“Doubly happy, however, is the man to whom lofty mountain tops are within reach”
John Muir
The Bob Graham Round is quite rightly recognised as one of the great mountain challenges in the UK, fell runners endeavour to complete the challenge within 24 hours.
The Bob Graham route makes a wonderful 5 day walking circuit of the Lake District taking in 42 summits and involving 72 miles of walking, one of the best ways to really get to know the Lakes.
Over this week we will travel the route of the Bob Graham Round, starting and finishing in Keswick.
“The best climber in the world is the one who's having the most fun”
Alex Lowe
The Bob Graham Round begins in Keswick starting from the Moot Hall. We start by climbing the southern slopes of the mighty Skiddaw. Once we have taken in the 4th highest peak in the Lake District we turn east taking in the smaller, but still iconic summits of Great Calva and Blencathra. We will finish the day in Threlkeld.
Day two involves traversing the fantastic Helvellyn ridge line. From Threlkeld we will climb Clough Head and follow the ridge south over the Dodds, until we reach the 3rd highest mountain in the Lakes and the central focus of the ridge, Helvellyn. From here we descend towards the road at Dunmail Raise, taking in more great summits such as Dollywagon Pike and Fairfield on the way.
Day three is the longest and highest day of the event. The day starts by taking in the rolling summits of High Raise and Thunacar Knott before we move towards the spectacular Langdale Pikes. Continuing westwards we climb to the summit of Bowfell, our southern most point of the round. After taking in Great End we move towards our highest point on the round, and of course the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike. After bagging the slightly smaller but equally as impressive summit of Scafell we follow the hillside down into the valley of Wasdale.
Day four starts by traversing another classic ridge route, which starts by ascending the steep nose Yewbarrow and following the Mosedale Horseshoe over Pillar and to Kirk Fell. From here we climb the giant that is Great Gable and then turn northwards towards Grey Knotts. Another long but spectacular day in the bag we descend to Honister Pass.
The fifth and easiest day of the circuit starts with the climb from Honister Pass up southern slopes of Dale Head. With Keswick now in sight we traverse the lower lying summits of Hindscarth and Robinson before descending into the Newlands Valley. From here we enjoy easy, but no doubt with weary feet, walk back into Keswick and back to our starting point.
A wonderful five days in the mountains and a real challenge for any hillwalker.
Further Information:
- Accommodation is not included for this event but we will be able to transport you back to Keswick each day.
- Food is not supplied for this event.
- A support vehicle will meet you at the start and end of each day so that you will only need to carry a day pack on route.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Moot Hall, Keswick
Postcode: CA12 5JS
Grid Reference: NY 266 234
Directions
Keswick is easily found just off the A66 and A591, there is plenty of parking around the town, the Moot Hall is easily found in Main Street in the centre of town, we will meet outside the entrance.
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