The Swirral Grind 850 is a pure vertical challenge as part of the Rab Helvellyn Sky Ultra weekend. Runners start from King George Playing Field in Patterdale and climb steeply to Helvellyn summit via Red Tarn and Swirral Edge. The course is 6 km with 850 m of elevation gain, mixing stepped paths, scree, and exposed ridge running, finishing at the trig point on the summit. The start time is in the evening (around 17:30), with a summit cut-off of 19:00, before descending back down the same route. Participants receive a finisher seed-bomb medal, safety support, and enjoy a festival-style atmosphere at the event village.
Race
6 km
Swirral Grind 850 is an uphill-only Vertical K style mountain race organized by Lake District Sky Trails, scheduled for Saturday, 17 July 2026, starting from King George’s Playing Field, Patterdale, UK with a 17:30 (5:30 PM) start. The race covers 6 km of pure ascent with 850 m of climb, going up steep stepped paths via ‘Hole in the Wall’ and over Red Tarn Basin before final scrambling up Swirral Edge to the summit trig point; participants must reach the summit by 20:00 (8:00 PM) when the course closes.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Swirral Grind 850?
How long is the Swirral Grind 850?
Where does the Swirral Grind 850 take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Swirral Grind 850?
How can I prepare for the Swirral Grind 850?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Swirral Grind 850?
Swirral Grind 850 is an uphill-only Vertical K style mountain race organized by Lake District Sky Trails, scheduled for Saturday, 17 July 2026, starting from King George’s Playing Field, Patterdale, UK with a 17:30 (5:30 PM) start. The race covers 6 km of pure ascent with 850 m of climb, going up steep stepped paths via ‘Hole in the Wall’ and over Red Tarn Basin before final scrambling up Swirral Edge to the summit trig point; participants must reach the summit by 20:00 (8:00 PM) when the course closes.
The Swirral Grind 850 is 6km long.
The Swirral Grind 850 takes place in Patterdale, Penrith, UK.
The Swirral Grind 850 elevation gain is 850 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Swirral Grind 850?
Swirral Grind 850 is an uphill-only Vertical K style mountain race organized by Lake District Sky Trails, scheduled for Saturday, 17 July 2026, starting from King George’s Playing Field, Patterdale, UK with a 17:30 (5:30 PM) start. The race covers 6 km of pure ascent with 850 m of climb, going up steep stepped paths via ‘Hole in the Wall’ and over Red Tarn Basin before final scrambling up Swirral Edge to the summit trig point; participants must reach the summit by 20:00 (8:00 PM) when the course closes.
How long is the Swirral Grind 850?
The Swirral Grind 850 is 6km long.
Where does the Swirral Grind 850 take place?
The Swirral Grind 850 takes place in Patterdale, Penrith, UK.
What is the elevation gain of the Swirral Grind 850?
The Swirral Grind 850 elevation gain is 850 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
How can I prepare for the Swirral Grind 850?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Swirral Grind 850?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
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This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Swirral Grind 850 or Lake District Sky Trails. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Swirral Grind 850 website.
