13k Run High Peak: Scenic Views Along Black Edge Trail

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 13.2km loop offers a true taste of Peak District grit, sweeping across the dramatic gritstone escarpment of Black Edge. Expect a rugged, undulating journey over Combs Moss with approximately 271m of ascent that rewards your effort with breathtaking, panoramic views of the Chapel-en-le-Frith valley. The terrain is a classic moorland mix; while the higher paths along the edge generally drain well through the heather, the lower sections consist of softer peat and grass that can challenge your ankles and stamina. Reaching heights above 500m, this course feels delightfully remote, making it a perfect training ground for fell runners looking to master technical footing and variable weather conditions.

Steeped in local history and wild beauty, Combs Moss is home to the remains of a dramatic Iron Age hillfort, known as Castle Naze, which guards the western point of the plateau. As you run along Black Edge, you are traversing a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, used primarily for grazing and gritstone quarrying. The High Peak is notorious for its rapidly shifting microclimates—on a clear day, you can see as far as the Cheshire Plain, but be prepared for the mist to roll in quickly over the heather. This area is a local favorite for those seeking to escape the busier trails of nearby Castleton for a more solitary, atmospheric experience.