Beast of Bamford Fell Race 2026

Christmas Fundraising Event for Bamford Recreation Ground. All funds go towards the refurbishment of the play park on Bamford with Thornhill Recreation Ground.

Beast of Bamford is a new race for the Winter season. In its third year, the bat-shaped route is an anticlockwise tour of the beautiful Hope Valley skyline surrounding the village of Bamford in the Peak District. Highlights include running across Bamford Moor, along Bamford Edge, past Ladybower plug holes, over Win Hill and finishing at the Recreation Ground.

This year we have two routes.

Beast of Bamford (Shorter Route)

The map below shows the mandatory checkpoints and a suggested route connecting them. Runners must visit all the checkpoints to complete the race. Back markers will follow the route shown and assist any runners in difficulties. Runners are free to choose other routes where they have right of way. Purple areas are out of bounds. Participants entering these areas may be disqualified.

A higher resolution map is available as a separate document.

Distance 15 km (9 miles).

Ascent 650 m (2100 ft).

Registration at Bamford Village Institute.

Saturday 14th November 2026; Start time: 11:30am

Prices: £16 for members; £17 non members; £18 on the day.

Free car parking on Bamford with Thornhill Recreation Ground, S33 0DA, off Station Road.

The race is licensed by the FRA under UKA Rules. Category BM, NS (navigational skills required). FRA Mandatory Minimum Kit must be carried for the whole race. Kit will be checked at the start and may be checked at the finish.

Checkpoints:

Beastier Fell Race (Longer Route)

For those want a bigger challenge there is also the Beastier of Bamford Fell Race.

The map below shows the mandatory checkpoints and a suggested route connecting them. Runners must visit all the checkpoints to complete the race. Back markers will follow the route shown and assist any runners in difficulties. Runners are free to choose other routes where they have right of way. Purple areas are out of bounds. Participants entering these areas may be disqualified.

A higher resolution map is available as a separate document.

Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles).

Ascent: 1100 m (3600ft).

Registration at Bamford Institute

Saturday 14th November 2026; Start time: 11:00am

Prices: £16 for members; £17 non members; £18 on the day.

Free car parking on Bamford with Thornhill Recreation Ground, S33 0DA,

The race is licensed by the FRA under UKA Rules. Category BL, NS (navigational skills required). FRA Mandatory Minimum Kit must be carried for the whole race. Kit will be checked at the start and may be checked at the finish.

Checkpoints: