Cornwall Air Ambulance Launches New Heli Hike Challenge for 2026

A brand new walking challenge is being launched for 2026 by Cornwall Air Ambulance, giving people the chance to explore the coastline around Bude while raising money for the lifesaving charity.

The Heli Hike, taking place on Saturday 25th April 2026, will be the first event of its kind for Cornwall Air Ambulance and forms part of a wider programme of UK and overseas challenges announced for the new year.

A new charity challenge in Bude

The Heli Hike will see participants walking through Bude’s landscape, with two route options available. The longer route is a 12-mile circular walk starting and ending at The Castle Bude, The Wharf Centre, EX23 8LG. This distance represents the charity’s average flight time of 12 minutes to incidents.

A shorter 3.5-mile route runs from Widemouth Bay Beach to Bude Castle, making the event accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities.

Both routes include a mix of the South West Coast Path, farm fields and canal-side tarmac, with uneven ground and varying levels of steepness in places. The event is family friendly and participants are also welcome to bring their dogs along.

Why fundraising matters

Cornwall Air Ambulance is tasked to over 1,000 missions each year, providing critical care across the region. The charity relies entirely on donations to remain operational.

While entry fees help cover the cost of running the event, organisers say it is the fundraising that makes the biggest difference. As outlined in the release, £100 could help buy a box of five sets of tubing for a ventilator, supporting patients who have been anaesthetised and need help to breathe.

What participants can expect

Everyone who registers will receive a Heli Hike t-shirt and an eco-friendly medal upon completion. A fundraising pack will also be sent out ahead of the event, containing full details for the day.

Food at the finish line will be provided by Rapid Relief Team, and a live DJ will be on hand so walkers can relax and spend time together after completing their challenge.

How to take part

Places for the Heli Hike are now open to book. More information about this and other challenges can be found on the Cornwall Air Ambulance event challenge page.

Those ready to sign up can book their place here and help keep Cornwall Air Ambulance flying high.