Peak District 50km Challenge: Derwent Reservoir Ultra Hike

🏃 What is this?

This is a 50 km (31 miles) ultramarathon-style hike — a serious challenge across some of the Peak District’s most iconic terrain. We’ll hike from Grindleford to Hope, covering a large area around Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs.

This is not a circular walk, but Grindleford and Hope are connected by train (about 10 minutes), making transport between start and end easy.

📅 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

📏 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.

• Stanage Edge @ Mountain Forecast
• Win Hill @ Met Office

🚶 Pace & Fitness Requirements

This is a hard, fast-paced hike with minimal breaks. You must have good fitness and stamina, or you may not complete it.

We recommend training in advance and trying similar challenging walks.

• The route doesn’t allow for major shortcuts.
• The group may not wait for slow walkers.
• 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.

💰 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.