Dale Head
Rosthwaite, United Kingdom • 19 Oct 2025
Event details
The Dale Head fell race is organised by Keswick Athletic Club and is held at the Rosthwaite Institute, Borrowdale. The course distance is 7.8 km (approximately 4.8 miles) with a total climb of 675 m (2215 ft). Minimum age is 16. Entry on the day only, fee £5. Checkpoints shown are Start: Rosthwaite Institute (GR NY 255148) and Dale Head summit (GR NY 223153). Toilets and changing facilities are available at the Institute. GPS is not allowed.
Course records (2019) are: men 50:36, women 55:10.
Route and safety
The race starts on the showfield, turns right onto a farm track and crosses the river Derwent. Runners follow a marked route across farmland to the gate at the base of the fell. A steep, rocky ascent through Rigghead quarry leads to a stile; a visible path then crosses soft ground to Dalehead tarn and a final steep ascent to the summit cairn. The descent to the base of the fell may be by any route; many runners avoid the quarry by forking right to pass a climbing hut and follow a grassy descent back to the fell gate and the marked return to the showfield.
Weather can be wet and windy and the race has been cancelled in severe weather and floods. Navigational skills may be required in poor visibility. Competitors should be prepared to carry waterproof whole-body cover with taped seams and hood; other body cover; a compass; and a whistle. Random or complete kit checks may be carried out on the start line. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.