Buttermere Trail Race

Buttermere Trail Race 2026

Buttermere Trail Race takes place in Buttermere Village, Cumbria, on a single 20 kilometre circular route around the shores of Buttermere and Crummock Water. The course is set within a landscape of high fells and follows lakeshore trails and inland tracks. The route is fully marked and holds a Trail Running Association licence, permit pending, and is held under UK Athletics rules. Minimum entry age is 17 years.

The profile is low level and undulating and includes a mix of surfaces: lakeshore trails, hard-packed rocky sections, grassy tracks and woodland singletrack. The western shoreline of Crummock Water is described as wetter and rougher underfoot and is considered the more technical part of the course, while the later sections contain more hard-packed trails. The race is a single lap and is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Entry places are limited to 200 and remaining places were listed as 116. Entry fees are shown as Unaffiliated £30.00 and Affiliated £28.00; if the event does not sell out, on-the-day entry may be available for an additional £2.00. Race headquarters are in Buttermere Village, Cumbria. Facilities at the event include water stations, toilets and a baggage store; there are no distance markers, no changing facilities and no showers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.