The Tougher
Event address
Grasmere Lakeland Sports & Show, Stock Lane, Grasmere, LA22 9SL
Event date
Saturday, 16 May, 2026
Event start time
07:15
Registration close date
Friday, 1 May, 2026
Registration close time
23:59
The Tougher
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Difficulty: Extreme -
Length: 27km -
Ascent: 1,570m -
Hours: 10-12 (depending on fitness) -
Age Range: 18+
Begin your day with the climb up the iconic Heartbreak Hill, then soak in the sweeping views from Fairfield. From there, descend toward the village before branching off to tackle Scandale Fell. A steady descent leads you past Rydal Hall and into the lowlands, with a final scenic stretch past Rydal Caves before finishing back in the village.
Difficulty information
This is our most demanding route, with an ascent profile equivalent to climbing Ben Nevis plus an extra 70m. It’s designed for experienced hikers or those who’ve completed the Tough route before and are ready to take it up a notch.
Expect significant distance, multiple ascents and hours on your feet. A high level of fitness is essential, with training ideally starting months in advance to prepare for the challenge ahead.