Bullock Smithy Hike 2026

The Bullock Smithy Hike begins and ends at Hazel Grove Scout Hut in Stockport, Greater Manchester, sending walkers and ultra-runners on a 56-mile loop through the Peak District. The 3rd Hazel Grove Scout Group organizes it, with a 24-hour limit and chip timing for results. The route is long enough to feel more like an overnight expedition than a standard race; some accounts measure it at nearly 59 miles with about 8,570 feet of climbing. Participants must reach checkpoints in order, but the path between them is not fixed, making navigation and planning as important as pace. Support crews often meet participants along the way with food, drink, and encouragement. Checkpoint stories include family surprises, difficult moments, sore legs, and the kind of biscuit talk that makes sense deep into a 56-mile night. The event has been running for decades and is approaching its 50th edition, positioning it as a local Scout-run challenge, a Peak District navigation test, and a substantial ultra-distance outing.