Autumn Series
Autumn Series | Round 1 Route Description
Alstonefield – Staffordshire Moorlands
The first round of the 2022 Autumn Trail Run Series takes place from the quaint village of Alstonefield in the heart of the White Peak.
The route out of Alstonefield begins with a typical limestone track, flanked by dry-stone walls leading into open countryside. A footpath branches off through fields before a turn to the north and a steady descent below Narrowdale Hill to a cluster of old farm buildings now being renovated.
A gradual climb on a quiet tarmac lane follows, across a road, and onto the route split point. Here the short route* skirts below Gateham Hill and then via lush fields to Wetton village. The long route takes a footpath (more of a sheep trod in places!) to a dip approaching Ecton Hill. A short pull leads to the east shoulder of the massif and a fine grassy contour path past old spoil heaps with far reaching views of the Upper Dove and Manifold valleys which become even more breathtaking on the descent to the Old Copper Mines engine house and the steeper drop to the valley bottom itself.
A short section follows on the old Manifold Valley Light Railway trackbed (now a walking and cycling route) which takes you to the event feed station and checkpoint.
The route now follows a delightful old track on a meandering terrace above the river with steep hillsides to your left and green meadows below. At Wetton Mill (toilets) take care and don’t miss the narrow way through the cottages and a steep path to a broad col with sudden and impressive views of Wetton Hill and a spectacular valley up which the route ascends. At this stage the running is ‘manageable’ but as the path swings ever higher and eastwards the gradient takes its toll!
There are more splendid views of rolling countryside before dropping into Wetton village (*where it merges with the short route) – there follows a short tarmac section, then grassy fields and a steep calf burning climb at the 15k mark before the slope eases to the playing/cricket field and the finish at Alstonefield.
