Tanfield After Dark – Night Trail Run, 7th November 2026

Night Trail Run · Tanfield After Dark, Tanfield Railway

Run the valley that powered the industrial north, this time after dark. Tanfield's trail network follows the original railway earthworks into mixed woodland, open field edges and the wooded gorge of the Causey Burn. The same proper trail running terrain, completely transformed once the sun drops. Head torches on, beams cutting through the trees, the heritage railway lit against the night.

Choose Your Distance

Short Route: approx. 5 km

A single loop starting and finishing at East Tanfield Station. The route drops into the Causey Burn valley, follows the streamside path through the woodland and climbs back out via the original railway embankment. Technical underfoot in the valley sections, and more so in the dark. Expect tree roots, stone and narrow path picked out by your head torch. The overall elevation gain is manageable for a runner who trains regularly. Trail shoes are required; road shoes are not suitable.

Long Route: approx. 10 km

The long route completes the short loop before continuing north along the ridge and dropping back through a second valley system. The additional section introduces open bridleway running, a second significant descent and a longer sustained climb. In darkness this is a demanding run. Runners should be comfortable with back-to-back climbs, variable underfoot conditions and navigating by head torch. Mandatory kit applies to both routes after dark. See below.

Surface and Terrain

• Woodland singletrack with roots and stones
• Streamside path (can be wet after rain)
• Open bridleway and field-edge track
• Railway embankment path, firm and wide
• No significant road running
• Course marked with reflective markers and marshalled with lights

Mandatory Kit: All Runners

• Head torch, fitted and working, bright enough for technical trail
• Backup light or spare batteries
• 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)
• Something reflective or hi-vis recommended

Kit may be checked at registration. Runners without a working head torch and backup light will not be permitted to start.

What Is Included

• Marked and reflective-lit route on the day
• Water station(s) on the long route
• Marshals with lights at key points
• Start and finish at East Tanfield Station, Tanfield Railway
• Hot food and drink at the venue after your run

What to Bring

• Head torch and backup light (both mandatory)
• Trail shoes (mandatory, road shoes are not appropriate for either route)
• Running vest or pack recommended for carrying mandatory kit
• Warm layers for the start and finish, nights can be cold in November
• Any nutrition you rely on for your distance

The Venue

East Tanfield Station, Tanfield Railway. Parking on site. Registration and the event hub will be open in the evening before the start, with hot drinks available. The heritage railway makes for a genuinely atmospheric setting after dark.

Date: Saturday 7th November 2026
Start time: 8:00 PM (20:00)
Start location: Tanfield Railway, East Tanfield Station, DH9 9UY