Question 1

Do I need to be a member to run these routes?

Accepted Answer

No. The whole book is public and every route follows public rights of way or open access land. If you enjoy them, come along to a club night — your first three runs with us are free, and we will lend you a headtorch for the first one.

Question 2

How bright does my headtorch need to be?

Accepted Answer

For the riverside and valley routes, 200 lumens is plenty. Anything graded Moderate or Hard wants 400 lumens or more and a spare battery or second torch — the fells are far darker than town, and mist swallows light.

Question 3

What should I carry on the fell routes at night?

Accepted Answer

Waterproof top and bottoms, hat, gloves, map, compass, whistle, food and a fully charged headtorch plus a spare. On the Headless Horseshoe we also ask you to run in pairs — nobody crosses Fairfield's plateau alone after dark.

Question 4

Is the All Hallows' Run in fancy dress?

Accepted Answer

Optional, but encouraged. Capes and masks are out on safety grounds, so expect glow-in-the-dark skeleton tops and pumpkin hats instead. We run the gentle Will-o'-the-Wisp Loop, so nobody needs to be quick — just home before the witching hour.

Question 5

When and where does the club meet?

Accepted Answer

Tuesdays at 18:30 for lantern hill reps and Fridays at 19:00 for the moonlit long run, both from the Market Cross in Ambleside. No need to book — just turn up ten minutes early with your torch charged.

Distance	Elevation
0 km	64 m
1.2 km	168 m
2.5 km	296 m
3.7 km	424 m
4.9 km	556 m
5.8 km	612 m
6.4 km	598 m
7.3 km	766 m
8 km	736 m
8.8 km	873 m
9.7 km	748 m
10.5 km	822 m
11.2 km	760 m
11.9 km	792 m
12.8 km	656 m
13.9 km	508 m
15 km	342 m
16.2 km	178 m
17.5 km	64 m

Headless Horseshoe

Elevation profile

What lies ahead

More from the night route book