Bob Graham Round with Contours Holidays

About

Keswick hotelier, Bob Graham, was a passionate fell runner with a burning ambition to break the record for climbing the greatest number of mountains in the Lake District within the space of 24 hours. His first attempt in 1931 ended in failure due to poor weather, but the following year he set a new record of 42 peaks: one for each of his 42 years.

Our Bob Graham Round walking holiday follows in his iconic footsteps across those 42 peaks, taking in the most famous mountains in the Lake District. This route has you scaling such incredible fells as Skiddaw, Great Calva and Blencathra before going south along the Helvellyn range to Fairfield, Seat Sandal and the pass of Dunmail Raise.

After climbing the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell, Great End, Scafell Pike and Scafell, the route drops down into Wasdale. Next comes a circuit of the mountains surrounding Wasdale Head, taking in Yewbarrow, Red Pike, Steeple, Pillar, Kirk Fell and Great Gable, before descending to the top of Honister Pass. Finally, the trail leads you up Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson before returning to Keswick.

Despite many attempts, it was 28 years before Bob Graham’s record was repeated, and although the record has been broken several times since — it now stands at 77 peaks — completing his round within 24 hours has become the classic challenge for fell runners. Those who complete the round within 24 hours qualify for membership of the Bob Graham 24 Hour Club. However, we think this trail is also perfect for hardy hikers looking for a true adventure with unbeatable vistas from start to finish.

We can’t guarantee that you’ll stand on the summit of all 42 peaks in sunshine. However, we can guarantee that when you walk back into Keswick, it will be with a sense of triumph, pride and a healthy respect for this challenging walk.

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