Northern Fells Running Club Fellside Fell Race

The course

What you’re in for

A Wednesday evening in July at seven from the gate at Fellside village: 11.3km and 580m of climb over Brae Fell, Knott and High Pike, an FRA medium, category AM. Three checkpoints and no marking between them, GPS forbidden, the FRA kit list carried, entry on the night only, eighteen and over — with the organiser asking for experience, local knowledge and navigation skills rather than a fast time.

Terrain and trail

Grassy fell straight up from the gate, the peaty tops between Brae Fell and Knott, the rockier summit of High Pike and a steep grassy descent. Fell-race navigation, and the light going by the finish. A fell shoe.

Train for it: routes near the start

Routes starting within 20 km of Fellside village, Caldbeck, 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 · 12km 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 · 12km 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

EXPERT

Bob Graham Round Leg 1: Skiddaw and Blencathra

20.8km · 1,576m climb · Point to point · 14km 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

VERY HARD

Espresso Round

22.6km · 1,055m climb · Loop · 15km 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

MODERATE

Derwentwater Round from Keswick

14.6km · 21m climb · Loop · 15km away

A complete lap of one of Lakeland's most beautiful lakes on good paths, with the fells reflected in the water and barely a climb in sight.

Checked Jul 2026

HARD

Walla Crag, Castle Crag and Derwentwater from Keswick

26.2km · 719m climb · Loop · 15km away

Two contrasting little Wainwrights on one long lap, the airy edge of Walla Crag above Derwentwater and the steep slate cone of Castle Crag deep in Borrowdale.

Checked Jul 2026

All routes near Keswick →All Lake District routes →

How to enter

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Common questions

How far is the Fellside Fell Race?

The Fellside Fell Race is one distance: 11.3km (7.0 miles).

How much climbing is in the Fellside Fell Race?

The 11.3km has 580 m of ascent.

How hard is the Fellside 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 Fellside Fell Race yet.

Is the Fellside Fell Race course marked?

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

What kit do I need for the Fellside Fell Race?

We don't hold a compulsory kit list for the Fellside Fell Race. Northern Fells Running Club confirm mandatory kit in their race information, usually in the final instructions.

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

FRA category AM. Skills: ER, LK, NS — navigation skills required. Venue grid reference NY 305375, start at the Fellside gate NY 304373. Minimum age 18. Entry on the day only, £5 for FRA members and £6 for non-members.

What is at the checkpoints on the Fellside Fell Race?

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

Can I download the Fellside Fell Race route?

Not yet — we don't hold a course file for the Fellside 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 Fellside Fell Race?

Wed, 21 Jul 2027, which the organiser has published as provisional. Not open yet.

Past runnings