The ridges which radiate from the centre of the Lake District make excellent ways for these challenges, enabling linking of summits of the Lakeland fells.
Many prefer to run such challenges and the longer the challenges the more they become the preserve of the runner.
The following is a list of such challenges - they are in distance order of which the shorter are within the ability of the fit walkers but as the distance increases to a level of challenge a multiday schedule will be necessary or the super fit can contemplate.
- 6 BUNS WALK
12 miles - FAIRFIELD HORSESHOE
12 miles - HIGH STREET - ticking the Wainwrights
18 miles - GREAT LANGDALE HORSESHOE
18 miles - DOUBLE FAIRFIELD
18 miles - HIGH STREET - following the Romans
20 miles - ENNERDALE HORSESHOE
21 miles
- BACK O'SKIDDAW ROUND
23 miles - THE 09 LINE
24 / 32 miles - WASDALE HORSESHOE
26 / 31 miles - THREE COUNTIES TOPS
30 miles - ULLSWATER HORSESHOE
33 miles - BORROWDALE WATERSHED
- The Juniper Challenge
33 miles - ACROSS LAKELAND - RAVENGLASS TO SHAP
42 miles
- ACROSS LAKELAND - RAVENGLASS TO PENRITH
42 miles - THE LAKES THREE THOUSANDERS
46 miles - THE ALLERDALE RAMBLE
50 miles - WATER UNDER BRIDGE WALK
63 miles - BOB GRAHAM ROUND
72 miles - THE FURNESS WAY
75 miles - CUMBRIA WAY
75 miles
- THE CUMBERLAND WAY
80 miles - BJ ROUND
82 miles - THE EDEN WAY
91 miles - THE LADY'S 24 hr PEAKS RECORD
- THE EDEN HORSESHOE
98 miles - THE WESTMORLAND WAY
98 miles - MEN'S 24hr PEAKS RECORD
- THE LAKES 2500's
116 miles - THE WAINWRIGHTS
391 miles; 214 tops and 121000 feet of ascent !!!
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6 BUNS WALK
12 miles
For those who like their buns but want a good walk. A links between various establishments in Borrowdale - a circular walk, starting and finishing wherever desired. Suggested start point at Shepherds café (High Lodore Farm) - GR 263183.
- Follow path above the farm to the Watendlath valley and path on the west side of the valley to hamlet Watendlath (bun 1).
- Path over to Rosthwaite (bun2).
- Road to Stonethwaite and Chapel Farm. Path to Thornythwaite Farm and on to Seathwaite (bun 3).
- Road to Seatoller (bun 4)
- Start up Honister then take path on the right to join old road up Honister. Follow this past Castle Crag and down to Grange (bun 5)
- Follow the road on the west of the valley to near Manesty and take the path across the head of Derwantwater and back to High Lodore Farm (bun 6)
FAIRFIELD HORSESHOE
12 miles
Classic "short" horseshoe near Ambleside. Rydal, Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Dove Crag, High Pike and back to Ambleside.
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HIGH STREET - ticking the Wainwrights
18 miles
For those tickers of Wainwrights this route can yield 16 summits !! Start at Limefitt Campsite, Troutbeck (GR 415 030) - top - Sour Howes, Sallows, Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick, Thornthwaite Crag, Mardale Ill Bell, High Street, The Knott, Rampsgill Head, Kidsty Pike, High Raise, Wether Hill, Loadpot Hill, Bonscale Pike, arthur's Pike - finish Rowhead (GR 477 240)
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GREAT LANGDALE HORSESHOE
18 miles
Start in Elterwater (GR 328048) - road to top of Red Bank (GR 340055) and then the ridge - Siver How, Blea Rigg, Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, Rossett Pike, Bowfell, Crinkle Crags, Pike o'Blisco, Side Pike and Lingmoor Fell .
Details in "The Big Walks" by Ken Wilson and Richard Gilbert.
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DOUBLE FAIRFIELD
18 miles
A back to back horseshoe. A good evening's training run !! Start at Deepdale Bridge (GR 399144) - Hartsop above How, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike, Rydal, Nab Scar, Great Rigg, Fairfield, St.Sunday Crag, Birks and Arnison Crag
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HIGH STREET - following the Romans
20 miles
This challenge links the roman fort of Galava (in Ambleside - GR 373 033) and Brocaavm (Brougham, near Penrith - GR 539 288) following the course thought to have been used by the Romans and others as a road above the then treed valleys. From Galava - take the road through Troutbeck; the track up Hagg Gill, past Thornthwaite Crag, to High Street; along the "ridge" - High Raise, Wether Hill, Loadpot Hill, Moor Divock - to Celleron and then road to Brocaavm
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ENNERDALE HORSESHOE
21 miles
A long commiting test for walkers and runners.
Start at the west end of Ennerdale lake (GR 085154) - Great Borne to Haystacks, Brandreth to Great Gable and back over Pillar.
Details in "The Big Walks" by Ken Wilson and Richard Gilbert.
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BACK O'SKIDDAW ROUND
23 miles
The Skiddaw slate which is the bedrock for most of the northern fells gives a smooth terrain ideal for running. This round can be started (and finished) at a number of points -
- The Roundhouse, Swineside (GR 339 323) - near bridge over the River Caldew
- Blencathra Centre (GR 303 256) - along track to Skiddaw House
- Dash (GR 250 323) - along track to above Dash Waterfall.
The route from Swineside - over bridge, Bowscale Fell (via right ridge), Bannerdale Crags, Blencathra, Roughten Gill, Burnt Horse, Lonscale Fell, Skiddaw Little Man, Skiddaw, Bakestall, Great Calva, The Knott, Great Lingy Hill, High Pike and Carrock Fell
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THE 09 LINE
24 / 32 miles
This is the only grid line across the Lake District which does not cross a lake - a real "up an' down" route from Wasdale to Wasdale. Start on A6 at Wasdale (Shap) (GR 566090) and finish at Wasdale Head (GR 187 090) - 38 km/24 miles)
Extended version to road on Cold Fell (GR 053 090) - 51 km/32 miles
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WASDALE HORSESHOE
26 / 31 miles
A major horseshoe taking in most of the main summits of the Lakes.
There are a number of starting points - the "easiest" is from the bottom end of the valley at Greendale (GR 144 056) - here you go - Seatallan, Haycock, Pillar, Kirk Fell, Great Gable, Styhead, Great End, Scafell Pike, Scafell, Illgill Head, Whin Rigg and to the finish. - 26 miles
For those wanting a "bit" more start at the Wasdale Head car park (GR 182 074) or Brackenclose - ascend Scafell and continue to Illgill Head then on till at Scafell Pike return over Lingmell - 31 miles
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THREE COUNTIES TOPS
30 miles
The tops of the old Lakes counties of Cumberland (Scafell Pike), Westmorland (Helvellyn) and Lancashire - Furness (Coniston Old Man).
Start from Glenridding - Helvellyn, Wythburn, High Raise, Rossett Pike, Scafell Pike, Great Moss (Upper Eskdale), Cockley Bridge, Grey Friars, Swirl How, Coniston Old Man and Coniston. Details in "On High Lakeland Fells" by Bob Allen (Pic Publications)
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ULLSWATER HORSESHOE
33 miles
A long challenge with some lovely runable terrain.
Start at Rowhead (GR 477 240), above Pooley Bridge - follow ridge south-west over Loadpott Hill, Wether Hil, High Raise to High Street; Caudale Moor to Kirkstone Pass; Red Scree, Dove Crag, Fairfield, Helvellyn, The Dodds, Clough Head to Threlkeld (GR 325 253)
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BORROWDALE WATERSHED - The Juniper Challenge
33 miles
Used by the Juniper Trust in 1997 as a fund raising event. The full watershed makes a really good day out !!
Start (and finish) at the Moot Hall in Keswick - then - Portinscale, Catbells, Maiden Moor, High Spy, Honister, Grey Knots, Brandreth, Green Gable, Great Gable, Sty Head, Great End, Esk Pike, Bowfell, Rossett Pike, Pike o'Stickle, Thunacar Knott, High Raise, Ullscarf, High tove, High Seat, Bleaberry Fell and Walla Crag
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ACROSS LAKELAND - RAVENGLASS TO SHAP
42 miles
A traditional cross Lakes trip from the sea to Shap.
Start in Ravenglass - Muncaster Fell, Eskdale valley (by river), over Ore Gap, High Raise, Calf Crag, Steel Fell, Grisedale Tarn, Patterdale, Angle Tarn, High Street, Old Corpse Road, Swindale and Shap.
Details in "The Big Walks" by Ken Wilson and Richard Gilbert.
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ACROSS LAKELAND - RAVENGLASS TO PENRITH
42 miles
A less demanding route across the Lakes.
Start in Ravenglass - Muncaster Fell, Eskdale valley (by river), Upper Esk, over Three Tarns to Langdale, by Silver How to Grasmere, Grisedale Pass to Patterdale, then Boredale Hause, Boredale, Howtown , skirt Loadpot Hill, arthurs Pike, Heughscar Hill, Tirril and Penrith.
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THE LAKES THREE THOUSANDERS
46 miles
The classic long walk in the Lakes. The 3000'ers.
Start in Keswick - then Skiddaw, Scafell, Scafell Pike and Helvellyn.
Organised walk by Ramblers Association, in June.
Details in "The Big Walks" by Ken Wilson and Richard Gilbert.
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THE ALLERDALE RAMBLE
50 miles
A route with not only scenery but also variety and contrast - starting in the central Lakes, at Seathwaite, and finishing on the Solway Firth.
Seathwaite - Borrowdale, Keswick, Skiddaw, Bassenthwaite, Isel, Cockermouth, Bridekirk, Tallentire, Maryport, Allonby, Silloth - finish at Grune Point
Details in "The Cumbria Way and the Allerdale Ramble" by Jim Watson (Cicerone Press)
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WATER UNDER BRIDGE WALK
63 miles
This is a good one !! It follows the watershed of the rivers feeding the water under the bridge at Portinscale - ie the Derwant, Greta, Glenderamackin.
Starting (and finishing) point at Portinscale bridge (GR 254 238) - Catbells, Maiden Moor, High Spy, Honister, Grey Knots, Brandreth, Green Gable, Great Gable, Sty Head, Great End, Esk Pike, Bowfell, Rossett Pike, Pike o'Stickle, Thunacar Knott, High Raise, Calf Crag, Steel Fell, Grisedale Tarn, Dollywagon Pike, Helvellyn, Raise, Great Dodd, Dowthwaite Head, Great Mell Fell, Eycott Hill, Bowscale Fell, Blencathra, Burnt Horse, Lonscale Fell, Latrigg
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BOB GRAHAM ROUND
72 miles
When Bob Graham complete his round on 13 June 1932 little would he have realised what had been created. It was 28 year before Alan Heaton repeated the Round in under 24 hours however during the year and especially during the summer month, when the moon if full, many set off from the Moot Hall in Keswick on this classic "day out".
The Round can be done clockwise or anti-clockwise - there is much discussion as regards which way is easier; what time to start; the heather on Great Calva; Halls Fell ridge; the Dodds during the night, in the mist; don't go down Brown Cove ridge to Thirlmere; way up and down Fairfield; Sergeant Man or High Raise first; way up to Bowfell; Broad Stand; the climb to Yewbarrow; etc. etc. - and don't get lost in Portinscale !!
Tops - Skiddaw, Great Calva, Blencathra, Clough Head, Great Dodd, Watson Dodd, Stybarrow Dodd, Raise, White Side, Helvellyn Lower Man, Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Dollywagon Pike, Fairfield, Seat Sandal, Steel Fell, Calf Crag, High Raise, Sergeant Man, Thunacar Knott, Harrison Stickle, Pike o'Stickle, Rossett Pike, Bowfell, Esk Pike, Great End, Ill Crag, Broad Crag, Scafell Pike, Scafell, Yewbarrow, Red Pike, Steeple, Pillar, Kirk Fell, Great Gable, Green Gable, Brandreth, Grey Knotts, Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson.
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THE FURNESS WAY
75 miles
One of three walks taking in much of the Lakes and staying entirely within the bounds of the old Counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and the Furness district of Lancashire. Arnside, Crosthwaite, Cartmel, Lowick, Coniston, Boot to Ravensglass.
Details in "The Furness Way" by Paul Hannon (Hillside Publications)
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CUMBRIA WAY
75 miles
A remarkably well balanced route with gentle farmland at both ends. a dramatic middle section amongst high crags, and two generous chunks of classic Lakeland either side of that.
Start at Ulverston - Beacon Tarn, Coniston, Tarn Hows, Skelwith Bridge, Elterwater, Great Langdale, Stakes Pass, Langstrath, Borrowdale, Keswick, Skiddaw House, Caldbeck, Sebergham, Dalston - finish in Carlisle.
Details in "The Cumbria Way and the Allerdale Ramble" by Jim Watson (Cicerone Press)
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THE CUMBERLAND WAY
80 miles
One of three walks taking in much of the Lakes and staying entirely within the bounds of the old Counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and the Furness district of Lancashire. Ravenglass, Strands, Buttermere, Keswick, Dockray, Eamont Bridge to Appleby.
Details in "The Cumberland Way" by Paul Hannon (Hillside Publications)
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BJ ROUND
82 miles
Barry Johnson's 55 tops at 55.
Details in 1996 FRCC Journal - about 31000 feet of ascent - start and finish at Loweswater.
Tops - Whiteside, Hopegill Head, Sand Hill, Wanlope, Eel Crag, Crag Hill, Sail, Scar Crag, Outerside, Stile End, Barrow, Carl Side, Ullock Pike, Skiddaw, Skiddaw Little Man, Jenkin Hill, Latrigg, Clough Head, Calfhow Pike, Great Dodd, Watson Dodd, Stybarrow Dodd, Raise, White Side, Helvellyn Lower Man, Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Dollywagon Pike, Steel Fell, Calf Crag, High Raise, Sergeant Man, Thunacar Knott, Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, Loft Crag, Pike o'Stickle, Rossett Pike, Ill Crag, Broad Crag, Scafell Pike, Great Gable, Green Gable, Brandreth, Grey Knotts, Haystacks, High Crag, High Stile, Red Pike, Little Dodd, Starling Dodd, Great Borne, Gavel Pike, Blake Fell, Burnbanks Fell
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THE EDEN WAY
91 miles
An interesting route following in the footsteps of William Mounsey along the River Eden from its entry into the Solway to its lonely source above Mallerstang. Rockcliffe Marsh, Carlisle, Wetheral, Armathwaite, Kirkoswald, Langwathby, Appleby, Warcop, Kirkby Stephen to Black Fell Moss.
Details in "The Eden Way" by Charlie Emett (Cicerone Press)
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THE LADY'S 24 hr PEAKS RECORD
62 peaks by Anne Stentiford on 15/16th July 1994 - total time 23hrs 17mins
Tops - Lonscale Fell, Skiddaw Little Man, Skiddaw, Sail How, Great Calva, Blencathra, Clough Head, Calf Howe Pike, Great Dodd, Watson Dodd, Stybarrow Dodd, Raise, White Side, Helvellyn Lower Man, Catseye Cam, Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Dollywagon Pike, Fairfield, Seat Sandal, Steel Fell, Calf Crag, Sergeant Man, High Raise, Thunacar Knott, Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, Loft Crag, Pike o'Stickle, Rossett Pike, Bowfell, Esk Pike, Great End, Ill Crag, Broad Crag, Scafell Pike, Scafell, Lingmell, Yewbarrow, Stirrup Crag, Red Pike, Haycock, Steeple, Scoat Crag, Pillar, Looking Stead, Kirk Fell West, Kirk Fell East, Great Gable, Green Gable, Brandreth, Grey Knotts, Dale Head, Hindscarth, Robinson, Whiteless Pike, Wandlope, Grasmoor, Eel Crag, Sail, Scar Crags and Causey Pike
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EDEN HORSESHOE
98 miles
A varied challenge initially over the wilds of the northern Pennines, then across the Eden Valley and then over the more rugid Lakeland fells..
Start (at midnight) at Market Cross in Brampton, near Carlisle - Hallbankgate, Cold Fell, Tom Smith's Stone, Hartside Top, Crossfell, Little/Great Dun Fell, Dufton (breakfast), Appleby, Hoff, Crosby Ravensworth, Oddendale, Wetsleddale, Harter Fell, Thornthwaite Crag, Kirkstone Pass Top, Red Screes, Dove Crag, Fairfield, Helvellyn, Raise, Dodds, Clough Head, Saddleback, High Pike and Nether Row
This run was done by Dave Parr to raise fund for the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team - time taken about 30 hours
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THE WESTMORLAND WAY
98 miles
One of three walks taking in much of the Lakes and staying entirely within the bounds of the old Counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and the Furness district of Lancashire. Appleby, Shap, Pooley Bridge, Patterdale, Grasmere, Troutbeck, Kendal to Arnside.
Details in "The Westmorland Way" by Paul Hannon (Hillside Publications)
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MEN'S 24hr PEAKS RECORD
77 peaks by Mark Hartell.
This record has increased over the years with an illustrious list of holders. This impressive performance, in 1997, started and finished at Braithwaite at 5.00am and took 23hrs. 47mins.
Tops - Lonscale Fell, Skiddaw Little Man, Skiddaw, Great Calva, Little Calva, Great Sca Fell, Knott, Coombe Height, Bowscale, Bannerdale Crag, Blencathra, Clough Head, Great Dodd, Watson Dodd, Stybarrow Dodd, Raise, White Side, Helvellyn Lower Man, Catstyecam, Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Dollywagon Pike, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Great Rigg Man, Seat Sandal, Steel Fell, Calf Crag, Sergeant Man, High Raise, Thunacar Knott, Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, Pike o'Stickle, Loft Crag, Pike o'Blisco, Cold Pike, Little Stand, Crinkle Crags, Shelter Crag, Bowfell, Rossett Pike, Esk Pike, Allen Crags, Great End, Ill Crag, Broad Crag, Scafell Pike, Scafell, Lingmell, Yewbarrow, Red Pike, Steeple, Scoat Fell, Pillar, Kirk Fell, Great Gable, Green Gable, Base Brown, Brandreth, Grey Knotts, Dale Head, Hindscarth, Robinson, Ard Crags, Scar Crags, Causey Pike, Sail, Wandlope, Whiteless Pike, Grasmoor, Eel Crag, Sand Hill, Whiteside, Ladyside Pike, Hobcarton Pike and Grisedale Pike
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THE LAKES 2500's
116 miles
Steve Parrs round of 61 peaks in July 1984 - 42550 feet of ascent in 43 hrs 01 mins (and 40 secs !!)
StArt/finish at Keswick Moot Hall
Tops - Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Grasmoor, Wanlope, Crag Hill, High Stile, Green Gable, Great Gable, Kirkfell, Pillar, Scoat Fell, Steeple, Haycock, Red Pike, Lingmell, Scafell, Scafell Pike, Broad Crag, Ill Crag, Great End, Esk Pike, Allen Crag, Glaramara, High Raise, Rossett Pike, Bowfell, Shelter Crag, Crinkle Crags, Grey Friars, Dow Crag, Coniston Old Man, Brim Fell, Great Carrs, Swirl How, Wetherlam, Harter Fell, High Street, Kidsty Pike, High Raise, Rampsgill Head, Thornthwaite Crag, Caudale Head, Red Screes, Dove Crag, Hart Crag, Great Rigg Man, Fairfield, St. Sunday Crag, Dollywagon Pike, Nethermost Pike, Helvellyn, Catstycam, Helvellyn Lower Man, Whiteside, Raise, Stybarrow Dodd, Watson Dodd, Great Dodd, Blencathra, Skiddaw and Skiddaw Little Man