The Bob Graham Round: A legendary fell running challenge.

By Peter Smith February 2025

The Bob Graham Round is one of the most iconic fell running challenges in the UK. Located in the Lake District National Park, it consists of a grueling 66-mile circuit that includes 42 peaks, over 27,000 feet of ascent, and an incredible test of endurance. This legendary route was first completed by Bob Graham in 1932 when he was 42 years old, giving the challenge its name.

To officially complete the Bob Graham Round, runners must conquer all 42 peaks within 24 hours. 

Bob Graham Round

The Peaks of the Bob Graham Round

The Bob Graham Round is traditionally split into five legs, each covering different sections of the Lake District.

Leg 1: Keswick to Threlkeld (Northern Fells)

  1. Skiddaw – 931m

  2. Great Calva – 690m

  3. Blencathra – 868m

This leg starts from Keswick and takes runners up Skiddaw, one of the highest peaks in the Lake District. The descent from Blencathra is notoriously tricky, with the Hall’s Fell Ridge being a popular but technical route.

Leg 2: Threlkeld to Dunmail Raise (Eastern Fells)

  1. Clough Head – 726m

  2. Great Dodd – 857m

  3. Watson’s Dodd – 789m

  4. Stybarrow Dodd – 843m

  5. Raise – 883m

  6. White Side – 863m

  7. Helvellyn – 950m

  8. Nethermost Pike – 891m

  9. Dollywaggon Pike – 858m

This section takes in the spectacular Helvellyn range, with breathtaking views over Ullswater and the surrounding valleys.

Leg 3: Dunmail Raise to Wasdale (Central Fells and Scafell Range)

  1. Seat Sandal – 736m

  2. Fairfield – 873m

  3. Dollywaggon Pike – 858m

  4. Bowfell – 902m

  5. Esk Pike – 885m

  6. Great End – 910m

  7. Scafell Pike – 978m

  8. Scafell – 964m

This is the most challenging leg, covering England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, and requiring a tricky scramble over Broad Stand or Foxes Tarn to reach Scafell.

Leg 4: Wasdale to Honister (Western Fells)

  1. Yewbarrow – 628m

  2. Red Pike – 826m

  3. Steeple – 819m

  4. Pillar – 892m

  5. Kirk Fell – 802m

  6. Great Gable – 899m

  7. Green Gable – 801m

  8. Brandreth – 715m

  9. Grey Knotts – 697m

This leg features classic Lake District landscapes, including the famous Great Gable with panoramic views over Wasdale and Borrowdale.

Leg 5: Honister to Keswick (Northern Fells)

  1. Dale Head – 753m

  2. Hindscarth – 727m

  3. Robinson – 737m

The final section takes in the scenic Newlands Valley, before descending back into Keswick to complete the round.

Record Time for the Bob Graham Round

The record for the Bob Graham Round is held by Jack Kuenzle, an American ultra-runner, who set an astonishing time of 11 hours 48 minutes on September 2, 2022. This broke the previous record of 12 hours 23 minutes set by fell running legend Kilian Jornet in 2018.

For female runners, the record is held by Beth Pascall, who completed the round in 14 hours 34 minutes in 2020.

Bob Graham Round

Scafell Pike

Great Gable 899

Red Pike 755

Bowfell

Helvellyn

Blencathra

Skiddaw