Isaac's Tea Trail Ultra

Isaac's Tea Trail Ultra Backwards

Isaac's Tea Trail Ultra Backwards is a 37 mile ultramarathon held on 1 August 2026 with Allendale as the event base. The route follows Isaac's Tea Trail through Ninebanks, Alston and Nenthead before returning to Allendale, and it includes about 4800 ft of ascent.

The race takes place within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark. The route crosses open heather moors, peatlands, dales, hay meadows, upland rivers and woods and passes areas with historical mining and industrial features.

Support is provided with marshals at key points and permanent signage, but the event is primarily self-navigating. Organisers supply a downloadable map and a GPX file for those who wish to use GPS. Checkpoints are stocked with cold drinks, snacks, fruit and vegan sweets, and hot drinks are available at race headquarters before and after the event. An event tracker will be used and free event photographs are provided. Each participant receives a branded event tea towel and a donation from each entry contributes to trail upkeep.

Entry options include a solo ultra and a relay team entry. The event has a minimum age of 18 and published entry fees for 2026 are £78 to £80 for solo entries and £100 per relay team.

Distances: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• Ultra loop, 37 miles, 4800 ft ascent
• Allendale to Ninebanks, 10.2 miles, 1200 ft climbing
• Ninebanks to Nenthead, 15.8 miles, 1900 ft climbing
• Nenthead to Allendale, 11.4 miles, 1750 ft climbing