Mammothon

Mammothon route summary, 42 km 12hour time limit

A full-distance trail marathon with over 1000m of elevation, this is a classic route for hard-core trail runners or experienced long-distance walkers. We promise incredible scenery and proper local food and drink and a great Shropshire welcome at our checkpoints.

Leaving the Discovery Centre along the river Onny, you head up onto the limestone escarpment of Wenlock Edge and then onwards and upwards again to the tower known as Flounders’ Folly, built by the eponymous Victorian shipping magnate who claimed to be able to see his ships entering the Manchester ship canal from here! After clipping, the route returns to Wenlock Edge, following the limestone escarpment, before turning north across farmland, passing through Acton Scott, home to BBC’s Victorian Farm. You then climb Ragleth Hill, with views over the Long Mynd, your next challenge.

After a refreshment stop at Little Stretton, you head up on to the Long Mynd itself via the beautiful Ashes Hollow, to reach Pole Bank, the highest point on the whole route. From here, you continue south along the full length of the wide whaleback ridge, before descending into the Onny valley at Plowden. After crossing the river, you undulate through woods, hamlets, lanes and farmland before the short, sharp shock of Wart Hill and a drink stop at its base. This Iron-Age farmstead was first inhabited over 3000 years ago and retains a special charm even today.

Next, we climb up to Hopesay Hill where the slower walkers may be met by 80K runners joining your route from the west. This remote spot is home to wild ponies and red kites. From here you should be able to smell your meal cooking as it’s an easy final few kilometres down to journey’s end at the Discovery Centre.

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