Explore the Simon's Seat & The Valley of Desolation
Location: Hazlewood with Storiths, England
This 12.4 km loop is a proper trail run defined by one tough climb up to the summit of Simon's Seat. It’s entirely off-road, so you’ll need trail shoes with decent grip, especially after rain when the ground can get boggy. The route has a clear structure: a sustained ascent through the Valley of Desolation, a summit, and then a faster descent back to the start. The terrain is varied and uneven, demanding concentration on your footing throughout.
The run begins by heading directly into the climb. You will gain most of the route's 397 m of ascent on the way up through the valley. The path is often rocky and technical underfoot, so expect to slow your pace and possibly power-hike the steepest sections. This part of the run is a grind, requiring a steady effort as you work your way up towards the high point of the loop.
After reaching the rocky top of Simon's Seat, the profile shifts to a long descent. You leave the most technical ground behind for more runnable tracks that cross the open moorland. While faster, these paths can still be uneven and require you to watch your step. The loop finishes by dropping you back down towards your starting point, completing the circuit without any repetition.