An epic multi-distance ultra event linking all 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting and finishing in Keswick.
22.4km · Fully waymarked. Starting and finishing in Keswick, taking in 2 valleys. Open to all abilities.
Beginner Friendly55km · Starting at Waterhead, Ambleside and finishing in Keswick through 5 valleys. 3 feed stations.
ITRA 3 Points110km · Same start as 5 Valleys but with an additional central loop. Official Western States qualifier.
Western States Qualifier180km · Starting Friday evening in Keswick. The full loop of all 13 Lake District valleys. Self-qualification required.
ITRA 6 PointsThe 13 Valleys Ultra celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park. The event is run in partnership with the Lake District National Park — 5% of entry fees go to Fix the Fells to protect the Lakeland fells from erosion. Based in Keswick and running across some of the most spectacular terrain in England, this is one of the most scenic ultra events in the UK.
The 180km course is not waymarked. You must be confident with GPX navigation in challenging conditions, including overnight and in bad weather. Practice thoroughly before race day.
The 7V and 13V require serious ultra training volume. Include back-to-back long runs and overnight training in your build-up. Don't underestimate the cumulative fatigue.
With 180km to cover, start conservatively. Many runners go out too hard on the runnable early sections. Think of the first half as getting to the start of the race.
Multiple nights and days of running mean gut fatigue is a major factor. Train with race food, practice eating while moving and have a clear checkpoint nutrition plan.
The 13 Valleys Ultra is a 50-mile loop from Dalemain Estate near Ullswater that winds through thirteen of the Lake District's most remote and beautiful valleys. Unlike many Lake District ultras that follow well-trodden tourist paths, the 13 Valleys visits corners of the national park that most runners — and most visitors — never see.
The route takes in Martindale and the secluded Fusedale, drops to Haweswater reservoir, crosses open fell above Shap Fells, and navigates remote valleys with no crowd support and limited mobile signal. Navigation is part of the race — runners are expected to be self-sufficient between checkpoints, and the remote sections are unforgiving in poor conditions.
The race starts at Dalemain, a historic house on the eastern shore of Ullswater. The early miles are relatively gentle — use them to settle your pack, find your rhythm and resist going out too hard. The technical challenges come later in the race when you're already tired.
Martindale is one of the most isolated inhabited valleys in England. The route through here follows narrow paths across open fell above the deer sanctuary — navigation skills matter. Fusedale's descent is beautiful and fast but the terrain underfoot is rough. Keep your eyes on the path, not just the view.
The approach to Haweswater involves some of the most remote running in the race. The path along the reservoir's eastern shore is rugged and largely untouched. This section often falls during a night section for mid-pack runners. Know the route and have your torch ready.
The closing miles of the 13 Valleys loop gradually become more familiar terrain as you return towards the Ullswater valley. The final approach to Dalemain is emotional — you can see the finish before you reach it, which is both motivating and cruel. The last 5 miles rarely feel short.
The 13 Valleys does not allow drop bags. Each checkpoint provides water and basic food — carry everything else you need between them. Checkpoint locations and distances change slightly year to year; always refer to the official race information for the current year's specifics. The approximate structure is:
The 13 Valleys earns its reputation from the accumulation of challenges rather than any single defining moment. It is a proper fell and mountain ultra, not a trail marathon scaled up.
The 13 Valleys requires active navigation in several sections. Runners carry a route map and are expected to know where they are. GPS is useful as a backup but the remote valleys have poor satellite cover in some sections. Practice map reading in similar terrain before race day — overconfidence in technology has ended many runners' races.
Over 50 miles the 13 Valleys accumulates more than 5,000m of climbing. Unlike some courses where ascent is front-loaded, the elevation here is distributed throughout — meaning there is no section where you truly recover. Consistent climbing fitness across the full distance is essential.
Several sections of the route are far from any road. If a runner encounters a problem in these areas, assistance is not quickly available. Carry full mandatory kit, know how to use it, and be honest about your experience level before entering. This is not a race for runners new to long-distance mountain events.
The race cutoff means most mid-pack runners will experience at least one section of night running. Remote fell in darkness is a different challenge to night running on marked trail. Practice navigation at night in similar terrain before race day. Bring reliable lighting with proper battery backup.
The 13 Valleys rewards fell running generalists: runners who are comfortable navigating, competent on technical terrain, and fit enough to keep moving efficiently for 10-14+ hours in Lake District conditions.
Map and compass navigation is not optional for this race. If you rely entirely on GPS you are underprepared. Practice with a 1:25,000 OS map in similar terrain — ideally the Lake District itself — and build the confidence to navigate when tired and in poor visibility.
Single long runs do not adequately prepare you for 50 miles of fell. Build back-to-back days with 20-25 miles Saturday and 15-18 miles Sunday in the Lake District or equivalent terrain. Do these on technical fell ground, not flat road or easy trail.
The night sections of the 13 Valleys fall on technical ground. Practice running on fell in the dark — not just road or trail. Understand how your navigation changes after dark and know the limitations of your head torch in misty or rainy conditions.
If you're entering the 13 Valleys from outside the north of England, spend time building familiarity with Lake District fell: the heathery boggy moorland, the loose rocky ridges, the grassy descents that are fast when dry and treacherous when wet. It's a specific terrain that rewards familiarity.
Brennan's Coach Note: The 13 Valleys is the race that reminds runners what mountain ultras are actually about. Navigation, self-reliance, fell fitness — the fundamentals that get overlooked in the age of GPS and flagged courses. Prepare properly and it's one of the most rewarding 50-mile races in Britain. Underprepare and those remote valleys can feel very lonely indeed.
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