The Adventure
Whether you’re looking to take your running off-road for the first time, or you’re a seasoned runner keen to sharpen your Fell skills, this half-day mountain adventure will leave you both challenged and inspired. Expect to return with not only tired legs but a whole new perspective on running in the hills.
Who Is It For
This trip is perfect for runners who are confident with 5–10km road or trail runs and want to explore the wilder side of running. If you’ve ever wanted to transition from parkruns or urban pavements to mountain ridges, this is the perfect introduction. Equally, more experienced runners will enjoy the chance to test themselves on classic Lake District terrain while picking up expert knowledge to take into their own adventures.
Above all, this is an experience about enjoyment and enrichment, building confidence in the fells while enjoying a supportive, friendly atmosphere.
Trip Itinerary
-
We meet in Coniston village at the tourist information centre at 09:00, a perfect base for our day in the fells. Warming up through the village lanes, we head out along the Miner’s Track, climbing steadily past the old slate works and youth hostel. Soon the ground steepens and we break onto the open fell, following a rough track toward the shapely summit of Wetherlam. Here, after tackling some more direct, technical ground, we catch our breath and take in far-reaching views of this often-overlooked peak.
From Wetherlam we drop down to Swirl Hawse, before picking our way up the rocky scramble of Prison Band. This section is short but exciting, offering a real taste of the rugged nature of fell-running. Topping out on Swirl How, we’re rewarded with a glorious high-level ridge — rolling, open and runnable — which carries us for 3km toward the summit of the Old Man of Coniston. Along the way we pass glittering tarns and gaze out across Morecambe Bay, sometimes even catching sight of the Isle of Man.
Our descent blends rocky steps, grassy trods, and weathered miners’ tracks, dotted with relics of Coniston’s copper and slate quarrying past. We finish by following Church Beck back into the heart of the village, ending where we began before midday. The full circuit is around 14km with 1000m of ascent, taking approximately 3–4 hours at a steady but adventurous pace.
Throughout the run, your guide will share fell-running knowledge, from efficient climbing and descending techniques to the smart use of poles, kit-carrying tips, and safety essentials.
-
The trip starts at the Tourist Information Centre, Coniston (LA21 8EH), right in the village centre.
By train: The nearest mainline station is Oxenholme Lake District, with connections via Manchester, Glasgow and London. From Oxenholme travel onward by local train to Windermere, and then by bus to Coniston (around 75 minutes).
By car: Coniston is around 40 minutes’ drive from junction 36 of the M6, via the A590 and A593. There are several pay-and-display parking options in the village, including by the Tourist Information Centre.
By air: The closest airports are Manchester and Liverpool. Onward travel is simplest by rail to Oxenholme, then via local train and bus as above.
-
Group size: Small groups of no more than 12, keeping things personal, supportive and sociable.
Guides: Experienced, trusted guides who know the Coniston Fells inside out.
Fitness: Expect a challenge, running a total of 1000m ascent over varied, technical ground. You don’t need to be a mountain ultra-runner, but you should be a confident runner already, with the ability to keep moving steadily.
Flexibility: Routes can be adjusted to suit group ability and weather conditions, with safety and enjoyment always top of mind.
Why Book with the GBAC?
Adventure, Authentically Delivered
Every journey with GBAC is led by passionate outdoor leaders who design their own adventures—trips as unique and inspiring as the guides themselves. Expect one-of-a-kind experiences that dive deeper, excite the senses, and promise memories no ordinary itinerary can match.
The UK’s Most Trusted Guide Network
Join the adventure community built by outdoor lovers, for outdoor lovers. With one of the largest guide networks in the UK, there’s always support, if a guide is unwell, your trip goes ahead with someone just as qualified and enthusiastic.
Create Unforgettable Memories
Our trips are crafted to leave a lasting mark—whether it’s summiting a new peak, discovering hidden wild places, or simply sharing laughter around the campfire. With GBAC, every adventure becomes a story worth telling, and the moments you share become lifelong memories.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Our guides are handpicked, fully insured, and qualified. Every one of them holds an enhanced DBS check and meets strict GBAC standards, so you can relax knowing your adventure is in safe, expert hands.
Feel-Good Booking, Fair Pay, Real Impact
GBAC guides and outdoor leaders are valued and fairly rewarded. We pay better by taking only a commission—helping expert guides earn more and focus on the experience, not just the job. Every adventure booked helps sustain a thriving, passionate community of outdoor leaders.
Small Groups, Big Adventures
Our trips aren’t crowded. Smaller groups mean a friendlier, more personal atmosphere—letting journeys unfold naturally, stories get shared, and every moment feel memorable.
Ready to create unforgettable memories in the wild? Choose GBAC—where every booking powers a more passionate outdoors, one unique journey at a time
Kit List
-
Clothing & footwear
Trail Runnig Shoes (broken in — not fresh out of the box)
Running poles(recommended, but optional)
Waterproof runningjacket & trousers recomended
Hat & gloves (even in summer)
Sunglasses & sunhat
Backpack & kit
5L+ running pack
1.5L of water
Food & drink
Sufficient food + snacks for the run
Safety & essentials
Personal first aid kit (your guide will carry a kit, but bring your own for blisters & small scrapes)
Foil survival blanket (tiny and light)
Whistle
Head torch
Personal medication (your guide will ask you for any relevent medical information prior to your departure)
Miscellaneous
Mobile phone
Debit/credit card
A bit of cash (just in case)
Insect repellent
Don’t worry, your guide will be in touch in advance of your trip, including links to recommended products, so you can get set up as easily (and cheaply!) as possible.
-
You’ll need to be fit enough to manage a 15km trail run carrying around your days kit over undulating terrain. The pace and intensity can vary depending on the group, and we’ll always do our best to accommodate everyone — but you should have some running experience before attending, this can be trained leading up to the event and we can give you advice on training if you let us know.
About your Guide
Jerry – Ultra Runner, Qualified Mountain Leader
Growing up in north west England, Jerry has spent a lifetime exploring the mountains and wild places of the UK. After more than a decade living abroad—counting penguins and teaching snowshoeing—he returned to the Lake District to live and work, reconnecting with the fells and landscapes that first inspired his love of the outdoors.
Whether hiking, fell running, mountain biking, or reading about the area’s fascinating history, Jerry is happiest outdoors and continually seeks out new adventures across the Lakes and its surroundings. Having completed all 214 Wainwrights and now training for an attempt at the Bob Graham Round, he thrives on both the challenge and joy found in the hills.
With a background in conservation and zoology, Jerry is passionate about sharing the outdoors, fostering curiosity and respect for the region’s wildlife and natural environment while championing the physical and mental health benefits that mountain experiences offer. His belief that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone guides his approach, ensuring those who join him discover the same sense of freedom and wonder that have shaped his journey
Got Questions?
Feel free to contact us with any and all questions. We always aim to reply within 24 hours.
