Trail Running Planet · Peak District · Longdendale
Black Hill and Crowden Little Brook Loop
Black Hill's peat-black plateau feels as remote as anywhere in the Peak, and the return along the edge above Laddow Rocks is some of the best moor-edge running in the north.
Distance
14.4 km
Ascent
426 m
Descent
424 m
Max elevation
585 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
1h 55m – 2h 35m
Grade
Hard
Navigation
map_skills
Parking
SK13 1HZ
Dogs
Welcome
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn
About this route
A 14.4km loop from Crowden up onto Black Hill at 582m, the boggy roof of the northern Dark Peak, returning on the Pennine Way past Laddow Rocks. Rough, wet moorland with a real summit and long Longdendale views.
Hazards & notes
Black Hill's plateau is featureless peat bog and disorientating in cloud, so navigation off the paved Pennine Way needs care. The ground is persistently wet and slow, and the moor is exposed to weather with no shelter. Grouse shooting affects parts of the moor from August to December.
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/peak-district/longdendale/black-hill-crowden-little-brook-loop
trailrunningplanet.com