Great Lakeland 3 Day Route
The Great Lakeland 3 Day Route is an 80 km stage race circuit through the central and western Lake District — designed as a three-day mountain running event, it also works as an independent challenge visiting the Coniston, Langdale and Borrowdale fell groups.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Great Lakeland 3 Day Route
The Great Lakeland 3 Day is a mountain marathon-format race run annually in the Lake District, but the route used serves as an excellent three-day independent challenge covering the western and central Lake District from Coniston to Langdale to Borrowdale and back. The circuit takes in Coniston Old Man, the Crinkle Crags and Bowfell, and the Borrowdale fells.
For independent runners it is a logical three-day mountain tour that avoids the Helvellyn and Scafell crowds and focuses on the less-visited but equally rewarding western and central fell groups.
The route
Day 1 (~27 km): Coniston to Langdale — over the Old Man, Swirl How and Wrynose to Langdale.
Day 2 (~27 km): Langdale to Borrowdale — Bowfell, Ore Gap, Esk Pike and the high ground to Honister.
Day 3 (~26 km): Borrowdale to Coniston — south over the High Stile ridge or direct via Wrynose back to start.
Getting there & logistics
Base: Coniston. Bus from Windermere (train from Manchester and London).
Best time: June to September.
Safety
All three days involve significant mountain terrain. Bowfell and the Crinkle Crags section is particularly demanding in poor conditions. In an emergency: call 999 or 112, ask for Police then Mountain Rescue. Langdale/Ambleside MRT and Cockermouth MRT. Pre-register SMS 999.
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