Let's look ahead to autumn and October's Dovedale Dash, a cross country race of 4.75 miles that sees runners enjoy the picturesque area around the village of Thorpe near Ashbourne and Dovedale in the south of the Derbyshire Peak District. This year's staging is the event's 65th edition and will take place on 6 October.

A long standing race that dates back to 1953; the Dovedale Dash is a well organised affair by local villagers and attracts a mixture of participants. It also has a pretty unique start, as organisers explain: "If you like spectacular and surprising cross country, trail, fell running, mud runs, fun runs, then you have try this race! It is the craziest start of a race you will ever experience. Imagine 1000-1500 runners all lined up on the pastures in front of Thorpe Cloud and all going as fast as they can down through narrow Lin dale to cross the cold river Dove!"

So yes, runners set off from Thorpe Pastures and follow an off-road route consisting of field paths and open ground. The route then takes them into Lin Dale and the River Dove which is known to be a just a tad chilly! Runners can either plunge through the water or navigate the stepping stones before carrying on and over the Ilam Bridge to Coldwall Bridge: then across Coldwall Bridge and along the other side of the River Dove followed by a climb up Lin Dale to the finish.

This event raises funds for Thorpe Village Hall and various local charities. The surplus from the proceeds of the race go to local charitable causes and the upkeep of the Thorpe village hall. From last year's race organisers were able to donate £6,000 to help fund the significant improvement projects the hall has been undergoing last year.

There is also a children's race for under 12s and under 9s that sees the kids run down to the River Dove, under Thorpe Cloud and back up Lin Dale to the main race finish.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Dovedale Dash website.

Image: Dovedale Dash Facebook