Lake District 24 Hour Record Route
The Lake District 24 Hour Record Route is the Bob Graham Round support circuit — the 129 km, 8,200 m route originally used in Roger Bannister-era record attempts before the BGR was formalised, covering the maximum possible Lake District summits within 24 hours.
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 Lake District 24 Hour Record Route
Before the Bob Graham Round became the standard 24-hour Lake District challenge in 1932, fell runners attempted record routes of their own design — maximising summits within a 24-hour window from Keswick. The 24 Hour Record Route represents one such classic maximalist circuit, taking in 50+ summits for around 129 km and 8,200 m of ascent.
This is a serious undertaking — harder than the BGR in terms of distance and elevation but without the same established support network. Most runners treat it as a multi-day expedition rather than a 24-hour push.
The route
An extended version of the BGR route that adds summits not included in the standard 42. The exact peak selection varies but typically includes the full Helvellyn Dodds ridge, the full Scafell massif and additional Far Eastern Fells beyond the standard BGR circuit.
Getting there & logistics
Base: Keswick. Regular bus and train connections via Penrith.
Best time: June to August for maximum daylight and best conditions.
Safety
This is the most demanding of all Lake District mountain challenges — full support team required for a 24-hour attempt. All Bob Graham Round safety considerations apply. In an emergency: call 999 or 112, ask for Police then Mountain Rescue. Pre-register SMS 999.
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Completions
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