Fell Running in the Lake District — Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge

Devised by legendary local fell runner, Joss Naylor, as a challenge for the over-50s, the Joss Naylor Challenge crosses the Lake District National Park from east to west. Along the way, it takes in some of the most scenic and runnable ridges and summits, with tough climbs and exciting descents guaranteed.

The full route covers a distance of around 45 miles (73 km) with 15,000 feet (4,600 m) of ascent, depending on your exact route choice. Starting in Pooley Bridge, at the head of Ullswater, you’ll need to tick off all of the 33 specified checkpoints before reaching the finish at Greendale Bridge, just above Wast Water. The route between checkpoints isn’t specified, so you’re free to choose your own line over the fells.

The challenge splits neatly into four sections, allowing runners to have easy access to a support crew. In this Collection, you’ll find a point-to-point Tour for each section, plus the full challenge.

Joss Naylor completed this route in 1990, aged 54, and it has since become an official challenge for runners over 50 years old. Completers earn an engraved tankard and an invitation to the annual presentation dinner. To claim the tankard, participants must finish within a specified time depending on age and gender, and also submit an account of their adventure. You’ll find full details on the challenge website:

https://jossnaylor.blogspot.com/

Whatever your age, and whether you’re taking on the official challenge or simply looking for some great new routes in the Lake District, this is a brilliant run packed with exciting and technical terrain. You’ll cross long sections of exposed ridgeline and high summits, which are prone to the notoriously changeable Cumbrian weather. With this in mind, you’ll need to pack waterproofs and emergency kit. This should include a survival bag, warm layer, hat and gloves, torch, whistle, map, compass, first aid kit and phone. You won’t find any refreshments on these Tours, so you’ll also need to carry enough food and water for the duration of your run.

The route mainly follows paths and tracks, but the nature of the terrain up high means that trail or fell running shoes with excellent grip are essential. Route finding is generally straightforward in good conditions, but in poor visibility some sections require very careful navigation to avoid steep drops, scree slopes and cliff faces.