Hill & Mountain running with Seven Hills Outdoors

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"Trail Running:"

Trail running involves running on trails rather than roads or paved surfaces. It often features uneven ground with stones, roots, or and other obstacles, and requires more attention to foot placement to avoid injury This type of running allows you to enjoy natural settings and scenic landscapes. 

"Fell Running:"

Fell running typically entails running or racing on steep, uneven terrain without defined paths. Whilst the term fell running originated in the fells of the Lake District it's a term that is now often used to describe running in the mountains, hill and other upland areas of the UK. In other parts of the world it might be called mountain running. It allows you to choose your own route through rough terrain, including bogs and and maybe some easy scrambling. Those engaged in this activity will often possess mountain navigation skills and carry appropriate safety kit. 

Whether Trail or Fell running the opportunity to experience glorious sun rises and amazing sunsets whilst exploring some of the lesser known and remoter parts of the Country make this sport incredibly addictive. 

Simply put, our goal is for you to have a fantastic running experience. That means running at a pace that suits you. Whether you're a seasoned ultra-marathoner or just dipping your toes into trail or fell running, we're here for you.

In the hills, you'll find runners of all kinds – different ages, shapes, and fitness levels. Even the most experienced fell runners will be seen walking up steep inclines! 

If you're interested in exploring trail or fell running but need guidance (and maybe some confidence building), we offer a range of services. 

From route planning, route recces and guided trail runs to teaching hill skills and navigation for your first fell race, we've got you covered.

Whatever your level of fitness, we can plan  and provide you with the perfect running experience.  

Prior to any running experience with Seven Hills Outdoors we'll provide you with a full kit list for your chosen activity,  For example: 

For trail runs on well marked trails we'd suggest a pair of off-road trail shoes and clothing appropriate for the prevailing weather conditions.  Depending on the duration of the route we'd also suggest carrying a little bit of food and liquid. 

For the more remote fell running experiences the kit list will be more extensive and will include off-road running or fell shoes, running clothes suitable for the prevailing and forecast conditions, additional warm layer for emergencies, waterproof jacket and trousers (preferably with taped seams); hat and gloves (spare gloves), map and compass, survival bag, whistle and food and water as appropriate. We'd also advise that this kit be carried in a running pack or bum bag. 

In all cases we'd advise you bring some money perhaps for a taxi at the end but more likely for coffee and cake , after all you'll have earned it!

If you're looking to move from road to trail or fell then we can provide you with the skills to keep you safe in the hills and boost your confidence. During our running activities we'll look at those skills you'll need, relative to the terrain we're on, as part and parcel of the activity or alternatively we can provide you with a bespoke hill skills course where these skills are looked at in far more detail.  

We'll usually look at the following hill running skills: 

* Running skills including footwork, how to approach the uphills and descents, dealing with rocky terrain;

* Kit choice - what to carry and why, FRA Guidance on this issue.

* Basic to advanced running navigation skills 

* Route choice 

*Emergency procedures and essential emergency kit

*Tips and guidance for multi-day events 

* Nutrition and hydration strategies

Seven Hills Outdoors is based on the edge of the Peak District.  We may be biased but we think the Peak has to be one of the best places to run in the country.  From beautiful easy going trails winding through gorgeous Dales along side beautiful clear flowing streams and rivers to the wilder Dark Peak where the hills are steep and rough, the bogs are deep and you'll hear the sound of Curlews and Lapwing carried on the wind. 

Between us we've run in the Peak District for decades and know it's trails, paths and "trods" like the backs of our hands.  We're well placed to provide you with a memorable guided day whatever that may look like for you. 

There are plenty of easier fell race routes and trails to cut your teeth on including Totley Moor (6.5 miles and 440m of ascent) and The Wolf's Pit Fell Race (5.6 miles and 450 m of ascent). 

If you're looking for more challenging runs there are many to choose from. For example, why not let us guide you on the Marsden to Edale Fell Race Route (21 miles and 1650m of ascent) or perhaps the classic Dark Peak Fell Runners race route the "Edale Skyline Fell Race" (21.1 miles and 1373m of ascent). 

The Lake District holds a special place in our hearts. Its picture perfect landscape, lofty fells and gorgeous villages encourage thousands of people to visit each year.  

We have extensive experience of Lake District running, in all weathers and all seasons and with runners of all abilities. 

We have competed in many Lakeland Fell Races from the Langdale Horseshoe (13.1 miles and 1450m of ascent), Old County Tops (36 miles and 3000m of ascent), The Lakeland 50 (50 miles and 3000m of ascent) and multiple overnight mountain marathons and many others races and routes. 

Both George and Dan have successfully run the Bob Graham Round in under 24 hours and are therefore fully paid up members of the Bob Graham Round Club.   Over the years they have supported many runners on successful Bob Graham Rounds and know the various legs intimately!

Let us take some of the stress out of your Lake District running experience, whether your first foray into the fells or let us guide you around the Bob Graham Round or various Bob Graham legs, that way you'll be ready for your attempt with a greater knowledge of the right lines!

Eryri meaning "highlands" is a place of high, rugged mountains created by volcanoes, glaciers and tectonics. It's a place shrouded in myth and legend and a landscape more recently shaped by man.  It receives 1/5th of the visitors that the Lake District receives annually and these are mostly found in the North of the National Park. That said, it's pretty easy to leave the crowds behind and find yourself alone in this majestic place. 

 It's a special area with each of its mountain ranges providing something slightly different for the runner.  It offers a wealth of running opportunities from easy going trails to the high mountain environment including lofty knife edge ridges and scrambles of the Snowdon massif (Yr Wyddfa), the Glyderau and Carneddau.  The hand of man is ever present in Snowdonia, from drovers roads that criss-cross the National Park to the slate quarries that pepper the landscape.

It's also the home of the Paddy Buckley Round, argued by many to be harder than both the Bob Graham Round but less than the Charlie Ramsey Round in Scotland.  It ascends 47 summits, more than the other two and arguably has tougher navigation (anyone who has run the Moelwynion leg will know what we're talking about!). 

Like the Bob Graham Round,  we have extensive experience of supporting on successful completions and have completed many recces over the years.   Indeed George has a successful completion under his belt (Dan is still thinking about giving it a go!). 

Undertaking one of the three rounds is a massive undertaking, so why not take advantage of the extensive experience and knowledge of the route that we have. 

If that's not for you we're also able to provide guiding running activities to suit your ability. 

Hiring a Seven Hills Guide starts at £175 per day depending on the nature of the running activity but do contact us to discuss. 

Please email dan@sevenhillsoutdoors.co.uk to discuss your requirements. 

The above prices are subject to accommodation costs on multi-day trips. 

What do you get for your money?

• All of our guides are appropriately qualified. - this means Mountain Leaders or Hill and Moorland Leaders and members of the Mountain Training Association
• All of our guides are Outdoor Wilderness First Aid Incident Management trained and qualified
• All of our guides are DBS checked
• Seven Hills Outdoors and its freelance guides carry professional liability insurance
• Seven Hills Outdoors undertakes route risk assessments, route planning and plans for relevant contingencies;
• Seven Hills Outdoors undertakes a dynamic Hill & Mountain Risk assessment prior to and during the booking
• Prior to your guided day you will receive detailed joining instructions with a kit list
• Leaders will carry appropriate first aid and emergency equipment including: first aid kit, shelters. emergency means of communication.