Buttermere Trail Race

Buttermere Trail Race 2026

The Buttermere Trail Race is a 20-kilometre circular route located in the Buttermere Valley within Cumbria. The course takes participants around the shores of both Buttermere and Crummock Water, set against a landscape of high fells. There is an entry limit of 200 participants for this event.

The terrain consists of a low-level undulating route featuring various off-road surfaces. Runners will encounter lakeshore trails, hard-packed rocky paths, grassy tracks, and woodland singletrack. The initial section of the course along the western shoreline of Crummock Water is technical, with ground that is generally wet and rough underfoot. The second half of the race transitions into more hard-packed trails.

The event follows a single-lap format and is fully marked, meaning no navigation experience is required for participants. The race is held under UK Athletics rules and is licensed by the Trail Running Association. The minimum age for entry is 17 years old. Please note that the course is not suitable for wheelchairs and does not feature distance markers.

Available facilities at the Race HQ in Buttermere Village include:

• Water stations
• Toilets
• Baggage store

While basic amenities are provided, there are no changing facilities or showers available at the site. Registration is open to both affiliated and unaffiliated runners, with entry on the day subject to availability if the event has not sold out. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.