Big Nacoa Walk is back! 2nd May 2026
The Big Nacoa Walk is back for 2026!
This year’s walk will take participants along the Ullswater Challenge — the full 21-mile circuit around Ullswater with approximately 650 metres of ascent.
Raising funds in aid of children affected by a parent’s drinking. The cause so close to our hearts.
What is The Ullswater Challenge?
Walk around England’s most beautiful lake in a day!
34 km (21 miles) – 650 metres of ascent – 10 hours
50 places are available for this year’s one day walk on the 2nd May 2026. Sign up quickly to catch the spaces.
The walk was stunning and the atmosphere was amazing and supportive. I’ve never been so moved by a fundraising event in my whole life!
Cassie
How to sign up
BIg Nacoa Walk 2026 will go on sale midday, Wednesday 3rd December 2026! Act fast, as places tend to fly.
- Non-refundable payment (payable to Nacoa), per person:
- Regular price: £32.50
- Nacoa Members: £27.50
- Aim to raise £250 in donations
Scroll to bottom of page to find out how to become a member.
What happens after I pay?
After you make the donation, you will be contacted by a member of Nacoa to welcome you and send your information pack, including a t-shirt!
You will be invited to the private WhatsApp group. A great space to share the fun of training and prep (and ask any questions about foot balm!).
The Big Nacoa Walk
This year, the Big Nacoa Walk route is being planned by friends at Team Walking, who will provide their expert guided experience on the day.
guide you around this wonderful route (whilst sharing his knowledge of the area), so that you can forget about navigation and enjoy the fantastic views and wonderful landscapes instead.
Discover for yourself the breathtaking scenery and fascinating history of this area, with a group of like-minded walkers.
7:45am: Meet at Pooley Bridge
8am – 6:30pm: Guided walk around the Ullswater Challenge (21 miles)
6:30pm: Debrief back at Pooley Bridge, then either head home or celebrate with friends
Tap here more info about a similar Team Walking route for what to expect.
Fundraising
In 2025 the Big Nacoa Walk raised £18,000! An incredible feat.
We ask each Big Nacoa Walk participant to aim to raise around £250. This target helps support Nacoa’s vital work for children and families affected by parental alcohol problems.
Nacoa will set up a team fundraising page for everyone taking part, making it easy to join in, track progress, and fundraise together with support along the way.
Accommodation
Booking accommodation is easy. Much of the walking party will stay at the beautiful YHA Helvellyn between 2nd to 4th of May. However, there is plenty of accommodation to choose from in the area, including lovely AirBnB or Holiday Cottages options.
You might also prefer to make your own way there and back on the day. Whatever works for you!
Contact us
If you would like to speak to somebody beforehand to get a feel for the event, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
How do I become a Nacoa Member?
Membership costs just £30 per annum or £3 a month.
You get
- A Nacoa t-shirt
- Regular Members Socials with themed talks and a chance to share and find out more
- A voice in Nacoa – get a vote at the Annual General Meeting and possibility to become a Trustee
- Invitations to events: including the annual Stafford Ward Memorial Lecture at the House of Commons and our Awards Evenings
- Regular newsletters and updates
- Discounts on Nacoa events
To become a member to acquire discount on the Big Nacoa Walk — just sign up as a Member, then come back to this page and pay the event fee selecting Member’s rate.
Become a Member here.
Contact us with any queries.
