Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge leg one: Pooley Bridge to Kirkstone Pass — Lake District National Park

The first leg of the Joss Naylor challenge runs from Pooley Bridge, at the northern tip of Ullswater, to the Kirkstone Pass. A spectacular run in its own right, it follows the historic route of the old Roman Road along the High Street ridge, ascending Loadpot Hill and High Raise to reach the summit of High Street at 2,717 feet (828 m). The trig point on High Street is the highest point in the Far Eastern Fells and commands impressive views across the Lake District and east towards the Howgills. After High Street, the Tour descends back towards the Kirkstone Pass, but does include one last sting in the ascent to Stony Cove Pike.

This Tour is about 14.5 miles (23 km) with around 3,300 feet (1,006 m) of ascent, depending on route choice.

The Kirkstone Pass, at 1,493 feet (455 m), is the Lake District's highest pass open to motor vehicles, while the Kirkstone Pass Inn is England’s third-highest pub. It’s well-placed to serve food and drinks at the end of this leg and also offers accommodation, meaning you could run legs 1 and 2 over a weekend.

For more accommodation and food options, plus plenty of excellent outdoor shops, Ambleside is just down the steep road known as the Struggle to the southwest, while Patterdale and Glenridding are down the A592 to the north.

The Penrith to Windermere 508 bus route passes both Pooley Bridge and Kirkstone Pass. Connecting with train stations at either end, this allows you to run the Tour using public transport. If you’re driving, it works well to leave the car at Kirkstone Pass, take the bus to Pooley Bridge and run back.

This Tour mainly follows paths and tracks but also crosses some technical terrain, so wear grippy fell or trail running shoes. You’ll have to navigate, but with care this is straightforward in good visibility. In poor visibility, navigation is more challenging and it’s harder to find the best lines between summits.

Whenever you run in the Lake District fells, we’d recommend carrying spare clothes, waterproofs and emergency kit as well as food and water for the duration of your run.