I've been walking outdoors before I was able to indoors (using my Dad's legs when I was very small). However after a small lapse whilst I got heavily into MTB, I've recently picked it up again after organising a trip to the Alps in the summer (listen out for endless 'what to buy for the Alps' threads). So after letting you all know I'm not competely new to all this, the point is I've realised I like going up hills, and fast. So I thought I might as well add this to going across and down hills quickly as well. Hence the title. I was wondering what to wear, esp. on my feet and if any of you know anywhere near Manchester, bearing in mind I basically live in the centre, I don't have a car but like cycling. And i know there is the Peak District, I am looking for more specific suggestions such as Bleaklow (but not there cos it's well boring). Thanks and things.
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 On feet? Something light, bendy and grippy which fits  (no heel lift etc.). Really rather a lot of places to look for such things in Manchester city center, and plenty more not far away of course. I'd have thought that somewhere vaguely safe/dull might be a fair idea for early escapades until used to it. I've never looked but surely there must be some local fell running clubs? The Lakes is sort of the spiritual home of the whole thing of course.....
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 Assuming you are fit, get in touch with a local running club. Even if it is a road running club, there will probably be a 'hill' section. You'll pick up loads of advice. Stay off concrete and tarmac. Your joints will thank you 20 years from now.
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 Get on the train, the trans-pennine thingy to Leeds, and get off virtually anywhere! Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, etc, are chock full of good fell running country. Have a look on the Fell Runner's Association website for more info about clubs, routes, races, and so on.
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Hey up Tom I am no expert but have been doing a bit of fell running the last few years. Footwear; go for aggressively soled trail shoes or full on fell shoes. Trail shoes such as Inov8 315s and Mizuno Wave Harriers are good All-rounders but when its steep and slippery most use fell shoes such as Walshes or Mudclaws. As for routes try ones you have walked in the past. My first runs were around the edges of Kinder http://sbrtrfr.blogspot.com/2009/09/heres-one-i-did-earlier_24.htmlHave fun
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Pete Bland Sports and Running Bear are two of the very best specialist fell running shops in the country - Pete Bland has managed the English fell running team, as well as being a fearsome runner. A great place to visit. Lots of bargains too. True fell running shoes are very light, have very little cushioning and are seriously studded; the iconic classic is the Walsh PBII but more recently models from Inov-8 have gained popularity. Not to be confused with trail shoes which have lots of cushioning for stony trails - fell running shoes are all about grip, especially downhill on wet peat, and feel. It's worth joining the Fell Runners Association (FRA) - Pete Bland gives members discounts, so it pays for itself.
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Also sign up for PBS newsletter / database as they usually offer a discount if you are on it. Or at least they do instore, not sure about web orders come to think of it. I believe they also give discounts to BMC members too. Lakes is a big area for fell running but IIRC there are small towns in the Skipton to Leeds direction that have very active fell running clubs too. I guess that is why the Fellsman is so well supported. I'm sure Peak area would have them too. If you go for Innov8s then go to somewhere with a large range. They have quite a few different ones. Check their website for details. Each shoe has different characteristics and terrains they are suitable for. You have ones for rocky runs like in parts of Lakes and ones for muddy runs like the peak District was like from memory. Also ones that compromise between the two. Then you have weights, 315, 295, etc. Lighter shoes are likely to be less durable too. Of course I have heard the Orienteering ones they do are actually not too bad for durability but some if not all have metal studs in the sole for better grip. Walshes have an older look to them from what I have seen but are the Grandaddy of fell shoes. I've also heard there is a company that has the rights to re-sole them with the exact sole unit it came with. I am not sure how good that is as my innov8s failed with the upper as well as the sole wearing and the midsole collapsing. Not sure how more durable Walshes are. I am on my 2nd and 3rd pair now (I relax them and rotate between uses to try to make them last longer). They are the trail shoe versions not the proper fell shoes but I do use them for everything from challenge walks, runs backpacking and normal day walks. Including scrambles and winter walking. Grip is pretty good but not exactly as good as the innov8s or Walsh fell shoes.
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RE other gear.
One of the joys of Fell running is the lack kit needed to have fun.
After shoes all you need is ;
A baselayer/ tech T
Shorts or tights
Waterproofs/windproofs emergency stuff(hat gloves whistle etc) and a bumbag or small sack to put stuff in.
A sense of humour
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 Rochdale and about has some good runs. I hope the following helps
http://www.rochdaleharriers.co.uk/fixtures.htm
http://www.rochdaleharriers.co.uk/gallery10/3%20days%20q.jpg
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Once did a fell race on Boxing Day from Rawtenstall, Whinberry Naze or something I think it was. Seemed to be a pretty active scene there with club & regular races etc.
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