Doug brings a calm, supportive style to our Peak District Run trips, with the experience of a UK Mountain Leader and a real passion for helping runners progress. Through his coaching service - Elite Trail Team - and online community, he helps guests arrive feeling prepared and confident.
The Peak District is a brilliant place to start trail running, with varied terrain, big views and routes that feel adventurous without being overwhelming. It’s accessible, rewarding, and an ideal setting to build skills and confidence on the trails. We asked Doug what makes these trips so special, and why the Peak District is such a good place to begin.
What excites you most about leading the Peak District Run trips with Tracks and Trails?
I love working with runners of all abilities and sharing the trails with them. It is great to show people a new area and help them improve as runners.
For runners new to the area, what makes the Peak District such a special place to run?
The Peak District is a fantastic area for trail runners. It has a rich history linked to access rights to the countryside and the formation of the National Parks. The Peak District offers an exceptional variety of terrain in a compact area — from open moorland and gritstone edges to rolling valleys and technical rocky trails. It combines challenging, runnable routes with expansive views and a strong sense of history and landscape character. For new visitors, it’s accessible yet wild enough to feel adventurous, making it an ideal environment to build confidence and mountain awareness.
What level of runner is this trip designed for?
This trip is designed for beginner trail runners, and those looking to learn new skills and progress as a runner.
As a UK Mountain Leader, how does your experience shape the way you guide and support groups?
My experience as a UK Mountain Leader underpins everything I do when guiding groups. It ensures I plan thoroughly, assess risk dynamically, and make sound decisions in changing conditions. It also means I prioritise safety, navigation accuracy, weather awareness, and group management, while creating a supportive environment where runners feel confident, capable, and able to enjoy the mountains responsibly.
Could you share how your online community and training plans can help runners prepare for the trip?
The online community and structured training plans give runners a clear, progressive framework to prepare confidently for the camp. The plans focus on building endurance, strength for climbing, technical trail skills, and resilience specific to mixed terrain. Within the community, runners can ask questions, share progress, and gain support — helping them arrive feeling physically prepared, informed, and part of the group before the camp even begins.
What can guests expect from a typical day on the Peak District Run (terrain, pace, and overall feel)?
Guests can expect a varied day on classic Peak District terrain — a mix of flowing trails, open moorland, rocky sections, and steady climbs with rewarding views. The pace is conversational and inclusive, with regular regrouping points, skills input where appropriate, and time to appreciate the landscape. The overall feel is supportive, adventurous, and professionally guided, with a strong focus on safety, enjoyment, and building confidence on the varying terrain.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining but unsure if it’s the right fit?
The camp is designed to be supportive and inclusive, with a focus on enjoyment, learning, and shared experience rather than competition. If you’re comfortable running on trails for a few hours and open to developing your skills, you’ll likely find it both rewarding and confidence-building. If you’re unsure, I’d encourage you to get in touch and have a conversation about your experience and goals.