Lakes Traverse
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Lakes Traverse
The Lakes Traverse is an approximate 100 km ultra that follows Wainwright’s coast to coast route across the Lake District from St Bees to Shap. The route crosses the full width of the Lake District National Park and passes Ennerdale, Borrowdale, Grasmere Common, Grisedale Tarn, Patterdale, Kidsty Pike and Haweswater. The estimated total ascent is about 3,500 metres; the headline 100 km figure is slightly rounded and the exact distance can vary between editions.
The event promotes an ethos of adventure and self-sufficiency. The route is not marked but follows a well established national trail; participants receive a waterproof race map, a digital map and a GPX file. The final GPX is provisional and the route may change because of landowner permissions.
Support on course is provided at named locations. Ennerdale is a water point with toilets, Rosthwaite and Patterdale offer indoor or marquee space and toilets, Kidsty Pike is identified as a support point, and the finish is at Shap with indoor facilities and a finishers bag service. Aid Stations provide hot and cold food, drinks, volunteers and usually a medic; retiring is only possible at Aid Stations. Mandatory kit must be carried and will be checked at registration. A Finishers Drop Bag is transported from start to finish, maximum weight 5 kg and inaccessible during the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.