Route Introduction

The Lakes 3000 Ultra starts at The Pencil Factory, a solid industrial landmark marking the jump from town into mountain country. From the first steps, you know it’s going to be a big day.

The route heads through Borrowdale and over Stockley Bridge, the old packhorse crossing, before pushing towards Wasdale. Here, the bigger ground begins to show and the mass of Lingmell faces head on! As you drop toward Wastwater Little Hell Gate cuts into Great Gable and Spinks Rock sits overhead, not dramatic just the kind of features you notice as you move through serious fell terrain.

Climbing out of Wasdale up the trod brings you to the summit of Scafell where the reality of the next descent sets in: Foxes Gully! From there, you reach Mickledore Col, one of the Lake District’s classic moments with steep drops on either side.

Crossing the Central Fells the terrain eases. The Howitzer on the skyline with Helvellyn in the distance the next 3,000-foot peak.

From its summit plateau, Striding Edge is never far from sight - a reminder of the mountain’s character..

By Skiddaw, the final 3,000-footer, your legs will be feeling the day. The last descent is a fast, quad-burning drop that demands focus all the way to the finish.

The Lakes 3000 Ultra isn’t dressed up. It’s a straightforward, honest round through the high fells. Tough, clean and built for runners who want a proper day in the mountains

The Event Village

The heart of The Lakes 3000 Ultra, the Event Village and Food Court is set within the industrial backdrop of The Pencil Factory in Keswick. It’s the hub for runners, supporters and the wider community throughout the weekend.

Inside the Old Mixing Shed, runners can register, collect race numbers and GPS trackers, and prepare for the next day ahead. Outside in the courtyard, exhibitors and race partners will showcase and provide kit and other event essentials, with space for friends and family to relax, eat and soak up the atmosphere.

How to Find The Event 

The Pencil Factory, CA12 5FD

Plenty of Parking at the event village [Pay & Display] The main carpark on the right is 24-Hour

Car Parking

1.                             Pencil Museum CA12 5NP
2.             Keswick Centre CA12 5DP
3.                              Keswick Rugby CA12 5EG

Transport

 Buses               Ambleside 555

1.                              Penrith X5
2.                              Cockermouth X5
3.  

Train                   Penrith CA11 7JQ

1.                             Carlisle CA1# 1QZ
2.  

Taxis                   Iain`s Taxis

1.                             Derwent Taxis
2.  

Airports           Leeds Bradford (LBA) 78 mile

1.                             Manchester (MAN) 92 mile
2.  

Bicycle             Parking at event village.

Charging Points.

Booth’s supermarket CA12 5EA (CHAdeMO CCS)

Genie Point Charging CA12 5BL (CCS, CHAdeMO type 2)

Accommodation                

Campsites, Hotels, Holiday Lets, B&Bs, YHA 

Things to Do

Derwent Pencil Museum

Discover Keswick’s pencil-making heritage, from the discovery of graphite in the 1550s to modern manufacturing. See historic machinery and the world’s largest colouring pencil, measuring almost eight metres long.

Derwentwater

Explore the shores of one of the Lake District’s most iconic lakes. Walk the eight-mile perimeter trail in half a day. Don’t pass up the chance to take the 50-minute cruise on a Derwent Launch. Derwentwater has four main islands, one of which Derwent Island, has an 18th-century Italianate house.

Theatre by the Lake

Set beside Derwentwater, Theatre by the Lake offers a varied programme with a resident

company of up to 14 actors, performing a repertoire of six plays from May to November. A great option for a relaxed evening after a day in the fells.

Keswick Museum

Discover Keswick’s quirky history, including the Musical Stones of Skiddaw, a teacup owned by Napoleon, a 600-year-old mummified cat, a mantrap for catching poachers and other unusual exhibits.

Moot Hall

Standing in Market Square since 1813, Moot Hall has served as a courthouse and museum and is now an exhibition space. Its steps famously mark the start of the Bob Graham Round.

Keswick Town

Explore the 740-year-old Saturday market, independent shops, outdoor stores, pubs and cocktail bars. There is also the Alhambra Cinema and Kong Adventure for indoor climbing, caving and family fun.

Mirehouse & Gardens, Bassenthwaite

Explore this historic house, gardens and woodland on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, with lakeside access, wildlife, seasonal osprey viewing and a tearoom.

Catbells

At 451 metres, Catbells offers a rewarding three-hour circular walk with spectacular views over Derwentwater, Keswick, Borrowdale and Skiddaw.

Stone Circles Visit Castlerigg,

One of the UK’s earliest stone circles, dating back 4,000–5,000 years and made up of 38 standing stones.

Walla Crag

A short walk from Keswick leads to the 380-metre summit of Walla Crag, with stunning views across Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. The walk can be done in an afternoon or evening if you want to watch the sunset go down over the lake and its islands as well as Grasmoor and Grisedale Pike.