9k Run Ribble Valley: Scenic Circuit Around Saddle Fell

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 8.9km circuit offers a quintessential fell running experience in the heart of the Ribble Valley, tackling a punchy 350m of ascent. Starting from Fell Gate, the route moves anticlockwise through rugged terrain, climbing toward the plateaus of Fair Snape Fell and the iconic cairn at Paddy's Pole before descending over Parlick. Expect a mix of peat hags, grassy trods, and technical singletrack that becomes particularly challenging when the Lancashire mist rolls in. With sections reaching above 500m, this is a Category SL (Short Local) fell race style route that rewards the climb with breathtaking panoramic views across the Fylde Coast and out toward the Lake District on clear days.

Deeply rooted in local tradition, this area forms part of the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that remains one of England's best-kept running secrets. Parlick is a legendary hub for local paragliders and fell runners alike, often serving as the proving ground for the Preston Harriers and Bowland Fell Runners. The landscape is steeped in history, from ancient grazing rights to its proximity to the haunting tale of the Pendle Witches. After navigating the windswept ridges, most local runners head into the nearby village of Chipping—famed for its continuous 1,000-year history of shopkeeping—for a well-earned post-run brew.