Holy Pennines - Trail Runs 3rd October 2026

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 October can be cold
• 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 3rd October 2026
Start time: 09:00
Start location: Stanhope Methodist Church, Stanhope, Weardale, County Durham