Peak District 50km challenge: Derwent Reservoir Peaky Ultra Marathon Hike

🏃 What is this?

This is a 50 km (31 miles) ultramarathon-style hike — a tough, high-endurance challenge designed for experienced walkers. Expect a long day out in the hills, covering a mix of rugged trails, steep climbs, and open moorland. The route takes in some of the Peak District's most iconic and scenic terrain, with panoramic views, big skies, and a real sense of journey. It's not a race, but the pace will be brisk, and completing the full route will take grit, stamina, and determination. If you're looking for a serious test of fitness in one of the UK's most beautiful landscapes, this is it.

📅 Time & Location

• Meeting Time: 6:55 AM
• Start Time: 7:00 AM
• Start Location: Grindleford Station Café, Upper Padley, S32 2JA
• End Location: St Peter’s Church, Hope, S33 6RD
• Route Type: Linear
• Important Note: this is not a circular walk, but Grindleford and Hope are connected by train (about 10 minutes), making transport between start and end easy

📏 Distance & Difficulty

• Distance: 50 km (31 miles)
• Elevation gain: 1,400 m (4,600 ft)
• Estimated duration: ~14 hours (depends on fitness and pace)
• Difficulty: Hard

🌄 Route Highlights

• Padley Gorge
• Higger Tor
• Stanage Edge
• High Neb
• Derwent Edge
• Back Tor
• Lost Lad
• High Stones
• Margery Hill
• Alport Castles
• Win Hill

📲 Route Links

• View route on Komoot
• Download GPX file

🚆 Public Transport

• Start: Grindleford Station (next to the starting point) is accessible by train.
• End: Hope Station is about a 10-minute walk from the finish point at St Peter’s Church and is also connected to Grindleford by train (about 10 minutes).

🌦️ Weather & Clothing

The weather on the hills can be very changeable, windy, and cold, even in summer. Please wear appropriate hiking boots or shoes with good grip to handle muddy and slippery terrain. Avoid flat trainers or jeans.

Dress in layers to adjust to changing conditions: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers are recommended. Don’t forget sun protection like sunscreen and sunglasses if it’s sunny.

Useful links for weather forecasts:

• Stanage Edge @ Mountain Forecast
• Win Hill @ Met Office
• Bamford @ BCC Weather
• Margery Hill @ Met Office

🐇🐢 Pace & Fitness Requirements

This is a fast-paced, challenging hike with few short breaks. Strong fitness and stamina are essential — without them, you may not finish.

We recommend training in advance and testing yourself on similar terrain.

You're welcome to walk at your own pace or take one of the optional shortcuts, but you must be able to navigate independently.

The group may not wait for slower walkers, so please be self-sufficient.

Download the route to your phone or watch in case you fall behind.

🐶 Dogs

Fit and friendly dogs are welcome! Please keep them on a lead near livestock.

🎒 What to Bring

• Sturdy walking boots or shoes with good grip (no flat trainers)
• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (avoid jeans)
• Enough food and water for the whole day
• Waterproof jacket and warm layers
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses)
• A comfortable backpack
• Optional: hiking poles, hat, gloves, torch, camera, phone (or watch) with the route downloaded

📢 Notes & Safety

• The route is planned via Komoot and not pre-walked, so expect possible muddy or slippery sections.
• Weather can change rapidly — bring warm layers and waterproofs.
• This event may be cancelled or rescheduled due to extreme weather.
• Updates will be emailed to you.

📌 Bookings

• Please only book if you genuinely intend to attend.
• If you reserve a spot but can no longer make it, please cancel your booking or let the organiser know. It only takes a moment to update your booking, and it really helps everyone: the organiser, the walk leader, and your fellow attendees.

💰 Cost

The walk is free and organised informally by volunteers.

⛑️ Disclaimer

You are fully responsible for your own safety, health, fitness, and equipment. The group has no insurance — by RSVPing, you agree to these terms.

📬 Questions?

Feel free to email the organiser.