The Lake District Challenge

Why it's much better

• Take on one of the UK’s most rewarding challenges in just one day
• Hop on a bike and burn 20km through the ups and downs of Grizedale Forest
• Hike the Old Man of Coniston on a 10km zig-zagging push to the summit
• Grab your paddle and kayak a breezy 5km across Coniston Water to the finish line
• 12-hours of unrivalled action in one of the UK’s wildest adventure playgrounds

• Guides Local, qualified and experienced cycling, kayaking and mountain leaders
• Accommodation 1 night's stay in a local hostel
• Meals Breakfast at the hostel and a packed-lunch up the mountain
• Equipment Bikes and kayaks will be provided
• Transfers From Windermere Train Station and back
• Happiness Guaranteed We're so confident that your holiday will be your best yet, we actually guarantee it
• Feel Good Vibes We mitigate 4x the carbon emitted by all our travellers and support important conservation projects

Day 1: Arrival and briefing tomorrow's challenge

You will arrive at your hostel in Coniston this evening.

At 19:00, you'll have a detailed pre-challenge meeting. After that you are free to explore the town or chill at the hostel in preparation for the challenge ahead.

Day 2: The Big Lake District Challenge

Wake up early for breakfast, then it's time to hit the road.

Your challenge begins on the shores of Coniston Water, one of the 16 bodies of water in the Lake District. Here you'll get set up with your bikes and start cycling, skirting the edge of the lake before heading to the woods. Don't worry, your kayaking challenge will come later! You'll cycle deep into Grizedale Forest, with a final climb, before pedalling back to the lakeside.

Swap your bike for your hiking boots. Stomping up a zigzag trail, you'll hike towards the iconic peak of the Old Man of Coniston (803m). You'll climb over Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag to get there, part of the famous Coniston Round. Pause to catch your breath at the summit and soak in the panoramic views before you continue your mission down the other side. Next stop, kayaking, but don't miss looking at the old copper mines on the way down.

It's time for the final push. You'll paddle briskly around Coniston Water, completing 5km before you smash through the Lake District Challenge finish line. Celebrate with a glass of champers: challenge completed.

Cycling: 20km / total ascent: 374m

Hiking: 10km / total ascent: 822m

You’ll stay at the YHA Coniston Holly How in single-sex dorm rooms sleeping 4-6 people per room.

PRIVATE ROOM UPGRADE: There are also Tipis and Land Pods available to stay in. If you would like to upgrade to one of these as a solo traveller or as a small group (they sleep up to 4) please let your host know. There will be an extra charge depending on how many people you have per Tipi or Land Pod.

The southern fells of the Lake District are centred around the Old Man of Coniston and its neighbouring peaks. There are high mountain lakes, streams crashing through the woodland and of course the great Coniston Water itself - a ribbon lake stretching away from the town and surrounded by miles of walking trails.

Your host will be waiting for you in front of Windermere Train Station at 18:00. If you’re not able to join the transfer, you can also make your own way to the YHA Coniston Holly How before 19:00.

At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Windermere Train Station at 18:30.