The Cumbrian Traverse Ultra Run
The Cumbrian Traverse runs from south to north through the Lake District, starting at Broughton Mills in Dunnerdale and ending at Moot Hall in Keswick, crossing 21 fells, 2 roads and 3,500 meters of ascent. This point-to-point 50km skyline follows the central spine of the National Park offering breathtaking views and physically demanding terrain.
The Cumbrian Traverse: The Ultimate Ultra Running Skyline Traverse of the Lake District
If you enjoy running over some of the classic fells of the Lake District, all combined with following a natural south-to-north skyline through the National Park, then add this fantastic ultra running challenge to your list. The route offers some spectacular varied scenery of different areas of the Lake District, from views over the Duddon Valley and Coniston in the south to Wasdale and Ennerdale in the west, finishing with the beautiful surroundings of Keswick in the North.
What is the Cumbrian Traverse Ultra Run?
The Cumbrian Traverse is an ultra run that takes runners from south to north across the Lake District, often done in a self-supported fashion, starting at Broughton Mills in Dunnerdale and finishing at the Moot Hall in Keswick. Spanning approximately 30 miles with a total of 3,500 meters of ascent, this high-level skyline covers some of the most rugged terrain in the Lake District, making it a bucket-list challenge for ultra runners.
Unlike some other well-known routes like the Bob Graham Round, the Cumbrian Traverse isn’t a widely recognised ultra-running challenge, but it's known for its tough climbs, technical descents, and stunning vistas. With 21 fells to summit, runners must navigate a mix of rocky ridgelines, grassy slopes, and rough fell paths, testing both endurance and navigation skills.
Key Statistics
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Distance: 31 Miles (50 km)
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Ascent: 3,500 Meters of Ascent (12,000 Feet)
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Summits (Fells): 21
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Start Point: Broughton Mills Village Hall, South Cumbria
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End Point: Moot Hall, Keswick, North Lake District
The Route: A Closer Look
The Cumbrian Traverse offers some of the most dramatic and scenic mountain landscapes the Lake District has to offer. As a south-to-north traverse, you’ll encounter steep climbs, technical terrain, and continuous elevation gain. But before you even start the route, you'll need to work out the logistics of how to arrange transport between the start and finish. I have done the route twice and on both occasions, a vehicle was left in the small car park at the village hall, which I'd encourage leaving a small fee to pay for leaving the car there for the day. Upon the return journey, I thankfully had friends who were willing to take me back to Broughton Mills.
Other than the village hall and the Blacksmiths Arms pub, there isn't much in Broughton Mills. The map below shows the start point.
Southern Fells
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Start at Broughton Mills
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Fells include: Great Stickle, Stickle Pike, Caw, White Maiden, Brown Pike, Dow Crag, The Old Man of Coniston, Swirl How and Great Carrs
The route begins with a short run over the River Lickle and north towards Green Bank farm. As you head more onto the fell passing through Penny Crag Wood and after a short climb up to the rugged summit of Great Stickle the fells ahead become much more visible. The summit of Stickle Pike comes soon after making your way over some boggy, but mostly well-trodden ground. This second summit gives fantastic views over the Duddon Valley and the larger central fells of the Lake District.
The first of only three road crossings (Kiln Bank Cross) comes shortly after Stickle Pike and it's here where you could have road support if you want to do the challenge in a more supported fashion. Want to know more about what styles of ultra-running challenge there are? This blog explains all of this in detail.
From the high road pass of Kiln Bank Cross, the route follows the well-tracked path of Park Head Road for a short while, before climbing the rugged and rough terrain of the third summit of Caw. You start to get a feel for the type of terrain that the day entails and this is what ultra running should be like. Between the summit of Caw and the summit of Dow Crag, the terrain feels much more runnable as the terrain is much more grassy and the paths are well-trodden, allowing the pace to be much faster than some of the rugged sections near the start.
The sixth summit, Dow Crag stands 778 meters above sea level and with its dramatic steep crag, it begins to feel like you are certainly running over the spine of the National Park. The Coniston Fells are some of the best for running in the Lake District, not only for having some of the best vistas but also because it's terrain is really varied including rocky mountain tops such as Dow Crag to the larger, mainly grassy summit of The Old Man of Coniston on the other side.
For the final part of the southern fells, you make your way over the Conistion skyline including summiting the Wainwright summits of Swirl How and Great Carrs before making your way down the grassy ridge of Wet Side Edge to the top of Wrynose Pass, the second road crossing of the day and the entrance into the Central Fells. This leg is around 18km in distance and is a fantastic start to the perfect ultra run through the Lake District.
Central Fells
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Checkpoint at Wrynose Pass
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Fells include: Cold Pike, Crinkle Crags, Bowfell, Esk Pike, Great End, Great Gable, Green Gable, Brandreth, Grey Knotts
Leaving Wrynose Pass on the Cumbrian Traverse, you feel a shift as you enter the larger, more dramatic fells of the Lake District. The tenth summit, Cold Pike, stands proudly at the top of Langdale Valley, offering sweeping views over Langdale and westward toward the Scafells. From Cold Pike, the route transitions to the rugged, rocky terrain of Crinkle Crags, with its true summit, Long Top at 859 meters, reached shortly after navigating the famous “bad step.” For a quicker route, you can take the Langdale Horseshoe line around the northwest, avoiding the Crinkles’ higher ground.
The challenging terrain continues with the ascent of Bowfell, which rises over 900 meters, offering spectacular views stretching from the Scafells to Eskdale and back down to Langdale. The Bob Graham line is helpful here as you head towards Esk Pike; it offers a grassy, shorter route, running below the ridge crest. Esk Pike itself, the thirteenth summit, offers another rocky summit and panoramic views over the surrounding fells.
Descending from Esk Pike toward Esk Hause, you’ll see Great End rising ahead. Taking the Bob Graham line here can provide a more direct ascent to the summit, which has two high points of equal elevation. Most runners naturally head toward the northern top as the path leads down to "the band," a rocky, technical ridge that descends toward Sty Head. Caution is crucial on this section, as the rocks are frequently slick due to limited sunlight. Picking your way carefully down the band, you soon arrive at Sty Head.
Ahead lies Great Gable, with one of the day’s most demanding climbs—an intense 400-meter ascent up rocky terrain. This summit is often considered the toughest point of the Cumbrian Traverse, but the effort is rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views, including a distant sightline to Keswick. From Great Gable, you’ll soon find a rhythm, crossing over Green Gable, Brandreth, and Grey Knotts. Following the Bob Graham line once again, you’ll make your way to Honister Pass, marking the third road crossing on this incredible journey through the heart of the Lake District.
Northern Fells
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Checkpoint at Honister Pass
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Fells include: High Spy, Maiden Moor & Cat Bells
In the final, exhilarating section of the Cumbrian Traverse, this ultimate ultra-running route leaves the historic Honister Slate Mine and climbs toward Dale Head. At the 550-meter contour, runners shift toward Dale Head Tarn, skirting below the summit to find the optimal line along the last northward ridge. This portion has minimal trails, so a recce is highly recommended for ultra-runners aiming to maximise efficiency on this challenging leg.
High Spy awaits next, where the ridge leads gracefully toward Maiden Moor and finally Cat Bells—always a favourite of Lake District ultra runners. This ridge offers breathtaking views over Derwent Water, Skiddaw, and the surrounding fells, adding to the magic of this demanding route. Ending on Cat Bells is especially rewarding, with panoramic views that capture the essence of the Cumbrian Traverse. From here, the descent into Keswick brings runners back to civilisation, where the famous Moot Hall awaits, marking the iconic finish.
The Cumbrian Traverse is among the most cherished routes for ultra running in the Lake District. Combining rugged trails, skyline ridges, and technical summits, it’s a route that challenges and inspires, offering an unmatched experience for those passionate about ultra running in the UK.
Conclusion: Take on the Cumbrian Traverse Ultra Run
The Cumbrian Traverse stands out as one of the Lake District's most rewarding ultra runs, blending intense physical demands with mental grit and unmatched scenic beauty. With the right preparation, essential gear, and support from a seasoned Lake District running coach, this iconic route is accessible to those ready for the challenge, showcasing the very best of the Lake District.
Whether you’re an experienced ultra runner eager to push your boundaries or a trail runner searching for a fresh adventure, the Cumbrian Traverse is a must-do journey. It promises not only an unforgettable ultra-running experience but memories that will stay with you long after you touch the finish line at Moot Hall.
