Nav4 Tour de Helvellyn
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Event
The NAV4 Tour de Helvellyn is scheduled for Saturday 20 December 2025 and starts and finishes at Askham Community Centre, CA10 2PG. The route is a winter ultra around Helvellyn of about 38 miles with roughly 2000 m of total ascent and descent, reaching close to 600 m on several occasions. The event is low support and unmarked; participants must be competent in mountain navigation and self-reliance. Entries are limited to approximately 200 starters (the system will accept up to 220 to allow for non-starters, with a waiting list once 220 have signed). The published entry fee is £70.
Route, checkpoints and kit
The course follows footpaths, bridleways and minor lanes in a logical circuit around Helvellyn. Checkpoints are placed in sequence, including Martindale Church, Side Farm, Swart Beck Footbridge, Stannah Beck junction, Swirls car park and Birkside Ghyll, with a return to Side Farm and Martindale Church before finishing at Askham Community Centre. The route is unmarked and no route description is issued; grid references are provided to competitors.
Kit is checked on the start line. Required items include a waterproof jacket with hood, waterproof over trousers, long thermal base layer and fleece mid-layer, an additional emergency insulation layer, warm hat and gloves, long thermal leg wear, headtorch, food and drink, mug or drinks bottle, compass, whistle, survival bag and basic first aid (minimum 5x5 cm dressing and tape or bandage). A hardcopy paper map suitable for the area is mandatory. Individual support crews and pacing are not allowed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.