CHELFORD 20 MILE ROUND

The Chelford Round is a 20 miles (32km) with 500 feet (160 metres) ascent, trail that starts and finishes at the Egerton Arms, Chelford. Our gentle route crosses some beautiful, rural landscapes and reaches its high point at the Armada Beacon on Alderley Edge. As they say, it’s all down hill from there.

The Round takes its inspiration from the famous ‘Three Peaks of Yorkshire’, an historic walk (or run) which is 24.5 miles (39.2km) long and contains 5,000 feet (1,600 metres) of climbing. If you complete that route within 12 hours, you are able to join the "Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club", which was set up originally by Peter and Joyce Bayes. I am endebted to them in copying their brilliant and simple formula.

The one principle that we insist on is honesty. This is a long and convoluted route and we rely on you completing it correctly and reporting your time accurately. We are sure that everyone will do this, as otherwise, one’s sense of achievement would be diminished.

This is a self-timed route so, in traditional fashion, you should start the timing with one hand touching the front door of the Egerton Arms. Off you go and some 20 miles later, you’ll finish by touching the door again and by marking your time. However, with this touch, it would be a good idea to go inside for a celebratory drink.

If you complete the route in less than 9 hours, you may join the Chelford Round Club by making a donation of £5 directly to the Dog’s Trust. Please send all your timings, personal details, photographs and proof of donation to either;
The Chelford Round Club, c/o 2, Yew Tree Cottage, Alderley Road, Chelford, Macclesfield, Cheshire. SK119AP
Or electronically to webmaster@chelfordvillage.com

You will be rewarded with a numbered certificate and a periodic newsletter of staggering dullness. You can use this to bore anyone you meet. If there are sufficient completers, then we will organise an annual club dinner (stealing this idea from the infinitely more testing Bob Graham Round).

The best of luck to all who attempt this and please remember that you are responsible for your own safety and navigation. So, please follow the Countryside Code
Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
Leave gates and property as you find them
Protect plants and animals and take your litter home
Keep dogs under close control
Consider other people

More information on the Countryside Code can be found here http://www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk/things_to_know/countryside_code

Click here for a detailed description of the route


Other Information

Staying Warm and Dry

As this is East Cheshire, it’s probably going to be wet. In some parts, it is also open and without much shelter, so please remember to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. If you are to be outside for 7-8 hours then you’ll be much happier if you are dressed for the occasion.

Getting Fed and Watered

There are many points en route where you can be fed and watered but these are not evenly spaced. There is a comestibles desert between the Egerton Arms and the junction of Bollington Lane and the A34. However, both the Parkgate Inn on Stocks Lane and the Dog Inn on Welltrough Lane are a short detour from the route but this will probably affect your time. Carrying sandwiches and some sort of liquid is a good idea.

The other watering holes include:
The Tiger Lily Restaurant (Bengali), nr. Junction of Bollington Lane and A34, Monk’s Heath
The Wizard Tea Rooms, Alderley Edge (open Saturdays and Sundays all year round, also Bank Holidays, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Opening Times are 10:00am to 5pm. They will open on a weekday by prior arrangement for parties of 20 plus people. Dogs and children are very welcome. Telephone 07742-333463 for advance reservations or further enquiries.)
De Trafford Arms, Alderley Edge village
Alderley Edge village, more food and drink than you can shake a stick at.
The Stag’s Head, Mill Lane, Great Warford (no food on Sunday evenings)
The Egerton Arms

Public Transport
The Egerton Arms can be reached by bus (27 and 27A) from Macclesfield or Knutsford. Chelford can be reached by rail and is on the Manchester – Wilmslow – Crewe line.