It’s the end of another great year, so we’re looking back on the highlights from this year’s SILVA Lakes Traverse.

From stunning views, to competitive racing, here are our top picks from the 2022 event:

1. The Fabulous starting location

Well known for its dramatic cliffs and sandy beach, the quaint village of St Bees is the perfect starting place for such an amazing ultra.

This year, the weather gods were certainly smiling on the SILVA Lakes Traverse participants, as the sun was shining down on St Bees as they gathered at the start line right next to the beautiful beach!

2. The undulating trails alongside Ennerdale

Often cited as the most remote valley in the Lake District, Wild Ennerdale has an unspoilt beauty. The undulating trails alongside the lake were appreciated by all participants.

3. The sweeping views coming into Honister

The weather was perfect for runners this year as they ran through the fells towards Honister Pass. The views were breath-taking, with the sun reflecting off Crummock Water and Buttermere as the participants continued their journey.

4. The first support point in Borrowdale

Running is hungry work! Luckily, after 47km, runners were rewarded with their first support point. There was a great atmosphere here, while people loaded up on the essentials, including soup, sandwiches, pizza and cake – perfect fuel for the remaining 50km!

5. Grisedale Tarn

There are few places more magical than Grisedale Tarn! Nestled amongst the high fells of Fairfield and Helvellyn, this was a great place for runners to soak in views, although it was perhaps a bit too chilly for a dip this year!

6. Wainwright bagging on Kidsty Pike

Kidsty Pike is the highest point of the route. It also gave the runners a chance to tick off a Wainwright. While it was a tough climb, the starlight on Kidsty Pike was incredible at the 2022 event.

7. The nail-biting finale

We couldn’t forget the tense conclusion to the race, with Katie Kaars Sijpesteijn, Daniel Weller and Jeremy Cottingham all battling it out. Katie and Daniel pulled ahead, but it was neck-and-neck all the way to the finish. Daniel emerged victorious, but Katie was only 2 minutes behind.

After some excellent performances, it also emerged that both Daniel and Katie had broken the course records, Katie breaking the ladies’ record by over 4 hours!

8. The buzz in Shap as more finishers came in

It’s not just about the winners. There was a wonderful atmosphere in Shap as more and more finishers came in after a stunning day of running through the Lake District. It was a celebratory atmosphere, with runners collecting their medals before sitting down with their fellow runners to share stories and re-fuel with some delicious chilli.

Got what it takes in 2023? 

Feeling inspired to take on your own Lake District adventure in 2023? There are limited places still available for the SILVA Lakes Traverse – sign up now to avoid missing out!

Or are you looking for something longer…?

Or, if a longer, continuous adventure is taking your fancy, join us for the SILVA Northern Traverse – take a journey from Coast to Coast, crossing the width of the country on foot as you head for the beautiful village of Robin Hood’s Bay.

Make 2023 your best year yet!