18k Run Copeland: Climb Yewbarrow on Bob Graham Leg 4

Route Overview & Local Insights

Conquering Leg 4 of the Bob Graham Round is a rite of passage for any serious fell runner. This 17.6km point-to-point journey from Wasdale Head to Honister Pass is notoriously demanding, packing a massive 1,689m of vertical gain into its technical terrain. You’ll start with the lung-bursting ascent of Yewbarrow before traversing some of the most rugged ground in the Lake District, including the infamously rocky scrambles of Great Gable and Red Pike. Expect "Big Mountains" vibes throughout; the terrain is unapologetically steep and rocky, transitioning from loose scree to high-altitude ridge lines that require constant focus and nimble footwork.

Steeped in Lakeland history, this route traverses the heart of the Copeland fells, an area defined by its dramatic glacial valleys and deep-rooted mountaineering heritage. Starting in Wasdale, the birthplace of British rock climbing, you are following in the footsteps of legendary fell runner Bob Graham, who first completed his 24-hour circuit in 1932. As you crest the summits, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Scafell Pike and the remote Ennerdale valley—though localized mists frequently transform this landscape into a navigational puzzle. Finishing at the historic Honister Slate Mine provides a ruggedly industrial contrast to the wild, open fells you’ve just navigated.