The Dovedale Dipper

Event overview

The Dovedale Dipper is a trail running and challenge walking event in the Peak District National Park, based in Hartington. The 2026 edition will take place on Saturday 1st August 2026 and will be organised with Craggrunner taking the lead. The courses run through the Dove and Manifold valleys on the Derbyshire-Staffordshire border and start and finish at Hartington Village Hall.

Distances offered:

• 26 miles (Big Dipper)
• 15 miles (Little Dipper)

The event operates under UK Athletics rules with a permit from the Trail Running Association. Full route descriptions, GPX files and written instructions are provided to participants.

Logistics and participant rules

Entries open early in the year and close a few days before the event; a limited number of late entries may be available on the day. There is no parking at the village hall; event parking is on the eastern edge of the village about 400 metres away and requires a parking pass. Checkpoints and aid stations provide drinks and snacks, but participants must bring their own drinking vessels.

Participants must be at least 18 years old. The course is not way-marked, so participants are responsible for navigation and must carry a printed map (1:25k preferred, 1:50k minimum). Mandatory kit includes a whistle, emergency bivi bag or space blanket, magnetic compass, appropriate clothing and footwear, waterproof jacket, emergency food (at least 400 calories), at least 0.5 litre of fluid capacity and a fully charged mobile phone. There is a 20:00 finish deadline and strict checkpoint cut-offs. Medical support is available. Dogs are not permitted and support runners are not allowed. Prizes are awarded to the first three male and female finishers on each course and to veteran category winners where eligible. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.