Running when it is dark

[novice]

As winter is approaching I’ve been wondering how people run when it is dark before you go to work and dark when you return.

Do people get out at night off road solo? I can’t imagine actually successfully running with a head torch as you have to make sure the torch is actually illuminating where you are going. Also I would imagine being out alone would scare the pants off me with rustling trees and so on

Or is it a question of sticking to road running?

[Darth domain]

i run early morning on the road, but i must admit, this fell running at night sounds a little appealing if not a little scary, just the thought of going arse over tit over a rock is bad enough even if one is wearing a head torch
however, one of the most appealing things for me with the fells, are looking at the great scenery every now and then, something that cant be done at night. But, i suppose its a good navigational ex

[runningfool]

...is good fun, up to a point.

I enjoy running by head torch and it is indeed possible to run off road with a headtorch. The things that go bump in the night are half the fun when you're out in the wilds and make the run all the more interesting.

I say "up to a point" as mist or fog is a pain with a head torch. In those situations, if you're determined to run, a hand torch is better. The other factor is that the views aren't great at night. Having once run through 16 hours of darkness on the West Highland Way I can confirm that the novelty does wear a little thin after a while.

[Leeds Rhino]

A group of us do the trails around North Leeds using headtorches. Around Harewood and the 'Emmerdale' film set. Can be scary stumbling into herd of cows ,their eyes illuminated by our torches, and also the ghosts of Amos Brierley ( licensee and proprietor Woolpack Inn ) and Grandad Sugden

Seriously its good fun and certainly makes you concentrate.

[dominion]

First off, you need to deliberate about What Headtorch??

Once you've got that sorted, there's quite a few semi-organised off-road events over the winter. Some are more formal than others.

Keep your eye on the forum, most aren't widely advertised.

[Swoop]

Can be scary stumbling into herd of cows and also the ghost of Amos Brierley.

"Nay, nay Mr Wilkes!"

[IanDarkpeak]

A number of clubs run night runs over the fells. DARK PEAK run on wednesday but Igo out quite often. If you are running off path it can be really good for your navigation practice.

Find your local club and ask them if they go out. its a good way to start night running.

[Splinter]

Obviously I keep getting lost because I don't go out at night enough.

[XRunner]

Obviously I keep getting lost because I don't go out at night enough.

How do you know that you are lost when it is pitch dark?

[Alphin]

All my runs are done off road be it summer or winter....There's nothing better than heading up onto the moors on a clear dark night on a solo run, fantastic! On foul clagged in nights, do some navigation practice. As Ian said, if you are not happy to head up and solo run at night seek out a local club, there are plenty that have "owl" runs....Running at night on the fells, be it alone or with a group, is good for the soul! The nights are drawing in