Two iconic traverses, two ultras that are challenging and beautiful in equal measure - starting together on April 1st 2023. But these epic events are no joke! Join us for a weekend of preparation in the heart of the Lake District and feel ready to undertake a journey like no other. Fine-tune those navigation skills and recce a section of the route (some in darkness) with experienced running guides who can help answer your questions and give advice ahead of race day.

You don't have to have a race entry to join us. If you're unsure whether to enter or haven't yet decided which course is for you, join us to find out more. If you're all signed-up then our official recce and preparation weekend will help you feel confident.

Two iconic traverses:

The SILVA Lakes Traverse crosses the entire width of the Lake District, starting at the coast in St. Bees. The route traverses Ennerdale, Borrowdale, over Grasmere Common, through Patterdale, over Kidsty Pike and along Haweswater into Shap (100km, 3500m in 28hrs). This is a challenging yet beautiful ultra, and a great stepping stone for those aspiring to enter the SILVA Northern Traverse.

The longer SILVA Northern Traverse crosses the north of England from the west coast to the east coast, passing through three National Parks; The Lake District, The Yorkshire Dales, and The North York Moors. Taking in iconic mountains, valleys and moors, the SILVA Northern Traverse is one of the most spectacular ultra races in the world (300km, 6500m within 5 days).

You can find out more about both races at www.northerntraverse.com

DAY 1 - NAVIGATING THE ROUTE

This may be Britain’s most popular long distance path but you can't rely on waymarking for this one! These ultras are self-navigation events with periods of darkness. Following the GPX file supplied by the Race Organiser, on a watch/GPS device, should be treated as an aid to, but never a replacement for, referencing the physical map that you will be issued with at race registration (note that both map and compass are mandatory kit). On both race routes you will cross pathless and remote terrain (in darkness and/or variable conditions).

Working closely with SILVA we have prepared a day of navigation skills for runners in the Langdale area, which will help you refresh and consolidate exisiting knowleddge, and learn more advanced skills for self-navigating in darkness or poor visibility. Most competitors will find that a combination of both the event map and a digital version of the route works well. Knowing how to use the map and compass confidently can be a gamechanger if there are issues with battery-life, uploads or technological glitches!

Some prior experience of using maps/compass is helpful but you don't need to be an expert, to get the most out of this first day.

We will supply bespoke Harvey Maps for you to use. As part of our partnership with SILVA, all attendees will receive a 30% discount code upon booking which will allow you purchase discounted products such as a compass, headtorch or vest ahead of race day.

Check-out all SILVA products here: https://silvasweden.uk

DAY 2 - EXAMPLE RECCE

On the Sunday we will run as if it were race day! Please carry all your mandatory kit with you. We will join the route just north of Grasmere (near the Traveller's Rest on the A591) and begin the challenging climb up to Grisedale Tarn before descending the Grisedale Valley to Patterdale (race support point, 71km into the route) and beyond. The exact length of the recce we will undertake on this day will depend on the late spring conditions, the runners and the weather* but Girls on Hills will provide a shuttle back to your car in Grasmere at the end of the run.

This recce will allow all runners to experience the nature of the terrain, meet other competitiors, test that new watch or headtorch and ultimately check-out a section of the route that many will cross in darkness. It is also a good time to put those navigation skills into practice! We will provide official race maps for you to use during the recce day. Please ask all your questions about the race, training and nutrition, and raise any concerns you might have ahead of race day.

The course is delivered by Summer Mountain Leaders with Outdoor First Aid certification and extensive mountain running, racing and night navigation experience. Your guides will be Heather Ohly and Rosie Watson (find out more about them here!)

This course is open to everyone and it NOT a women-only event.

*Please be aware that our guides will amend/shorten the route as appropriate to the weather in the event of adverse conditions.

SILVA Northern & Lakes Traverse recce/prep weekend