Isaac's Tea Trail Ultra

Isaac's Tea Trail Ultra. Backwards

Isaac's Tea Trail Ultra. Backwards is a 37 mile loop event held on 1 August 2026 from Allendale, following Isaac's Tea Trail in reverse through Ninebanks, Alston and Nenthead before returning to Allendale. The route lies within the North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark and includes open heather moors, peatlands, dales, rivers and areas with mining heritage.

The event is organised as a solo ultra and a relay for teams of up to three. The course has approximately 4800 ft of ascent. Marshals will be positioned at key points but the event is primarily self-navigating; a downloadable map and a GPX file are provided. Participants are allowed up to 12 hours to complete the route, equivalent to an average pace of about three mph.

Distances:

• Ultra solo, 37 miles with 4800 ft ascent
• Relay leg 1 Allendale to Ninebanks, 10.2 miles, 1200 ft climbing
• Relay leg 2 Ninebanks to Nenthead, 15.8 miles, 1900 ft climbing
• Relay leg 3 Nenthead to Allendale, 11.4 miles, 1750 ft climbing

Entry fees are listed for affiliated and unaffiliated solo entrants and for relay teams. Additional event provisions include well stocked checkpoints, an event tracker, free event pictures, cups for participants, food and drinks at race headquarters after the event, and a contribution from each entry towards trail upkeep. Minimum age is 18. Registration venue is Allendale Village Hall, NE47 9PR. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.