10k Run Macclesfield: Scenic Climb to White Nancy

Route Overview & Local Insights

Push your limits on this diverse 10.2km loop that perfectly captures the rugged spirit of Cheshire trail running. Starting with a deceptive, flat warm-up along the canal, the route quickly transitions into a challenging "SL" (Short/Long) category effort with 156m of elevation gain. The centerpiece is the steep, calf-burning ascent up to the iconic White Nancy, where you’ll trade paved lanes for grit and grass. Once atop Kerridge Ridge, you’ll enjoy a technical run across the spine of the hill with panoramic views before descending through a mix of backcountry paths. Be prepared for a festive amount of Macclesfield mud after checkpoint 8, especially during the wetter months—trail shoes with aggressive lugs are highly recommended here.

The Kerridge Ridge is steeped in local industrial and commemorative history. The most famous landmark on this run, White Nancy, was built in 1817 by John Gaskell to celebrate the victory at the Battle of Waterloo; it originally served as a summer house before being sealed into the monument we see today. As you navigate the ridge, you’re running over the same "Bollington Grit" sandstone that was once quarried to build the impressive mills and viaducts in the valley below. This route offers a window into the Peak District's western edge, bridging the gap between Cheshire’s historical textile heritage and the wild, natural beauty of the gritstone ridges.