Lake District 42
The Lake District 42 visits all 42 Lakeland fells above 2,500 ft (762 m) in a continuous round — a logical extension of the Bob Graham that takes in the entire significant mountain terrain of the Lake District in a single multi-day push.
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 42
The Bob Graham Round visits 42 peaks, but the Lake District 42 is a different concept — it aims to visit all the fells above 762 m (2,500 ft) in the national park in a continuous round. Depending on how the peaks are counted and grouped, this involves slightly different summits to the BGR, taking in some of the quieter high ground in the Helvellyn range and the far eastern fells.
At over 200 km with around 12,000 m of ascent, it is a three to four day challenge for the fastest mountain runners. Most attempt it with support and a pre-planned route. The challenge has no official keeper or record — it is a personal project for those who want something beyond the BGR.
The route
The 42 summits above 762 m include all the Bob Graham peaks plus additional tops on the Helvellyn and High Street ridges. A logical route order visits them in geographical groups to minimise unnecessary descent and reascent. Most runners plan east to west or north to south to use prevailing wind.
Getting there & logistics
Base: Keswick (Bob Graham Round start) is the natural choice. Accommodation for support crew at Keswick, Ambleside, Coniston and Patterdale.
Best time: June to August for maximum daylight.
Safety
All the hazards of the Bob Graham Round apply, multiplied across three or four days. Fatigue management is as important as fitness. In an emergency: call 999 or 112, ask for Police then Mountain Rescue. Multiple Lake District MRT teams. Pre-register SMS 999.
Have you completed Lake District 42?
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Completions
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