The Signpost Challenge 2026

On October 18^th this year, 2026, South Manchester LDWA group will be staging the third running of the Signpost Challenge Hike, named after the celebrated Peak and Northern Footpaths Society’s Signposts which walkers and runners will be passing on the route.

There’s a choice between 24 and 17 mile routes starting from Marple on the scenic Stockport/Derbyshire border.

The longer course includes three major hills totalling approximately 4,300 feet of ascent. Those on the shorter course will take on two of the hills requiring 2,900 feet of ascent. There are four checkpoints and you will need to use your navigation skills to find your route between the checkpoints on the recommended route. You will also visit several of the distinctive Peak and Northern Footpaths Signposts. 

This year there will be an indoor checkpoint in Hayfield on the longer course and at the Children's Inn (nr Rowarth) on the short route.

From the venue in Marple you will climb onto Werneth Low and Idle Hill (Checkpoint 1), and then descend to the River Tame, crossing into Derbyshire. From Charlesworth, the second climb takes you onto the dramatic Cown Edge, with amazing views of Bleaklow and Kinder, and then to Checkpoint 2, at Plainsteads.  On the Long Route you will go to Lantern Pike, before descending to the Sett Valley Trail and to Hayfield Scout HQ, while the Short Route heads to the village of Rowarth.

The long route climbs again onto Chinley Churn and to one of the earliest of the PNFS Signposts (number 5 erected in 1905) at Peep-o’-Day.  After crossing Cracken Edge at 450 metres (1476 feet), you will drop down to the attractive Goyt Valley. You will pass through the hidden gritstone gorge, called The Torrs, at New Mills and traverse the spectacular Millennium Walkway above the River Goyt. There’s one final climb from Hague Bar to the Fox Inn at Brook Bottom (Checkpoint 4). The last few miles follow the Peak Forest Canal back to Marple.

This is a true challenge for walkers and runners over the fantastic countryside of the western edges of the High Peak. We will be delighted to welcome walkers and runners to Marple and offer you refreshments before and after the race. Entries (limit of 150) can be made via SiEntries.

Start at 8.00am from Marple Senior Citizens Hall. Finish in 10 hours

Entries LDWA £17.00. Non LDWA £22.00 includes refreshments before the event, on route at the CPs and a hot meal at the finish.

Entries open on 1st March 2026 on SiEntries.

No dogs sorry.