Hartsop Hop
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Hartsop Hop
The Hartsop Hop is a traditional AM category fell race first held in 2025 and staged in August; the third edition is on 21 August 2027. The course starts at the sheep pens above Hartsop and returns there for the finish. The route is about 12 miles / 19.5 km long with approximately 4,500 ft / 1,370 m of climb.
The race uses five checkpoints. Rest Dodd is the first checkpoint and offers an immediate route choice from the start. CP2 lies north-east of Rampsgill Head on the col beneath High Raise and must be reached within 70 minutes. Competitors may be directed to retire by marshals and, if so, should return to the start via the path north of The Knott and down by Hayeswater. Punch controls are in place at all checkpoints; some checkpoints will not be marshalled.
The course includes a fast descent to Kidsty Howes, a steep drop to Haweswater, a short climb to The Rigg (CP3), a runnable climb up Nan Bield Pass, and Lingmell End at CP4. CP5 is on Gray Crag. The final descent is steep and requires care, with a path that skirts the outcrops to the north at 500 m as an alternative line.
Entry is via SiEntries. Pre-entry is £13.00; entry on the day is £15.00 if the limit of 130 is not reached. Parking costs £2.00. Full kit is required, including a hat or buff that covers the head. Prizes are provided by KONG RUNNING. Results and photos are available for the 2025 and 2026 races. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
