Celebrate national Mental Health Awareness week and the launch of  The Big BaNES 100k challenge on Friday May 17th with a 5km walk starting at Bath College and finishing at Parade Gardens in Central Bath.

Join students and staff from the college and our partner charities and enjoy the shared experience of walking around Bath's beautiful and historic landscape.

The Big BaNES 100k – do it your way! 

Walk, run, cycle, swim, skate, kayak or do it your way – it's your choice!  Join our 100k challenge to raise much-needed funds for two local charities, Mentoring Plus and Off the Record Bath & North East Somerset supporting young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. Why not enter a team with family and friends, work colleagues, at your school, college or community group.

This is a flexible, inclusive charity challenge inspired by the The Bath 5k Map project, promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing by being active in nature. If you love walking, why not walk the 100k by completing the first 20 routes on the Bath 5K Map. Cyclists however might want to go for it with a one day, 100k group ride.

>> Find out more and sign up

We want to hear from you about how you or your group are supporting these great local charities and completing your 100km. Tag us on social media with your photos. There will be a prize for the most creative way you or your group can complete 100km but remember, keep it safe and legal!

The Walk

Our campaign launch walk in partnership with Bathscape and Bath College, is focused on young people and raising awareness of mental health and will be led by Annie Legge from the Bath 5k Map, and Lucy Bartlett from Bathscape.

We will start our walk outside Bath College, walking up to Alexandra Park and take in the magnificent views over the city at the summit of the tranquil 11-acre Alexandra Park. Returning back towards the city via Lyncombe Vale and finishing at Parade Gardens, ready for Party in the City!

What to bring and be aware of!

• Be prepared! As is the nature of living in Bath, there is quite a steep climb and steps initially up to Alexandra Park, so please bring appropriate footwear- comfy shoes, and of course prepare for rain!  
• Please bring refreshments - particularly water 
• We don't need to travel particularly fast, so don't worry about fitness levels or speed - the walk will take us on average 1hr 30 mins at a steady pace. We will leave by 430pm sharp, and aim to complete the walk by 6pm.
• Please ensure any children (under 18s) or vulnerable adults are accompanied and accounted for throughout the walk
• Maps will be available for sale on the day, with FREE STICKER PACK with every purchase.
• Dogs are only allowed if kept on the lead please at all times -  just in case they may be disruptive with other dogs, or if we have members walking that are a bit more wary of dogs!

Starting point

We will meet from 4pm hrs ready to depart at 430pm from the front of Bath College in Avon Street, Bath