Nav4 Tour de Helvellyn

Tour de Helvellyn

Tour de Helvellyn is a winter ultra around Helvellyn that follows footpaths, bridleways and minor lanes on an unmarked circuit. The route starts and finishes at Askham Community Centre (grid ref 513 237) and covers about 38 miles with roughly 2000 m of total ascent and descent. The course rises to nearly 600 m on several occasions.

The event has minimal on-course support and emphasises winter mountain navigation and self reliance. The route is unmarked and in poor conditions some sections can be hard to navigate; competent navigation and fell running experience are required. Individual support teams, pacing or crew are not permitted and spectators are not allowed at control points.

Checkpoints with grid references are provided for navigation: Martindale Church (435 191); Side Farm (398 162); Swart Beck Footbridge (359 179); Stannah Beck footpath/bridleway junction (321 189); Swirls car park (317 168); Birkside Ghyll (326 124) and return controls at Side Farm and Martindale Church before the finish at Askham Community Centre.

Entrants are limited to around 200 starters with an entry allowance to 220 and a waiting list once that allowance is reached. Required kit is subject to a pre-start check and includes waterproof jacket and over trousers, warm layers, an insulated hooded jacket, hat and gloves, headtorch, compass, whistle, survival bag, first aid items, food and drink, mug or bottle and a paper map. Hot drinks and soup are provided after the finish. Parking and local accommodation are normally available near the community centre. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.