Grisedale Horseshoe Fell Race

The Grisedale Horseshoe Fell Race

The Grisedale Horseshoe is a traditional fell race first run in the 1980s. Runners choose their own optimum line between a series of manned checkpoints along the route.

Entry is via Fabian4 when entries open; entry on the day is allowed provided the maximum of 200 entries has not been reached. Registration and kit check take place at Glenridding Village Hall (grid ref 385168). Race parking is at King George V playing fields, about a 15 minute walk from the village hall. Post-race food, refreshments and prize giving are held at Glenridding Village Hall.

Minimum compulsory kit includes a map, compass, whistle, waterproof jacket with taped seams and hood, overtrousers, hat, gloves and emergency food. Kit is checked before the race.

The route starts and finishes at Glenridding Village Hall and visits a sequence of manned checkpoints: Catstye Cam summit, Helvellyn (top of Swirral Edge), Grisedale Tarn (eastern end), St Sunday Crag summit, a barn (with an alternative bridge if the beck is in spate), and a wall stile, before returning to Glenridding Village Hall.

Parts of the route cross land managed by the John Muir Trust and there are compulsory line-of-travel requirements to avoid sensitive ground: follow the main path to Red Tarn, avoid a direct ascent of Catstye Cam from Red Tarn, and do not cut the corner on Swirral Edge. There is a 1.30pm cut off at Grisedale Tarn. The race acknowledges support from OMM. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.