The Leith Hill Half

Let’s get this straight… it’s an out-and-back: the first half is all uphill – the second half is not all downhill! Including 1836 feet of total ascent and 1836 feet of total descent.

Starting from the Nower, you proceed to the eastern end of the Nower ridge, climb up to the top and run along the crest, with views back to the race start on your right, and views towards Leith hill on your left. Go past the small temple at the top of the ridge, and trend right steeply downhill. Turn left and proceed along the private road for around 300m until you encounter a right hand turn that looks like it’s someone’s drive: it isn’t, so turn in right and then take the right hand path and proceed down a narrow and uneven path next to a chicken-run (on your left) and down the steps at the end, turn left on the road and after around 40m turn right over a little bridge. Keep going straight, deviating neither right nor left, for another 2km, along narrow paths and bridleways, and along rutted sandy gullies, until you arrive at the junction with the A25 at Rookery Drive. There will be a water station here. Turn left, and run along next to the Pipp Brook: bear right after the stables, and run past the old mill and mill pond on your left: then immediately turn left up a bridleway and on into open country. Follow the path steeply uphill until you emerge on the sandy lane known as Wolvens Lane (a byway open to all traffic – a BOAT – so beware of trials bike riders and drivers of 4x4s). Turn left and start the very long climb up to Coldharbour, which you will reach after about 2 miles – deviating neither left nor right. At the car park opposite the Plough pub in Coldharbour, turn right and proceed very steeply (walking is allowed) up towards Coldharbour cricket ground (and another water station). Follow signs for the tower, and after a very steep final climb, you arrive at the tower – but don’t stop! To benefit from the views, run past the tower, turn left and then right, and run to the half way point, which is a carved wooden chair. Have a rest if you need one, and then reverse your route to the start. Good luck!