Mountain Adventure Holidays
A trail and fell running weekend where learning is everything. Enjoy a supportive and relaxed environment to improve your technique, try new things in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
Tracks and Trails have teamed up with Wild Ginger Running to offer our guests a long weekend of trail run training from the beautiful village of Castleton. Develop your trail and mountain running experience on our carefully designed running camp. Suitable for beginner to intermediate trail runners looking to explore new places and get off the beaten track.
Explore the Hope and Edale valleys and the Great Ridge from our valley base. Packed full of training, gear testing, expert talks and exclusive films our pre-season long weekend will spark you full of energy, motivation and advice for the season ahead.
Our Peak District Trail Running weekend is designed to make you feel more confident and informed about exploring off the beaten track.
The Peak District National Park became the United Kingdom's first national park on 17 April 1951. Below the dramatic limestone gorge of Winnats Pass and mysterious Mam Tor (locally known as the 'Shivering Mountain') Castleton, is one of the most beautiful villages in the White Peak. Situated on the cusp of the Peak District's breathtaking limestone and gritstone landscapes our base offers access to numerous trails including the Limestone Way and start of the Pennine Way (aka famous Spine Race). Explore beautiful trails whilst learning about the history, geology and nature of the area.
Running with nature can add many new dimensions both to your health, mind and other sports. Getting off the beaten track and varying your training can help prevent injuries, improve your strength and fitness and provide an easy way to explore the great outdoors.
Join our two expert coaches; have fun, learn lots, and enjoy the company of like-minded people.
Images credits: Jen Scotney, Claire Maxted & Julia Tregaskis-Allen
Today we meet at our accommodation, Losehill Hall YHA Castleton, at 1300 hrs. For early arrivals the reception is open all day for drinks and snacks.
Castleton itself is one of the Peak District’s most charming villages, with Peveril Castle, plenty of small, independent shops and numerous pubs for guests to explore and enjoy. Castleton is also famed for its caves and caverns, most notably the Blue John Cavern, and is a haven for walkers, bikers and runners.
Afternoon: The weekend starts with a welcome meeting with your running coaches and Wild Ginger Running owner Claire Maxted who will answer any questions you have about the days ahead.
Our first workshop with Claire, is on Kit & Clothing. An opportunity to discuss all there is to know about trail and mountain running gear. We will also have a variety of trail running packs and vests for you to try over the coming days.
Changing room facilities will be made available to us so that we can then go out on our first run!
Enjoy an easy paced warm up run from the hostel door. All on good paths and wide trails this mainly flat loop first crosses fields to Castleton village passing several medieval sights along the way. Leaving the village our route soon picks up the riverside path to large meadows accessed by small 'squeezer' stiles to reach Hope with it's historic Saxon church. We complete our circuit returning back to Castleton wiggling through meadows and farmland directly to our accommodation.
Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)
Room check-in will be after our run leaving plenty of time to rest and relax before dinner.
Evening: Q & A's on Nutrition for Runners - with guest speaker Anita Bean registered nutritionist, health writer, internationally published author and athlete. This session is a chance to dispell the myths of what to do, how to train effectively and fuel your passion for running and performance.
We complete the day with an exclusive Wild Ginger Cape Wrath Ultra film showing!
Morning: Begin the day with a fun 'run specific' workout to improve your overall strength that can be adapted to use at home. Develop this further and start planning for future goals.
After a coffee break we then head to the trails for our second run. Leaving Castleton behind the church we join the start of the Limestone Way. The path quickly rises past the rear of Peveril Castle, through Cave Dale to open moorland to reach Mam Tor the Shivering Mountain! Mam Tor, meaning ‘Mother Hill’, sits at 517m (1696ft) high and is not only one of the most famous high spots in the Peak District but makes a very achievable running peak. Here the views are magnificent, particularly along The Great Ridge and Rushup Edge - on a clear day you can even see Manchester! Mam Tor sits on the edge of the Dark Peak (gritstone) and the White Peak (limestone) which means you get some fantastic views of the limestone parts of the National Park, such as the dry gorge of Winnats Pass.
The return leg and descent is all on good trail and gives far-reaching views down the Hope Valley and yesterdays run. A really satisfying route which also passes four of the area's famous caverns Treak Cliff Cavern, Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Peak Cavern. Our focus today will be on technique including uphill and downhill skills on a variety of terrain.
Distance: 10-12 km (6.2-7.45 miles)
Afternoon: Orienteering coach Dave Taylor will run a workshop on planning routes and mapping runs. This session is designed to be a fun and practical look at creating routes and getting to grips with some basic map skills to give you the confidence to start exploring off the beaten yourself track safely and confidently.
Evening: Q & A's on Training for Trail and Mountain running & racing - with Dave Taylor. Dave won the 2015 English Fell Running Champions (V50 category) and has completed the Bob Graham, Paddy Buckley and Charlie Ramsay Rounds (to name a few!)
We complete the day with a chance to try out night running! Thanks Silva for their headlamps once the time we plan to head out for short night run experience.
Today Leki Ambassador and athlete Simon Tams will be with us with his fleet of Leki poles to try. We will encorporate his knowledge and skills on a day of running and hiking on the trails.
Leaving from the rear of our accommodation a gentle warm up run takes us to the foot of Losehill 476m (1561ft) the perfect place to test our poles for some assisted climbing! This relatively easy climb has a steady continuous gradient to it's summit offering views into Edale along on along the Great Ridge and start of the Pennine Way. We are then rewarded by a fun descent along the ridge to Back Tor and Hollins Cross where we turn and descend further into the Vale of Edale. We'll have time to test our poles on a variety of downhill terrain before reaching the farms of Barber Booth and Upper Booth as we reach the Pennine Way. Steeped in history, this National Trail chases along the mountain tops along the rugged backbone of England and offers 268 miles of the finest upland walking in England a challenge for many runners in the race known as the Spine Race. From here, depending on how we feel we have several options available to us be it heading to visit Edale village, the official start of the Pennine Way, towards the High Peak and Kinder plateau, Rushup Edge or along the Edale skyline. Either way we'll complete the day with a gentle stretch and flexibilty session back at Losehill Hall.
Distance: 10-20km (6.2-12.4 miles)
N.B From Edale it's possible to shorten the route and take the train back to Hope to get back to our accommodation.
After breakfast today we will check out of rooms but showers and left luggage facilities will be available to us.
Following farewells and a look at some photos of the weekend we expect the camp to end by about 1600 hrs.
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
On all of our trips we take time to research, update and view the best accommodations available to ensure that our guests stay in well-situated, comfortable and characterful accommodation.
Our trip fees are based on two or four people sharing an ensuite room at the charming Losehill Hall YHA.
If you are travelling on your own your booking will be based on a twin or quad bedroom sharing with people of the same gender. Quad bedrooms are available at the reduced trip price of £465 (note trip code: PTR QUAD). Please select 'Family Room' on your booking form if you would like this option. Single rooms are available but in limited supply and incur a supplementary fee of £120.
Towels and toiletries are not provided but are available to hire or purchase from reception. Bedding is supplied. Breakfast is served from 7.30am until 9am. There is a left luggage store and shower facilities available to us after check-out on the departure day.
YHA Castleton Losehill Hall is a fully refurbished 4* Victorian gothic mansion situated in the heart of the Peak District National Park. The hostel has 36 rooms, most of which have en-suite facilities, set within 27 acres of parkland and offering stunning views across its picturesque surroundings. There are plenty of comfortable communal sitting areas including a lounge and library and gorgeous finishing touches like a woodburning stove and atmospheric candles. Finished to a high standard, the hostel offers a licensed bar, free Wi-Fi in communal area, laundry and drying room, plenty of visitor parking, full board accommodation and a private meeting room for talks and group sessions. Castleton has good public transport links within easy access of Losehill Hall.
Follow this link for details on how to reach our accommodation location at Losehill Hall YHA. Get directions with Google Maps.
Castleton can be reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane!
The hostel entrance is on the A625 from Sheffield/Hathersage and is on the East end of the village and has a large guest car park.
By road: From the west, take the A625 from Chapel en le Frith following signs for Castleton Blue John Caverns and turn down the Winnats Pass (very steep). The detour signs from the west can be confusing and add considerably to the journey. Please follow these directions rather than Satnav as the postcode covers a large area.
Regular buses connect with Castleton and the road end leading to our accommodation at Losehill Hall YHA. For bus timetable visit First South Yorkshire and search for the Sheffield-Castleton line no. 272 or no. 271 which goes via Bradwell, Hathersage and Hope. Timetables are published 2 months in advance.
If you are wish to travel by train Hope is the closest railway station which is 2 miles away from Castleton. Hope train station is on Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield. The no. 272 bus passes through Hope taking you directly to the road end for our accommodation.
Manchester and Liverpool are the closest international airports (40 minutes and 75 minutes respectively).
Further details on Castleton and the Hope valley can be found on the local tourist office website.
Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.
It is a condition of booking that you have appropriate insurance for your chosen activity, including emergency helicopter rescue, repatriation, medical costs, as well as trip cancellation/curtailment insurance in the event of you being unable to join/complete the trip.
Please read the relevant clauses which are numbered 10, 11, 11a, 12, and 22 and are set out in our Terms and Conditions.
We also recommend your insurance covers you for baggage loss/damage. Tracks and Trails Ltd are unable to accept responsibility for the loss or damage to any client equipment or luggage.
If you are booking on behalf of other people it is important that you ensure that insurance has been arranged by all others included in your Booking Form.
You should bring all insurance documentation with you at the time of the activity. If you fail to provide proof of insurance we reserve the right to ask you to leave the trip.
If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.
For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you will encounter and for the accommodation you will be staying in.
Equipment
Clothing
Choose from the following items according to the weather on the day. Please ask if you require advice.
Comfort
Documents
Additional Information
Personal First Aid
If you have any questions with regards to what to bring on your specific trip then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Personal First Aid Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit
This running camp is designed for those wishing to start trail running or improve their current knowledge in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Losehill Hall is in a fantastic location and offers some great facilities with the ability to run literally from the door! The focus will be on technique, fun and learning.
Suitable for regular runners who would like the freedom of getting out and exploring new places, designed to make you feel more confident and informed about exploring off the beaten track. If you can comfortably run 10 - 20kms (6.2 - 12.5 miles) or can run for 1-2 hours and are looking to learn, explore and improve then this trail running camp is for you!
We stress that this camp is not a 'race' nor is it about being highly competitive with the others on the camp. Everyone will benefit from working with our two excellent coaches, and we feel sure you will benefit whatever your goals and aspirations.
For each of our trips there is a minimum number of guests required to book before we can 'guarantee' your trip will run. It depends on the particular trip in question, but it is normally 4. The maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin or quad bedded room comprising of two or four single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. A small number of single rooms are available for a supplementary fee of £120.
Dave Taylor is an experienced UK Athletics coach (specialising in Fell and Mountain Running), Mountain Leader, Orienteering Coach and successful fell runner. Dave won the 2015 English Fell Running Champions (V50 category) and has completed the Bob Graham, Paddy Buckley and Charlie Ramsay Rounds. Dave works full time as a Trail & Fell Running Guide offering coaching, guided runs and navigation training to runners of all abilities.
Dave's passion is running on the trails and fells, mainly in the Peak District but also further afield. As a Fell Running Guide, he's contributed to numerous articles and featured in magazines such as Trail Running, Outdoor Fitness and Men's Running. Dave has been heavily involved in the organisation of major mountain marathons and races including the Edale Skyline and the Ultra Tour of the Peak District.
Simon Tams, UK athletics coach for trail and mountain running, Leki Athlete and Ambassador, Superfeet Ambassador, Ultra Runner and good friend of Tracks and Trails.
After a period of time off training Simon only started running seriously again in 2011. Now in his 50’s he has the same passion to compete and seek out new personal challenges as ever before even whilst managing a career and young family. Simon has run extensively in Europe, particularly in the Alps and completed nine World Skyraces, many road marathons, trail ultra-marathons and supported numerous athletes with projects, pacing and gear.
As a Leki Ambassador one of his roles is to help develop and test new running pole technology and he will be joining our Trail Running Camp with a fleet of demo Leki poles for people to try.
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides and instructors who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation for the country that they are working in.
Please note your guide/instructor has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
For this trip you are centre-based, in other words where you are staying in the same accommodation for the weekend, you are welcome to bring whatever luggage you require. However not all rooms have lift/elavator access. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom and this might involve climbing several flights of stairs. We therefore suggest that you travel light, keeping weight to a minimum or choose luggage with wheels.
If you are travelling by public transport to Castleton, Losehill Hall is a 10 minute walk from the nearest bus stop.
There is a left luggage store and shower facilities available to us after check-out on the departure day.
On this trip your lunches are included in your trip fee. We do however suggest that you also bring some 'trail' snacks, bars or gels that you are used to incase you need to supplement this.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
The weather in the UK hills can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley.
However, in the spring - summer months it is generally good but it can deliver everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog and high winds. Temperatures can reach over 20°Celsius (68°F) in the summer, but can drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high points. As with all mountain trails you should be prepared for any eventuality.
The average temperatures however should range from 10-15°Celsius (50-59°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the high points.
Credit or debit cards will be accepted at Losehill Hall however it is useful to arrive with some cash in cash whilst you are out on the trails the group stop for drinks and snacks. It is possible to visit a 'cash machine' or ATM after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card at Castleton Post Office. Please note that the Post Office is only open during normal office hours Monday to Friday.
Food
If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance to a certain food type which will make you ill the accommodation will cater for this as best they can, eg gluten free, nut free, lactose free.
If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet please contact us. Gluten-free diets will be possible with regard to the evening meals, but we would advise that you bring along some gluten-free snacks for your breakfasts and lunches.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance. Also note that if/when the UK leaves the European Union that the EHIC card may no longer be valid. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case.
Prices may vary depending on date.
Our automated deposit payment on all trips is £300. If you would prefer to pay a lower deposit of £150 thebn please select the 'Bank Tranfser' option at the end of the booking form and email us with this prefence and we will invoice you for this lower amount seperately. The invoice will have the option to either pay either by bank transfer or by credit card. The balance owed will be due 8 weeks prior to the trip start date.
If you are travelling on your own your booking will be based on a twin or quad bedroom sharing with people of the same gender. Quad bedrooms are available at the reduced trip price of £465. Please select 'Family Room' on your booking form if you would like this option. Single rooms might be available, but will incur a supplementary fee. Please contact us if you would like this option.
| From Price | £0 |
| Holiday Type | Trail Running |
| Duration | 3 Days |
| Group Size | 5-20 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Countries Visited | England |
| Meet In | Castleton, Hope Valley |
