Beat the Bounds, Patterdale

JUL
4
2026
Beat the Bounds is a classic Lake District event where you can run or walk the historic Patterdale parish boundary. Choose from four distances, from a tough 28-mile ultra to a gentle 6-mile family walk. It's a community fundraiser supporting the local school and church.

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Event Overview

Beat the Bounds is a running and walking event in Patterdale, Cumbria, based on a local tradition of walking the parish boundary. Participants can choose from four distances, from a family-friendly walk to a technical ultra run. The event is a fundraiser for Patterdale Church of England Primary School and St Patrick's Church, Patterdale.

Distances and Format

Participants can select from four routes with staggered start times:

  • Full Boundary: 28 miles with 10,200 ft of ascent.
  • 1st Half: 16 miles with 6,500 ft of ascent.
  • 2nd Half: 14 miles with 3,500 ft of ascent.
  • Family Walk/Solo Downhill Challenge: A 6-mile downhill route.

All routes start and finish at different points, primarily using Patterdale School and Kirkstone Pass. A rolling start system is in place for most distances. The Full Boundary route includes landmarks such as Helvellyn, Fairfield, and High Street.

Participant Information

All participants will be provided with a tracker, a race number, and food and drinks at the Kirkstone Pass checkpoint. Finishers receive soup and cake. There are cut-off times at Kirkstone Pass and Boredale Hause to ensure participant safety. Participants will receive detailed route information and GPX files by email before the event.

The event historically operated as a free, sponsored walk and participants can still raise funds independently; donation instructions will be provided. Entry fees are considered a donation to the two beneficiary organizations if a participant cannot take part, as the event has a no-refund policy.

A 100% discount is available for residents of Patterdale Parish, and a £5 discount is offered to Long Distance Walking Association members for the Full Boundary event only. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

2nd Half
Full Boundary
Mini
1st Half