Home » The Course
Provisional race route supplied for illustrative purposes only. Route amendments and updates may be made at the Race Director’s sole discretion. © Harvey Maps.
Starting at the University of Cumbria, the race will start with a bang, straight down the university steps to the streets of Ambleside.
On reaching the main A591, turn swiftly left and up the start of the 'Struggle' to turn left at North Road and passed the Unicorn. Meeting the main A591 you keep left passing the Salutation and then up Stockghyll Lane to start the main ascent onto Wansfell Pike. Now its time for burning legs, a pounding heart and gasping lungs.
Once the summit is reached you will be glad of a short break for the legs until you start the undulations along the summit ridge which can seem much tougher after the main ascent! This leads to the summit of Wansfell and a 'Wainwright' for all you baggers ... and the start of the first descent! It's a marked course, but in spirit it's a true fell run: you'll weave your way down a steep descent before taking the soft ground to the walled 'Hundreds Lane' and the new footpath to the start of the 2nd ascent.
The second ascent is no easier, as tired legs and 'run-able' terrain allow for a those with the fitness and skills to take this in 'their stride'. Make no mistake, it may not be a long race but it's a tough one! On reaching Wansfell Pike for a second time you will be directed down one of the best descents in the Lakes. The footpath is narrow and slippy in places, so take care as you go - but if you have the skills the race can be won or lost on this technical, amazingly flowing and fun part of the course. On reaching the 'Kiln' at the bottom of the descent you will be treated with a typical wooden 'Lakeland Style' to cross: tough on those crampy legs!
Now enter a different realm, from fell to woodland trails and these are just perfect. Follow single track into the woods for some very technical terrain to start with before you join the main footpath (the one used in the iconic Lakeland 100/50) to come out opposite the large garden centre in Ambleside.
Now follow 'The Old Lake Road' to the busy streets of Ambleside, before cruising behind the White Lion pub to rejoin the way you came out. Past 'The Sally', back onto North Road, past the Unicorn, down the Struggle passing the Golden Route on the way (your thirst must be getting big by now!) and back into the University grounds for that really fun section of 'running the steps' up to the finish, right where you started!
Look at your 'medal' (bottle of specially labeled Lakeland Cider) and then drink it with ease.
Wansfell Mountain Race is run on a fully marked and marshalled course. Expect a mix of road (not more then 20%), trails and single track (30%), open fell (40%) and woodland trails (10%).
**Note; Its a new start location and a slightly changed course.
