Isaac's Tea Trail Ultra
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Event overview
Isaac's Tea Trail Ultra - Backwards is scheduled for 1 August 2026 at Allendale Village Hall, Allendale, NE47 9PR. The event is for participants aged 18 or older. The route is a loop of about 37 miles within the North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark. Total ascent is listed as 4,800 ft. The event offers solo ultra and relay entries; listed fees are Ultra £78-£80 (affiliated/unaffiliated) and Relay £100 per team.
Course and logistics
The route follows Isaac’s Tea Trail through Allendale, Ninebanks, Alston and Nenthead. The course uses permanent finger posts and trail markers. Marshals are provided at key points, but the event is otherwise self-navigating. Organisers supply a downloadable map and a GPX file for GPS devices. Participants are given 12 hours to complete the route, an average pace of about 3 mph. Terrain includes farmland tracks, field boundaries, sheep trods, minor roads and stoney undulating trails; trail shoes are recommended.
Relay legs and race support
- 10.2 miles Allendale to Ninebanks, 1,200 ft climbing
- 15.8 miles Ninebanks to Nenthead, 1,900 ft climbing
- 11.4 miles Nenthead to Allendale, 1,750 ft climbing
Checkpoints provide cold drinks, snacks, fruit and vegan options. The event includes a branded mug, free event pictures, an event tracker for safety, and post-race food and drinks at race HQ. A donation from each entry supports trail upkeep. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
