The Toughest
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 PLUS -
Length: SOON -
Elevation: SOON -
Highest Point: 762m at High Raise -
Hours: 14 hours+ (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 a steady away into Chapel Stile.
There’s a chance to pick up the pace on the relatively flat terrain as you track along Great Langdale Beck into Dungeon Ghyll and the picnic spot. Don’t hang around too long as you’re on the clock.
From hear it’s the first real climb of the day to Stickle Tarn, don’t congratulate yourself just yet as you’ll soon be heading up Pavey Arc and picking your way up to High Raise, easily one of the best 360 viewpoints in the Lake District.
That’s it, the highpoint for the whole day, now it’s just a case of getting back down passed Easdale Tarn, through the valley and into the showground, no finish line for you though.
If you’re still willing and times allow, you’re back up Heartbreak Hill, circling around through White Moss Common and capturing some stunning views of the lake as you ascend Loughrigg Terrace.
Through Dow banks, you’ll look down on the picturesque houses of Chapel Stile on your way up to Lang How, the highest point on this part of your journey. From there, it’s a steady meander passed Easedale and back into the village to claim your crown and forever be one of the first to take on, The Toughest!
Difficulty information
This is our most demanding route with extras throw in for good measure. It’s designed for experienced hikers or those who’ve completed the Tougher route before and are ready to take it up a notch. You're expected to be at the highest fitness levels.
Expect significant distance, multiple ascents and hours on your feet. A high level of fitness is essential, with training ideally starting months in advance or a regular fitness regime already built into your lifestyle, to prepare for the challenge ahead.
View OS Maps route - COMING SOON