The Tougher
Event address
Grasmere Lakeland Sports & Show, Stock Lane, Grasmere, LA22 9SL
Event date
Friday, 14 May, 2027
Event start time
TBC
Registration close date
Registration close time
TBC
The Tougher
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Difficulty: Extreme -
Length: 27.95km -
Elevation: 1,516m -
Highest Point: 762m at High Raise -
Hours: 10-12 (depending on fitness) -
Age Range: 18+
Hit Heartbreak Hill, the infamous start of every Cumbrian Challenge and head towards Rydal Hall, taking in views of Grasmere and Rydal Water. Then it’s over the top of the caves and onto Loughrigg Fell before the first steady desent of the day.
Head away towards Red Bank and Hammer Scar Plantation, then a nice steady wander down towards Chapel Stile. Enjoy the relatively flat terrain as you follow Great Langdale Beck into Dungeon Ghyll, from there, you’ll realise why it’s called Tougher.
Picnic at Dungeon Ghyll, before heading up to Stickle Tarn, shadowing Dungeon Ghyll Force as you go. Reach the top and a quick rest before you head up Pavey Arc that looms over the tarn and pick your way to High Raise, one of the most stunning 360 viewpoints in the Lake District.
From here, it’s a steady away passed Easdale Tarn, into Easdale valley and back to Grasmere for a well earned drink and foot rub!
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.
View OS Maps route - COMING SOON