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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

New Year's Day Roast Lunch
New Year's Day Roast Lunch at The Borrowdale Hotel

Start the year as you mean to go on with a delicious New Year's Day lunch in the Lake District at…

Coniston 14
Coniston 14 road race

14 mile road race

Canoeing at night on Wastwater with red glow sticks on the back of the canoes
Dark Sky Canoeing - Wastwater

Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across the spectacular…

Workington Lightworks
Workington Lightworks

Workington Lightworks is designed as a flagship community celebration, bringing together residents,…

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.…

Afternoon Jump Racing
Weatherby's Graduation Chase Raceday

PAY YOUR RESPECTS THROUGH RACING Falling close to Remembrance Day, our Afternoon Racing on…

Christmas Community Raceday
Christmas Community Raceday

Get into the festive spirit on our Christmas Jumper Raceday! Join us on Sunday 13 December as we…

Start Ulls Way
Montane Ullswater Way Trail 10, 20 & Ultra

Ullswater Way Trail Run is a spectacular running event set in the heart of the Lake District…

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…

Father Christmas
Christmas Grotto

Father Christmas returns to Holker Hall this December! Meet Father Christmas and the Elves at…

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.…

People night time canoeing under stars with a headtorch beam
Dark Sky Canoeing - Coniston Water

Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across beautiful Coniston…

Boomin Bingo kendal
Boomin Bingo

Get ready for a high-energy night of Boomin' Bingo – brought to you by PC Roadshows – where classic…

Trail Running
Montane Howgills Fell Trail 10k, Half & Full Marathon

The Howgills Trail Run route explores the rugged terrain of the Howgill Fells, taking runners along…

Poster for the Festive Rookery Woods Event at Keswick Climbing Wall in Keswick, Lake District
Festive Rookery Woods Adventure

Coming soon to Rookery Woods is a festive adventure play experience. With Zipline, Slides, Maze,…

Swimmers entering water
Epic Lakes Swim Ullswater

Epic Lakes Swim Ullswater is a spectacular open water swimming event set in one of the most…

Seascale Lightworks
Seascale Lightworks

Seascale Lightworks 2026 Seascale Lightworks is designed as a flagship community celebration,…

Hospice at Home Raceday
Hospice at Home Raceday

AFTERNOON JUMP RACING See out November in style and join us for a Tuesday afternoon of racing and…

Trail Running
Montane Grizedale Forest Trail Half & Full Marathon

Set within the spectacular landscape of the Lake District National Park, the Montane 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…

Swimmers exiting
Epic Lakes Swim Coniston

Epic Lakes Swim Coniston is a spectacular open water swimming event set in the breathtaking…

Haweswater HM 25 Years
Haweswater Half Marathon 2027

Join us for the 25th Anniversary of the Haweswater Half Marathon. This rewarding out and back…

Cyclists with backdrop of fells
Cumbrian Cracker

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

Swimmers entering
Epic Lakes Swim Windermere

Epic Lakes Swim Windermere welcomes swimmers of all abilities, from experienced open water athletes…

PrevPrev
  • 1New Year's Day Roast Lunch at The Borrowdale Hotel
  • 2Coniston 14 road race
  • 3Dark Sky Canoeing - Wastwater
  • 4Workington Lightworks
  • 5Rydal Island and Caves Swim
  • 6Weatherby's Graduation Chase Raceday
  • 7Christmas Community Raceday
  • 8Montane Ullswater Way Trail 10, 20 & Ultra
  • 9Lakes in a Day
  • 10Christmas Grotto
  • 11Rydal Island and Caves Swim
  • 12Dark Sky Canoeing - Coniston Water
  • 13Boomin Bingo
  • 14Montane Howgills Fell Trail 10k, Half & Full Marathon
  • 15Festive Rookery Woods Adventure
  • 16Epic Lakes Swim Ullswater
  • 17Seascale Lightworks
  • 18Hospice at Home Raceday
  • 19Montane Grizedale Forest Trail Half & Full Marathon
  • 20Hoad Hill Harriers Christmas 10K & 1 Mile Fun Run
  • 21Epic Lakes Swim Coniston
  • 22Haweswater Half Marathon 2027
  • 23Cumbrian Cracker
  • 24Epic Lakes Swim Windermere
NextNext

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