Winter Spine Challenger North

The course

What you’re in for

The northern half in January, Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm — 160 miles and 5,290 m of climb through the Dales, Northumberland, along Hadrian's Wall and over the Cheviots. A hundred and eight hours, starting at six in the evening so you begin in the dark. Three checkpoints, at Langdon Beck, Alston and Bellingham, with hot food, beds, showers and medical cover.

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Train for it: routes near the start

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

MODERATE

Hawes to Hardraw Force via The Green Dragon Pub

10.3km · 130m climb · Loop · 1.5km away

An easy riverside loop to Hardraw Force and back past Wensleydale Creamery — a gentle one to blow off the cobwebs before pie and a pint back in Hawes.

Checked Jun 2026

MODERATE

Muker, Thwaite and Keld

10.8km · 169m climb · Loop · 7.4km away

You circle Kisdon Hill through the three prettiest villages in Swaledale, past the hidden Kisdon Force and through the famous hay meadows that turn the valley yellow in June.

HARD

Wild Boar Fell, Swarth Fell and Swarth Fell Pike from Mallerstang

22.7km · 708m climb · Loop · 12km away

Three summits joined by a single ridge, a ruined castle at the start, and some of the emptiest fell running anywhere in the Yorkshire Dales boundary.

MODERATE

Aysgarth Falls and Bolton Castle Loop

10.4km · 151m climb · Loop · 15km away

Two proper Yorkshire landmarks in one short morning out - tumbling waterfalls and a 700 year old castle - for less climbing than your local parkrun.

Checked Jul 2026

HARD

Horse Head and Cosh from Halton Gill

21.9km · 547m climb · Loop · 15km away

The Horse Head Pass links Littondale and Langstrothdale on a route that barely anyone runs, so you get proper Dales solitude on ground that's been used as a working crossing for centuries.

HARD

Whernside from Ribblehead

13.1km · 457m climb · Loop · 16km away

The most efficient way to bag the highest of the Three Peaks, a compact loop with a superb ridge and the Ribblehead Viaduct bookending the run.

All routes near Hawes →All Yorkshire Dales routes →

How to enter

Common questions

How far is the Winter Spine Challenger North?

The Winter Spine Challenger North is one distance: 160 Mile (257.5 km).

How much climbing is in the Winter Spine Challenger North?

The 160 Mile has 5,290 m of ascent.

How hard is the Winter Spine Challenger North?

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 Winter Spine Challenger North yet.

Is the Winter Spine Challenger North course marked?

No. The Winter Spine Challenger North is not a marked course. You are expected to navigate it yourself.

What kit do I need for the Winter Spine Challenger North?

We don't hold a compulsory kit list for the Winter Spine Challenger North. The Spine Race confirm mandatory kit in their race information, usually in the final instructions.

What are the cut-offs for the Winter Spine Challenger North?

Overall time limits — 160 Mile: 108h.

What is at the checkpoints on the Winter Spine Challenger North?

We don't hold a checkpoint list for the Winter Spine Challenger North. What's on the table varies a lot between races, so check the The Spine Race race information rather than turning up expecting food.

Can I download the Winter Spine Challenger North route?

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

When is the next Winter Spine Challenger North?

Sun, 10 Jan 2027, 18:00. Event full.