Lakes Traverse
The Lakes Traverse is an approximate 100 km ultra that follows Wainwright’s coast to coast route across the Lake District from St Bees to Shap. The route crosses the full width of the Lake District National Park and passes Ennerdale, Borrowdale, Grasmere Common, Grisedale Tarn, Patterdale, Kidsty Pike and Haweswater. The estimated total ascent is about 3,500 metres; the headline 100 km figure is slightly rounded and the exact distance can vary between editions.
The event promotes an ethos of adventure and self-sufficiency. The route is not marked but follows a well established national trail; participants receive a waterproof race map, a digital map and a GPX file. The final GPX is provisional and the route may change because of landowner permissions.
Support on course is provided at named locations. Ennerdale is a water point with toilets, Rosthwaite and Patterdale offer indoor or marquee space and toilets, Kidsty Pike is identified as a support point, and the finish is at Shap with indoor facilities and a finishers bag service. Aid Stations provide hot and cold food, drinks, volunteers and usually a medic; retiring is only possible at Aid Stations. Mandatory kit must be carried and will be checked at registration. A Finishers Drop Bag is transported from start to finish, maximum weight 5 kg and inaccessible during the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
The Route
The race route is not marked but it is usually straight forward to follow because it is a well established national hiking trail. Each year, more of the route is waymarked with official Coast to Coast signs.We provide the following options to assist participants:
- An official waterproof race map collected at registration.
- A digital version of the race map.
- A downloadable GPX file of the race route to use with your preferred device (watch, phone) or mapping software.
The final GPX file can be downloaded here. Please be aware that this is a provisional route and subject change. It does not entitle you to any special access and if you are recce’ing the route please ensure that observe The Countryside Code at all times.
Distance and Height Gain
There will be discrepancies between the GPX download, the Outdoor Active and Avenza digital mapping and the information on this website.The distance and height gain of the route change one year to next, because the route varies from one edition to the next, which is due landowner permissions and consultations.The headline 100km is a slight over estimation of the route distance in 2025, but the estimate height gain of 3,500m is accurate.
Aid Stations and Cut Offs
The route is mandatory and defined by Aid Stations and Intermediary Guidance Times. Guidance Times are virtual (i.e. not manned) and help participants gauge their progress between Aid Stations and generate meaningful results.LAKES TRAVERSE AID STATIONS:Ennerdale Water Point (Water only)Distance from start: 24kmHeight gain since start: 482mRosthwaite Aid StationDistance from start: 47kmDistance from Ennerdale Bridge: 23km