HIGHLANDER Lake District | Orion

Who is it for?

HIGHLANDER welcomes nature lovers hungry for activity and adventure. It is very safe and not overly challenging although backpacking experience is required. It is not for professional hikers and mountaineers only.

Need to know

• Physical preparation

  You will need to take care of your welfare and know how to navigate during your HIGHLANDER adventure. Mountain walking experience and basic navigation skills are required. Each leg will vary in length, but most will take between 5-12 hours, so a good level of fitness and HIGHLANDER spirit will go a long way!

• Dogs

  This is a dog-friendly event but dogs must be on a lead at all times. You’re responsible for carrying dog food, waste removal and the dog's behaviour.

• Backpacking checklist

  A helpful kit guide with mandatory and recommended items for each distance is readily available.

• Rules

  HIGHLANDER has rules to follow in order for you to receive your finish-line rewards and HIGHLANDER status.

Mind Body Soul Programme

Music, yoga, and diverse workshops to cater to your HIGHLANDER spirit.

After a long day of hiking that challenged your body, there's nothing more rewarding than a diverse programme to relax you while feeding your mind and soul at the same time.

You will create a deeper connection with the hiking community and meet some new friends. But if solitude under the starry sky is more your thing, learn something new and practice it in the natural spaciousness of the Lake District.

Event HQ

Park Foot Holiday Park
Howtown
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 2NA
UK

Map

Click here to open map

What3words

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Transport to check-in

• The start for Pegasus and Lyra is not the same place as the check-in.
• Bus transport from Park Foot Holiday Park to the start will be provided by the organiser.
• Participants need to arrange their own transportation to the check-in location.
• The easiest way with public transport is to come to Penrith by bus or train. 
• From the train station, take the 508 bus which takes 21 minutes, then get off at Mains Farm, then walk 20 minutes to Park Foot Holiday Park.
• The earliest you can arrive is 07:35 - if you catch the first bus at 06:50.
• The recommendation is to stay one night in Penrith or take a taxi from Penrith to Park Foot Holiday Park, which takes 15 minutes.

Transport to the start

• After the mandatory check-in, participants of the Pegasus and Lyra format will be transported to the start.
• Pegasus: from Park Foot Holiday Park, Pooley Bridge, to the start location - Stool End Farm, Langdale.
• Lyra: from Park Foot Holiday Park to the start location - Low Bridge Farm End.
• The transport timetable and start times schedule will be announced soon.
• Your equipment may be checked at the start.

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Introduction

43km approx.

As the shortest overnight format, Orion will take you on an approximately 43km long route over 2 days. Leave your worries behind for a weekend and escape.

Checkpoints

• Checkpoints will be opened according to the projected duration of your adventure.
• You can obtain your HIGHLANDER checkpoint stamp, water, and food in the specific time frames for each checkpoint. 
• If you don’t reach the checkpoints within those timeframes, you will not be listed in the final results.
• The working hours will be advertised closer to the event.
• Checkpoint stamp collection is the sole responsibility of the participant. If event staff are not present at a checkpoint, participants must stamp their HIGHLANDER ID themselves. 

Included

• Navigating your adventure

  Your Highlander experience includes a detailed map, GPX track, and expert-led webinars to help you prepare.

• Meals

  Enjoy a worry-free adventure with all meals and beverages included in your registration. From hearty breakfasts to energising lunches, satisfying dinners, and snacks to keep you going, every meal is thoughtfully prepared to fuel your journey.

• Mountain campsites

  Rest under the stars in your own tent at HIGHLANDER campsites included with your registration. Each campsite is carefully chosen to provide a comfortable and safe space to recharge after a day of adventure. Simply bring your tent and gear, and enjoy the experience.

• Entertainment and educational activities

  Enjoy a packet itinerary designed to elevate your adventure, including evening camps, live music, workshops, talks and yoga sessions. So far, these are confirmed: Massages by Penny Irvine, Outdoor & Gear Repair lectures by Jane Adler (RWC), Cooking lectures by Fell Foodie, Navigation and First Aid lectures, Expedition talks, Live music, Yoga and Stretching Workshops by MJ.

• Safety on the trail

  You will be joined on the trail by first aid and Mountain Safety personnel, as well as a medical team in each of the campsites.

• Transfers and luggage

  Help with logistics although you'll carry your backpack throughout the hike.

• Passport, tags and maps

  HIGHLANDER Passport with all the most important event information, HIGHLANDER Hiker tag, Luggage tag, physical map (except Lyra) and gpx map.

• At the finish line

  Celebrate with music, games, and a finishing party. Exclusive rewards include: A HIGHLANDER pin, a HIGHLANDER patch for your backpack and a HIGHLANDER certificate.

• Highlander Club

  By registering for the event you're automatically becoming a member of the HIGHLANDER Club which will bring you various benefits.

Team entry

3+1 free

Entry fees

Embarking on the hiking trip was an exhilarating adventure that connected me deeply with nature, leaving me refreshed and invigorated. An incredible way to form new friendships and to challenge yourself. Heloise

HIGHLANDERs are the perfect introduction to multi-day trekking and a great way to meet like-minded people. Peter

I completed my first HIGHLANDER at the age of 49 and it was a great decision! The buzz stayed with me for a long time afterwards and I can't wait for my next one in the UK in 2024! Gillie

The route was challenging but a beautiful way to explore The Lakes! Lovel camp spots and having the logistics taken care of for you makes a huge difference to your overall enjoyment. Great experience and highly recommendable. Gabrielle

The Hercules event was one of the hardest but most rewarding things I have ever done. But the best part was doing it with some of the most incredible people. Kristian