The Stoop

The Stoop

The Stoop is a fell race organised by Wharfedale Harriers held on Sunday 20th December 2026 at Penistone Hill. The senior course distance is 4.9 miles with about 700 ft of ascent and is restricted to over 16s. The senior event is part of the Woodentops Race Series and will use chip timing. Online individual entry is listed at £9 with entry on the day at £10; team entries of three are stated as free.

The route starts from the quarry bottom on Penistone, follows a track past Drop Farm, then a footpath to Harbour Lodge. Runners cross the beck, follow the path around Harbour Lodge, climb through heather to the Standing Stone known as the Stoop, then return down boggy ground to the track at Drop Farm and finish on the cricket pitch at West End Cricket Club, Penistone Hill (GR 023 363). Competitors are advised to use the right-hand footbridge at the side of Harbour Lodge because the left-hand bridge is unsafe.

Organisers note that full kit may be required, especially for senior runners, including a waterproof jacket with hood, leggings, hat and gloves; if kit is declared mandatory, entrants without kit will not be allowed to run. There is a prize giving outside the cricket hut after the race, a Santa hat for all entrants, free tea and coffee with biscuits, and an extensive prize list that may be scaled back if fewer than 200 senior runners take part. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.