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Grand Edale Circular Trail Running Route: 29km Peak District Loop

A 28.7km circular trail running route from Edale village car park / station area a big Dark Peak loop from Edale taking in classic moorland, ridges and long climbs around the Edale skyline, with around 1,860m of climbing and a highest point of 597m.
28.7km

Distance

1860m

Elevation Gain

5.7 hours to 7.4 hours running / 9.9 to 13.7 hours walking

Estimated Time

Difficulty

Distance Band

Route Map

Details
Edale Circular

Get this route

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About this route

This Grand Edale Circular trail running route is a circular loop from Edale village car park / station area, built from the supplied GPX file and suitable for runners who are comfortable on mixed trail terrain.

The GPX measures approximately 28.7km with around 1,860m of elevation gain and reaches a highest point of about 597m. This is a tough Peak District mountain-style route with sustained climbing, exposed moorland and technical descents. It is a brilliant big day out when visibility and weather are good.

Use the GPX for navigation, carry appropriate kit for the distance and weather, and always check local access, parking and public transport details before travelling.

Route Features

At a Glance

📍 Start:Edale

Getting there

Start Point

Edale
S33 7ZQ

Parking

Use Edale’s main pay-and-display car park near the village hall or station parking where permitted. The village road is narrow and parking in the centre is very limited, so use official parking areas.

Public Transport

Edale has a railway station on the Hope Valley line, with services linking Sheffield and Manchester. This makes the route a strong public transport option if train times work.

Toilets

Public toilets are usually available around the main Edale car park/visitor area, but check current opening before travelling.

Nearest Town

Edale

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What's underfoot

Expect mountain paths, moorland tracks, flagged slabs, gritstone edges, steep climbs, rocky descents, field paths. The route has approximately 1,860m of climbing over 28.7km, so pace should be adjusted for terrain, weather and navigation.

Best Seasons

Navigation Difficulty

Edale

Weather Notes

Avoid poor visibility, high winds and heavy rain on exposed or high-level sections. Paths may be slippery, boggy or harder to follow after prolonged wet weather.

Recommended Equipment

Trail shoes are strongly recommended for this route. Here’s what we’d suggest.

Recommended kit for this route

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Before, during & after

Water

Carry your own water. Natural water sources should not be relied upon unless treated/filtered, and facilities may be limited or seasonal.

Shops Nearby

Edale has limited village supplies and cafes. For a long route, bring food and water with you and do not rely on shops being open.

Post-Run Recommendation

Finish with food or a drink in Edale at The Old Nags Head, The Rambler Inn or one of the village cafes if open.

How to run it

Route Steps (route_steps repeater)
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Follow the well-signed footpath from the car park.
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Before you go

⚠ Safety Notes

Follow the GPX closely and carry a map/backup navigation. Conditions can change quickly on open fell, moorland or mountain ground. Take extra care on wet rock, boggy sections, steep descents and road crossings. Let someone know your plan for longer or more remote routes. For this route, carry full mountain running kit, extra layers, food, water, a charged phone and an emergency plan.

🌦 Weather Notes

Avoid poor visibility, high winds and heavy rain on exposed or high-level sections. Paths may be slippery, boggy or harder to follow after prolonged wet weather.

Local knowledge

💡 Local Tip

Start early for quieter trails and easier parking. Check weather and daylight before setting off, especially outside summer. The best experience is usually in a settled dry spell when the views are clear and the paths are less boggy.

🧭 Navigation Difficulty

Frequently Asked Questions

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More routes nearby

Trail Art · Monetisation · Nice to have

Trail Art

Route Trail Poster

A hand-illustrated trail map poster of this route — perfect for your home or as a gift for a fellow runner. Printed on 300gsm card.

Buy the poster