It’s pretty clear we love going for walks in the Peak District but sometimes we like to switch it up and go for a run instead. Trail running is a great way to explore the Peak District. It’s perfect for getting around a little faster with slightly different kit and preparation required.
Whether you’re a beginner to trail running or an experienced fell runner, we’ve chosen some of our favourite Peak District running routes to help you hit the trails. We’ve pulled together a mix of distances, from just around 3.5 miles, right up to an epic 20-mile route.
To help you with your planning we’ve also started you off with some tips on what to consider before you set off on your Peak District run.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve done this walk and what you think!
Our Trail running tips
Trail running in the Peak District is a little different to hiking or running on roads. Before we get into the fantastic routes we’ve chosen for you we’ve pulled together some of our top tips for when you hit the trails.
1. Clothing and shoes
- When you’re running you will need fewer layers than when walking, but you’ll still need plenty of light layers. The weather can be very different when you’re high up, so windproof and waterproof layers are essential.
- If for any reason you need to stop and walk or wait to be picked up, you’ll need extra, dry layers to keep you warm. A hat, gloves and buff are a great addition to your pack too.
- Swap your hiking boots or road trainers for a pair of trail trainers. These are designed to give you extra grip and traction on looser, muddier and slippier surfaces.
2. Food and Drink
- You might want to avoid your full-packed lunch for trail running! But it’s still important to take snacks. It can be hard to eat and drink while you’re running and you might not feel yourself sweating if the weather is cooler.
- It’s a good idea to slow down or walk every so often to make sure you’re snacking and sipping to keep your energy levels up and not wait until you’re out of fuel.
3. Maps and routes
- Although it might be tempting to shed some weight and leave the paper map behind we always recommend you pop it in your running pack.
- Don’t forget to tell someone what route you are taking and what sort of time you expect to finish.
- All our routes have a GPX file for you to download, so you can add it to your phone or other navigational device too. This can help if you don’t want to get the map out each time you need to check your route. More information on Ordnance Survey maps below.
4. Other kit
- There are a couple of other kit essentials we like to take on our Peak District runs. Make sure you have a small first aid kit in your running pack, including a foil blanket.
- Take a whistle (some running packs come with one attached) in case you need to attract attention.
- Those hills (going up and down) can be hard on your legs! It can be a good idea to take a pair of running poles to help you on the ascents and descents. These are similar to hiking poles but tend to be lighter.
5. Stop and enjoy the view
- Don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery just because you’re running!
- One of the best-kept secrets about trail running is that you’re expected to walk the uphills (and any other bits you want to) and pause to soak in the views.
10 Best Trail Running Routes in the Peak District
Now we’ve given you our top tips on preparing for your Peak District trail run let’s get into the routes! Below we’ve listed 11 great runs in order from shortest distance to the longest. We’ve summarised each run, with an expected running time and added the total ascent, to give you an idea of how tough it might be.
Take a read of the short run descriptions below, pick the right one for you and click through to get the full instructions, including the map and GPX file. Happy running!
Thor’s Cave from Wetton
Distance: 3.5 miles/5.5 km
Run time: 45 mins to 1 hour
Total ascent: 225 m/738 ft
Thor’s Cave is an iconic Peak District route. This short run begins from nearby Wetton and takes you down to the Manifold Valley via Beeston Tor. Although short, it’s not a flat route and the terrain is tricky in places, mainly due to mud! But, with Thor’s Cave to explore and some fantastic views of the Manifold Valley, you’ll have plenty of excuses to stop and get your breath back.
This is a proper little adventure run and it’s perfect for an intro to trail running or just a good route for when you’re short on time.
Run route + map here
Damflask Reservoir from Low Bradfield
Distance: 3.9 miles/6.2 km
Run time: Less than 1 hour
Total ascent: 37 m/121 ft
Looking for a flatter route to get you started on your trail running, while still enjoying some lovely Peak District sights? This 4-mile route around Damflask Reservoir should suit you perfectly.
Starting in the small village of Low Bradfield, the run takes you alongside Damflask Reservoir for an easy circular route up to the top and around so you complete a full loop. This is a mostly flat route with just a few small inclines and declines.
Run route + map here
Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill from Earl Sterndale
Distance: 4.6 miles/7.4 km
Run time: 1-2 hours
Total ascent: 466 m/1,528 ft
This is a must-do Peak District running route taking you up to the summit of Parkhouse Hill first, dropping downhill, then back uphill again to Chrome Hill summit, with great views from both summits. This will be a good test for those trail running legs – don’t forget, it’s fine to walk the tough bits!
Once you head down from Chrome Hill the route loops around, along Dowel Dale, with views of Chrome Hill from a distance then back to the base of Parkhouse Hill where you head back to Earl Sterndale.
Run route + map here
Rushup Edge and Mam Tor
Distance: 6 miles/10.4 km
Run time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Total ascent: 447 m/1,466 ft
On this run, you get to experience the Peak District from up high, and on a clear day, it means you have the best views of the Hope Valley. Starting from Barber Booth, you have a great warm-up ascent to Rushup Edge, before a lovely, flowing run along it.
A steady incline takes you to the Mam Tor summit, then another run along to Hollins Cross, finally descending back round and down to the start point at Barber Booth. Barber Booth is a nice quiet place to start this run but you might be dodging the crowds once you’re up on the Mam Tor ridge, especially on a sunny day!
Run route + map here
Dovedale Run, inc. Thorpe Cloud and Bunster Hill
Distance: 6.5 miles/10.4 km
Run time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Total ascent: 611 m/2,004 ft
This route takes you through the popular (and often busy) area of Dovedale, before you ascend to another path and run above the valley, with some great views back down to it.
Once you’re above Dovedale you run along to Bunster Hill before returning to see Thorpe Cloud. You complete the run with a tough climb to the top of Thorpe Cloud and views of the valley before heading back down. Despite some of the run being along Dovedale, there’s a good amount of ascent in this run which is a touch over 10km long.
Run route + map here
Magpie Mine (+ Monsal Dale) from Ashford-in-the-Water
Distance: 7.8 miles/12.6 km
Run time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Total ascent: 445 m/1,459 ft
This 8-mile run route takes you exploring the historic Magpie Mine, followed by a beautiful circular route along the Derbyshire Dales, Deep Dale and Monsal Dale.
Starting in Ashford-in-the-Water, you cross the River Wye and head up to explore Magpie Mine. From here, you then descend to the quiet valley of Deep Dale before continuing to Monsal Dale, back alongside the River Wye. You then run towards Monsal Viaduct, up to join the Monsal Trail and through the Headstone Tunnel, before heading across fields and back to the start.
Run route + map here
Robin Hood’s Stride + Stanton Moor from Winster
Distance: 9.1 miles/14.6 km
Run time: 1.5-3 hours
Total ascent: 423 m/1389 ft
Fancy a slightly longer route without adding in too much ascent? This is a great 9-mile trail run from one of the quieter Peak District villages, Winster. The circular route takes in many historic points of interest, including stone circles, caves, and some lovely villages and waterways. There are some good ups and downs but nothing too steep.
And you know what all those points of interest mean? Lots of chances to stop and catch your breath!
Run route + map here
Six Edges from Birchen Edge
Distance: 10.5 miles/16.9 km
Run time: 2-3 hours
Total ascent: 483 m/1,586 ft
This run starts with a steep ascent up onto Birchen Edge but once you’re up not only are you rewarded with fabulous views, but you’ve also got lots of lovely flowing running ahead of you as you explore the edges. A great test for your trail running leg
There is a boggy section as you come off Birchen Edge but much of the trail is delightfully runnable! This route is extra special if you run it at sunrise on a clear day. s!
Run route + map here
Stanage Edge, Derwent Edge and Ladybower Reservoir from Bamford
Distance: 14 miles/21.9 km
Run time: 2.5-4 hours
Total ascent: 712 m/2,335 ft
Want to push your trail running to the next level and go above half-marathon distance? This 14-mile route has plenty of attractions to distract you from the ascent and the views along the way are a great reward too. You’ll get to run along Stanage Edge and Derwent Edge, both great trail running sections!
Another great advantage of this run is you can use public transport to get to the start at Bamford Station. Enjoy a true Peak District trail running challenge!
Run route + map here
The Edale Skyline
Distance: 20 miles/32 km
Run time: 4-7 hours
Total ascent: 1,252 m/4,107 ft
Are you ready for a true test of your trail running ability? The Edale Skyline is the ultimate long-distance route in the Peak District. This 20-mile route is run each year as a fell/trail running race, but you can take it on at any time of the year – if your legs are ready!
The route takes you along the ridges and hills surrounding the Hope Valley high above Edale village. Take your time, pack lots of snacks and enjoy the rewards of completing this tough run!
Run route + map here
Do you have any more questions about trail running in the Peak District? Ask me in the comments below.
Ordnance Survey Walk Maps
For these trail runs, two maps cover them. You can buy a paper map at outdoor shops or shop online at Amazon OL1 map/ OL24 map or from Ordnance Survey
And don’t forget your compass, I recommend the Silva Expedition or the Silva Classic compass.
For online maps, I recommend the OS Online App (I have been using it for many years and it is worth getting if you want to start walking more). Check prices here for the one-month or annual option with the OS Online App. All the walks on the website are created using OS Online + you can download them to the App.
Check prices here for the one month or yearly option with OS Online App.
Or check out all our Peak District routes here
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Need more help planning your Peak District trip?
Join our Peak District walks Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and Twitter for inspiration.
More information on the Peak District, including transport options, where to stay, best Peak District pubs + other useful resources.
Check out the 7 YHAs in the Peak District and find the best walks direct from your accommodation.
Find out what maps you will need for your trip here.
Top tips - Read our useful guides on hiking tips here.
Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here).
Visit our hiking recommendations page, (footwear, clothes + kit).
Or get in touch and I will help as best I can :).
Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. We always recommend you wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and to take a paper map and compass on your walks. Read more here.
