Tea Round

The Tea Round — named with typical Lakeland understatement — is a challenging circuit of the north-western fells that makes an excellent introduction to the longer rounds. At around 48 km with some 3,500 m of ascent, it takes most runners eight to twelve hours and requires good fell navigation and mountain fitness without demanding the extreme commitment of a full Bob Graham attempt.

The route covers some of the most enjoyable high-level terrain in the Lake District: the Catbells ridge above Derwentwater, the airy Causey Pike–Scar Crags traverse, Grisedale Pike and the Hopegill Head group, the Buttermere circuit including Grasmoor, Red Pike and High Stile, and a return over Dale Head and Hindscarth. These are routes that stand on their own as great days out, and their combination in a single circuit gives a genuine sense of achievement.

Support crew access is available at Buttermere village (roughly the halfway point) via the Honister Pass road.

From Keswick: over Latrigg or direct to Catbells (451 m), along the ridge to Maiden Moor and High Spy, then west to Dale Head (753 m) and Hindscarth. Drop to Buttermere village for crew access.

From Buttermere: over Red Pike (755 m), High Stile (806 m), High Crag. North over the Grasmoor group — Buttermere Moss, Grasmoor (852 m), Crag Hill, Sail, Causey Pike (637 m). East over Grisedale Pike (791 m) and Hopegill Head, descend to Whinlatter and return to Keswick.

Start and finish in Keswick town centre or the Old Sawmill Tearoom car park at the Dodd Wood end. Buttermere village is a good support crew access point roughly at the halfway mark.

Best time: May to September. A good spring training run for those building towards longer rounds.