Much Better Adventures

Adventures / Adventure Tapas

The Lake District Challenge

Take on one of the UK’s most rewarding challenges in a single day - a 20km cycle, 10km trek, 5km paddle and a 12-hour sweat to the finish

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Trip Ref #10065

Adventures / Adventure Tapas

The Lake District Challenge

Take on one of the UK’s most rewarding challenges in a single day - a 20km cycle, 10km trek, 5km paddle and a 12-hour sweat to the finish

DURATION

1 night

LOCATION

United Kingdom

ANNUAL LEAVE

None at all!

SEASON

May—Aug

GROUP SIZE

Up to 12 people

MEETING POINT

Windermere Train Station

ACCOMMODATION

Hostel

DIFFICULTY

Moderate

You don’t need to have experienced a challenge like this before, just a good level of walking and cycling fitness.

Hop on a bike and burn 20km through the ups and downs of Grizedale Forest

Hike the Old Man of Coniston on a 10km push to the summit and then grab your paddle and kayak 5km across Coniston Water to the finish line

12-hours of unrivalled action in one of the UK’s wildest adventure playgrounds

Included

Guides

Qualified and experienced cycling, kayaking and mountain leaders

Accommodation

1 night in a local hostel

Meals

Breakfast at the hostel and a packed-lunch up the mountain

Transfers

From Windermere Train Station and back again

Equipment

Bikes and kayaks provided

Not Included

Some meals as described

Personal expenses

The Area

Logistics

Starts

Windermere Train Station

18:00 on Day 1

Ends

Windermere Train Station

18:30 on Day 2

Transfers

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, or coming by car, you can also make your own way to the YHA Coniston Holly How by 19:00.

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

Travel options

There are regular trains to Windermere from stations across the UK. For those driving, parking is available at the YHA.

What about all the carbon?

We mitigate 4x the carbon generated by all our customer flights annually through our partnership with Cool Earth.

Day 1

Hostel · Same sex dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

A full English or continental breakfast is included at the hostel. A packed lunch is also provided for the hiking portion of the challenge including a sandwich, cereal bar, drink, chocolate bar and piece of fruit.

Coniston also has plenty of restaurants and pubs to choose from. Any dietary needs can be accommodated including vegetarian and vegan: just let your host know when booking.

What is the accommodation like?

Coniston

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

Upgrades

For trekkers looking for their own space, 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 per Tipi or Pod.

Day 1

Prepare yourself

Check into your hostel in Coniston and head for a detailed pre-challenge meeting. After that you’re free to explore the town or just chill out at the hostel in preparation for the challenge ahead.

Day 2

The Lake District Challenge

Cycling

20km · 374m up · 250m down

Hiking

10km · 822m up · 500m down

Kayaking

5km

Your challenge begins on Coniston Water, one of the 16 bodies of water in the Lake District. Get set up with your bikes and start cycling, skirting the edge of the lake before heading deep into Grizedale Forest. Swap your bike for hiking boots and stomp up a zigzag trail to the iconic peak of the Old Man of Coniston (803m). On the way you'll climb over Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag, part of the famous Coniston Round.

Pause to catch your breath and soak up the panoramic views before continuing down the other side past the old copper mines. It's now time for the final push as you paddle around Coniston Water, before smashing through the Lake District Challenge finish line. Celebrate with a glass of champers, you’ve earned every sip.

Please Note

All our adventures take place in wild places. Things can go wrong in wild places. Your perfectly planned itinerary may change a bit (or a lot) if the weather turns, someone gets hurt, or a volcano erupts. Usually though, changes make it all the better.

15% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 15% discount on us to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock, Runner's Need, and Cycle Surgery.

What's included?

  • Cycling equipment (bike and helmet)
  • Kayaking equipment (kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid)
  • Safety equipment (first aid kit and radio)

What do I need to bring?

  • Rucksack (15-25 litre)
  • Warm jacket
  • Waterproof jacket with hood
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Worn in hiking boots or shoes
  • Warm hat
  • Thin gloves for kayaking
  • Padded cycling shorts (optional)
  • Cycling shoes or trainers
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
  • Water bottles or water bladder (2 litres)
  • Snacks and energy food and drink for the day

You don’t need to have done a challenge like this before, just a good level of walking and cycling fitness. Your host can provide you with a training program to help you prepare.

Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Summers in the Lake District are not excessively hot or sunny - perfect for outdoor adventures. Daytime temperatures average a pleasant 19 °C, and night time temperatures cool off to 12 °C. it's the UK though, so you should be prepared for rain at any time!

We’ve teamed up with the guys at World Nomads to offer insurance designed for adventurous travellers across 140 countries that includes overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities. To get yours sorted, click here.

We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book the trip, just to cover you for any last minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

All of our group adventures are especially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded.

"I cannot recommend this highly enough! The people on the trip were amazing. Easily the best trip I've ever been on!" Charlotte, 2019, Trustpilot.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

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Transferrable Deposits

Cancel up to 31 days before departure and we'll transfer your deposit into credit for a future booking.

Free Date Changes

Free date changes up to 31 days before departure.

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