Tranter's Round

Philip Tranter created this round as a training objective that builds the skills needed for a Bob Graham attempt — sustained mountain navigation, fell running on rough ground, support crew logistics and pacing over very long distances. At 58 km with around 5,500 m of ascent and 55 summits, it is a serious challenge in its own right.

The route covers the central Lake District fells in a roughly circular line from Dunmail Raise, taking in the Helvellyn group, the High Street range, Fairfield, the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and Scafell before returning to Dunmail. It is a subset of the Bob Graham Round and serves as an excellent test run for those building towards the full circuit.

A successful Tranter's Round typically demonstrates that a full Bob Graham attempt is within reach, though the extra peaks and mileage of the BGR add significantly to the total effort.

From Dunmail Raise: east over Steel Fell and the Dodds to Helvellyn (950 m), south over Nethermost Pike and Dollywagon Pike, then south to Fairfield and the Fairfield horseshoe peaks. West to the Langdale Pikes via High Raise, then Bowfell, Esk Pike, the Scafells (including Scafell Pike at 978 m). North back via Esk Hause, Glaramara, and the Borrowdale fells. Return to Dunmail Raise.

Exact route variants exist — the above is the most commonly used northern line.

Start and finish at Dunmail Raise on the A591 between Grasmere and Thirlmere. Parking is limited at the roadside — arrange a support crew drop-off. Grasmere (3 km south) has full services and accommodation.

Best time: May to September. Most useful as a spring or early summer training run leading up to a Bob Graham attempt in summer.