Hartsop Hop
Saturday 22nd August 2026
The Hartsop Hop is a fell running event based at the sheep pens above Hartsop in Patterdale, Cumbria. The planned route covers 19.5 km (about 12.15 miles) with 1370 m (about 4495 ft) of ascent. The event is described as a deceptively tough AM that may become an AL if route lines are suboptimal.
Runners make an immediate route choice to reach the first checkpoint on Rest Dodd. CP2 is located on the col beneath High Raise, north-east of Rampsgill Head, and must be reached within 70 minutes. If directed to retire, competitors are asked to return to the start via the path north of The Knott and down by Hayeswater.
A fast descent leads to Kidsty Howes, followed by a steep drop to Haweswater and a short climb to The Rigg at CP3. After a stony path above Haweswater there is a mostly runnable climb up Nan Bield Pass. CP4 sits at Lingmell End and runners are warned that an incorrect line can leave them on the Kentmere Horseshoe route. CP5 is on Gray Crag.
The final descent is steep and requires care; some competitors may prefer the path that skirts the outcrops to the north at about 500 m. The route finishes back at the sheep pens.
Entries open on 3 November 2025 and close on 20 August 2026. Minimum age is 18.