Serpie Trail adventures this summer
The Peak District and back - in a day! We've planned a beautiful 26 mile trail run suitable for marathon runners on 10th August, leaving 8am returning 9pm. Sign-up is open and early train booking is advised to take advantage of cheaper Advance tickets.
On Saturday 10 August, we have a 26 mile social trail run with a difference: it's in the Peak District! This is some 175 miles north of London but we've figured out we can do it in a day trip. The Peak District is truly the Great Outdoors: rocky trails over wild moorland juxtaposed with idyllic green valleys.
The plan is to take an early train from London to Macclesfield. Our route is then a circular from Macclesfield station. We climb steeply out of the town to hit the hills at Tegg's Nose. We then take in many scenic highlights of the area including the Hanging Stone, the Roaches, Lud's Church (it is a natural chasm, not an actual church), Three Shires Head, where rivers meet in the heart of the moors, and the finely shaped peak of Shuttlingsloe. It's based on an event that was organised by the Friends of the Peak District in the spring. Then some social time in Macclesfield while we await the train home.
The distance is 26 miles with around 2000 metres of ascent (serious hills!). We expect the run to take about 7 hours including some breaks and walking up the major hills. Anyone who can run a marathon and is happy with that pace on hilly trail is welcome. We'll have two leaders, Alan and Hisayo, so can split into a fast and slow group if appropriate.
Just to be aware, it's an unsupported run through remote countryside so we need to be self-sufficient. You'll need to run with a rucksack to carry your food, water, a rain jacket and sufficient layers for weather on the day. As you can see our schedule is suitable for slower runners, but you do need to be able to go the distance as we don't have any vehicle support to pick you up if not! Buses once we leave Macclesfield are sparse to non-existent.
Want to come? Please book your own trains as follows for Sat 10 Aug:
- Outward: London Euston to Macclesfield, dep 0800, arr 0941.
- Return: Macclesfield to London Euston, dep 1856, arr 2059.
At time of writing the fares come to £48 on "Advance" tickets. These may sell out quickly so early booking is advised.The walk-up return fare on the day is £87.20.
Please could you also add your name to the event planner (click "Add to My Events" - you need to be logged in) by 1st Aug so we know who's coming and can send final joining instructions.
If you have any queries, please email Alan Hall
Alternatively, if coastal paths are more to your taste, remember that there are a group going to Minehead for the Seaview 17 race, a low key event organised by the Minehead running club. Several Serpies are going down for the weekend (27-28th July) and if you are interested in joining us or for more details contact Catharine Sowerby.
Submitted: 12 June 2019