Hartsop Hop
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About the race
This is the second edition of the Hartsop Hop, an off-road route based at the sheep pens above Hartsop in Patterdale, Cumbria. The course covers 19.5 km / 12.15 miles with 1370 m / 4495 ft of ascent and features five main checkpoints (CP1–CP5).
Runners choose their own line early on to reach Rest Dodd (CP1). CP2 lies on the col beneath High Raise, north-east of Rampsgill Head, and must be reached within 70 minutes. If directed to retire at CP2, competitors are asked to return to the start via the path north of The Knott and down by Hayeswater.
A fast descent to Kidsty Howes follows, with rocky outcrops where a poor line can cost positions, then a steep drop to Haweswater and a short climb to The Rigg (CP3). A stony section above Haweswater precedes a mostly runnable climb up Nan Bield Pass. Lingmell End (CP4) sits on the Kentmere Horseshoe line; returning from there makes the remainder of the route more difficult. The final checkpoint is on Gray Crag (CP5).
The last descent is steep and requires care; some will use the path that skirts the outcrops to the north at about 500 m. The route finishes back at the sheep pens. Minimum age to enter is 18. The event is described as an AM class and may be reclassified to AL if lines are suboptimal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
