It's Grim Up North Running Moonlight Meander
Swinsty and Fewston in the pitch dark: one or two laps of the 3.3-mile woodland loop by head torch, fairy lights and whatever else you bring.
| Distance | Ascent | Per km |
|---|---|---|
| 6.7 Mile | — | — |
| 3.3 Mile | — | — |
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What you’re in for
Swinsty in the pitch dark on a November evening: one or two laps of the 3.3-mile woodland loop by head torch, fairy lights and whatever else you bring. Registration from four. The course is the 6.7-mile loop of Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs in the Washburn Valley above Otley, a figure of eight on the well-kept perimeter paths, with the shorter events using the 3.3-mile Swinsty half of it. Pay-and-display parking at the North Lane car park next to registration.
Terrain and trail
Well-made gravel and tarmac reservoir paths with short woodland sections, tree roots, a footbridge or two and a couple of gentle rises — undulating rather than hilly. Fast, dry ground most of the year and the prettiest Grim venue in autumn. Wet leaves over roots are the thing to watch in November. In the dark the roots and the footbridge steps are the whole difficulty; a decent head torch turns it back into the easy path it is by day. The events are cup-less, so bring your own cup or bottle for the water at the finish. Over-ear headphones are not allowed, and there may be an unmarshalled road crossing.
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Make your race print →Train for it: routes near the start
Routes starting within 20 km of Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir car park, North Lane, near Otley, nearest first. Each one has a free GPX file and a TRP grade, so you can rehearse the ground before race day.
EASY
HARD
MODERATE
MODERATE
EASY
VERY HARDMore from It's Grim Up North Running
Every It's Grim Up North Running race →Other races It's Grim Up North Running put on, soonest first.
7
Nov
2026
The Grim Reservoir Dogs
Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir car park, North Lane, near Otley · It's Grim Up North Running
A run with your dog round Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs on good woodland trail, one 3.3-mile loop or two. A fun dog race, not run under canicross rules.
Entries open
£18–£29
7
Nov
2026
Swinsty & Fewston Lakeside Dash
Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir car park, North Lane, near Otley · It's Grim Up North Running
The 6.7-mile loop of Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs on well-kept trail, run once, twice, three or four times for the half, the twenty and the marathon. Everything starts at nine.
Entries open
£29–£43
14
Nov
2026
Yorkshire Weekend Saunter in Kirkstall
Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Wyther Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
Five, ten or a half along the Leeds & Liverpool towpath from Kirkstall on a weekend morning, at your own pace, with places on the day.
Entries open
£18–£34
15
Nov
2026
Rothwell Kebabathon
Skelton Lake Services, M1 junction 45, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
Five-mile loops of Rothwell Country Park from Skelton Lake services, woodland, riverside and grass with one climb for the view of Leeds, and a kebab at the end. Five to twenty-six miles.
Entries open
£28–£43
12
Dec
2026
Crikey, It's the Christmas Cracker Day 1
Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Wyther Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
Day one of the Christmas weekend at Kirkstall: 5k to marathon on the flat Leeds & Liverpool towpath with music and food at race HQ. Run one day or both.
Entries open
£18–£43
13
Dec
2026
Crikey, It's the Christmas Cracker Day 2
Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Wyther Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds · It's Grim Up North Running
Day two of the Christmas weekend at Kirkstall: the same flat out-and-back on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath, 5k to marathon, for those doing the double.
Entries open
£18–£43
Other races near here
North Yorkshire races →Races from other organisers starting within 30 km of Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir car park, North Lane, near Otley, nearest first.
23
Mar
2027
Spring Headtorch Half
Swinsty Reservoir, North Yorkshire · Punk Panther · 0 miles away
A midweek night race round two reservoirs. Head torch essential.
MODERATE TO HARD
Entries open
21
Mar
2027
Blubberhouse Moor
Norwood Community Centre, Bland Hill, North Yorkshire · LDWA Nidderdale · 2 miles away
Twenty-four miles from Norwood by Swinsty, Fewston and Thruscross reservoirs, Rocking Hall, Bolton Abbey, Beamsley Beacon and Round Hill, with a cut-off at Ling Chapel Farm. Eight pounds, meal included.
Entries open
£8
13
Mar
2027
Welcome Way
Otley, West Yorkshire · Punk Panther · 5 miles away
Over moors and through woods, by rivers and canals. Half marathon to fifty miles.
HARD TO EXPERT
Entries open
12
Dec
2026
Christmas Cracker
Otley, West Yorkshire · Punk Panther · 5 miles away
A December loop out of Otley over Norwood Edge and the Washburn.
HARD TO VERY HARD
Entries open
How to enter
Sat, 7 Nov 2026 · Entries open · £17–£29
Enter on their website ↗Entries are handled by It's Grim Up North Running, not by us. We take nothing for sending you there.
Add to your calendar · as an all-day entry, until the start time is confirmed
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Common questions
- The Moonlight Meander offers 2 distances: 3.3 Mile (5.3 km), 6.7 Mile (10.8 km).