Eden Runners Blencathra Fell Race

The course

What you’re in for

Straight up Blencathra and back from the fell gate at Mungrisdale on the classic enforced route: 13km with 825m of climb, checkpoints on Bowscale Fell, the summit and Souther Fell, an FRA medium (AM) at eleven on a Sunday at the end of June. Route marshals on the first climb, at the two escape routes and at the top of the final descent. Pre-entry only, GPS forbidden, full FRA kit, and the organiser's rule is no map, no entry.

Terrain and trail

Steep grass onto Bowscale Fell's east shoulder, the peaty ridge to Blencathra's summit, and the long grassy plunge over Souther Fell — fast, exposed, and slippery when wet. Fell-race navigation on an enforced line. A fell shoe.

Train for it: routes near the start

Routes starting within 20 km of Mungrisdale, Cumbria, nearest first. Each one has a free GPX file and a TRP grade, so you can rehearse the ground before race day.

EXPERT

Bob Graham Round Leg 2: Threlkeld to Dunmail Raise

22.3km · 1,690m climb · Point to point · 6.1km away

It is the great runnable middle of the Bob Graham: a near-continuous high ridge where you can hold a rhythm over twelve tops without ever dropping to the valley.

Checked Jul 2026

VERY HARD

Skiddaw and Blencathra via Lonscale Fell

23.2km · 1,412m climb · Loop · 9.5km away

Four Northern Fell Wainwrights in one continuous round, including the roof of the region on Skiddaw and the dramatic edges of Blencathra.

Checked Jul 2026

VERY HARD

Espresso Round

22.6km · 1,055m climb · Loop · 12km away

All four summits are visible from George Fisher's cafe window, so you can plan the whole thing over a coffee before you go and pick out exactly what you're about to climb.

Checked Jul 2026

EXPERT

Bob Graham Round Leg 1: Skiddaw and Blencathra

20.8km · 1,576m climb · Point to point · 12km away

You get the start of the most famous round in British fell running, crossing Skiddaw at 931 m and the lonely top of Great Calva before the high traverse to Blencathra and the steep drop off Hall's Fell.

Checked Jul 2026

HARD

Catbells from Keswick

16.8km · 431m climb · Loop · 12km away

You earn the Catbells summit the long way, with kilometres of lakeside running each side of the climb and no car needed from Keswick.

Checked Jul 2026

MODERATE

Latrigg from Keswick

8.3km · 288m climb · Out & back · 12km away

The classic Keswick viewpoint reached on a quick loop, with the whole sweep of Derwentwater and the Borrowdale fells laid out from a friendly grassy summit.

Checked Jul 2026

All routes near Keswick →All Lake District routes →

How to enter

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Common questions

How far is the Blencathra Fell Race?

The Blencathra Fell Race is one distance: 13km (8.1 miles).

How much climbing is in the Blencathra Fell Race?

The 13km has 825 m of ascent.

How hard is the Blencathra Fell Race?

Not graded yet. A TRP grade is worked out from distance and climb measured off the course file, and there isn't one for the Blencathra Fell Race yet.

Is the Blencathra Fell Race course marked?

No. The Blencathra Fell Race is not a marked course. You are expected to navigate it yourself.

What kit do I need for the Blencathra Fell Race?

We don't hold a compulsory kit list for the Blencathra Fell Race. Eden Runners confirm mandatory kit in their race information, usually in the final instructions.

What are the cut-offs for the Blencathra Fell Race?

FRA category AM. Skills: ER, PM, LK, NS. The classic route is enforced and only the first ascent to CP1 is marked. Registration and parking at Low Beckside Farm; no entries on the day.

What is at the checkpoints on the Blencathra Fell Race?

We don't hold a checkpoint list for the Blencathra Fell Race. What's on the table varies a lot between races, so check the Eden Runners race information rather than turning up expecting food.

Can I download the Blencathra Fell Race route?

Not yet — we don't hold a course file for the Blencathra Fell Race. Some organisers only send the GPX to entrants. If we get one, it goes up free, with no sign-up.

When is the next Blencathra Fell Race?

Sun, 27 Jun 2027, which the organiser has published as provisional. Not open yet.

Past runnings