From our Kendal basecamp – ahead lies 100 km of trails, high passes, stunning scenery, Ambleside, the magnificent Lake Windermere, nature reserves, forests, and over 2,500 m of climb. There’s a 2 Day ‘Daylight’ 100 km option, with hostel accommodation at half way Lakeside, and with Half & Quarter distance options, a Marathon option – and the fabulous Ambleside 10K.
From our Kendal basecamp (where you can camp Fri / Sat), it’s north up the Longsleddale Valley, and over the testing Garburn Pass with stunning views, and on to Windermere and Ambleside. It’s around the west side of Lake Windermere to the 50 km half way point, and on to the steep climb of Hampsfell. Some flatter terrain in the Lyth Valley, before the final climb of Scout Scar with some of the best views of the Southern Lakes, and on to the very welcome finish line and celebration back at Kendal basecamp.
100 km & ~2500 metres
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a range optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
Kendal basecamp – Friday (+ Saturday option also if you’re fast!).
There’s the ULTRA MARCH®category for walkers aiming to do 100 km in less than 24 hours (or 50 km in under 12 hrs). 8.30am start.
For 2026, there’s ULTRA TRAILBLAZERZ® for faster, competitive, runners with an eye on the clock and a ‘time goal’ of sub 14 hrs (male) & 15 hrs (female) for 100km on this Challenge. 6.45 am start.
Ultra Challenge® 50 km and 100 km events are fully ITRA-certified and officially recognised as UTMB Index races. 4 ITRA points available.
Day 1 – 50 km & ~1300 metres
Day 2 – 51 km & ~1200 metres
Day 1 – Saturday
Day 2 – Sunday
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a range optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
Kendal – Friday
Lakeside – Saturday
4 ITRA points available (2 for each day)
The 2 Day Full 100km Challenge breaks down the 100km Kendal looped route into 2 halves – of 49 km on Day 1 (Sat) and then 51km on Day 2 (Sun) – so you get to experience this fantastic route, with its stunning views, in daylight. You’ll also have the opportunity to get some well earned rest & sleep overnight at our halfway venue with indoor accommodation at the YMCA. A great way to take on an epic challenge!
Starting from our Kendal Base Camp (where you can camp Fri / Sat), it’s north up Longsleddale Valley, and over the testing Garburn Pass with stunning views, and on to Windermere and Ambleside. It’s around the west side of Lake Windermere to the finish line and a big welcome (where you can utilise the YMCA accommodation / transfer back to Kendal).
50 km & ~1300 metres
Every 10-15 km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a range optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
Kendal – Friday (&/or Saturday)
Lakeside – Saturday
There’s the ULTRA MARCH®category for walkers aiming to do 100 km in less than 24 hours (or 50 km in under 12 hrs). 8.30am start.
For 2026, there’s ULTRA TRAILBLAZERZ® for faster, competitive, runners with an eye on the clock and a ‘time goal’ of sub 6 hrs (male) & 6.5 hrs (female) for 50km on this Challenge. 6.45am start.
Ultra Challenge® 50 km and 100 km events are fully ITRA-certified and officially recognised as UTMB Index races. 2 ITRA points available.
50 km & ~1200 metres
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a range of optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
Kendal – Friday, camping & Lakeside – Saturday (YMCA or camping)
A great option if you want to join someone on the Full Challenge on Saturday evening to finish with them. Alternatively, set off with most others on Saturday morning or early Sunday morning on your own fantastic challenge. A start on the west side of Lake Windermere then on to the steep climb of Hampsfell. Some flatter terrain in the Lyth Valley, before the final climb of Scout Scar with some of the best views of the Southern Lakes, and on to the very welcome finish line and celebration back at Kendal basecamp.
The route effectively takes on the fantastic ‘1st Quarter’ Challenge and adds 13 km around the Ambleside area to give a superb Marathon Challenge! Starting from our Kendal Basecamp (where you can camp Fri / Sat), it’s up the Longsleddale Valley, and over the testing Garburn Pass with stunning 360 views towards Windermere, and then on to Ambleside. From here the route explores Rydal Water’s edge and includes stunning views of ‘5 Lakes’. You’ll be rewarded with a medal, a glass of fizz, & a picnic lunch to celebrate back in Ambleside.
42 km & ~1200 metres
Every 10 -15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a full range optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
Kendal – Friday (+Saturday option also)
A fantastic ‘Quarter’ challenge which squeezes a lot in! Starting from our Kendal Basecamp (where you can camp Fri / Sat), it’s north up the Longsleddale Valley, and over the testing Garburn Pass with stunning 360 views towards Windermere, and then on to the charming town of Ambleside, on the shores of the Lake and a welcome finish line.
29 km & ~900 metres
Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
There’s a full range optional parking & pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit. These include:
Kendal – Friday (+ Saturday option – Saturday also)
10 km & ~350 metres
At your finish in Ambleside – toilets, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
A 10 km looped route with a start & finish at Ambleside. The fabulous route explores a terrain along Rydal Water’s edge and includes stunning views of ‘5 Lakes’ – with Grasmere Lake and Loughrigg Tarn as well. You’ll be rewarded with a medal, glass of fizz, & a picnic lunch to celebrate your achievements.
