The Kiltwalk: A unique way to raise money for charity
Every year, thousands of people take part in the Kiltwalk to support causes they care about. By signing up for one of our Kiltwalk charity places and walking for Rock Trust, you’re helping to end youth homelessness in Scotland. In addition, we’ll support you with fundraising ideas, a Team Rock Trust T-shirt and everything you need to make a difference on the day.
Whether you’re joining the Mighty Stride in Glasgow or taking part in the Wee Wander in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, every step you take helps young people avoid crisis, access safe housing and build better futures.
Kiltwalk Edinburgh Charity Places
Walk through Scotland’s capital and help ensure no young person faces homelessness alone.
When is the Kiltwalk Edinburgh?
The Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2026 takes place on 13 September, with registration now open! The Edinburgh event takes in some of the capital’s most famous landmarks, and last year raised a remarkable £1.7m for 800 charities across Scotland.
Edinburgh Kiltwalk Distances and Routes
Participants can usually choose from:
- The Mighty Stride – 21 miles. Leaves from Holyrood Park and loops around Musselburgh before finishing up at Murrayfield Stadium.
- The Big Stroll – 11.2 miles. This route starts in Musselburgh, joining the rest of the route to Scotland’s home of rugby.
- The Wee Wander – 4.6 miles. Perfect for beginners and all the family (dogs allowed!). Starts in Trinity and ends up at Murrayfield Stadium.
Each route brings together thousands of walkers raising money for a cause that is close to their heart, all while taking in the scenic surrounds of Scotland’s capital city.
By walking for Rock Trust, your fundraising directly supports young people who need safe housing and specialist support.
How to Fundraise for Rock Trust at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk
To get started:
- Register for the Edinburgh Kiltwalk through the official event website.
- Select Rock Trust as your chosen charity.
- Set up your fundraising page.
- Receive your Team Rock Trust welcome pack and T-shirt.
Leading up to the big day, our fundraising team can provide you with branded materials, social media shoutouts and guidance to help you feel confident in your fundraising efforts.
Sign up for the Edinburgh Kiltwalk
Register via the official Kiltwalk website and select Rock Trust as your official charity partner.
“Walking the Kiltwalk for Rock Trust was amazing. Their support on the day made it special, and knowing the money helps young people made every mile count.”
Why Walk the Kiltwalk for Rock Trust?
Youth homelessness in Scotland is rising. Young people account for a significant proportion of homelessness applications each year, and many more are hidden from official statistics.
Rock Trust is Scotland’s leading youth homelessness charity. We deliver youth-specific housing and support designed around the unique needs of young people.
By fundraising for us via one of our Kiltwalk charity places, you are helping to fund:
- Emergency advice and practical support.
- Supported accommodation for young people.
- Mental health and wellbeing services.
- Early prevention work in schools and communities.
Every pound raised helps a young person move from surviving to thriving.
Fancy a different challenge?
We also have charity places available for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. Choose your distance, set your fundraising goals and help us end youth homelessness by taking part in this world-famous running event.
Kiltwalk Fundraising Tips and Support
Taking on the Kiltwalk is a brilliant achievement on its own. Reaching your fundraising target and knowing that you’re making a real difference to real people, however, can feel just as rewarding.
How Much Should I Aim to Raise?
Many participants set an initial target and increase it as they gain momentum. Start with a realistic goal and share why you’re walking for Rock Trust. Personal stories about your motivations can help inspire generosity from friends and family!
Easy Fundraising Ideas for the Kiltwalk
- Host a quiz night or bake sale
- Ask colleagues to donate instead of buying coffee for a week
- Share training updates on social media
- Organise a sponsored dress-down day
Small, consistent efforts often raise more than one big push.
How We Support You as a Rock Trust Fundraiser
When you join Team Rock Trust, you’ll receive:
- A fundraising guide
- Branded T-shirt
- Social media shoutouts
- Direct support from our fundraising team
We are incredibly grateful for each and every one of our fundraisers, and we want to let you know that you won’t be doing this alone!
Kiltwalk Frequently Asked Questions
Kiltwalk offers three main distance options: the Mighty Stride (around 20-23 miles), the Big Stroll (about 11-14 miles), and the family-friendly Wee Wander (3-5 miles), with exact mileage varying slightly by city and year.
The various routes provide options for different fitness levels and ages.
Dates are typically announced several months in advance. We update this page and our city event pages as soon as new information is confirmed.
Event organisers ensure there are adequate facilities at ‘pit stops’ along a full Kiltwalk route, roughly every 4.5 miles.
Pit stops are signposted, staffed and well-organised, providing much needed nourishment, hydration, toilet breaks and a well-earned rest!
Taking on 23 miles without proper training can put significant strain on your body and increase the risk of injury – not to mention some nasty blisters! Gradual preparation is key. As a general guide, you should be covering around 15 miles per week before the event, if you’re planning on taking on The Mighty Stride.
Before starting this programme, make sure you’re regularly walking at least 4 miles, three or four times each week, and feeling comfortable doing so.
During registration, simply select Rock Trust from the list of participating charities. Once registered, our team will get in touch to welcome you to Team Rock Trust.
Fundraising targets can vary depending on the event and route. We’ll provide clear guidance once you’ve signed up and help you reach your goal.
Get in touch
If you have any more questions about the Kiltwalk, or any of our other challenge events, get in touch with our fundraising team and we’ll be in touch to answer any of your queries!