Saturday, 29 August 2026
Charity Night Hike
Join us for a special evening hike from Banchory to Scolty Tower, raising funds for three important charities. This 7.4km route with 235m of climbing follows forest tracks and trails to one of Royal Deeside’s most iconic viewpoints. Enjoy sunset views at the summit before heading back to the festival village.
Walk For A Cause
The Charity Night Hike is a relaxed but rewarding evening adventure through the forests above Banchory. The 7.4km route climbs steadily to Scolty Tower, where walkers can enjoy sunset views across Royal Deeside. Refreshments and snacks will be waiting at the summit before the return walk back to the Event Village, where live music, street food and festival atmosphere await.
All profits from the Charity Night Hike event will be shared between Prostate Cancer UK, Breast Cancer UK and Banchory Outdoor and Active.
Join The Charity Hike
Walk to Scolty Tower, enjoy sunset views and help raise funds for three incredible charities. Finish back at the explorr Festival Village and celebrate your achievement with the community.
Course & Terrain
Climb To Scolty Tower
The Charity Night Hike follows a 7.4km route with 235m of climbing from Banchory to the summit of Scolty Hill. Walkers will follow forest trails and gravel tracks through woodland before reaching Scolty Tower, one of Royal Deeside’s best viewpoints. Enjoy sunset views at the top before returning along the same scenic route to the Event Village.
Event information
Everything you need to know before joining the Charity Night Hike.
The Charity Night Hike will begin at 18:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026 from the Event Village in Banchory.
All walkers must carry a torch or headlamp as sections of the walk will take place after sunset.
Please also wear suitable sturdy footwear appropriate for forest tracks and trails.
All participants who complete the Charity Night Hike will receive a unique explorr finisher medal to celebrate their achievement and support for our partner charities.
The route will be clearly signposted, with marshals positioned along the course to help guide walkers safely to and from Scolty Tower.
Make your evening simpler with our bag drop service.
Leave your bag with the event team before the start and collect it when you return to the Event Village. Whether it’s a change of clothes, extra layers or personal items, your bag will be ready and waiting when you finish.
All walkers will receive a bib number, which must be worn during the event. This helps event staff monitor progress along the route and ensures we can keep everyone safe.
The activation at Scolty Tower will close at 20:45.
Walkers can continue the route afterwards, however you must return to the finish by 22:00 in order to receive your finisher medal.
Participants aged 16 and over may take part unaccompanied.
Children aged 5–15 years are welcome but must be accompanied and supported by an adult throughout the walk.
Your safety is our priority.
A dedicated Event Control team will monitor the event and coordinate medical or emergency assistance if required. Medical support and marshals will be positioned along the route and at the finish area to ensure walkers receive help if needed.