Explore the Lanty's Tarn
Location: Patterdale, The Lake District National Park, England
This 5.4km loop near Patterdale packs its 152 metres of ascent into the first half, making it a good, sharp test of climbing. The route is a mix of surfaces, with about a third on paved lanes connecting the main trail sections. It's effectively a straightforward 'up and down' run, though the middle section flattens out. The ascent is mostly on well-defined woodland paths, so it's a sustained effort rather than a technical scramble.
Starting from the Glenridding area, you'll climb steadily through the woods until you reach the high point at Lanty's Tarn. The footing here is generally firm on trodden earth paths, but it's proper trail running, so you’ll want trail shoes. The descent back towards Glenridding is where you need to pay attention, especially after rain when the ground can become greasy and slick underfoot.
The pay-off for the climb is the view out over Ullswater as you begin the descent. Because it’s a circuit, you can start it at any point, but the conventional climb out of Glenridding is logical. It works well as a tough training run if you are in the area, giving you a proper taste of Lakeland gradients without requiring a full afternoon. It’s a route that feels bigger than its relatively short distance suggests.