The Full Banquet

THE FULL BANQUET: 20.9 miles, 4000ft elevation

A 21 mile circular, hilly route, mainly off-road with lots of lovely views throughout.

There are 10 checkpoints along the way that must be visited to complete the Full Banquet:

• Royal Oak (START) - SJ 972 886 - 0 miles

Start from the Royal Oak, then go past Mellor Primary School on the left and head up the steep hill to Mellor Church & Mellor Hall, eventually picking up the Cown Edge Way.

• Smithy Lane Farm (Brook Bottom) - SJ 990 902 - 2 miles

Continue along the Cown Edge Way passing by Robin Hood's Picking Rods and then head up the path.

• Cown Edge Summit - SK 021  920 - 4.5 miles

Turn around this time passing by Cown Edge Rocks and continue down to the lane near Far Cown Edge farm towards Monks Road.

• Pennine Bridleway - SK 022 904 - 6 miles

Continue on the Pennine Bridleway down towards Rowarth,

• Little Mill Inn - SK 011 890 - 8 miles

Continue past the pub heading left up the road and  eventually climbing up the rocky track near Laneside farm. At the top of the track, take a sharp left  continuing up to a farm gate leading to the ridge on the immediate right.

• Lantern Pike Viewfinder - SK 026 881- 10 miles

Enjoy the views and then head down to the Pennine Bridleway, eventually crossing the Sett Valley trail. Continue up Morland Road and proceed towards a large crag at the summit (known locally as Big Stone).

• Big Stone (Chinley Churn) - SK 037 843 - 13.5 miles

Continue to Over Hill Road and Dolly Lane, go under the railway and stay on the path to the right of the River Goyt. After passing the Millennium walkway, continue past the park and head upwards to Brookbottom.

• Fox Inn - SJ 985 863 - 18 miles

Follow the road and path to Mellor Cross and head up to the Trig Point to enjoy views of Kinder Scout.

• Shaw Cairn - SJ 986 872 - 19 miles

Continue down the road towards Cobden farm, Gibb Lane and eventually Longhurst Lane.

• Royal Oak (FINISH) - SJ 972 886 - 21 miles

Our recommended route (that has generally good conditions underfoot) can be followed using the GPX file available here.

However, you can also choose your own route between checkpoints so long as it uses public rights of way and/or access land.

If you complete the Full Banquet, please Submit your time so we can include it on our Hall of Fame!