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  1. Traditional Lakeland Sports
    Traditional Sports

You are here: Home > What's On > Challenge Events > Traditional Sports

Traditional Sports

From horse leaping and pipe-smoking to open-air wrestling and sheep shows, the choice of peculiar sports is remarkable – and in some cases, very old: the Egremont Crab Fair has been running since 1267, while the sport of hound trailing began in the middle of the 18th century. Test your fell running fitness at the annual Grasmere Gallop, or try some ghyll scrambling. Get down and dirty with a bout of Cumberland and Westmoreland wrestling, held at local shows throughout the summer months. Most of Cumbria’s traditional sports are rooted firmly in the countryside, and are designed to celebrate the changing seasons and a host of agricultural pursuits. Although that doesn’t explain why there should be a competition to crown the world’s biggest liar or who can pull the best face…
 

Highlights

wild swimmers in the Lake District with Swim the Lakes
Wasdale Wild Swimming Adventure

Wasdale Wild Swimming Adventure – Experience wild swimming in Wasdale which offers adventurous…

Swimmers in Derwentwater with Swim the Lakes
Derwentwater Island Hop Swim

We indulge our obsession with swimming around islands on the Derwentwater Island Hop, and there is…

Runners in fancy dress running past Muncaster Castle as part of Race The Tide.
Race the Tide

Will you race the tide this August 7–9 2026?​ Race the Tide challenges runners of all levels to…

swimming in a dark lake
Wild Swimming - Thursday 9th July

Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…

swimmers stood on shoreline with Swim the Lakes
Introduction to Open Water Swimming

Our popular Introduction to outdoor swimming course takes place at either Rydal Water or Waterhead,…

Wild Swimmers in Rydal Water with Swim the Lakes
Rydal Island and Caves Swim

Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and wild swimming.…

swimming in a dark lake
Wild Swimming - Thursday 13th August

Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…

Glorious Gravel Logo
Lake District Gravel Epic

We have three route options for this glorious off road adventure around Coniston and the Grizedale…

Hoad Hill Harriers Christmas 10K Race & 1 Mile Fun Run
Hoad Hill Harriers Christmas 10K & 1 Mile Fun Run

Please join us for our Christmas 10K & 1 Mile Fun Run. Starting on the road, between the clubhouse…

Sailing boats racing on Ullswater
Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy Spectators' Cruise

Join our spectator cruise for the Ullswater Yacht Club's biggest event of the year, the Lord…

People running through the lake district
Lakes in a Day

Lakes in a Day Half Distance Run 23 miles, 850m ascent – Want the excitement of being part of Lakes…

Swimmer
Chillswim Coniston 5.25 Miles End to End

Chillswim Coniston End to End Swim 2026 will take place on Saturday 20th June. Long distance…

Lighthouse Ultra 180
Lighthouse Ultra 180 Triathlon

Coast-to-coast 180 mile ultra triathlon.

HIGHLANDER Lake District
HIGHLANDER Lake District

Embark on a multi-day hiking adventure through the breathtaking Lake District. With every detail -…

Hoad Hill Harriers Summer 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run
Hoad Hill Harriers Summer 10K Race & 1 Mile Fun Run

Join us for our summer 10K race and mile fun run. Starting on the road, between the clubhouse car…

wild swimmers with Swim the Lakes sat on the edge of a Lake District tarn
More Adventures in the Beautiful South

More Adventures in the Beautiful South is a 2-day swimming adventure in the beautiful South Lake…

Caledonia Park Ladies Night
Caledonia Park Ladies Night

NOW ON A SATURDAY! Get your summer plans sorted and join us for an unforgettable evening at…

Cyclists with backdrop of fells
Cumbrian Cracker

The Cumbrian Cracker is one of the original Lakeland cycle sportives, with Grasmere Village hosting…

Group Smiling getting into Windermere
Epic Lakes Swim Windermere

Epic Lakes Swim Windermere is the final event of the Epic Lakes Open Water Swim Series and takes…

Swimmer
Chillswim Windermere 11 Miles End to End

Long distance swimming isn't just about being in the water, it's about the journey. Swimming the…

Steak Night Race Evening
Steak Night Race Evening

STEAK NIGHT RACE NIGHT! Steak and Racing! Is there a much better way to spend a Tuesday night?

swimming in a dark lake
Wild Swimming - Thursday 18th June

Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…

Cartmel Race Days
Cartmel Race Days

For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends…

swimming in a dark lake
Wild Swimming - Thursday 23rd July

Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…

PrevPrev
  • 1Wasdale Wild Swimming Adventure
  • 2Derwentwater Island Hop Swim
  • 3Race the Tide
  • 4Wild Swimming - Thursday 9th July
  • 5Introduction to Open Water Swimming
  • 6Rydal Island and Caves Swim
  • 7Wild Swimming - Thursday 13th August
  • 8Lake District Gravel Epic
  • 9Hoad Hill Harriers Christmas 10K & 1 Mile Fun Run
  • 10Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy Spectators' Cruise
  • 11Lakes in a Day
  • 12Chillswim Coniston 5.25 Miles End to End
  • 13Lighthouse Ultra 180 Triathlon
  • 14HIGHLANDER Lake District
  • 15Hoad Hill Harriers Summer 10K Race & 1 Mile Fun Run
  • 16More Adventures in the Beautiful South
  • 17Caledonia Park Ladies Night
  • 18Cumbrian Cracker
  • 19Epic Lakes Swim Windermere
  • 20Chillswim Windermere 11 Miles End to End
  • 21Steak Night Race Evening
  • 22Wild Swimming - Thursday 18th June
  • 23Cartmel Race Days
  • 24Wild Swimming - Thursday 23rd July
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