Windy Hill Fell Race
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Windy Hill Fell Race - Event details
The Windy Hill Fell Race takes place on 8 February 2026. The venue is the Rams Head Inn, Ripponden Road, Denshaw, Oldham OL3 5UN. The course is 12 miles with about 2,100 feet of ascent. The minimum age is 17 years. Entries open 18 July 2025 and close 5 February 2026. Entry fees listed are £15 (affiliated to FRA / LDWA / TRA) and £17 (non affiliated). There is a limit of 300 entries; entries on the day are £20 if the limit is not reached. The event shows 14 participants entered so far.
Course, kit and event services
The route starts at the Rams Head and includes a fast downhill to Piethorne Reservoir, a section towards Hollingworth Lake, a turn back at Rakewood (CP1), a route under and over the motorway to Lydgate (CP2), a climb to Blackstone Edge, a Pennine Way traverse to the layby near the Windy Hill mast (CP3), then a return via Piethorne and the final climb back to the Rams Head. Checkpoints will have basic supplies of water and sweets.
As a winter race, full FRA kit is required: waterproof jacket and trousers; hat and gloves (a buff is acceptable for a hat); traditional paper map and compass (digital maps accepted only if a paper map is carried; no digital compass); whistle; emergency food; and a water bottle of at least 500 ml. A GPX file and larger map are available. Chip timing is provided with instant online results. The race is run under UKA rules and is licensed with the Trail Running Association and the Fell Runners Association. Hot soup is provided at the pub after the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.