Midwinter Mortimer Trail 2026
The Midwinter Mortimer Trail is a winter trail event in the Marches of England offering two approximate route lengths.
- about 30 miles, Ludlow Castle to Kington
- about 16 miles, Aymestrey to Kington
Both routes are mixed trail, field and road running through forests, limestone tops, pastures and a succession of hills and ridges. The longer route follows the Mortimer Trail from the entrance archway of Ludlow Castle to the Herefordshire market town of Kington and crosses the valleys of the rivers Teme, Lugg and Arrow. Notable landscape features include the Mary Knoll Valley, High Vinnals, Orleton Common, Croft Ambrey and Wapley hill fort, and the course passes through several villages.
The shorter Croft route starts at the Riverside Inn in Aymestrey and finishes in Kington. The event describes both courses as suitable for walkers and runners familiar with longer distances and gives estimated completion ranges for walking and running times. Age limits are set for each course and entry fees apply. The event is organised by Andali Events and forms the opening race of the Wild Shropshire Ultra Series, a three event series that awards a unique medal to people who complete all three races and a prize for the fastest combined time. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Courses
30 Mile Ultra
This route will appeal to runners and walkers that are either looking for a great introduction to ultra distance events or athletes that are already established ultra runners and looking to test themselves on a relatively fast hilly course. With an estimated walk time of 8-12 hours and run time of 5-9 hours, this promises to be an adventure worth remembering.
Registration for this distance will be from 0730 in the Chapter66 cafe, inside Ludlow Castle, where you can top up on coffee and cake and use the facilities before you set off at 0800. It is recommended that you park your car in Kington and make your way to the Ludlow start point (more details will be included in the athletes guide that each athlete will receive two weeks prior to the event). If you require transport from Kington to the start point, this will cost £15 per person and the minibus will depart Kington car park at 0700 prompt.
Croft Half (16 miles)
This route is ideal for runners and walkers that can already complete at flat half marathon distance or athletes looking to increase from a 10k flat route. An estimated walk time of 5-8 hours and run time of 2-6 hours, this is a great route for our shorter distance athletes.
Registration for this distance will be at the Riverside Inn, Aymestrey at 0830, with the race starting at 0900. It is recommended that you park your car in Kington and make your way to the Aymestrey start point (more details will be included in the athletes guide that each athlete will receive two weeks prior to the event). If you require transport from Kingt