HIGHLANDER Lake District

Who is it for?

Nature-lovers hungry for activity and adventure!

It is very safe and not overly challenging, although backpacking experience is required as you will need to carry your backpack.

Need to know

• Ability

  You will need to take care of your welfare and know how to navigate during your HIGHLANDER adventure. Mountain walking experience and basic navigation skills are required. Each leg will vary in length, but most will take between 5-12 hours, so a good level of fitness and HIGHLANDER spirit will go a long way!

• Dogs

  This is a dog-friendly event but dogs must be on a lead at all times. You’re responsible for carrying dog food, waste removal and the dog's behaviour.

• Checklist

  You will receive a helpful kit guide with mandatory and recommended items.

• Rules

  HIGHLANDER has rules to follow in order for you to receive your finish-line rewards and HIGHLANDER status.

Mind Body Soul Programme

Music, yoga, and diverse workshops to cater to your HIGHLANDER spirit.

After a long day of hiking that challenged your body, there's nothing more rewarding than a diverse programme to relax you while feeding your mind and soul at the same time.

You will create a deeper connection with the hiking community and meet some new friends. But if solitude under the starry sky is more your thing, learn something new and practice it in the natural spaciousness of the Lake District.

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Route overview

50km/31 miles.

Starting and finishing in Grasmere, the route will take you past the Easdale Tarn, over the summit of High Raise, and into the quiet beauty of the Langstrath Valley for your first night at the Stonethwaite campsite.

Day two will bring the stunning Walla Crag trail, with views over Derwent Water, before crossing Castlerigg Fell and descending into the pastures of St John’s in the Vale.

The grand finale? A climb to the mighty Helvellyn summit, one of the UK’s most iconic peaks, before your return to Grasmere - completing a loop you’ll never forget.

The route was challenging but a beautiful way to explore The Lakes! Lovely camp spots and having the logistics taken care of for you makes a huge difference to your overall enjoyment. Great experience and highly recommendable. Gabrielle

Checkpoints

To be confirmed.

• Start | Grasmere, Lake District
• CP1 | Stonethwaite Campsite
• CP2 | Low Bridge End Farm, St Johns in the Vale
• Finish | Grasmere, Lake District

Event HQ

Tweedies Bar & Lodge Grasmere
Grasmere
Lake District National Park
LA22 9SW
UK

Included

• Navigation help

  Detailed map, GPX tracker, and expert-led webinars.

• Meals

  All meals and beverages from hearty breakfasts to energising lunches, satisfying dinners, and snacks to keep you going.

• Mountain campsites

  Rest at the carefully-chosen HIGHLANDER campsites in your own tent.

• Entertainment and activities

  Full itinerary to elevate your adventure, including evening camps, live music, workshops, talks and yoga sessions:
  Massages
  Outdoor & Gear Repair lectures by Jane Adler (RWC)
  Backpack fitting workshop
  Cooking lectures by Fell Foodie
  Navigation and First Aid lectures
  Expedition talks
  Live music
  Camp quiz
  Yoga and Stretching Workshops

• Safety

  First aid, medical and mountain crew.

• Transfers and luggage

  Help with logistics although you'll carry your backpack.

• Passport and tags

  HIGHLANDER Passport, hiker tag, luggage tag.

• At the finish line

  Finishing party with music and games! Exclusive rewards include:
  A HIGHLANDER pin
  AHIGHLANDER patch for your backpack
  A HIGHLANDER certificate

• Highlander Club

  By registering for the event you'll automatically become a member which will bring you many benefits.

Embarking on the hiking trip was an exhilarating adventure that connected me deeply with nature, leaving me refreshed and invigorated. An incredible way to form new friendships and to challenge yourself. Heloise

HIGHLANDERs are the perfect introduction to multi-day trekking and a great way to meet like-minded people. Peter

I completed my first HIGHLANDER at the age of 49 and it was a great decision! The buzz stayed with me for a long time afterwards and I can't wait for my next one in the UK in 2024! Gillie

The route was challenging but a beautiful way to explore The Lakes! Lovely camp spots and having the logistics taken care of for you makes a huge difference to your overall enjoyment. Great experience and highly recommendable. Gabrielle

The Hercules event was one of the hardest but most rewarding things I have ever done. But the best part was doing it with some of the most incredible people. Kristian

Family-friendly pricing: There are now reduced rates for under-18s, making it easier for families and DofE participants to take part together.

Entry fees