The Lakes, Meres, and Waters Ultra Run is a 100-mile challenge through the Lake District, covering 26 bodies of water with over 6,500 meters of ascent. This demanding route showcases the region's most stunning scenery, combining intense physical endurance with the beauty of lakeshores, valleys, and mountain passes.
The Lake District is a place that captures the imagination of anyone who loves the outdoors. Known for its rugged peaks and sparkling lakes, it’s a runner's paradise. Among the many challenges this stunning area offers, including the Bob Graham, Cumbrian Traverse, Wainwright's Round and many more, the Lakes, Meres, and Waters (LMW) route is different in many ways, firstly the route doesn't take in any peaks at all, but for me, this challenge was about trying to keep a fast pace for the entirety of the route, which used to running in the hills, you would often power hike the ups and run the flats and the downs. Covering 100 miles of tough terrain and visiting 26 iconic bodies of water, it’s an adventure that pushes even seasoned runners to their limits.
A Bit of History
The LMW route isn’t one of the oldest running challenges out there, but it has quickly earned a reputation as one of the hardest. It was first completed in June 1981 by Leo Pollard, taking a total of 35 hours and 29 minutes. Five days later on the 19th June 1981, Peter Schofield completed a full round, starting and finishing in Embedon in a total of 42 hours and 38 minutes. In 1982, Alan Heaton, who was the first person to complete the Bob Graham round under 24 hours, became the third person to complete this historic route visting every Lake, Mere and Water in the Lake District. Then in 1983, fell running legend Joss Naylor. Joss, often called the "King of the Fells," finished the route in just over 19 hours – a time that still hasn’t been beaten. Joss’s connection with the fells is legendary, and his success on the LMW route has inspired generations of runners to try it themselves.
For those unfamiliar, fell running has a long and proud history in the Lake District. It’s not just about running; it’s about tackling steep climbs, rough terrain, and navigating the unpredictable weather that this region is known for. The LMW route takes all these elements and amplifies them, making it a true test of endurance, skill, and determination.
The Route
The LMW route covers some of the Lake District’s most stunning – and challenging – terrain. Starting at Loweswater, the route takes you through famous lakes like Buttermere and Crummock Water, before pushing on to the more remote parts of the region. It’s not just about covering distance; there are over 6,500 meters of ascent, meaning that along the way, you’ll be climbing and descending fells, navigating scree slopes, and dealing with whatever weather comes your way.
Each body of water you visit tells its own story. From the peaceful shores of Ullswater to the dramatic cliffs surrounding Wast Water, there’s a constant shift between serene beauty and raw, rugged wilderness. While the scenery is breathtaking, the route is anything but easy. The climb out of Glenridding towards Thirlmere, for example, is a punishing ascent, and it comes at a point where your legs are already tired from hours of running.
More Than Just a Physical Challenge
For many runners, the LMW route isn’t just about testing their bodies – it’s also a mental battle. It’s one thing to keep going when the sun is shining and your legs feel strong, but it’s another thing entirely to push on through the night when fatigue sets in and every step feels like an effort. The route’s remote sections, coupled with the ever-changing weather, mean you need to stay focused and dig deep, especially as the miles add up.
Having support along the way is crucial. It’s common for friends and fellow runners to step in, offering food, drinks, and encouragement at various points on the route. There’s a camaraderie in fell running that’s special – everyone’s there to help each other succeed. And sometimes, it’s that shared determination that can get you through the hardest moments.
Why Attempt the LMW Route?
The route connects you to the rich history of fell running in the Lake District. You’re following in the footsteps of people like Joss Naylor, testing yourself against the same fells and lakes that have challenged runners for decades. Completing the LMW route is about honouring that tradition and proving to yourself that you can overcome one of the most demanding challenges out there.
The route takes you to places that many visitors never see, offering a unique perspective on one of England’s most beloved regions. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Lakes, experiencing firsthand why it has inspired poets, painters, and adventurers for centuries.
Taking on the Challenge
Attempting the LMW route is not a decision to be taken lightly. It’s a serious challenge that demands physical preparation, mental resilience, and careful planning. But for those who are willing to put in the work, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a runner. Crossing the finish line – no matter how long it takes – is a feeling like no other. It’s a mix of exhaustion, relief, and an overwhelming sense of achievement.
If you’re thinking about taking on the LMW route, there’s no shortage of advice and support from the fell running community. People are always willing to share their experiences and offer tips on everything from nutrition to navigation. I'm now a full-time ultra running coach and love helping people improve their performances in ultra challenges just like this. And once you’ve completed the route, you’ll have your own story to share – one of grit, perseverance, and a deep love for the fells.
In the end, the Lakes, Meres, and Waters route isn’t just about the distance or the elevation. It’s about discovering what you’re capable of when you push yourself beyond your limits. It’s about the people you meet along the way, the friendships forged, and the memories that will last a lifetime. So if you’re up for a challenge and ready to experience the Lake District like never before, the LMW route is waiting for you.
My Lakes, Mere's & Waters Journey
I had been looking at having an attempt at the Lakes, Mere’s & Waters (LMW) route for some time. A very good friend of mine Matt Le Voi had a successful attempt last year and helping him out between Rydal and Haweswater inspired me. I was drawn to how different it is to other big rounds that I often attempt along with the fact that I managed to get the distance down to exactly 100 miles. I had a time in my head that I believed that I could possibly achieve, but I knew it was going to be very hard to achieve, with an amazing support team around me, I knew that if everything went right, I’d get it done. This was to try and achieve it under 24 hours, using a mixture of both Jack Scott’s and Andy Ford’s schedules, creating a 23-hour 50-minute schedule, thinking how on earth Joss Naylor manage to do it some 4 hours 30 mins quicker!
Before I announced that I would be having an attempt, I wanted to make sure that I was fully
recovered for doing all ‘Big 3’ rounds, solo/ unsupported in winter, finishing the final round
(Ramsay’s Round) on 25th February 2023, just over a month before. After a small amount of rest in early March, I began to recce all the sections of the route and over the next 3 weeks, I managed to get about 70% of the route done, which I was very happy with.
It was around 2 weeks before the attempt before I began to ask friends if they were around to help at all, the reason being that firstly I wanted to make sure I was recovered, but secondly, I
wanted a good weather window and it was sounding like there was a bit of high-pressure due end of March/ start of April. I’m always amazed by the amount of support that’s around in the Fell running community, it’s such a special sport. Everyone that I had asked was more than happy to help out and even to the point where they would ask their friends (who I’d never met prior) if they’d be willing to fill the gaps that I had, I was blown away!
I also wanted to try and use a different style of support, whereby it didn’t involve someone driving around the Lake District being at each checkpoint. So I came up with the idea of asking people who were helping on different parts of the route if they could bring just an extra bit of food and fluids and in return I gave them a £5 note. It was great as I didn’t know what I was getting throughout the day and I had some real treats, including the best flapjack in the world, a beef burger, sausage, chips and coke and many other amazing treats throughout the day.
So it’s the 1st of April and once again I’m starting another epic challenge with my best friends Matt Handley and Matt Le Voi, who have been endlessly there on previous challenges. It’s just before 8 am and we were standing by Loweswater getting pretty cold just in shorts and a T-shirt, but the sun was beginning to rise, knowing it would get much warmer when we began to move. The clock hit 8 am and we were off, trying to keep it steady, but equally trying to be efficient with moving, I kept a good pace down towards Buttermere and managed to reach both Crummock and Buttermere in the time that I allowed on the schedule, making up 8 minutes at Buttermere already. I then left the Matt’s and the dogs a began the steep climb up and over Red Pike, feeling great so far. I was moving well up and over and reached Ennerdale to meet Adam Frankham (who I’d never before) at the agreed point before getting to Ennerdale Water, making up 14 minutes on my schedule. We had some awesome conversations as we made the long climb towards the col of Haycock and Scoat fell and descended well into Nether Beck towards Wasdale. Things were going well and I was fueling and drinking well too. The weather was brilliant, nice and cool, but dry for the entire attempt too. We reached Wast Waters's southwestern end 40 minutes above my schedule. Happy days.
From Wast Water we made our way over Miterdale Forest towards Eskdale, where we met Ryan
Crellin, who was the person who had helped out on my two previous Wainwright attempts last
year, also managed to get Adam to help, it was great to catch up and he kindly had some
snacks and fluid in his car that was parked in Eskdale Green, which again was a real treat. After a short break, we were on the move on the road towards Devoke Water. With a good surface
underfoot it was great to move at some speed to cover some of the distance, even if it did mean
climbing up to the top of the pass of Birker Fell. On the way up, another friend of mine Geoff
Williams unexpectedly started to drive next to me, which was a real surprise, he met us on the
turning of the road towards Devoke, where he offered some Lucozade and sweets. We all arrived
at Devoke Water still 40 minutes up. I said my thanks and goodbyes and began to run down to
Duddon with my Bum bag, that was being carried until I had to do some sections alone. This
section would be the biggest solo section. I tried to keep a good pace, but even though the bum
bag was small, I could really notice the difference.
I arrived at the base of Walna Scar road, where I met Will Barton, who had run over from Coniston to meet me, an absolute legend! We climbed and had some great chats along the way, while he kindly fed me and filled my water up along the way. Arriving at the summit of Walna Scar, we made the sneaky traverse that I had done previously keeping the high ground above ‘The Cove’, traversing past Blind Tarn and the towards Goat’s Water, keeping about 35 minutes ahead. Next was the steepest climb of the day, straight over The
Old Man of Coniston, knowing the split was tight at 30 minutes to get up and over to Low Water,
thankfully I managed it in 25 minutes, I was very surprised.
On the way down towards Low Water I was met by one of my best friends Matt Handley once again with my dog Ralphie, I think that’s part of the reason I did that section a little quicker. We then made our way across the other sneaky traverse that skirts above Boulder Valley, bringing us to Levers Water, gaining a bit more time again. We then made our way down the rocky track towards the Coppermines, where once again I was surprised by a very good friend of mine Tom Rothwell and his friend Martin Bailey (again I hadn’t met beforehand), they treated me to a warm double cheese burger and chips, followed by some eclairs, what a treat! We then ran as a squad towards the car park at the Northern end of Coniston, where once again I was surprised by both Rob and Diane Green from Achille Ratti Club, they kindly offered help at the checkpoint and even offered some Tea too, again some amazing folk that I hadn’t met before the attempt.
A quick change of shoes, a bit of food and some hydration, I was back on the trail/ road with Will, Tom and Martin making our way over towards Esthwaite Water. I knew the majority of this section was mainly roads and good trails, so we could move at a quicker pace and hopefully make up a little more time. We reached Hawkshead and did the out and back to Esthwaite Water, making up 38 minutes on the schedule. We kept things moving as we made our way over to Elterwater, entering what is technically my local patch (living in Rydal). We did the short climb over to Grasmere, where once again I was shocked to see a good friend of mine Steve Hopwood and his running clients he had for the day waiting on the shoreline. A quick touch and photo, we kept the pace moving as we passed Rydal Water and thinking how on earth Joss managed 21 minutes to Windermere, it took me 29 minutes and I felt like I was pushing.
It was 18:51 pm when we reached Waterhead, I was treated to a perfectly timed sausage, chips and curry sauce from the local chippy by more great friends Ian Penny and Layla Hirst. There was a good crowd of folk at Waterhead, which lifted my spirits. A quick bite to eat and a lovely cold Coke to wash down the chippy and I was on the move once again. This time with Ian and Layla. Making our way over to Troutbeck past Jenkin Crag, I could slowly start to feel my body slowing down, knowing I still had the night and early morning left. I stayed positive and having what has been claimed the best flapjack in the world, it certainly tasted like it! Layla and Ian kept moving me along. Reaching Troutbeck, we made the ascent up towards Garburn Pass and popped our head torches on before meeting Ross Jenkin, where the next team transfer happened, I said my goodbyes, myself and Ross made our way down into Kentmere, thankful for Ross sacrificing his Saturday evening to come out to support me. We then did a short climb towards the boggy area of Skeggles Water, reaching it 43 minutes ahead. Kentmere Res was the next body of water, although not technically on the round, Joss did it, so it only seemed fair to follow his footsteps.
Ross kindly came up and over to Nan Bield Pass to help photograph me touching Small Water. Once again I said my goodbyes and this time ran down solo to meet the next group of legends kindly helping me on the overnight section towards Keswick. I reached Mardale Head, went straight to Haweswater, then sat down to have a bit of food, and some fluids, change my footwear and just stop for a minute or two.
Jack Oliver, Matt Stapley and Micheal Walters ushered me along and we were on the way up to Blea Water before we knew it, followed shortly by another climb up and over High Street in the wind, cold and clouds before dropping down to Hayeswater, one hour and fifteen minutes ahead of schedule.
Feeling good we kept pushing on down the rocky path through Hartstop to Brothers
Water, before a nice and steady run down the road to Ullswater with a good pace, we continued to make up time. From Ullswater we had the long climb into the cloud up to the top of Sticks Pass, but cutting as many corners as possible on the way up, to help keep the distance to a
minimum. From Sticks Pass, we made the steady but steep descent towards Thirlmere, gaining
one hour forty minutes up on schedule. The lads kept pushing me on as we made our way towards Keswick and Derwent Water, I could begin to feel that keeping the pace was becoming even harder and my head was trying to make lots of excuses to try and stop for a short while, but Jack, Matt and Micheal, continued to push me and heading down through the sleepy town of Keswick, we arrived at Derwent Water at 04:40 am, still ahead of schedule.
I was met by once again some amazing humans that I’d never met before and it was 04:40 in the
morning, I know some people that would simply refuse to see that time of day, but here I met
Sarah Perry and Luke Kennedy (again never met before this) and they were ready to take me on
the last section towards Over Water. I touched Derwent Water and began to run through Keswick
towards Bassenthwasite, shortly after saying my thanks and goodbyes to the lads who helped
overnight. I felt like I was moving as well as I could on the road towards Bass, which was great
because I said to myself if I could keep running to the end, I had a good chance of
making it under 24 hours. We made it to Bassenthwaite fifty-six minutes ahead of schedule and I
could see that possibly getting under 23 hours was possible, so with encouragement from Sarah
and Luke, I kept pushing as well as I could. Shortly after Bass, we were met by a good friend of
mine Geoff Williams, who lifted my spirits, he came suitably equipped with fresh fruit,
Lucozade and other goodies for the mix.
Running the final 4/5 km, my watch kept saying dead on7 am arrival and I had in my head getting slightly under this, so continued to push, we could see Over Water coming over the hill, we picked up the pace and were treated to a small crowd of Matt Le Voi, Rob and Dianne Green, with luminous lights from Matt’s Lakeland Festival of Light the night before, it was a really good feeling running those last few KM and seeing the end. I touched Over Water at 06:54 and could finally stop! What an amazing day running around different parts of the Lakes with many old friends and equally many new too. We took a few photos by the lake and began to make our way to the van where I sat down and could start to feel it all catch-up, my head felt really dizzy, so I laid my head down in Matt’s van for a while to allow it to pass, thankfully a few minutes later I felt much better. Once again Rob & Diane had some Tea, which was a real treat at the end too.
Once again, thank you so much to everyone who helped, honestly couldn’t have done it without
everyone involved, such a great day spent with friends. Huge respect for Joss’s time back in
1983. I forgot to mention but during the attempt around Chester’s/ Elterwater Leo Pollard’s (First
completion) daughter came out to say hello, this was awesome and lifted the spirits too.
If you're aiming to boost your performance and need expert advice, knowledge, and experience in ultra-running, I'd be thrilled to help you unlock your full potential. With a track record of amazing results from athletes I've worked with, I'm excited to support you on your journey to success. Contact me at info@jamesgibsoncoaching.co.uk on www.jamesgibsoncoaching.co.uk and we can have a chat about helping you improve your performance.
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