Tea & Trails Ultra
Northern Fells, Lake District National Park
Saturday 28th June 2025
Fully waymarked and marshalled 50km and 30km route options.
Let’s hit the trails…
The route connects the outstanding trails of the Northern Lake District fells, taking in some of the most iconic Wainwright summits and boasting fabulous views across Derwent Water and beyond. With approximately 50km and 30km route options, the fully waymarked and marshalled course covers a mix of mountain trails, valley paths, and country lanes - perfect trail running for a brilliant and sociable day out with friends. We’ll keep you going with refreshment stops full of cake, cheese and pickle sandwiches, and, of course, plenty of tea!
Tea & Trails course information
The Route
View the provisional routes for the 50km and 30km Tea & Trails Ultra below. Entries open on 30th January!
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The Tea & Trails routes connect the outstanding trails of the Northern Lake District fells, taking in some of the most iconic Wainwright summits including Skiddaw (50 and 30km) and Blencathra (50km).
The routes are mainly off-road on runnable social trails and features a mixture of grassy fell, mountain trails and country lanes. The entire course is on established paths and trails whilst following Public Rights of Way.
The course will be fully signed, comprehensively waymarked and marshalled.
The entire route is mandatory.
There will be various support points on the routes. Details to follow.
Participants have no special right of way over other recreational users and are reminded to be polite and courteous at all times.
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There are two route options:
Approx 52km with 2300m ascent
Approx 29km with 1500m ascent
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SUPPORT POINTS
There will be multiple support points on the Tea & Trails Ultra to keep you topped up and out on the trails! Details will follow in due course, including food offerings and locations.
ON-COURSE CUT OFFS
There will be generous on course cut offs on the 50km to ensure participant safety. Timings will be confirmed well in advanced.
COURSE CLOSURE
Course closure for both races will be 8pm.
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At registration, you will be provided with a GPS Tracker. This will be attached to your running pack/vest/bumbag by our marshalls and must not be removed.
The GPS Tracking is primarily for safety management purposes, but we will provide a link for friends and family to watch your progress.
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It is only possible to retire at the start/finish and the support points.
In an emergency, our professional event Response Team will assist participants whilst they are on the course.
Early Bird Entry fee
All Tea & Trails entry fees are inclusive of the race entry, two nights of camping for you and family / friends, two evenings of entertainment and free parking.
30km - £135
50km - £150
Enter by Sunday 27th April to take advantage of the early bird entry fee.
Race Details
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Date: Saturday 28th June 2025
Location: Northern Lake District - venue location to be shared.
Event centre details can be found on the WEEKEND page.
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Friday 27th June
Registration: (encouraged for both distances) 6pm - 9pm
Saturday 27th June
Registration: 6:30am - 8am (50km) OR 8:30am - 9:45am (30km)
START TIMES
50km mass start at 8:30am
50km flexible start available from 7am - 8:15am for those wanting more time
30km mass start at 10am
Key timings for the campsite and entertainment can be found on the WEEKEND page.
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There will be free car parking available at the overnight camp for runners vehicles ONLY. Any spectators will need to arrive in ONE VEHICLE with their runners.
Campervans are permitted but Motorhomes will not be allowed and may not make the tight turns required to enter the campground.
Please indicate your anticipated means of arrival when making your entry.
There are great public transport links to the Tea & Trails campground, with buses travelling from Penrith via Keswick. It’s approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the Pheasant Inn bus stop to the event centre.
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Registration takes place at the venue.
Every runner needs to register – you will be given your race number, GPS tracker, etc. at registration.
Please fill in medical details on the back of your race number.
See Key Timings above for registration opening times.
Please note your race number before getting to the registration, this will be emailed to you beforehand.
All runners will be required to show photo identification when registering.
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1st female and male winner’s overall will receive a Winner’s Trophy.
Overall prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd male & female runners.
The 1st male and female in each veteran category will also be eligible for a prize.
Veteran age categories are 40, 45, 50, etc, in five-year age blocks.
If you think you are the first finisher in one of the veteran categories, and we have not picked this up, please come and find us with your race number and let us know.
Prize giving timings TBC but will take place on the Saturday after the race.
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Early bird entry fees for the races:
30km: £135
50km: £150
Early bird entry fees are valid until Sunday 27th April.
All Tea & Trails entry fees are inclusive of the race entry, two nights of camping for you and family / friends, two evenings of entertainment and free parking.
Food and drinks at the campsite are excluded from the entry fee, but will be available to purchase from vendors at additional costs.
Prices will increase to 30km: £150 / 50km: £165 from Monday 28th April and will be valid until Thursday 19th June when entries close.
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Runners need to be aged 18 or over to take part.
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We all love dogs here at Tea & Trails HQ but please note, due to landowner restrictions, no dogs are permitted on any of the courses.
We will be confirming if we’re able to accommodate dogs at the camp ground and event centre in due course.
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Participants must follow the >> universal event rules << applicable to all events organised by Ourea Events.
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Each participant must agree to the following participant declaration when completing the entry form:
You agree that you have made a realistic assessment of your capabilities and are undertaking a course which best reflects your mountain skills and fitness. You will be prepared for the worst possible conditions and understand that the competition area is very isolated and these hills are exposed to serious weather. You agree that although the organisers will ensure that the event is as safe as possible, your safety is ultimately your own personal responsibility, just as it is with any trip into the hills.
You accept full responsibility for your own safety and any injury sustained during the event. These are not the responsibility of the event organiser, their agents or the landowners. You know your limitations and are experienced enough to make a reasoned decision whether to not start the event or to retire from the event rather than jeopardise your own or other people’s safety.
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Full terms and conditions are here.
Kit Requirements
Please download the following clothing and equipment checklist. The items listed are mandatory and must be worn by the participants or carried at all times for the duration of the Tea & Trails Ultra.
We know that kit and clothing requirements can be a bit confusing, and we hope that the downloadable checklist will help you select and pack the correct clothing and equipment. Our comprehensive clothing and equipment guidance has some great advice for more information.
KIT RECOMMENDATIONS
A common mistake we see at kit check is participants bringing a survival blanket rather than a survival bag. A survival bag is far superior in an emergency and is mandatory. We recommend the SOL survival bag, which is available for purchase in our shop.
Whilst the built-in whistle on your rucksack or vest is acceptable, we recommend a purpose-made device such as the Lifesystems Whistle.
Finally, if you want to enjoy a warm drink at the Support Point, you must carry your own mug. We recommend the Lifeventure mug.
EXCEPTIONAL WEATHER KIT
Since 2024 we have mandated that participants carry additional kit in the event of exceptionally cold and/or wet, or hot weather. When notified, these additional items must be carried in addition to the standard mandatory kit, and are included on the downloadable checklist linked above.
We will notify all Tea & Trails participants at registration whether they will need to carry this kit with them or not. Therefore, participants must bring their ‘Cold Weather Kit/Hot Weather Kit’ to registration and be ready to carry it in their running rucksack.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Finally, we would like to share some further recommendations and insights that we have seen participants successfully employ over the years. These items are not mandatory but might help you to critically appraise your clothing and equipment choices.
RECOMMENDED COLD WEATHER CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Heavy-weight mountaineering-style waterproof jacket. Especially if you are likely to be walking rather than running.
Waterproof cap. Brilliant for keeping driving rain off your face - worn under the hood of your waterproof jacket.
Second waterproof jacket. Layering two lightweight waterproofs is an old trick that keeps you drier whilst adding warmth.
Winter underwear. Windproof and/or insulated underwear for staying comfortable in very cold conditions.
RECOMMENDED HOT WEATHER CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Sunblock. Factor 50 and waterproof. We recommend the Lifesystems Sports Suncream
Long-Sleeve Top. A loose-fitting and lightweight long-sleeve top to keep the sun off your skin, and reduce sunburn risk.
Sunglasses. Helps reduce fatigue in bright conditions.
Headband. Salty sweat running into your eyes is seriously unpleasant.
Thin socks. In hot weather, your feet will swell, and swapping for thinner socks helps with comfort.
Weekend Information
The Tea & Trails Ultra is not just a race. It is an opportunity to join the wonderful trail running community for a weekend of celebration and good times. Please see the WEEKEND page for more details!