The Big Little Trail

Walk from Watford General to Hemel Hempstead Hospital

Following the success of The Memory Trail and The Titty Trail, West Herts Hospitals Charity is delighted to invite you to join us for our latest walking challenge!

Join us on Sunday 18 October 2026 for a scenic 9.5-mile walk along the Grand Union Canal, starting at Watford General Hospital and finishing at Hemel Hempstead Hospital. Whether you are an experienced walker, taking on a personal distance challenge, or stepping out with friends and family, this event is a wonderful way to come together and support your local NHS hospitals.

All funds raised will directly support paediatric services across West Herts Hospitals. We ask that every participant aims for a £100 fundraising target to help us purchase state-of-the-art equipment, transform hospital spaces into welcoming environments for children, and provide vital care to our youngest patients and their families.

Choose Your Walking Style

We offer two ways to complete the trail so you can tailor the day to your preferred pace:

• Self-Guided Option: Walk at your own pace. We will provide route information and guidance so you and your group can enjoy the canal path independently.

• Guided Group Option: Join one of our led walking groups departing at scheduled intervals for a supportive, social walking experience.

Staggered departure times start from 7:30 am onwards. You will select your preferred departure slot during registration.

Key Details and Registration

• Distance: Approximately 9.5 miles along canal towpaths and mixed terrain.

• Minimum Age: Participants must be 10 years of age or older. Children and young people aged 10–17 must be accompanied by a registered adult at all times.

• Fundraising Target: We encourage all participants to aim for a £100 sponsorship target.

• Registration Fees:

  • Adult (18+): £10.00

  • Young Person (10–17): £5.00

  • Group Ticket (4 Adults): £36.00

  • Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children aged 10–17): £28.00

How Your Support Helps

Core NHS funding provides essential medical care, but your fundraising enables us to go above and beyond standard resources. Reaching your sponsorship £100 target will directly support vital projects across West Herts Hospitals  including helping to fund vital projects such as:

• BabyWorks Ultrasound Simulator: Advanced training equipment to help clinical teams practise complex neonatal and paediatric scans.

• Paediatric MRI Entertainment System: Immersive audiovisual distraction technology to help put young patients at ease during MRI scans, reducing the need for sedation.

• Watford General Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre Paediatric Area: Transforming the Urgent Treatment Centre into a welcoming, child-friendly space tailored specifically for younger patients.

FAQs and Medical Form

Please review our event FAQs and complete the required medical form before registering.

Ready to Take on the Trail?

Click the pink Register Now button to secure your place. Spaces are limited, so gather your family, friends, or colleagues and sign up today!