Grasmere Wild Trail Runs

Pick your distance

What you’re in for

From the showfield at Grasmere in March: a 5km lap of Grasmere Water for beginners, a 10km round Grasmere and Rydal Water climbing past Rydal Caves, and — new for 2027 — a half marathon that carries on round Loughrigg to Ambleside and back to Rydal. The 10km is regularly described by people who have run it as one of the most beautiful in the country, and it is hard to argue. The 5km is 5.1km with 17m of climb, the 10km 10.1km with 139m, the half 21.1km. The climb on the 10km is the pull up to the caves; the half adds the Loughrigg terrace and the drop into Ambleside.

Terrain and trail

Lakeside path, bridleway and fell-foot track: firm and well-walked around the lakes, rockier and rooted on the climb to Rydal Caves and around Loughrigg. March in the Lakes means wet, and the terrace path holds water. A trail shoe for the 10km and the half.

Train for it: routes near the start

Routes starting within 20 km of Grasmere Lakeland Sports & Show Stock Ln, Grasmere, Ambleside La22 9Sj, nearest first. Each one has a free GPX file and a TRP grade, so you can rehearse the ground before race day.

MODERATE

Grasmere, Rydal Caves and the Coffin Route

14.0km · 192m climb · Loop · 0.1km away

You run into the huge man made chamber of Rydal Cave and back along the centuries old Coffin Route, all on gentle paths between two lakes.

Checked Jul 2026

HARD

Helm Crag, Calf Crag and Steel fell from Grasmere

13.4km · 639m climb · Loop · 0.2km away

Helm Crag gives you the Lion and the Lamb, the most recognisable summit rocks in the Lakes, and the ridge beyond turns a short outing into a proper little horseshoe above Grasmere.

Checked Jul 2026

MODERATE

Cathedral Cave from Elterwater

11.2km · 214m climb · Loop · 2.8km away

You run straight into Cathedral Cave, a vast slate chamber with a pillar of rock holding up the roof and a shaft of daylight coming through. It is one of the strangest, best places to stop mid-run in the Lakes.

Checked Jul 2026

VERY HARD

Elterwater and Ivy Crag

22.6km · 1,039m climb · Loop · 2.8km away

Ivy Crag gives you the whole Langdale valley laid out below for a modest climb, and the loop links three lakes and a tarn without ever feeling like a slog.

HARD

Rydal Water and Loughrigg Terrace

13.1km · 699m climb · Loop · 2.9km away

Loughrigg Terrace serves up the classic view down Grasmere, and the loop drops you past the great cavern of Rydal Cave, all on gentle ground between two of the loveliest small lakes in the district.

EXPERT

Fairfield Horseshoe Extended

33.1km · 2,287m climb · Loop · 2.9km away

You get the full Fairfield ridge plus a there-and-back tag of Helvellyn thrown in, so a route runners already know becomes a proper full-day mountain outing without ever leaving a path.

Checked Jul 2026

All routes near Ambleside →All Lake District routes →

How to enter

Partner · affiliate policy

Common questions

How far is the Grasmere Wild Trail Runs?

The Grasmere Wild Trail Runs offers 3 distances: 5km (3.1 miles), 10km (6.2 miles), Half Marathon (21.1 km / 13.1 miles).

How much climbing is in the Grasmere Wild Trail Runs?

The 5km has 17 m of ascent. The 10km has 139 m of ascent. No figure yet for the Half Marathon.

How hard is the Grasmere Wild Trail Runs?

5km: Hard. 10km: Hard. TRP grades come from distance and climb measured off the course file, not from the organiser. The Half Marathon isn't graded yet.

Is the Grasmere Wild Trail Runs course marked?

Yes, the course is marked. Navigation skills are not required.

What kit do I need for the Grasmere Wild Trail Runs?

We don't hold a compulsory kit list for the Grasmere Wild Trail Runs. Wild Deer Events confirm mandatory kit in their race information, usually in the final instructions.

What are the cut-offs for the Grasmere Wild Trail Runs?

We don't hold published time limits for the Grasmere Wild Trail Runs. If Wild Deer Events set cut-offs, they'll be in the race information.

What is at the checkpoints on the Grasmere Wild Trail Runs?

We don't hold a checkpoint list for the Grasmere Wild Trail Runs. What's on the table varies a lot between races, so check the Wild Deer Events race information rather than turning up expecting food.

Can I download the Grasmere Wild Trail Runs route?

Yes. The GPX for each distance is free to download here, with no sign-up, the same as every route on Trail Running Planet.

When is the next Grasmere Wild Trail Runs?

Sat, 20 Mar 2027. Not open yet.