Stanhope.
July 31.

Trail Runs · Holy Pennines, Stanhope

Run the high dales of the North Pennines. From Stanhope the route climbs out of the Wear valley onto open fell before dropping back through woodland and riverside path. Proper upland trail running in one of England's wildest designated landscapes.

Choose Your Distance

Short Route: approx. 5 km

A single loop starting and finishing at Stanhope Methodist Church. The route follows the River Wear out of the village before climbing onto the lower fell and returning via old field tracks and woodland path. Technical in places, with rough moorland underfoot and a steady climb through the middle third. The overall elevation gain is manageable for a runner who trains regularly. Trail shoes are required; road shoes are not suitable.

_{the 5km route.}

Long Route: approx. 10 km

The long route completes the short loop before continuing higher onto the open moor and dropping back through a second valley. The additional section introduces sustained fell climbing, exposed moorland track and a longer descent on rough ground. Cumulatively this is a demanding run. Runners should be comfortable with back-to-back climbs and variable underfoot conditions. Mandatory kit applies to the long route. See below.

_{the 10km route.}

Surface and Terrain

• Open moorland and fell track
• Riverside path along the Wear (can be wet after rain)
• Woodland singletrack with roots and stone
• Old drove roads and field-edge track
• Exposed tops, weather can change quickly
• No significant road running

Mandatory Kit: Long Route

• Windproof or waterproof jacket packable into a vest or pack
• Minimum 500 ml water carry
• Mobile phone with emergency contact number saved
• Small first aid supply (blister kit minimum)

Kit may be checked at registration. Runners without mandatory kit will not be permitted to start the long route.

What Is Included

• Marked route on the day
• Water station(s) on the long route
• Start and finish at Stanhope Methodist Church
• Post-run food and drink at the venue

What to Bring

• Trail shoes (mandatory, road shoes are not appropriate for either route)
• Running vest or pack recommended for the long route
• Weather-appropriate layers, the tops are exposed and the weather can change quickly
• Any nutrition you rely on for your distance

The Venue

Stanhope Methodist Church, in the heart of Stanhope in Weardale. Registration and the event hub open from early morning with hot drinks available before the start. Parking available in the village.

Date: Saturday 31st July 2027
Start time: 09:00
Start location: Stanhope Methodist Church, Stanhope, Weardale, County Durham

Gravel Rides · Holy Pennines, Stanhope

Ride the high moorland gravel of the North Pennines. From Stanhope the route heads up onto the forest tracks and old mineral lines above Weardale, big open country with real gradient and views that earn themselves. This is upland gravel at its best.

Choose Your Distance

Short Route: approx. 50 km

A single loop taking in the forestry tracks and moorland roads above the dale. Manageable for confident cyclists stepping into gravel, and satisfying for experienced riders wanting a quicker day out. Expect a mix of compacted forest gravel, short technical sections and one long sustained climb out of the valley. Cumulative elevation is significant for the distance. Suitable for a gravel or hybrid bike with tyres 35 mm or wider.

_{the 50km route.}

Long Route: approx. 100 km

The full day out, and a serious one. The long route pushes deeper into the North Pennines, linking high moorland byways, forestry gravel and old lead-mining tracks before the long return to Stanhope. You will encounter loose gravel descents, exposed high ground and sustained climbing throughout. This is a route that rewards pacing and respect for the weather. A gravel bike with tyres 38 mm or wider is strongly recommended. Much of the route is exposed.

_{the 100km route.}

Surface and Terrain

• Compacted forest and moorland gravel (majority of both routes)
• Old mineral and lead-mining tracks
• Open moorland byway with potential for mud after rain
• Exposed high ground, weather can change quickly

What Is Included

• GPX file sent ahead of the event
• Marked route on the day
• Feed station(s) on the long route
• Start and finish at Stanhope Methodist Church
• Post-ride food and drink at the venue

What to Bring

• Gravel or hybrid bike in good mechanical order
• Helmet (mandatory)
• Spare tube and basic tools, there is no mechanical support on course
• Weather-appropriate layers, the tops are exposed and the weather can change quickly
• Water for the first section before the feed station

The Venue

Stanhope Methodist Church sits in the centre of Stanhope, the gateway to upper Weardale and the North Pennines. Parking available in the village. The event hub will be open from early morning with hot drinks and food.

Date: Saturday 31st July 2027
Start time: 08:00
Start location: Stanhope Methodist Church, Stanhope, Weardale, County Durham