The Calderdale Hike

About the Event

Embrace the rugged splendor of the high Pennine valleys at the 2026 Calderdale Hike, a storied endurance event taking place on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Established in 1979, this historic challenge serves as a vital fundraiser for the 24th St Paul's Scouts, supporting their community work with young people. Starting from Sowerby St Peter's Cricket Club, the routes offer a true test of grit across the surrounding moors, featuring steep ascents and breathtaking panoramic views near the Lancashire border. Participants can choose between three circular distances: the 35-mile long route with 5,500 feet of ascent, the 24-mile medium route with 3,800 feet of ascent, or the 16-mile short route with 2,700 feet of ascent. Because the terrain is demanding and the high-moor weather can be unpredictable, the organizing committee emphasizes that navigation skills are essential for all entrants.

The event is designed for both competitive runners and determined walkers, with staggered start times beginning as early as 7:00 AM to ensure all participants complete their journey by the 8:00 PM cutoff. Entries are open to individuals and teams, with a compulsory kit check required before departure to ensure safety on the harsh moorland trails. Beyond the physical challenge, the Hike is celebrated for its warm atmosphere and excellent support, providing refreshments at checkpoints, transport for those who retire mid-course, and a well-earned hot meal back at headquarters. Whether you are tackling the full ultra-distance or the shorter scenic loops, the Calderdale Hike offers a profound sense of achievement and a unique opportunity to explore the wild, untamed beauty of West Yorkshire's landscape.

Race Distance	Elevation Gain	Start Times (April 11)
35 Miles	~5,500 feet	07:00 (Walkers) / 09:00 (Runners)
24 Miles	~3,800 feet	08:00 (Walkers) / 09:00 (Runners)
16 Miles	~2,700 feet	08:00 (Walkers) / 09:00 (Runners)
Entry Fees	£25.00 (Individual)	£90.00 (Team of 4)

Demographic Metric	Regional Statistics (Calderdale, West Yorkshire)
Total Population (Calderdale)	Approx. 211,000 Residents
Median Age	41 Years
Major Urban Hubs	Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge
Religious Affiliation	Christian: ~45% \| Muslim: ~11% \| No Religion: ~38%

Races Offered

17 Mile

Apr 11, 2026

straighten

Distance — 27.4K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

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£25.00

26 Mile

Apr 11, 2026

straighten

Distance — 41.8K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

sell

£25.00

36 Mile

Apr 11, 2026

straighten

Distance — 57.9K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

sell

£25.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Sowerby Bridge.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 4.8° / 12.3°

wb_sunny 0.8° / 8.3°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 15.0 /

water_drop 80.5%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 4.8° / 12.3°

wb_sunny 0.8° / 8.3°

air 15.0 km/h

water_drop 80.5%

About Sowerby Bridge

Learn more about the host city, Sowerby Bridge.

Sowerby Bridge is a market town in the Upper Calder Valley in Calderdale in West Yorkshire, England. The Calderdale Council ward population at the 2011 census was 11,703.