Windy Hill Fell Race

Windy Hill Fell Race

Windy Hill is a winter fell race based at the Rams Head Inn, Ripponden Road, Denshaw, Oldham. The course runs across moorland and upland trails. The route starts and finishes at the Rams Head, heads toward Hollingworth Lake, turns back at Rakewood (CP1), continues under and over the motorway to Lydgate (CP2), climbs to Blackstone Edge, follows the Pennine Way to the layby near the Windy Hill mast (CP3), then returns via Piethorne Reservoir and the final climb back to the Rams Head.

The course distance is approximately 12 miles (about 19 km) with around 2100 feet (about 640 m) of ascent. Checkpoints will carry basic supplies of water and sweets, and hot soup is provided at the pub after the race; the pub also offers a runners meal at a discounted price.

Because the event takes place in winter, full FRA kit is required. Required items include a waterproof jacket and trousers, hat and gloves (a buff is acceptable for a hat), a traditional paper map and compass (digital maps accepted only alongside a paper map), a whistle, emergency food, and a water bottle of at least 500 ml. Optional extra clothing for the day is recommended.

Pre-entry places are limited to 300. Entry fees vary by affiliation, and on-the-day entry is possible only if the limit has not been reached. The race is run under UKA rules and is licensed with the Trail Running Association and the Fell Running Association. Minimum age for entrants is 18 years. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.