YOUR WALK GUIDE
WELCOME TO THE PALACE TO PALACE TEAM
Thank you so much for signing up and being part of #TeamKingsTrust by taking on The Palace Walk.
Welcome to your digital walk guide. Please do read through all the information here to get a good understanding of what to expect on the day.
BE PREPARED
What do I need to bring?
Remember to bring these essential items with you on the day:
- Bib number (attached to the front of your t-shirt). Your timing chip is in your bib number.
- Official Palace Walk t-shirt (if you opted in for one during registration).
- Full water bottle or Camelback.
- Download the free app what3words to use if you need help on event day. This will enable our safety team to locate you on the route, and is also used by the emergency services in the UK.
Packs containing your bib number and Palace Walk top will be posted to the address you registered with. If you do not receive your pack by Friday 25 September, please email palace@kingstrust.org.uk.
We also recommend bringing the following with you:
- Snacks such as flapjack, energy bars/gels
- Money – cash and card
- Charged mobile phone
- Lightweight waterproof jacket (just in case)
- Spare socks
- Sunscreen (just in case)
- Small first aid kit
- Any medication you need
With all that sorted ahead of time, you’re all set for a smooth start – now here are your top tips for the morning of the event:
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The Palace Walk will start at 8:30am, with walkers being set off in waves every few minutes.
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Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to the start time.
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There's no registration process on the day, so head straight to the start at Battersea Park which will be clearly sign posted.
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Make sure you attach your bib number to the front of your top (don't forget your safety pins) and you MUST complete the emergency contact details on the back of your bib number.
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If you need to collect a replacement bib number on the day, please go to the information point.
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Toilets are available at the start and finish line and at the waterstop. Our marshals will be able to direct you.
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Download the free app what3words to use if you need help on event day. This will enable our safety team to locate you on the route, and is also used by the emergency services in the UK.
GETTING TO/ FROM THE PALACE WALK
This year, The Palace Walk starts and finishes at Battersea Park (what3words ///scope.camps.sweat). Being in central London, there are lots of public transport options which we have detailed below. We recommend planning in advance.
Underground: Battersea Power Station is the closest tube station to the finish and is around a 20min walk from the Finish Festival site. Sloane Square Station is a 30min walk.
Overground: The closest overground stations to the finish are Battersea Park Station (15min walk), Queenstown Road (20min walk) and Clapham Junction (30min walk).
Major overground train stations Victoria and Clapham Junction are short bus rides away.
Bus: There are numerous London buses running from outside the park.
Parking: There is no designated event parking. There are three car parks located close to Battersea that guests may find convenient:
- Battersea Park – Chelsea Gate car park.
- Battersea Park – Rosery Gate car park.
- Chelsea Bridge Wharf car park (main website can be found here).
Have you got friends & family coming along to support you at the Finish Festival? As a thank you for taking part, one of our event partners, Santander UK are offering your friends and family a free Santander Cycles Day Pass for use on Sunday 4 October between 00.01-23.59. Discount code: PALACEFRIENDS2026
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A Santander Cycles Day Pass provides unlimited 60 minute hires for 24 hours from the first bike hire.
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Code can be redeemed from either the Santander Cycles App, or at any docking station.
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E-bikes can only be hired via the mobile app and incur an additional £1 per journey, plus £3 for each extra 60 minutes.
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Extra ride charges apply should any journey last longer than 60 minutes. Find out more: What you pay - Transport for London.
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Code can be used once and cannot be redeemed by customers with an existing Santander Cycles subscription or pending access period.
Event day information
Route Signage
The Palace Walk is fully signed and marshalled. You'll be briefed on the start line and shown a sign so you know what to follow.
The Palace Walk is not a race, however, all walkers will have a timing chip in their bib number, and everyone will be given a finish time. This allows us to track your progress and ensure everyone is accounted for and safe. Your timing chip is within your bib number, please arrive at the start with this attached to the front of your t-shirt with the number facing forward.
Event timings
From 7:45am Walkers arrive to the start line
8:30am - 9:00am Walkers set off from Battersea Park
1:00pm All walkers must have left the waterstop (approx. half way)
4:15pm All walkers to have finished
6:00pm Battersea Park Finish Festival closes
Walk Support
An emergency number will be on the front of your participant number which will be sent to you in your race pack. Medical support will be available at the waterstop.
In the event of a medical emergency, please call 999 first and then notify us once the emergency services are on their way. Please stay with any casualties until the emergency services arrive.
THE ROUTE
Here is the route map for The Palace Walk, highlighting some of the key attractions you'll pass. You can also take a look at this in more detail in the link below. The route will be fully signposted on the day. Please note that the routes are subject to last minute changes.
BE SAFE
Look after yourself
- You must wear your official bib number on the day, and it must be visible at all times.
- Wear conspicuous clothing that is appropriate for walking.
- All participants must be aged 14 or over on the date of the event. Any participant under 18 must take part with a parent or guardian over the age of 18.
- Any walker with a medical condition, or who is unsure of their physical ability to take part are advised to seek medical advice from a general practitioner prior to the event.
- Whatever the weather conditions, your body needs fluids whilst walking. Loss of fluid, especially from sweating will reduce your blood volume and mean that your heart will have to work harder. Therefore, replacing this fluid loss is essential to you completing the course. Stay hydrated by arriving with a full bottle/Camelback and topping up at the water stops on route.
- Walking will increase your energy needs, so aim to eat little and often. Bring snacks with you so you have something to keep your energy levels up along the route.
- Alcohol and walking are not a good mix, and we strongly recommend you do not indulge along the route.
- Please don’t use headphones, you need to be able to listen to what is going on around you.
- You must adhere to The Highway Code at all times (The Highway Code - Guidance - GOV.UK).
The course has been carefully chosen by Massive, our event delivery partner, to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. However, you are advised to adhere to road safety guidelines, and should you wish to do so, it is for you to take out personal accident insurance cover and material loss/damage cover in respect of your personal property and any loss or damage you may cause to a third party. By signing up to The Palace Walk you have agreed to our terms and conditions, which were available to view when you signed up. If you would like to see our terms and conditions, please email palace@kingstrust.org.uk.
CELEBRATE AT OUR NEW FINISH FESTIVAL SITE IN BATTERSEA PARK
You made it...
Hear the cheers, feel the buzz, and soak up the moment as you cross the finish line in Battersea Park and receive your well-deserved medal – you’ve earned every second of this triumph!
Celebrate in style at our vibrant festival finish, and don’t forget – the more the merrier! Invite your friends and family to join you as you revel in your incredible achievement together.
If you are taking part in a large team and have access to our partner village or own company marquee, please head to the large marquees to the far end of the festival site - your team celebration awaits!
Time to soak it all up!
This is your finish line to celebrate your incredible achievement - so, kick back, relax, and enjoy every second of the festival vibes! You can refuel with tasty food and drinks from street vendors, dance along to live music, let the kids run wild with family-friendly entertainment, and if your legs are feeling sore - treat yourself to a blissful massage from our Supporting Partners, Elemis.
You’ve done something amazing and helped transform young lives – now go celebrate like the legend you are!
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
Thank you for signing up for The Palace Walk 2026 to take on an awesome challenge and help end youth unemployment and transform young lives.
We cannot wait to see you on the start line at our new location - Battersea Park on Sunday 4 October for an incredible day!
Have a look through some of the fantastic moments from our 2025 event, taken by our amazing photographers, Matt Grayson and Paul Upward and get excited for the big day.
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Thank you to our Headline Partner, Sky for supporting this year's event.
Sky and The King's Trust are now in their second year of partnership, working together to help young people build the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to fulfil their potential. Together, we're aiming to support more than 3,000 young people into life changing careers. As part of this commitment, Sky is proud to be returning as headline sponsor of Palace to Palace for a second year. For 2026, they have more than 400 Sky colleagues and customers taking part, helping raise vital funds for young people across the UK.
Alongside Palace to Palace, Sky support initiatives such as Million Makers and Change a Girl's Life, helping more young people overcome barriers to employment, education and opportunity. Through programmes including Get Started with News and Sport, more than 500 young people have gained industry insight, skills, mentoring and work experience opportunities. Sky are proud of these shared achievements so far, and are excited for the impact they can continue to make with The King's Trust in the years ahead.
Santander
Santander is proud to partner with The King’s Trust to help young people build skills, grow in confidence, and unlock their potential. With shared values and a commitment to social mobility, this collaboration extends our outreach and impact.
As official bike mechanic sponsor for Palace to Palace, they're celebrating a long-standing partnership with Transport for London through Santander Cycles – London’s public bike hire scheme. This initiative not only supports fundraising for The King’s Trust but also promotes cycling, sustainability, and colleague wellbeing.
Watches of Switzerland Group
Watches of Switzerland Group are proud to support The King's Trust, helping young people build brighter futures. Through The Watches of Switzerland Group Foundation, they have partnered with The Trust for 13 years, positively impacting more than 11,000 lives.
Taking part in Palace to Palace for the fifth year running, colleagues from across The Group are coming together to fundraise and make a difference.
Supporting those in need in our communities is one of The Group’s core values, and this event allows them to continue to support young people across the UK.
ELEMIS
As long-standing Patrons of The King's Trust, ELEMIS is proud to help strengthen pathways into the beauty and wellness industry through work placements, mentoring, skills-based workshops, volunteering and fundraising.
This year, members of the ELEMIS team will once again take on Palace to Palace, raising funds to help The King's Trust continue its life-changing work with young people across the UK.
After crossing the finish line, riders and walkers can enjoy an ELEMIS massage* – the perfect way to relax, recover and celebrate an incredible achievement. *subject to availability
