Where We Run

Running from Hayfield means there is a wide choice of possible routes available depending on the conditions. The map below shows the majority of our training area. You can download a copy as a PDF here: Annotated Map
Our training information and training guidelines pages have more details of what to expect if you come along on a Thursday. Click on the links below to see a selection of example routes as these will give you an idea of the type of running that we do. We have included a map and a description of each of these routes which can be accessed using the links below. It is important to understand where a group is planning to go before you join them on a Thursday night so you can be sure you have suitable kit and experience for the route involved.

Click below for more information on:

Low Level Routes: ▾

Often used on a Thursday night by groups looking for a relatively short run if conditions are such that they don't want to do anything higher or longer.

Back of the Res
The route round the back of the reservoir is approximately 10km (6.25 miles) with 420m climb. The highest point on the route is 450m.
Map and route description: Back of Res PDF
GPX file: Back of Res gpx

Lantern Pike & Carr Meadow
Going out over Lantern Pike and back by Carr Meadow is 11km (6.9 miles) with 390m climb. The highest point on the route is only 373m, so it is often used as a bad weather option.
Map and route description: Lantern Pike PDF
GPX file: Lantern Pike gpx

Bigstone
The route over Bigstone is 10km (6.25 miles) with 350m climb. The highest point on the route is 450m so it's another good option when looking for a comparatively short run, if conditions are such that you don't want to do anything higher or longer.
There are options to extend the run by going up the Pennine bridleway and back over South Head & Mount Famine to re-join the route as it returns along the Dragon's Back. This increases the distance to 12.8km (8 miles) and around 490m climb, with the highest point on the route now 494m.
Map and route description: Bigstone PDF
GPX file: Bigstone gpx

Mid Level Routes: ▾

Typically, these routes will go up towards the edge of Kinder but generally descend rapidly from their highest point, rather than staying up high for any length of time.

Lantern Pike, Mill Hill & Leygatehead Moor
Going out over Lantern Pike, up to Mill Hill and back by Leygatehead Moor is around 14km (8.75 miles) with 500m climb. The top of Mill Hill is at 544m.
The route down Leygatehead is on a small trod, which is quite indistinct at the start, so, if in doubt, you may prefer to descend the main path down William Clough.
Map and route description: Mill Hill PDF
GPX file: Mill Hill gpx

Famine, South Head & Edale Cross
This route goes out along the Dragon's Back, over Famine & South Head, drops down the small trod to the Sett Crossing and up to Edale Cross, before coming back through the fields. It's around 12km (7.5 miles) with 540m climb and a high point of 541m, although the route does not stay this high for long.
The run can be easily extended from Edale Cross to include Kinder Low Trig making the route 13km (8.1 miles) with 620m climb and giving a high point of 633m.
Map and route description: Sett Crossing PDF
GPX file: Sett Crossing gpx

High Level Routes: ▾

May involve some off-path running either across or around parts of the Kinder plateau. They can be taken at any time of year if the group consider the conditions are suitable based on their skills and experience.

Sandy Heys, the Downfall & Kinder Low
A Thursday night classic, this route goes up Sandy Heys, along the edge path past the Downfall and along to Kinder Low Trig.
There are a number of possible variations but the core route is 13.4km (8.4 miles) and 630m climb with a high point of 633m. Almost a third of the run is above 600m.
Map and route description: Downfall PDF
GPX file:Downfall gpx

There are a large number of other high level routes that may be taken on a Thursday night. For example, we might go out past Mermaid's Pool, up to Sandy Heys trig then over to the Northern Edge and down to the aircraft wreck. There is quite a bit of off-path running on this route.