The Lap — Around Lake Windermere

The Race

The Lap is a 47-mile circumnavigation of Lake Windermere — the largest natural lake in England — on trails, fell paths, woodland tracks, boardwalk and occasional quiet country roads. The race runs twice a year: clockwise in May, anticlockwise in September. Both cover the exact same route in opposite directions, making them feel like two distinct races on the same stunning course.

Unlike the Lakeland 50 or Bob Graham Round, The Lap stays at low to mid elevation throughout — this is not a high fell race. The terrain is 95% trail and singletrack with 5% country road. But don't mistake accessible for easy: 47 miles is 47 miles, and 2,600m of cumulative ascent across a day of constantly changing terrain will test any runner.

The race is fully signposted, making navigation straightforward for even first-time ultra runners. No compass or road book required. This, combined with the stunning lakeside scenery and excellent volunteer support, makes The Lap one of the most welcoming introductions to ultra running in the UK.

Two Editions — What's Different

Key Race Facts

• Start & Finish: Race HQ near Lake Windermere (exact location confirmed at registration)
• Start time: 06:00 sharp — arrive well before for the 05:50 mandatory briefing
• Time limit: 24 hours
• Registration: Friday 7:00pm – 10:00pm only — there is NO Saturday morning registration
• No pacers permitted — the race must be completed self-supported
• No outside support allowed — spectators cannot run with runners or access feed stations
• Photo ID required at registration (driving licence, passport or equivalent)
• Entry fee: £150 — places sell out quickly and there is no waiting list
• Minimum age: 16 on race day
• The race runs in all conditions — there are no cancellations for weather
• Always check thelap.co.uk for the most current race information as details can change

Feed Stations — What's There and When

Six feed stations are positioned around the course, with water, cordial, Coke, electrolytes, energy drinks, energy bars and salty snacks at each. The race organisers do not allow outside food or drinks to be handed to runners from spectators — you are self-sufficient between aid stations.

The halfway station at Troutbeck is the jewel of the course: it serves hot pizza (pepperoni and vegan options) and is where your drop bag is waiting. This is also the only drop bag point on the entire race — one small bag (shoes only plus what fits inside them) deposited at Friday registration and transported to Troutbeck by the race team. You must personally transfer your bag at Troutbeck to the transport bags for return to the finish.

Cutoff Times

The cutoff times are firm — you must have left each checkpoint by the stated time:

• Clockwise (May): Troutbeck (halfway) by 16:30 — Ludderburn Moss by 22:00 — Finsthwaite by 03:00
• Anticlockwise (September): Troutbeck (halfway) by 16:30 — Skelwith by 22:00 — Far Sawrey by 03:00
• Both editions: Finish by 06:00 the following morning (24-hour total limit from 06:00 start)

The Troutbeck halfway cutoff of 16:30 means you must cover the first half in 10h 30m — a pace that feels comfortable to most runners in training but requires steady, consistent movement on the day. Do not sit at feed stations. Arriving at Troutbeck at 16:20 with 10 minutes to spare before the cutoff is a genuinely alarming position to be in — aim to be there by 14:30–15:30 for a sensible second-half buffer.

The Route in Sections

The Lap loops around all four shores of Lake Windermere across a wide variety of terrain — woodland trail, lakeside paths, open fell edges, and quiet valleys. The clockwise (May) and anticlockwise (September) editions follow the same 47-mile loop in opposite directions, which changes the character of each section significantly. Below we break down both.

Section 1 — Start to Skelwith Bridge (~11 miles)

The race starts in the dark at 06:00. The opening miles head south along the western shore of Windermere through beautiful woodland trail and lakeside paths. Adrenaline is high, legs are fresh, and pace will feel easy — be disciplined. The first feed station at Far Sawrey (~3 miles) comes early and is a gentle check-in. By Skelwith Bridge (~11 miles) you have covered a quarter of the race and should feel well within yourself.

Section 2 — Skelwith to Troutbeck (~9 miles)

From Skelwith Bridge the route climbs up and over higher ground before descending to Troutbeck. This section contains the most significant climbing of the clockwise edition — the climbs reward a steady power-hike. Poles shine here. Arriving at Troutbeck (halfway) is a genuine morale boost: eat the pizza, collect your drop bag, and don't linger more than 10–15 minutes.

Section 3 — Troutbeck to Finsthwaite (~21 miles)

The second half covers the eastern and southern shores. Matson Ground (~27 miles) is the next station, then Ludderburn Moss (~31 miles, water only). The 9+ mile gap between Ludderburn Moss and Finsthwaite (~41 miles) is the longest on course — carry enough food and water to bridge it independently. This is where the race gets hard. It may be getting dark. Run what you can, walk what you need to, keep moving.

Section 4 — Finsthwaite to Finish (~6 miles)

The final section follows the southern tip of the lake back to race HQ. Short but it feels long on tired legs. The terrain is runnable and most runners find something left to give. The final mile back to HQ is one of the great moments in British ultra running — a complete circuit of an entire lake.

Section 1 — Start to Finsthwaite (~6 miles)

The September edition starts at 06:00 and heads north-east immediately, following the southern shore of Windermere in reverse. This opening section is the same short stretch as the clockwise finish, but now it comes first — legs fresh, heart rate high. The terrain is runnable and the section passes quickly. Arriving at Finsthwaite early gives no licence to push — 41 miles remain. Use this section to settle into your rhythm and get your nutrition started.

Section 2 — Finsthwaite to Troutbeck (~21 miles)

The longest section of the anticlockwise edition travels the eastern shore north through woodland, open fell edges, and quiet valleys. Ludderburn Moss (~16 miles, water only) provides an early resupply, and Matson Ground (~20 miles) offers a more substantial station before Troutbeck. The gap between Finsthwaite and Ludderburn is the longest unsupported stretch in this direction — carry more than you think you need. This section is predominantly runnable but requires patience; save your legs for what comes next.

Section 3 — Troutbeck to Skelwith Bridge (~9 miles)

Arriving at Troutbeck (halfway) in the September edition means the climbing is ahead of you, not behind. From Troutbeck the route ascends significantly — this is the main climbing block of the anticlockwise edition, and it arrives when the legs are already 27 miles in. Poles are strongly recommended here. The descent to Skelwith Bridge offers some relief, but the uphills will test your reserves. Don't rush Troutbeck — eat properly, take what you need from your drop bag, and leave with fresh resolve.

Section 4 — Skelwith Bridge to Finish (~11 miles)

The closing section follows the western shore of Windermere north back to race HQ. After the climbing from Troutbeck, this section is mostly runnable along lakeside and woodland trail. Far Sawrey (~44 miles) is your last feed station — take on calories, top up fluids, and give yourself permission to push for home. The final miles hug the western shore with the lake beside you. By now it may be afternoon and other runners will be out on the fells around you. The finish at race HQ marks the completion of a full lap of England's largest lake — both directions are equally hard-earned.

Mandatory Kit

The Lap has a mandatory kit list that is checked at registration. The race carries a 1-litre minimum water requirement, but the race organisers note that this is insufficient for most runners — carry at least 1.5–2 litres between stations, more in hot conditions. Always check the current kit list on the official website at thelap.co.uk/pages/kit as requirements can change. Typical mandatory items include:

• Waterproof jacket (with taped seams)
• Waterproof trousers
• Warm mid-layer
• Hat and gloves
• Head torch and spare batteries
• Whistle
• Foil emergency blanket
• First aid kit (blister supplies, pain relief)
• Mobile phone (charged)
• Minimum 1 litre water capacity (carry more in practice)
• Emergency food

No Pacers — Running Solo

The Lap does not permit pacers or outside support. You run the entire 47 miles independently, relying on the official feed stations and your own carried supplies. This is an important part of the race's character — it is a genuinely self-supported effort, and finishing it is a personal achievement that belongs entirely to you.

No one can run alongside you, no one can hand you food or drinks on the course, and supporters cannot access the feed stations. They can meet you at race HQ at the start and finish, and can watch from publicly accessible viewpoints around the lake — but they cannot provide any active support. Plan your nutrition and hydration completely independently of any support from friends or family.

For first-time ultra runners this can feel daunting, but it is also liberating. The race is very well signposted and the feed stations are staffed by warm, supportive volunteers. You will not be alone — there are hundreds of other runners on the same loop, and the Lap community is famously encouraging. The official Lap Facebook group is an excellent resource for connecting with other runners, sharing recce information, and finding out how others have prepared.

Using the Windermere Ferry to Recce

Windermere Lake Cruises operate a passenger ferry service that stops at multiple points around the lake — making it a brilliant and scenic way to recce different sections of the course without a full car shuttle. The ferry runs between Bowness and Ambleside/Waterhead with stops including Ash Landing, Wray and Brockhole. You can run a section of the course, then hop on a ferry back to your start point.

This is especially useful for recceing the western shore sections and the Ambleside area without needing two cars or a complex transport arrangement. Check the Windermere Lake Cruises website for timetables before planning your recce. Always verify that details are current before your visit, as timetables and stops can change seasonally.

Training for The Lap

The Lap is one of the most accessible ultras in Britain, which makes it an excellent first ultra for runners coming from a road marathon background. However, the jump from a road marathon to 47 miles of trail still requires specific preparation. Allow at least 20 weeks of targeted training from a strong marathon base.

If This Is Your First Ultra

Start by building your weekend long run on trail progressively — from 2.5 hours up to 5–6 hours in the final 8 weeks before the race. Include back-to-back long days: a 3-hour run on Saturday followed by a 2.5-hour run on Sunday teaches your body to move on tired legs in a way that a single long run cannot. Practice eating and drinking on the move — real food, not just gels — as the Lap's feed stations serve proper food and you need your gut to accept it while running.

Run on trail, not road. The terrain and the constant micro-adjustments of uneven ground are genuinely different from running on asphalt. Even if The Lap is not highly technical, 47 miles of trail demands the specific strength adaptations that only trail running builds. Get 70–80% of your training miles on off-road terrain in the months before the race.

For Experienced Runners

If you have marathon or shorter ultra experience, the key specific preparation for The Lap is time-on-feet and terrain adaptability. Build your weekly volume to 50–65 miles in peak training, with a mix of easy trail miles, one longer hill session per week, and a progressive long run that reaches 5–6 hours by the final 6 weeks. Night running: at least one run per month in the dark in the final 3 months, so your head torch is completely normal by race day.

Poles — Yes or No?

Trekking poles are permitted on The Lap and are genuinely helpful. They reduce the load on your legs on climbs by 20–25%, provide stability on technical descents and boggy ground, and give your upper body something constructive to do over many hours. If you decide to use poles, practise with them in training for at least 2 months before the race — your wrists and shoulders need time to adapt.

Key pole technique notes: loop wrist straps from underneath (not over the top), shorten them for uphills and lengthen slightly for flats and descents, stow them when passing through narrow gates or kissing gates, and keep your grip relaxed. Many runners start a race gripping poles tightly and find their forearms cramped by mile 20 — consciously relax your grip throughout.

Nutrition Strategy

The Lap's six feed stations take the pressure off fuelling logistics significantly, but you should never rely on a feed station as your primary fuel source. Eat every 30–40 minutes whether you feel hungry or not. Appetite suppression is common after mile 30 and most runners who hit a wall in the final third of the race can trace it to under-eating in the first two-thirds.

Use the feed stations to supplement, not replace, your carried nutrition. Eat real food at Troutbeck (the pizza is both practical and motivating) and at the larger stations. Carry a mix of gels, chews, flapjack or rice balls, and salty snacks between stations. Avoid the trap of eating only sweet food all day — salt and savoury options help maintain appetite and replace electrolytes.

Hydration: carry more than the 1-litre minimum. In warm conditions carry 1.5–2 litres, and top up at every station even if you don't feel thirsty. Electrolyte tablets or powder in your water become increasingly important after mile 20. Heat and humidity — possible in the May edition — significantly increases your sweat rate and therefore your electrolyte loss.

Race Morning

The race briefing is at 05:50 — it is mandatory and cannot be missed. Arrive at race HQ by 05:30 at the latest to allow time to get sorted before the briefing begins. The start is at 06:00 sharp: late arrival means a disadvantaged start position and a stressful opening to what should be an exciting day.

Parking near race HQ can be limited on race morning — plan your route and parking in advance. Many runners walk or taxi from their accommodation. Eat a good breakfast 1.5–2 hours before the start. Have your kit ready and checked the night before so race morning is calm.