Thanks to Maggie’s partnership with Open House, participants had plenty of interesting places to take a break on the 20-mile route around London.

Hikers started at Potters Field outside City Hall, against the magnificent backdrop of Tower Bridge before heading along to the London Eye for a special night-time flight.

The next stop en route was the new Channel 4 building, designed by Lord Richard Rogers, before participants dropped into the Royal Geographical Society for snacks and a chance to chill to the sounds of a brilliant string quartet.

The next stop was a highlight for many – Maggie’s London Centre at Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith. The centre, designed by Lord Rogers is shortlisted for the prestigious Stirling Prize, and it was a chance for participants to see exactly where their fundraising money was going.

Bernie Byrne, the centre head at Maggie’s London was ‘overwhelmed’ to see so many people that had received support from the centre in the last 18-months coming back to support Maggie’s in return.

Just along the road from Maggie’s is the stunning Fulham Palace, set back from the busy Fulham Palace Road, it is like stepping from the city streets into the countryside in a few short minutes. Participants lounged on the moonlit lawns and enjoyed oranges and fruit juice in the bar to keep them going.

The next section of the route was possibly the hardest, a 5-mile stretch to Battersea Power Station, but walkers were rewarded with a stunning light show to the soundtrack of Pink Floyd.

Battersea also proved to be a poignant moment for many as walkers had the opportunity to write a message on a bag and place a torch inside, creating a circle of hope and love in the grounds of the power station.

Many walkers were tired at this point but they left Battersea knowing that they were in the home straight and headed for Horse Guards to be greeted by the Major and his men.

With the finish line almost in sight it was time to start celebrating at the Institute of Engineering & Technology with champagne to the sounds of a jazz band.

The finish was across Tower Bridge and back in Potters Field for bacon rolls (or the veggie equivalent) and a well deserved pat on the back.

Tamsin Fraser, Maggie’s Head of Events, said: “Maggie’s fifth annual London Night Hike was the biggest yet and we can’t thank everyone enough for taking part, volunteering, cheering and helping with the organisation. Maggie’s provides information, care and support to people living with cancer, but we can’t do it without the support of so many positive and enthusiastic people. It really was a special night.”

Read about the experiences of one of this year's participants - Emma.

And check out some Night Hike blogging too - Andy says and Maggie's Online.