Lakes in a Day

Lakes in a Day 2026

Lakes in a Day is a single day mountain traverse on Saturday 10 October 2026 covering 50 miles with 4000m of ascent from Caldbeck to Cartmel via the Helvellyn Ridge and the western shore of Windermere. Much of the route runs on high fells and exposed ridges, so participants must have mountain running and navigation skills and appropriate kit.

The event includes three feed stations offering hot and cold food and drinks, live tracking, full race medical first aid cover, an event finisher t shirt and a finisher medal. Awards are provided for the first three men and women and for age categories including Senior 18-39 and V40 to V70 for both sexes.

A mandatory kit list is enforced and will be checked at the event; required items include waterproof jacket and trousers, a full leg cover, an insulated layer, a long sleeve top, hat and gloves, map and compass (not phone or watch), a torch with sufficient battery life, bivy bag, mug for hot drinks, whistle, mobile phone plus backup power or a second phone, money, and sealed waterproof storage for spare clothing. Organisers may disqualify competitors judged not to have the necessary kit.

Recce and skills days are available through NAV4 Adventure covering sections of the route and navigation practice. Camping is available at Cartmel Racecourse for tents and short wheel base campers only; vehicles longer than 6m are not permitted. A coach transfer to the start is offered for an extra fee and must be booked in advance. Entry fees were set at an early bird rate and a standard rate with event specific refund and cut off policies. Cut offs are calculated on a formula of 6 km per hour plus one hour per 1000m of ascent and assume limited time at feed stations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.