The Maverick Peak District X-Trail 2027

Just like the Peak District National Park sits at the very heart of England, the Maverick Peak District X-Trail sits at the heart of the Maverick calendar.

This is the one that keeps runners coming back year after year. A true cornerstone of the series, where expectation meets reality - and adventure always goes further than planned. You come looking for a challenge, and you’re not disappointed. You come searching for something bigger, and you leave with far more than you expected.

With five route options to choose from, this is a full spectrum trail experience, from shorter, punchy distances right through to long-haul endurance efforts that dig deep into the National Park. Every route has been carefully designed to showcase the scale, variety, and raw beauty of this iconic landscape.

All routes begin in the spectacular Bakewell Showground before heading straight out into the National Park. From the very first kilometres, the terrain starts to shift and challenge - rolling quickly into a mix of high moorland, steep climbs, and fast-descending river valleys that demand constant attention and reward strong running.

This is a landscape that never settles. One moment you’re climbing exposed gritstone edges with vast views across the Peaks, the next you’re dropping into sheltered woodland trails or following ancient paths that weave through the valleys below.

You’ll crisscross old railway lines, power up and over the highest points in the park, and join sections of the iconic Pennine footpath before peeling off onto quieter, lesser-travelled trails that feel completely remote. And throughout it all, you’re never far from a view that stops you in your tracks - or a set of stone steps that reminds you exactly where you are.

The routes take in some of the Peak District’s most recognisable locations, including Bamford, Hathersage, Curbar, Froggatt, and Stanage, delivering a fully immersive journey through one of the UK’s most dramatic and varied National Parks.
It’s tough, it’s beautiful, and it’s exactly what the Peak District should feel like.

This is the Peak District the Maverick way—iconic, demanding, and unforgettable from start to finish.