Northern Fells Running Club

Club Runs

CLUB SOCIAL RUNS

Club social runs take place on alternate Sunday mornings and most Wednesday evenings. The Wednesday runs are organised via a WhatsApp group within the Northern Fells community and the Sunday socials are communicated via WhatsApp and email.

If you just want to see if fell running is for you then you’re welcome to join us for up to 3 taster sessions before committing. PLEASE read the sections below and come prepared.

If you are a new member joining us for the first time or if you have any questions, please contact us on northernfellsrc@gmail.com.

The next taster session will be: 9am on Sunday July 26th. 9am – pls msg us if joining as run times/locations can change.
Current plan, weather permitting, is to meet at Peter House Farm. We will head up towards Dash Falls then Bakestall and Skiddaw before dropping down to Skiddaw House returning via the Cumbrian way. A mix of trail and fell. Its about 15km and 830m of elevation.
Parking is a bit limited go car share if possible.
Usual Fra kit reqd.

Social runs are un-coached and therefore it’s important that you decide independently whether the run is suitable for you, and remember that you are responsible for your own safety (further information about this below). Make sure you have the route on a map, with compass, GPX file and all the necessary kit and fitness/experience.

NFRC Risk Statement for Social Runs

Run Leader Checklist is here.

We are a friendly and welcoming club and of course we always look out for each other. Our social runs are always enjoyable and a great way to run the fells in good company.  Nevertheless, we have to lay out some guidance and good advice to ensure you are aware of what a social run entails. 

If you are joining us for the first time please contact us before attending so we know to expect you, know your experience levels and can answer any questions you might have.  You can do so via our Facebook page or from the Contacts on our website.

We ask that all attendees ensure:

  • That you can run at least 6 miles off-road (equivalent to 10 miles on-road).
  • That you have suitable footwear for off-road running
  • Weather can change quickly and whilst a valley may be warm, a mountain-top may be very cold. We ask that you use good judgement in your choice of running clothes and that you carry ‘FRA minimum kit’, that is:
    • Waterproof top with hood and taped seams
    • Waterproof trousers with taped seams
    • Hat &  Gloves
    • Additional warm layer to be carried during colder month (i.e. October to March)
    • Food and drink dependant on distance & individual requirements

Our social runs are un-coached which means we ask that all attendees understand the following points before joining a social run:

  • Run leaders are not qualified guides and everyone joins the Social Run at their own risk. It is essential that you decide independently whether run is suitable for you.
  • Your run organiser will be an experienced fell runner however the party is a group of non-qualified individuals and the run organiser, as someone who has proposed the route, is the nominal leader only.
  • Everyone should follow the course and progress of the route on their map or to their experience, checking the correct route is being adhered to. It is encouraged to question the route if you are unsure.
  • The run will generally progress at the pace of the slowest person in the party. There is opportunity for faster runners to loop back and have a satisfying run but it is the responsibility of each member of the party to keep the rest of the group in sight.
  • If anyone wants to rest at any time, they should not hesitate to raise this with the group.
  • If anyone is suffering any from difficulties any time, they should not hesitate to raise this with the group.
  • If anyone wants to leave the party this must be discussed with the group, otherwise we might have to assume you are lost and alert mountain rescue.
  • Everyone owes a ‘duty of care’ to each other. In the event of an accident, the run leader will act in a way they deem safest, but would of course appreciate the assistance of the rest of the party
  • If it is the first time the run organiser has done a route the party understand this, and it is an ‘adventure’ for all involved.
  • The run organiser may refuse your involvement with the group if they believe you are not sufficiently able to participate. This is for your own safety and the safety of the rest of the group.
  • Any club member bringing a dog on a club run must ensure their dog won’t cause a nuisance to other dogs, club members, stock or wildlife and must follow the countryside code: The Countryside Code

You accept the risks associated with fell running and that you are joining us at your own risk.  Fell running can be dangerous and you are exposing yourself to the possibility of personal injury. Neither the Run Leader nor Northern Fells Running Club shall be liable to you for any injury, loss, or damage of any nature to you or your property arising out of your participation in a social run.

The standard club social run risk assessment is here