The best running trails around Great Longstone

There are over 20 dedicated running routes around Great Longstone, offering a variety of distances and terrains within the Peak District National Park.

Yes, Great Longstone offers several easy running routes. For example, the Headstone Tunnel loop from Great Longstone CP is an easy 4.7 km (2.9 miles) path, perfect for a gentle jog.

Running trails in Great Longstone vary in length. You can find shorter options like the Hassop Station Cafe loop from Great Longstone CP at 5.7 km (3.6 miles), up to longer routes such as the Headstone Viaduct – Headstone Tunnel loop from Great Longstone CP, which covers 11.4 km (7.1 miles).

Many of the running routes in Great Longstone are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Popular options include the Headstone Tunnel – Headstone Viaduct loop from Great Longstone CP and the Headstone Viaduct – Monsal Trail loop from Great Longstone CP.

The running trails offer diverse and scenic views. You'll experience picturesque rolling hills, traditional countryside, and dramatic landscapes like the Monsal Trail with its iconic viaduct. Routes around Longstone Edge provide spectacular panoramic views over the Peak District, while Monsal Head offers 'absolutely fabulous dales scenery'.

Yes, several routes incorporate significant landmarks. The Monsal Trail features the historic Headstone Tunnel and the striking Monsal Head Viaduct. You can also find natural monuments nearby, such as Higger Tor and the Carl Wark Iron Age hill fort, offering breathtaking vistas.

Many sections, particularly along the traffic-free Monsal Trail, are relatively flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for families. Shorter, easier loops like the Headstone Tunnel loop from Great Longstone CP are good choices for a family outing.

Most public footpaths and trails in the Peak District, including those around Great Longstone, are dog-friendly. However, it's essential to keep dogs under close control, especially when passing through farmland with livestock, and to follow the Countryside Code.

The running routes in Great Longstone are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Runners often praise the varied scenery, the well-maintained sections of the Monsal Trail, and the opportunity to explore the heart of the Peak District.

While many routes are moderate, the area's diverse terrain, including limestone ridges like Longstone Edge, offers opportunities for more challenging runs with significant elevation gains. The 'Great Longstone Chase' fell race, for instance, utilizes local terrain with climbs of around 951 ft over 4.8 miles, indicating the potential for tougher routes.

Yes, many routes, including popular loops like the Headstone Tunnel – Headstone Viaduct loop and the Hassop Station Cafe loop, start from the Great Longstone Car Park (CP), indicating convenient parking access for runners.