Looking for an incredible experience and challenge to join in 2026?
Bay Hospitals Charity is inviting everyone to take part in the incredible Keswick to Barrow (K2B) Walk or Coniston to Barrow (C2B) Walk through the stunning Cumbrian countryside on Saturday 9 May 2026.
This annual challenge raises vital funds for local hospitals and good causes, offering participants an unforgettable experience of fun, camaraderie, kindness, breath-taking scenery and achievement.
The K2B is a 39.5-mile sponsored walking and running event starting near Keswick and finishing at Hawcoat Park Sports Club in Barrow-in-Furness. The route winds through dramatic Lake District landscapes, including Thirlmere, Grasmere, Elterwater, the Langdales and Coniston Water, before tackling the ascent of Kirkby Moor.
As an easier alternative, you could choose to do the Coniston to Barrow (C2B) walk, a shorter yet still challenging, 21.1-mile route starting at Coniston Sports Club and following the same scenic trail to Barrow. The C2B is perfect for families, schools and those seeking a slightly less demanding challenge.
Reverend Ian Dewar, Lead Chaplain for UHMBT, took part in the C2B Walk last year with his colleagues Deacon Beborah Wilde, Site Lead Chaplain at Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow, and Reverend Amy Bland, Site Lead Chaplain at Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal.
Ian said: “I would encourage others to join the walk simply because it's great fun. You get a chance to chat and there's a great sense of achievement to set you up for the summer.
“Preparation is fairly straightforward; you just keep going for a walk and increasing the distance. However, the crucial thing is to know what the walk actually looks like. The ground tends be fairly firm and there's a good bit of road, so don't bother with the walking boots - get a decent pair of trainers. The end is a great feeling!”
He jokingly added: “Debbie made me do it!”
Amy said: “It was a beautiful day, so the views were amazing. My biggest problem was I took too much stuff - the walk is so well supported that you are given sweets, snacks, water, sandwiches along the route, no need to bring a big bag of supplies. I didn't do any training but am used to walking. Having comfy shoes is the most important thing - you don't want to be walking on blisters. It's a fun day out. Ian made me do it!”
Debbie quipped: “Apparently, I “coerced” everyone else on the team into doing it! It is a great day - and doing it as a team together is fabulous. It’s always good to have something to challenge you and prepare for. On the day there is tremendous support and encouragement.
“The challenges are sometimes the weather, the heat and getting a pair of good shoes to walk in. The high points are coming through the finishing line and the beautiful views along the 
way. If you do it, you’ll love it! Maybe not the moors, but certainly the last few steps along Abbey Road in Barrow.”
Judith Read, Charity Manager for Bay Hospitals Charity, said: “Join us for the walk of a lifetime and help make a difference to local people and healthcare. Every step counts!”
Ian shared some advice for potential walkers: “Remember the Hare and the Tortoise? Ignore people who set off at a great pace, or who go flying past you. Unless they're experienced distance walkers, you'll pass them later on when they're tired.”
Both events feature checkpoints offering refreshments, first aid and support. All finishers receive a completion certificate and fundraising achievement awards are presented after the event.
Funds raised will support Bay Hospitals Charity to provide additional resources and services beyond standard NHS funding for local hospitals.
A Happy Bus will provide pick-ups from Barrow, Kendal and Lancaster. Participants should arrange their own return transport.
Registration is now open on this link or paste this link into your computer browser: keswick2barrow\.co.uk/user/register
After registering, please email your event ID number to Bay Hospitals Charity at: charity@mbht.nhs.uk to complete the process.
Judith added: “Registration for K2B opens on 5 January, but anyone who wants to walk for Bay Hospitals Charity can email: Charity@mbht.nhs.uk to let us know they would like to walk for our charity.
“We look forward to seeing you on the walk!”