Conquer the Wild: Dovestone

Saturday 27 March 2027

For our March Conquer the Wild Hike & Trail Run Adventure, we're heading to the dramatic landscape surrounding Dovestone Reservoir for a challenging journey from the water's edge and up onto the surrounding moorland.

Expect reservoirs, rugged trails, open moors, plenty of climbing and some spectacular views as we leave the more familiar paths around Dovestone behind and head higher into the hills.

As we move into spring, this is another opportunity to get outside, test the legs and explore somewhere brilliant in the company of like-minded people.

And, as always, expect some mud!

Dovestone

Dovestone might be best known for its picturesque reservoir, but venture beyond the water's edge and there's a much wilder landscape waiting to be explored.

Our circular adventure will take us through the varied terrain surrounding the reservoir before climbing higher onto the moorland, where rugged trails and expansive views make this a fantastic location for a Conquer the Wild challenge.

March conditions can still be unpredictable on higher and more exposed ground, so come prepared for mud, wind, hills and possibly a bit of everything weather-wise!

Conquer the Wild Hike & Trail Run Adventures

Our Conquer the Wild events are typically up hills, across moorland and along trails. They're longer adventures with more mud, more hills and more challenge: all of which usually means more laughs and some awesome photos!

Routes typically cover approximately 10 miles and take place on the last Saturday of the month.

Our hikers and trail runners start from the same location but head out on the routes in opposite directions, passing each other somewhere along the way for the obligatory group photo opportunity!

The adventures are led by our qualified Hill and Moorland team, bringing a wealth of experience, local knowledge and expertise.

Conquer the Wild is about discovering and exploring new places whilst completing a challenging route with the camaraderie of like-minded people around you. There should be no desire to beat anyone or break records.

This isn't a race.

It's an adventure.

Trail Run: typically around 3.5 hours

Hike: typically around 5.5 hours

Times will vary depending on the route, conditions, group pace and, importantly, how much we're enjoying ourselves! As this is a supportive group event accommodating a range of abilities, please consider the latest advertised finish time when making plans for afterwards.

Leave the planning and navigation to us. Your job is simply to enjoy getting out into the open, exploring the trails and enjoying the views and company.

With an emphasis on exploration and improving physical, mental and social wellbeing, rather than competitive times or distances, our adventures are led by a knowledgeable and experienced team who'll provide encouragement, support and plenty of humour along the way.

Kit requirements

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• Spare warm layer

• Hat and gloves

• Minimum 1 litre of water

• Fully charged mobile phone

• Suitable trail shoes or walking boots

• Personal snacks/food

Route

Full route details will be emailed to participants ahead of the event and will include:

• Intended route

• Meeting/start location

• Parking information

• Specific kit requirements

• Any other information relevant to the day's adventure

As always, the exact route may be adapted by the Sunnywood team depending on weather and ground conditions.

About The Sunnywood Project

The Sunnywood Project is a multi-award-winning profit-for-purpose organisation offering a wide range of youth programmes and community activities, all aiming to utilise the outdoors to enrich people's lives.

Proceeds from many of our events help us continue this important work, contributing towards programmes including our Kindling Kids sessions, Duke of Edinburgh's Award programmes, SPACE programme for children with SEMH needs, and much more.

By joining us for an adventure, you're not only doing something positive for your own wellbeing: you're helping us create opportunities for others too.

Thank you for your support and for joining us.

EXPLORE. LEARN. GROW.