13k Run Eden: Scenic Loop Around Lowther Castle

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 12.6km loop through the Eden Valley offers a quintessentially British trail running experience, blending steady climbs with fast, rolling descents. Starting from the charming village of Askham, you’ll tackle approximately 229m of vertical gain as you crest Askham Fell. The terrain underfoot is a versatile mix of approximately 20% paved quiet lanes and rugged fell tracks. Runners can expect wide-open views across the Lake District fells to the west and the Pennines to the east, with the "Hilly 3" rating providing a moderate challenge that rewards you with long, rhythmic stretches through the grand Lowther Castle estate.

Steeped in northern history, this route traverses the ancestral lands of the Lowther family, who have inhabited the area for over 800 years. The centerpiece is the dramatic silhouette of Lowther Castle, a 19th-century "ruin" by design that sits amidst vast parklands and ancient woodland. As you navigate the fell, keep an eye out for the prehistoric Cop Stone and various burial mounds that dot the landscape, hinting at the area's Bronze Age significance. Running here feels like moving through a living gallery of Cumbrian heritage, where the manicured elegance of the yellow-stone castle grounds meets the wild, untamed beauty of the limestone uplands.