Sandstone Trail Ultra - Frodsham to Whitchurch

Route Overview & Local Insights

This run can be muddy and best saved for dry conditions. Depending on the time of your run you may be able to get refreshments on route at The Stonehouse Farm (between Frodhsam and Delamere), The Sandstone Cafe (next to the Beeston Castle car park) and options on the canal on the approach to Whitchurch. The trail sets off with a demanding climb up Frodsham Hill, giving sweeping views across the Mersey estuary and towards the Welsh hills. Once on the ridge, the running settles into a steady rhythm along firm woodland paths and tracks, alternating between shaded stretches and open viewpoints. The route continues to Delamere Forest, where long sections on soft trails make for comfortable running under tall trees. Emerging from the forest, the trail undulates across amix of woody paths and farmland. After crossing the Shropshire Union Canal and continuing up farm fields there’s a welcome chance to pause at the popular Sandstone Café, roughly at the halfway point. From here, the trail stiffens as it rises onto the Peckforton Hills, with steep, testing climbs leading up to Bulkeley Hill. Another steep ascent comes shortly after at Raw Head, the highest point of the trail at 227 m, where the views over Cheshire and into Wales are particularly rewarding. From Raw Head, the route descends to then climb again over the Bickerton Hills, blending woodland tracks, heath, and sandstone paths. After descending through the trees the trail continues across farmland to join the Llangollen Canal. This stretch on the farm fields is the least appealing of the whole trail and can be heavy going on a mix of pasture, crop and fields with livestock, some sheep but also cattle. The waymarked Sansdtone Trail signs across the fields are also not as good here as on the rest of the trail. The final kilometres are on the towpath of the Llangollen Canal into Whitchurch, before some final paths that head away from the canal and to the finish. Both Frodsham and Whitchurch have train stations though not on the same line.