Keswick Conqueror
Sat 17 - Sun 18 May 2025 Keswick, Cumbria, UK

Keswick Mountain Festival | Keswick Conqueror

A lake swim, a trail run and a road ride over the course of the festival weekend. Conquer a triathlon challenge over two days. Includes Full Weekend Festival Ticket in the price!

  • Sat 17 - Sun 18 May 2025
Lakeside, Keswick

Keswick Conqueror

08:45

Age 18 & over on 31 Dec 2025

£155-£160

  • 3.6 km lake swimming
  • 100 km road cycling + 1625 m ascent
  • 25 km trail running + 866 m ascent

Overview

KMF25 has a new look - it's going to be glorious! You won't want to miss it.

Keswick Mountain Festival delivers a wonderfully immersive experience with an emphasis on outdoor sports, activities, live music, inspirational speakers, and an incredible array of outdoor brands plus top-notch food and drink stalls.

Keswick Mountain Festival

There's a big schedule of sporting events and outdoor activities, including a new adventure race, revised mountain run, two new hikes, a local schools’ duathlon, trail runs once again from 5K to 50K, open water swims, two cycle sportive routes (one of which is new), and three hiking events (two of which are new).

2025 details are to be confirmed.

This event is part of Keswick Mountain Festival.

  • All fitness levels
  • Dogs allowed
  • Event expo
  • Event village
  • Families
  • Newcomers
  • Spectators
  • Swim hat provided
  • Teams
  • Traders at event
  • Wetsuit not allowed if too hot
  • Wetsuit required if too cold
  • Wheelchair users

Outdoor sports

  • Trail runs
  • Cycle sportives
  • Triathlon
  • Open water swimming
  • Hikes
  • Adventure race
  • Junior sports events (age 10+)
     

Live and unleashed

music festival
TWO LIVE MUSIC STAGES
The Big Top Marquee and the Band Stand.

Big Top Marquee

Vacant Weekend | Steel Foxes | Bossyking | Foxtrap | The Northern Threads | State of Satta | Delagrave | Thieving Magpies

Band Stand

Joel Gardner | Clara Pople | Hang Dimension | Ewan Scarlett | Stoney Broke | Jordan Worsfold | J Lewis | Chloe Jane Hirst | Open Folk Session

Each of these stages will see a showcase of incredibly talented, local music acts. Importantly, having two stages will also enable a more continuous live music experience to be delivered from early afternoon till dusk, plus offer protection against any adverse Cumbrian weather. And for the first time, there will also be live music during the day on Sunday at the Band Stand which will be located in the heart of the reimagined food and drink zone.

So, expect chilled out vibes and acoustic sets there, while you unwind after your sporting exertions. Or if you’re feeling the adrenaline, head into the Big Top for some electric performances.

music

Inspirational speakers

Chrissie Wellington | 3 Dads Walking | Timmy Mallet | Sean Conway | Louise Minchin | James Forrest | Cameron McNeish | Jamie Aarons | Nicky Spinks | Alan Hinkes | Black Trail Runners | Alastair Humphreys | and more

Not only will 3 Dads Walking be leading out the Keswick 3 Peaks Hike, they will also feature in an enhanced, packed programme of speakers which will take place both on Crow Park and in Theatre by the Lake.

Inspiring speakers who will keep you thoroughly entertained over the weekend include Timmy Mallett, Louise Minchin, Sean Conway, Chrissie Wellington, Mel Nicholls, Cameron McNeish, Alan Hinkes, James Forrest, Jamie Aarons, Nicky Spinks, Alastair Humphries, and Black Trail Runners. And that’s not all! There will be more compelling headline speakers added in the coming months.

Festival village

festival village
ACTIVITIES GALORE
There will be plenty of activities on Crow Park that everyone can really enjoy, young or old. 

Pump track | Axe Throwing | Caving | Bike Stunt Show | Orienteering | Maze | Climbing Wall | Canoeing | Segway | Standup Paddleboarding | Army Assault Course | Birds of Prey | Treasure Hunt | Yoga | Balance Bike Racing

Party Games | Boules | Space Hopper Racing | Hoopla | Bean Bag Toss | Giant Connect 4 | Giant Jenga | Giant Skittle Alley | Giant Tin Can Alley

Outdoor and Travel Brands Expo | Food and Drink Stalls | Exhibitors

So, if you live in the area, come on down. There is going to be plenty to keep you entertained. Why not have a go at axe throwing, space hopper racing, or even get up close to birds of prey? And there'll be more outdoor and travel brands such as adidas, Acai Outdoorwear, and Craghoppers who will be offering unique festival activities, as well as showcasing their marvellous merch.

  • Bag storage
  • Bar
  • Cafe
  • Camping
  • Entertainment
  • Mountains
  • Music
  • Paid parking
  • Park
  • Rural
  • Showers
  • Toilets

Event HQ

Lakeside
Lake Road
Keswick
Cumbria
CA12 5DJ
UK

Keswick is located in the heart of the Lake District and is the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the UK. Keswick is very accessible by all means of transport, meaning that you can consider the environment when planning your route to Keswick Mountain Festival.

Festival campsite

The KMF campsite is located at Springs Farm, Springs Road, Keswick CA12 4AN, only a 15 minute walk away from the Festival Village on Crow Park.

festival campsite

Camping is the best way to enjoy the festival, getting back to nature and sleeping in the fields, wake up to the view of Skiddaw – it doesn’t get much better. Facilities include showers, toilets, cafe serving hot food/drinks every day. Tents only, no campervans/motorhomes.

A weekend camping ticket includes 3 nights camping from 10am Thursday to 5pm Sunday and a car parking space.

accessible camping

By car

From the M6 (traveling both North or South) take Junction 40 at Penrith for the North Lakes. From J40, follow the A66 West for approximately 17 miles to Keswick.

By bus

With a timetable, and a little planning, you can reach Keswick Mountain Festival and many other beautiful Lake District places by bus. If you are a walker, you can use the bus to complete a linear walk without the necessity of having to return to where you left the car.

These are the services to consider:

  • Penrith to Workington – Service X4, X5
  • Lakeslink – Service 554, 555
  • The Honister Rambler – Service 77, 77A
  • The Caldbeck Rambler – Service 73, 73A
  • The Borrowdale Rambler – Service 78
  • Keswick to Patterdale Ullswater Connexion – Service 208

By rail

Penrith, Carlisle and Kendal (via Oxenholme) are served by the West Coast Main Line – a fast, frequent and easily accessible service from all over the country. The nearest railway station to Keswick is Penrith, a distance of 17 miles. A bus service (journey of approx 40 minutes) connects Penrith railway station with Keswick Bus Station. Alternatively you can pre-book a taxi from Penrith train station to Keswick.

The historic Settle to Carlisle line brings passengers from Yorkshire via the Eden Valley.

The West Coast line is operated by Virgin Trains.

By plane

Manchester Airport and Newcastle Airport both offer convenient access to the North of the UK. Manchester serves more domestic destinations than any UK airport which, together with its first class road and rail link make it an ideal gateway to Cumbria.

Manchester Airport has its own railway station, with direct links to Oxenholme – the Lake District, Kendal, Windermere and the West Coast Main Line. Newcastle Airport also has good road links to Cumbria and the Lake District.

Local taxis

  • Davies Taxis – 01768 772 676
  • Iain’s Taxis – 01768 736 333
  • Derwent Taxis – 01768 775 585
  • Keswick Cab Co – 07961 589 003

  • First aid
  • Marshals
  • Mountainous
  • Out and back
  • Water stations

Race location

The Festival Village is located adjacent to The Theatre By The Lake close to Derwentwater.

Swim route

Point to point 3.6km

Take in the views of surrounding hills, Catbells and Skiddaw and swim past the several islands on the lake, including St Herbert’s Island, Rampsholme Island and Derwent Island, on your journey to the finish at Crow Park.

You will be whisked off to Brandlehow from the Festival Village via Keswick Launch (cost included in entry) and then set off for your swim back to the Festival Village.

swim

Bike route

Back O’ Skiddaw 100K

Challenge yourself with the 100k sportive which starts off moderately hilly before ramping up the mountain passes for the finish.

The Back O’Skiddaw 100k sportive has approximately 1,625 metres of ascent most of which is in the last 30km so save some energy for the grand finale.

The course is fully tarmac, ranging from steeply undulating narrow single track, gated farm roads, to the quieter B and A roads in the area. Heading around the Back O’Skiddaw before climbing up to Buttermere and over the Newlands Hause Pass.

bike

Run route

Trail 25K

The 25km Trail Half Marathon (and a bit!) is graded β€˜Hard’ with 866m ascent. Technical, fast flowing and rugged trails take you around Derwentwater and the Borrowdale Valley with the Watendlath Valley thrown in for good measure.

run

Wetsuits

KMF Triathlons are not officially registered with British Triathlon. However, for insurance purposes we do operate the events using their race rules. Under these rules the water temperature must be 14oC before wetsuits become optional.

Water quality

Derwentwater has a history of Blue Green Algae presence in the water and over the past few years,  with warmer winters, the bacteria which causes this is not always killed off over the winter months. It is therefore possible for blooms to occur as the temperatures rise in the Spring. (Many of you will remember that in 2019 the Keswick Mountain Festival swims were cancelled due to very late blooming of the algae. This is something we do not wish to see repeated.) We work closely with National Trust and the Environment Agency who help us to monitor the water in the run up to the Festival and inform us of any potential blooms.

Blue Green Algae is present in many water courses and not all forms are toxic. The greatest risks of a toxic algae are for animals and young children who drink water containing the algae and, in the case of dogs in particular, may pick up algae on their coats and then lick their coat, thereby consuming even more.

Blue Green Algae forms as a localised bloom, meaning that large parts of the lake can be unaffected even if it is present in some areas. Even when present, it is entirely possible to swim in Derwentwater without ever coming into contact with the algae.

What do we do if there is blue green algae in the water at the time of the Festival?

We will test the water, with support from the Environment Agency, in advance of the Festival and we will identify and monitor where the blooms are. If we find there are blooms of Algae in the water we will conduct a full analysis and amend courses if needed, so we are satisfied that the routes used in the KMF swims and the triathlons are safe for swimming.

Doing good

KMF is on a mission to do some good. A mission to make the festival more sustainable, accessible, inclusive and diverse, as well delivering a positive impact for the people of Keswick.

Alongside National Trust, the charity partner, a new sustainable legacy project with Fix the Fells. Everyone who is coming to the Festival is invited to help on that journey. The aim is to raise £10,000 per year, which will cover the annual cost for the Catbells conservation work. You’ll be able to donate at checkout on the website when buying your tickets. Please do so if you can. Catbells provides the stunning festival backdrop and helping to preserve this national, natural treasure is a wonderful thing to be part of.

The Festival works with venues and stakeholders in Keswick, to integrate aspects of the festival into the town, especially the evening programme. So, when the live music stops on Crow Park at 9:00pm on the Friday and Saturday, the ‘after party’ can continue in restaurants and bars throughout Keswick, boosting the benefits for the local economy.

  • Chip timing
  • Race photo
  • T-shirt

Included

  • This event entry includes Full Weekend Festival Ticket in the price! That's access to Big Top Live Music, daytime Tent Talks, and all activities ALL WEEKEND (Friday to Sunday)
  • Free photograph
  • Electronic chip timing
  • KMF swim hat
  • Event t-shirt (unless you choose to donate cost of T Shirt to National Trust instead)
  • Hydration will be provided

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Open and Female Overall.  We will also award 1st Place Open and Female prizes for Junior (under 18), Senior (18-39), Vet (40-49), Super Vet (50-59), & Vintage (60+) Ages will be as at 31/12/24.

  • Age 18 & over on 31 Dec 2025
  • Entries open
  • Enter online
  • Event merch available

Your guide will be available to download before the event.

Entry fees

Entry fee

£155.00

Valid to 31/01/2024

Entry fee

£160.00

Valid from 31/01/2024

Had a ball. Thank you all. Be there next year. Yipeeeee. Jenny

top reviews

We had an absolute blast this weekend. So well organised, friendly people, amazing setting, just perfect thank you. Yoga

Such a great festival, superbly organised - wonderful atmosphere. Joanne

Had an awesome weekend - already looking forward to the next. Thanks to all involved. James

Awesome event! Will definitely be back. Joanne

We met lots of lovely people in a beautiful part of the world. We did the Back O Skiddaw which was clearly marked and marshalled with the medic man just around the corner. Thank you. Eugenia

Our first Keswick Mountain Festival and we all had a fab weekend! Thank you! Claire

It's been worth the wait, BRILLIANT weekend. Rick

Brilliant festival. Thank you! Campsite was great and point to point swim really well organised. Carl

Had a fab time, thank you! See you next year! Sue

A message from the Festival Director:

It was a big call to take a break from the full multi-sport festival, but it gave us the ideal opportunity to take a deep look at what we want this event to be in the longer term. Keswick Mountain Festival is very special to us and to many of you who share our love of this wonderful part of the world and the outdoors in general. We took the time to reflect on all of that and on the changing nature of big events.

There are now new and very different challenges involved in delivering a festival like ours in a responsible and sustainable way. We’re really excited about how we’re tackling those head on, in a way that still offers all of the aspects that our regular visitors tell us they love so much, and more. It’s going to be a vibrant, multi-faceted and inclusive event for everyone, and we can’t wait to welcome you all back in May. Nicola Meadley

Other races at event

  • Sat 17 May 2025
  • #1 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

adidas TERREX 5K Trail Run

13:00

Age 10 & over

£20-£42.50

  • 5 km trail running
  • Sun 18 May 2025
  • #2 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

adidas TERREX 10K Trail Run

09:00

Age 18 & over

£47.50-£52.50

  • 10 km trail running + 330 m ascent
  • Sat 17 May 2025
  • #3 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

adidas TERREX Half Marathon Trail Run

11:00

Age 18 & over

£55-£60

  • 25 km trail running + 866 m ascent
  • Sun 18 May 2025
  • #4 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

adidas TERREX 50K Trail Ultra Marathon

06:00

Age 18 & over

£70-£75

  • 50 km trail running + 1995 m ascent
  • Fri 16 May 2025
  • #5 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

Skiddaw Mountain Run

16:30

Age 18 & over

£37.50-£42.50

  • 20 km fell running + 1070 m ascent
  • Sat 17 May 2025
  • #7 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

Sprint Triathlon

08:00

Age 15 & over

£32.50-£97.50

  • 400 m lake swimming
  • 18 km road cycling
  • 5 km trail running
  • Sat 17 May 2025
  • #8 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

3.6K Swim

08:45

Age 18 & over

£60-£65

  • 3.6 km lake swimming
  • Sat 17 May 2025
  • #9 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

1.5K Swim

12:00

Age 18 & over

£50-£55

  • 1.5 km lake swimming
  • Sat 17 May 2025
  • #10 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

750M Swim

14:00

Age 12 & over

£20-£47.50

  • 750 m lake swimming
  • Sun 18 May 2025
  • #11 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

Back O’Skiddaw 72K

18:30

Age 18 & over

£45-£50

  • 72 km road cycling + 650 m ascent
  • Sun 18 May 2025
  • #12 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

Back O’Skiddaw 100K

08:30

Age 18 & over

£60-£65

  • 100 km road cycling + 1625 m ascent
  • Sun 18 May 2025
  • #13 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

OPEN 5 Adventure Race

08:30

Age 18 & over

£50-£95

  • 5 hrs multi terrain running
  • 5 hrs mountain biking
  • Sat 17 May 2025
  • #14 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

Keswick 3 Peaks

07:30

Age 12 & over

£20-£50

  • 18 miles hiking + 1050 m ascent
  • Sun 18 May 2025
  • #15 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

Keswick 8 Peaks

06:30

Age 18 & over

£55-£60

  • 18 miles hiking + 1350 m ascent
  • Sun 18 May 2025
  • #16 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

Keswick 2 Peaks

08:30

Age 12 & over

£20-£45

  • 10 miles hiking + 520 m ascent
  • Fri 16 - Sun 18 May 2025
  • #17 of 17
Crow Park, Keswick

Festival Only Tickets

16:00

All ages

£10-£40

  • 3 days walking
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