Northern Traverse
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Northern Traverse
The Northern Traverse is a 300 km ultra following Wainwright’s coast-to-coast route from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay. The route crosses three National Parks : the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors : and includes approximately 6,500 m of ascent. The event emphasises self-sufficiency and a clear route corridor, though the trail is not fully waymarked each year.
Participants receive an official waterproof race map, a digital map and a downloadable GPX file of the route. The organisers provide staffed Aid Stations at set locations along the course offering food, drinks and basic medical cover; medics are usually present and a professional response team is available for emergencies. Retiring is only permitted at Aid Stations.
Mandatory kit is checked at registration and additional weather-specific items may be required during the event. A survival bag is mandatory. A single Support Point Drop Bag may be transported between overnight locations; maximum size is 80 L and maximum weight is 15 kg. Drop bags cannot contain glass, breakables or gas canisters.
The route is defined by Aid Stations and virtual guidance times with generous cut-offs based on an approximate 4 km per hour pace and allowances for ascent. Supporters may use commercial services on the route but may not run with participants, carry kit or provide non-commercial assistance. The 2027 edition is sold out; waitlist places are allocated first come first served. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.