Lakeland Five Passes Ultra

A brand new route in 2018, it has a cut-off of 14hours which requires an average pace of under 2.5mph but this is no easy task so you should have a high level of fitness and ideally would have completed an ultra or mountain event previously. Starting in the beautiful Lakeland village of Grasmere it climbs steadily before the short, sharp ascent to the summit of Loughrigg signals this events intentions. After passing through Ambleside & by Stock Ghyll Waterfalls the steep climb up Wansfell is followed by the fast descent down Nanny Lane into Troutbeck. Garburn Pass is the first of the five passes, then once through Kentmere the never ending slog up Gatescarth Pass is waiting. Reach the top and there's no respite as the exposed summit of Harter Fell is final destination and high point of the race. Descend to cross Nan Bield Pass before heading over the fell side to summit Thorneythwaite Beacon. A scree descent to Thresthwaite Mouth and the technical scramble up Stoney Cove Pike follow before the long descent to St Ravens Crag & the penultimate pass of five, Kirkstone Pass. One final tough ascent to the summit of Red Screes before taking Scandale Pass down, finally picking up the suitably titled Coffin Route past Rydal to the finish back at Grasmere. This incredible route has it all, fast flowing runnable sections, tough ascents, dashing descents, scree slopes, technical scrambles and loads of stunning views from the many summits. We will provide our usual volume and variety of food, both sweet & savoury, at check points with a cooked hot meal at the finish and bespoke medal for all finishers. A professional photographer will be in attendance and their pictures will be shared free of charge after the event. As with all our events, this is a self navigated route and some navigation skills (or a recce in advance) are required. We will however be marking the route over the tops from the top of Gatescarth Pass to Kirkstone Pass to avoid difficulties in navigation if the visibility is poor.