Trail 1: Birchen and Gardoms (5km)

The 75th Trail Challenge is a year-long race that covers 75km of trails in The Peak District. The challenge is open to everyone and there are lots of prizes to be won! There are 9 trails that vary in length between 5km and 10km. Each trail visits at least one of the Peak Districts iconic crags. Competitors can run or walk the trails because anyone can win, but you must have fun; enjoy each journey and the places that you visit along the way.

Every month a new trail map will be published for the race. On the map are check points that must be visited to complete the trail. At each check point will be a hidden question on the KMC’s history. Finding and answering the questions in the fastest time is the way to win the race! Points will be awarded for completing each trail, how quickly you complete each trail, and for answering the questions correctly. Each trail will only be open for a limited time so being fast is the name of the game…

The first trail of the year is friendly 5km circular around the edges of Birchen and Gardoms. There are 4 checkpoints. I will be at the  National Trust car park at the Robin Hood Inn (this is the normal approach to Birchen) between 10am-12pm on 13th January. I will bring maps for all the racers. Please come prepared for the prevailing conditions, and please bring your own compasses and a pen! I look forward to seeing you all on the 13th for a morning of adventure...

Jared Kitchen, KMC Outdoor Meets Secretary

PS: If you miss the race don’t worry, you have until 2nd February to get around! Drop me an email and I’ll send you the trail map. Don’t wait too long though; the sooner you do the trail the more points you get! Good luck!