Hi Ian,
now live in the lakes but was in Rochdale Harriers for a long time......

Park run at watergrove is equivalent to a cat c fell race in terms of distance/climb. It is all on trails and will give you chance to talk to people.
Andy O'Sullivan puts on a lot of races, mainly towards Whitworth, that are multi terrain. (Andems Runners) There will be a couple at Christmas.
A good target race for a new fell runner would be the wardle skyline in April. I used to organise it.......
Good luck