Running Retreat in the Peaks

The Peak District is the perfect place for a mindful running retreat, so we thought we should head back there for our third 'Running Circles Peak District Weekender'.

A weekend away, in the hills of the Peaks, with a 'herd of middle-aged women' was a great way to feel alive! I love organising this retreat; it's time away, a breath of fresh air and an opportunity to give confidence to ladies to climb mountains.

We stayed at the fabulous Merman Farm in Tideswell, providing spacious accommodation, comfy beds and a well-stocked kitchen. It's a great central point for visits to the Hope Valley, Ladybower Reservoir and Buxton - in our case, perfect for Castleton which was the start of our adventure.

After saying hi to my parents, and 11 ladies having a nervous wee, we set off through the beautiful village of Castleton, behind Goosehill and across the bottom of the Winnats Pass. We ran, walked and crawled our way up the 'broken road' and for a quick coffee and snack in the car park before the climb to Mam Tor summit.

At this point, we had already put layers on, and taken them off again, about four times - the weather was changeable to say the least! At the trig point on Mam Tor we were layered up, trying to smile for a photo in bracing wind and gusty drizzle; we didn't hang around too long.

From there, the Great Ridge opens up so we gained a little momentum, over the tops and Hollins Cross then another incline to to base of Back Tor. This was the bit that a couple were dreading. It's a bit of a climb, and for a short time, it can feel quite open as you look over to see Edale, and the start of the Pennine Way.

The uphill takes your breath away, and hitting the top calls for a bit of a rest and a photo opportunity. Heading on the next undulating path over to the third and final summit of Losehill meant we were heading onwards to the freedom of the downhills!

Plenty of water and jelly babies galore were shared round as we made our way down towards the village of Hope. Past the lambs, the cows, through the stiles and over the fields before reaching Castleton once more.

Nine, very hilly miles done; a well-earned cuppa, a stretch and a sit down were in order. Although the standing up and moving afterwards proved a little testing. Back to the farm for showers, then a night of drinking and dancing in The Anchor, Tideswell as a cool down!

Another successful Running Circles Adventure away.

Time to start organising the next one...

Andrea x

If you would be interested in coming on a retreat, please do get in touch, or follow my posts for updates on upcoming events.

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