'A Classic Combination of Lakes, Mountains & Waterfalls'

Sunday 17th March 2024

Name: Buttermere Trail Race
Uploaded: 2019-10-31T14:35:31.803Z
Duration: 4 min 1 s
Description: Buttermere Trail Race 2017 & 2018

Entries Now Open.

Our friends at Fellside Events are organising the event for 2024. To enter click on the link below. It is important that you read all updated information which may differ from that currentl provided below.

ENTER HERE

A stunning trail run in an iconic location with breathtaking views from start to finish...
Based in the beautiful Buttermere valley set amidst a dramatic landscape of high fells. This superb 20k course starts with a circuit around the whole of Buttermere Lake in a clockwise direction. This is a classic route described as "One of the best round-the-lake walks in the Lake District".

Date: 17th March, 2024 Distance: 20km / 12 Mile Start Time: 1000

Venue: Croft Farm, Buttermere Village, Cumbria, CA13 9XA.

The event is to be based from the National Trust field at the north west corner of Buttermere Lake (GR 173 163). This is situated approx. 400m down the bridleway track south of the village (see Event Map). The start/finish will be located here.

Registration: 0800-0930 (Numbers will be issued at registration). Registration will be based from Croft House Farm Cafe, they'll be opening up early to provide some pre event caffeine and fuel.

Event briefing notes will be published HERE approx five days before the event.
Please check these as there will generally be no further information emailed to participants prior to the event

Car Sharing: PLEASE TRY TO CAR SHARE WHERE POSSIBLE AS PARKING IS LIMITED. As well as reducing the carbon footprint of the event, it will ease the parking process for us at the race.

Event Parking: This is in the small field adjacent to Croft Farm. If the parking field is too wet (as for the previous few editions) participants will need to use the public parking areas. As parking is very limited in & around the village it would be hugely appreciated if participants car share.

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Participant Feedback

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"Well, today I took on the buttermere 20km challenge and what a fantastic race it was. fantastic organisation...credit to high terrain events it was amazing start to finish and we even had a bit of sunshine thrown in...along with fantastic water stations stocked with jelly babies and cake! highly recommend this most beautiful and scenic course for any trail runner it was fab" Anne Berry

"Excellent event, loved every minute. Thanks to all the staff and organisers. Well done team!" Chris Cardwell

Julie Graham I loved it!

Fantastic event as always. First class organisation, brilliant marshals- thank you, and fantastic flapjack and brownies. Loved the new route Great to run around both lakes"

"Todays race was a little more special than normal.. Today marks 12 months of racing so what better way to celebrate than by doing Buttermere all over again but this time coming 1st Lady, a truly fantastic route and event as always! Thanks @highterrain" Lou Stubbings

“Thanks for another fantastic event held in undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the world!!! You even brought the weather with you!! The marshals were great too, so friendly and encouraging. Loved it. I felt so privileged to be part of that, I'm still running on 'feel good' endorphins now!!!!!” Heidi Martin

"I’m writing to say how much I enjoyed this years Buttermere 20km trail race. It was a superb course and I found it really well organised and the marshals were very friendly. Many thanks to all who helped make this event happen" Robert Bee

20k Course

Total Ascent: 234m

Click HERE for Interactive Map

Terrain: A low level undulating route with a great combination of off road running terrain throughout ranging from lakeshore trails, hard-packed rocky trails, grassy tracks & woodland singletrack. The initial section around Buttermere Lake is more hard-packed trail with some technical rocky sections. The section after Sourmilk Gill and along the western side of Crummmock water is is wet and rough underfoot interspersed with rocky single track trails. The other side of Crummock water comprises more hard packed trails.

Time Limit: 3:30hrs.

Download 20k Course GPX HERE

Hydration Station: There will be two hydration stations on the course. Refreshments will also be available at the finish area.

The course will be well marked so there is no need for any navigational skills...just enjoy the beautiful scenery with every step of the way.....

Course: The route starts from the iconic lakeside setting of Buttermere with it's crystal clear waters and views across to the popular fells of Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike. The initial section follows Buttermere shoreline in a clockwise direction on well surfaced lakeshore trails.

There are several gates to go through, where you can catch your breath and also a small tunnel under the rock, which adds an interesting element to the route. The trail is a bit more technical here with a few rocky sections until you reach the bay where the view opens out.

The lakeshore path flattens out following an easier gravel trail from here. It continues along through fields until you reach the road. Follow the road for about 1 km until you reach Gatesgarth farm, where you rejoin the footpath to continue around the lake.

The route then returns along the lakeshore through Burtness Wood. You will pass the cascading waterfall of Sourmilk Gill and continue along the rocky track. Conditions underfoot now turn more challenging, over rocky and uneven terrain, as the trail contours along the western shoreline of Crummock Water.

With the mighty Grassmoor on the east and the steep flanks of Mellbreak on the west, the views along this section are simply stunning, although full concentration is needed to negotiate the testing terrain.

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After crossing the gravel beaches on the northern shores of Crummock Water, the terrain becomes less technical. The route follows the pine clad shoreline of Lanthwaite Wood to reach Cinderdale Common & a welcome refreshment point.

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A steady climb leads into the beautiful Rannerdale Valley, crossing the beck & contouring round the base of Rannerdale Knotts. The final short climb is a section of pitched steps reaching above Hause Point. A fast grassy descent leads back to Crummock lakeshore, passing through the woods & fields to reach Buttermere village. Then follows the main track to the lakeshore field at Buttermere, to a well deserved finish...