The Postman’s Challenge
A runner on a snowy fell track under a pale sky.

Before you go

Safety & respect

Until 1976, the local postman delivered mail to the remote farms and homes around Shap on foot, a tough 15 miles in all weathers. The route is as challenging today. If you take it on, leave early, be fit, and be ready for anything.

AdventureSmart UK

Three questions before you set off

  1. Do I have the right gear?

  2. Do I know what the weather will be like?

  3. Am I confident I have the knowledge and skills for the day?

If the answer to any of them is no, save the round for another day.

Before you go

The round is low-level, but it is rough, boggy and often pathless, and it isn’t waymarked. It isn’t for complete beginners. Ask yourself AdventureSmart UK’s three questions above, and if the answer to any of them is no, save the round for another day.

What to take

  • Waterproofs and warm layers, even when the forecast is kind. Weather on the fells changes fast.
  • Food and water for a full day.
  • OS Explorer OL5, a compass, and the skills to use them. Mountain Rescue advise carrying a map and compass even if you have GPS.
  • A charged phone, a whistle and a torch. The distress signal is six blasts or flashes, repeated at one-minute intervals.

Check a mountain forecast such as the Mountain Weather Information Service before you set out, and don’t go in bad weather. Tell someone your plan and when you expect to be back.

This isn’t an organised event

There’s no marshalling, no sweeper and no support. You take full responsibility for yourself. Posting your time is for fun, not a race.

Respect the land

The round crosses working farms and shepherds’ land. Follow the Countryside Code: respect, protect, enjoy.

  • Keep to public footpaths and rights of way. Don’t stray onto private land or shortcut across fields, especially near Shap Abbey, where the path has been rerouted.
  • Leave gates and property as you find them, and don’t block gateways when you park.
  • Keep dogs under control and in sight. This is livestock country.
  • Take your litter home and leave no trace.
  • Be considerate. Say hello and share the space.

We’ve taken reasonable care preparing this information, but we can’t accept responsibility for your safety on the route.