route.
Both routes consist mainly of of gravelly coastal paths, moorland and field footpaths. There are some sections across sand and shingle so you may want to bring walking poles for additional support. You should also wear boots with ankle support to avoid injury. You'll encounter some country lanes and road walking where the ground can be hard underfoot, so boots with a thick sole can provide cushioning to your feet.
13 mile elevation profile
26 mile elevation profile
Duration
This event is not a race; everyone should be able to trek at a comfortable pace. In order for the event to be managed safely, there will be a cut-off time.
The 26 miles should take approximately 8-9 hours but can take some walkers up to 10 hours. The 13 mile route should take approximately 5-6 hours but can take some walkers up to 7 hours.
How fit do I need to be?
The route is designed to be challenging but is achievable for most people provided you train well in advance. When you sign up we’ll email you a training guide to help you prepare.
What will I need to carry?
You will need to be able to carry all essential kit required for the challenge e.g., waterproofs, layers, water (minimum 2 litres), sun cream, snacks. Check the kit list to be sure of everything you will need.
Make sure you have trained with your backpack, carrying everything you need, so that you are used to trekking with your pack at full weight.
What support will there be along the route?
We'll have members of the team spread along the route, and a back marker walking at the rear. The route will be well-marked with brightly coloured marker arrows and there will be extra marshals at any sections that are less straightforward.
There'll also be staffed rest stops along the route, where we’ll be on hand to provide help and plenty of encouragement, and there will be refreshments, water refill stations, first aid support, and toilets at all rest stops.
Both the 13 and 26 mile routes will have a rest stop halfway along the route, where you can collect your lunch. The 26 mile route will also have an additional two rest stops. Please check your route map for specific rest stop locations.
Kit List
Download our kit list which you can tick off when packing for the trek. We also have some top tips on how to find the best kit for you.
Your fundraising will ensure that people facing a dementia diagnosis won't be alone. The money you raise will pay for vital services and research into treatments to improve people's lives.
13 miles
26 miles
Your fundraising target covers the cost of your place on the event and still have plenty of money left to help us get closer to a world without dementia.
It's always best to hit your target early, so once you sign up you'll have access to our exclusive online event hub packed full of helpful fundraising tips and tools. Plus, by hitting your target, you'll bag yourself a FREE trekking top to wear with pride on the day.
Can I fundraise in a team?
Absolutely! You can create your team when you register by clicking 'Create'. To join an existing team click on the ‘Find’ button and type either the team name or the name of the team captain. Every member of the team must register for the trek via the website (joining a team on Just Giving is not a valid entry for the trek).
Your fundraising target is still £200 per person for the 13 mile route or £300 per person for the 26 mile route, but you're welcome to combine your targets into one team total.
When you register as a Team Captain, your team members will receive 15% off their registration fee when they sign up. Details of the discount will be supplied to the Team Captain upon registration.
Is there an age limit?
The minimum age limit for the Trek26 series is 14. All participants must be at least 14 on event day.
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, who must also register and take part in the trek.
What will I be eating?
We provide food, hot drinks, and water re-fill stations for every participant on a Trek26 event. We plan these rest stops every 6-7 miles to ensure our trekkers are fully supported, with lunch at the halfway rest stop for each distance.
What are the toilet facilities?
There will be toilet facilities at the event hub, where you start and finish your trek, as well as at each rest stop along the route.
How do I get my free trekking top?
If you smash your fundraising target one month before your event day we’ll send you out a free trekking top. You don't need to get in touch to claim it - as long as you have hit your target on your JustGiving page or paid in cash donations, we'll send out your top automatically.
If you hit your target after the one month deadline you can still claim your free trekking top on the day (visit our merchandise stand)
If you are fundraising in a team, please let us know by creating a team when you sign up so we can make sure you all receive your tops.
What if the weather is bad?
The Great British weather can be unpredictable so it is important that you check the kit list and come prepared for all types of weather. In cases of extreme weather such as thunderstorms, very high temperatures and extreme rainfall we will check the route and may have to stop the event if the route is deemed unsafe and cannot be rerouted.
Can a friend who isn’t signed up walk with me?
No, we’re afraid not, everyone taking part needs to be fully registered and fundraising to stop dementia devastating lives.
Can I run the route?
No. Trek26 is a fully supported walking event, with all timings planned based on walking speed. Running is not permitted to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted to take part in the trek due to safety issues and due to us trekking on privately owned land.
They are welcome to be on the event hub with friends and family but must be kept on a lead and the person looking after them is responsible for cleaning up any mess.
Will there be parking?
There will be plenty of parking at the event hub at The Ogilvie Pavilion, Thorpe Road, Thorpeness, Leiston, IP16 4FD, where you will start and finish your trek. Parking is free and no booking is required.
Parking is not available overnight.
What time does the trek start?
Start times for the trek are staggered in waves from 06:10 until 7:00am for the 26 mile route, then from 8:30 until 9:30am for the 13 mile route. You can choose your preferred start time when registering.
If you will be walking at a slower pace, we advise you to choose an earlier start time to allow plenty of time to complete the route.
We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your start time so you can grab breakfast, meet the team, and prepare for your trek.