The Grand Tour of Skiddaw 2026

The Grand Tour of Skiddaw is a summer trail running event in Cumbria, centered on Skiddaw and the Northern Lake District fells. The current format includes a 50km race and a 20-mile Back o' Skiddaw option, both starting and finishing in Caldbeck. The 50km route ascends Skiddaw, accumulating 6,733 feet of elevation gain, with a 11-hour time limit for completion. The event is presently suspended because of the organizer citing increased costs, reduced entries, loss of the original venue, and concerns regarding parking, camping, and facilities. The longer version originated from a 46-mile ultra that began near Dalston. It followed the River Caldew through fields and woods to Caldbeck before venturing into the Caldbeck Fells. That route passed Skiddaw House, climbed Skiddaw, descended via Longside Edge, then went through Orthwaite, Branthwaite, and Fell Side before returning to Caldbeck and retracing the path along the Caldew. Nearly all running occurs on public footpaths and bridleways, giving the race the character of a long day crossing working fell country rather than a closed-road competition.