Summer Trail Series

Stubb Fields is the sort of start line where you can feel the hills waiting. In its 3rd edition, the Summer Trail Series sent runners out into the Upper Calder Valley for a challenging day on the hills and moors, with moody conditions and rugged terrain setting the tone. This is trail running in the proper northern sense: checkpoints, wet kit, big views when the weather allows, and legs that know they have been out. The route climbs from the valley by Cuckoo Steps before dropping through Hardcastle, crossing Penistone Country Park, and working toward Stanbury. Later sections use the Pennine Bridlepath and Rochdale Canal before the pull up to Stoodley Pike monument and the return toward Mytholmroyd. It draws hardy souls rather than show ponies, and part of the charm is that a plucky band can still stand around for pre-race ramblings and pointers before going to chase down the runners ahead.