A small squad of LincsQuad explorers headed to Derbyshire on 22nd Feb 2026 to tackle The Eckington Epic — a 7‑mile “guided” trail run where the word guided really meant squinting at a sheet of hieroglyphics (to us) while running downhill at speed.

Armed with nothing but beautifully typed instructions full of TLs, TRs, RHFEs, HGs, and the occasional “FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY HERE” (which we absolutely did not), we set off into the Moss Valley with optimism, enthusiasm, and absolutely no idea where we were going.

🌞 The Weather

The weather was spot‑on: crisp, bright, and the kind of sunshine that makes you think you’re in a trail‑running advert… right up until you hit the first muddy slope and slide down it like a toddler on a wet slide.

😂 The Comedy Highlights

Trying to read instructions while running — which quickly became a team sport involving shouting abbreviations like we were calling bingo numbers.

Sliding all over the place, especially on the woodland descents where dignity was optional. Unless your name is Donna!

At one stream crossing, Frazer spotted a rope swing and immediately reverted to childhood. Before anyone could say “that’s not on the instructions,” he was swinging over the water like a budget Tarzan. It was majestic. It was unnecessary. It was peak! (and dales! 😉 )

Nicola discovered that some gates are basically adult-sized fidget spinners. It was epic seeing her perform a full spin like she was auditioning for Strictly Come Dancing: Countryside Edition. Zero navigation benefit. Maximum entertainment.

Then came the moment — the photo that broke us. Donna went into a full Todd Carty impression from Dancing in Ice and went flat out in the mud, later when reviewing the photos it looked like Donna had somehow ended losing a leg in a position that defied both gravity and dignity. The laughter was instant, uncontrollable, and lasted far longer than the climb that followed.

Catherine’s sugar lumps, which looked like they were for the horses we kept passing… but were actually for the post‑run coffee.

Roo was the driver, the cheerleader and the chaos enabler as he drove us all there and got Catherine out of bed!

Last but no least we have celebratory pint at the pub afterwards, because nothing says “successful adventure” like muddy legs and a cold drink. Of course that was a really good time to reflect and giggle at the adventure especially Donna’s one leg!

🌿 The Route

The course itself was stunning — rolling fields, woodland trails, fishing lakes, farm tracks, and the occasional stile that tested both flexibility and patience. Every mile marker brought a new challenge:

• Mile 1: “Thru HG past snowman” — naturally.

• Mile 3: “FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY HERE” — we did not.

• Mile 5: “TR at union jack flag” — the most patriotic turn of the day.

• Mile 7: “Just after red dog bin TL” — peak British navigation.

Somewhere between the telegraph poles, kissing gates, and hedge gaps, we realised we were having far too much fun to care whether we were technically on the right path. However, we made it!

We met some lovely like minded people on the route who were just as good as us following the instructions and the event people were so lovely and so laid back!

🏁 The Finish

We made it back — muddy, happy, and still laughing — with a new appreciation for:

• old‑school navigation

• the joy of shared chaos

• and the fact that a bunch of mates can turn any event into a brilliant day out.

Recommend!

We would totally recommend this event, go check them out, they have another event planned in April – The Bluebell Bimble please see here: Races | Peaks and Dales