Macclesfield Forest & Shutlingsloe Guided Run

Macclesfield Forest & Shutlingsloe Guided Trail Run

Join Finding The Fells for a trail run through the picturesque Macclesfield Forest. This 8 mile loop ideal for newcomers to trail running as it is mostly on wide gravel tracks (though there are some short stretches that can be muddy). The route has a fair amount of uphill but walking is welcome and there's no pressure on speed. The route takes us up to Shutlingsloe so as long as you can run roughly 8 miles and expect some hills you're be fine. Look forward to seeing you there!

Ideal for: any runners capable of running the full distance or looking to try their first trail run (this event isn't aimed at beginner runners). Pace will be sociable with plenty of pausing to admire the views.

Distance & Elevation: 8.2 miles /1,300ft

Terrain: Mostly gravel tracks, some dirt/muddy paths, flagstones.

Required kit: off road/grippy running shoes advised, along with waterproof jacket, snacks, water and any personal meds and running pack. Extra long sleeve layer and hat/gloves etc may be advisable dependant on forecast. See https://findingthefells.co.uk/requirements-equipment/ for more details.

How fit/fast do I need to be?

It’s perfectly normal when attending any group running activity to worry if you’re fast enough. The focus of Finding The Fells guided runs is not speed, it’s getting out and enjoying nature and going to places you otherwise wouldn’t discover. Group numbers are purposefully kept small to ensure everyone is looked after and catered for and the pace is gentle and conversational with plenty of stopping and walking the uphills.

In terms of your stamina/endurance, the runs are not aimed at new runners. It is presumed by attending one of the runs you have ideally completed similar distances before (even if they were on flatter terrain or tarmac).

Route description:
Parking on the north edge of Ridgegate Reservoir (where Standing Stone Road meets Clarke Lane), we'll meet outside the Leather's Smithy and take the footpath south over the dam and into the woods. We'll follow this southwards as it climbs on wide gravel paths winding round to Nessit Hill and work our way south east to briefly leave the treeline and follow the flagstones up to Shuttlingsloe trig point.

From here we'll retrace our steps back into the forest to standing stone car park where we'll turn left alongside the road then turn right (north) and head to Chapel House Farm and briefly join Charity Lane. We'll cut through the forest once more towards Hacked Way Lane then skirt our way round Tegg's Nose to cross Bottoms Reservoir dam then follow Clarke Lane back to the cars.

Meeting at 8:45am for 9:00am start – Plentiful free layby parking on Standing Stone Road.
Meeting outside the Leather's Smithy. What 3 Words location: ///loaded.loose.comically

Finding The Fells is not aimed at beginner runners. Please only book a place if you feel capable running this distance.

Please see findingthefells.co.uk for additional information.