The Maverick Dark Castle Trail
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The Maverick Dark Castle Trail - Corfe Castle
The Maverick Dark Castle Trail takes place on Friday 20 November 2026 at Corfe Castle in Dorset. Back for its fourth year, a Friday evening run has been added and the event starts from the castle ruins for night running under headtorch light. The course leaves the stone bridge, passes through the village of Corfe, crosses Corfe Common and reaches Church Knowle before climbing the ridge at Knowle Hill with views across Purbeck and distant lights of Poole Harbour.
The Long and Middle routes continue along the ridge to Stone Hill Down and follow tight single-track through woodland toward Blue Poole. Trails in November are generally soft and muddy with some hard-packed or road sections. Woodland and open heath along the route are home to herds of Sika deer, which may be visible when illuminated by headtorches. The Long route has a single outpost at about 7 km offering snacks, gels and electrolyte drink; the Middle and Short routes have no outposts. There are no toilets on the running routes; facilities are available in the start/finish area.
The venue sits within a historic landmark so dogs are not allowed inside the event area. The car park is a 15–20 minute walk from the main venue. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Runners are advised to bring a headtorch, phone, trail shoes, raincoat, warm layers, a foil blanket and a refillable cup or bottle because outposts are cup free. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- Long: 15 km, +243 m elevation
- Middle: 11 km, +225 m elevation
- Short: 5 km, +120 m elevation
