Lakes Traverse
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Lakes Traverse
The Lakes Traverse is a 100 km ultra across the Lake District, following Wainwright’s coast to coast route from St Bees to Shap. The route crosses the full width of the Lake District National Park and passes through Ennerdale, Borrowdale, Grasmere Common, Grisedale Tarn, Patterdale, Kidsty Pike and along Haweswater before finishing at Shap. The route typically accumulates about 3,500 m of ascent, though distance and climb vary between editions.
The route is not marked but is usually straightforward to follow as it uses an established national hiking trail. Participants receive an official waterproof race map, a digital map and a downloadable GPX file. The organiser notes the route is provisional and may change between years.
Support and logistics are provided at set locations along the course. There is a water point at Ennerdale (24 km) and staffed aid stations at Rosthwaite (47 km), Patterdale (69 km), Kidsty Pike (77 km) and the Shap finish (94 km). Aid stations provide hot and cold food with gluten-free and vegan options, indoor or marquee facilities at most locations, and medical cover is usually present. Retiring is only possible at aid stations. A finishers drop bag is transported from start to finish (maximum weight 5 kg) and is not accessible during the race.
Registration is at St Bees School and temporary parking is available there for registration only; long stay parking is on the beach. Coaches run from Shap to St Bees before the event. Mandatory kit is checked at registration and additional exceptional weather items may be required. The race contributes to UTMB indexing and awards four ITRA points and four mountain points. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
