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Challenge: Lake District Skyline Traverse


Dates: Thursday 5 Nov - Sunday 8 Nov 2026 (long weekend)

  • Location: Lake District, UK

  • Duration: 3 days, 3 nights

  • Level: Challenging - some hillwalking experience recommended - not sure if it’s for you? Read on…

This was one of our favourite adventure trips last year which is why it’s back again - a big mountain weekend that blends classic fell summits and point-to-point hiking.

In November, we’re heading to the Lake District for a linear adventure that’ll take us across ridgelines, over peaks, and through two of the most iconic valleys in Cumbria. We’ll base ourselves in hostels and move between them with full packs.

With time on mountains around Grasmere, Bow Fell, and Cold Pike, plus a return route through gentler ground, this trip offers a little bit of everything: big ascents, technical descents, and open views that reward the work. You’ll leave with stronger legs, a better sense of mountain movement, and a deeper appreciation for what it means to cross a landscape under your own steam.

BOOK NOW

The Warm Up Day

We warm up on a route near to Grasmere. The perfect opportunity to test kit and introduce mountain hiking to some.


Why Join This Trip?

This challenge doesn’t have a name because it’s entirely unique to Jove Club. We’re not about ‘bagging summits’ and ticking boxes… This challenge is about moving through complex and varied terrain, appreciating the autumn views and learning new skills. This is a journey across the mountains: two hostels, three days of hiking.

You’ll learn what it takes to carry a pack over a full day of mountain ground. You’ll get a feel for the rhythm of multi-day mountain travel. And you’ll do it all with a team that’s here for the same challenge.

Expect proper exposure, a testing physical challenge, and a slower, more intentional connection to the landscape. Plus plenty of chat, solid food, and some pub / hostel evenings.


What's Included

  • ✅ Three nights’ accommodation (2 x YHA Grasmere, 1 x YHA Coniston Holly How) - we’re in Jove Club rooms, mixed gender

  • ✅ Three full days of guided mountain hiking with a qualified UK Mountain Leader

  • ✅ Breakfast each morning

  • ✅ Optional skills coaching (navigation, route choice, pack management)

  • ✅ Route planning, kit guidance, and safety throughout

  • ✅ Help coordinating car shares from London or other cities


Day 1 Summit

We’ll decide on where to go on the first day depending on conditions.


Trip Itinerary (Overview)

Thursday – Arrive & Settle In

Arrive at YHA Grasmere from the afternoon onwards. We'll meet for a casual briefing, get set for the days ahead, and check kit. Bring food or grab a pub dinner in the village - it’s a low-key start before the high places.

Friday – Warm Up Day

We have a choice of routes around Grasmere - we’ll decide on the day what to do depending weather etc. but expect a ~5-7 hour day with a mountain summit or two...

Saturday - Grasmere to Coniston via Bow Fell & Cold Pike - **this will be a long day

The big day - this is our full mountain day. We’ll take our overnight gear and hike a long, satisfying route across the backbone of the fells.

We’ll aim for a line via Bow Fell and Cold Pike, navigating ridge lines, cols and quiet mountain ground before descending into the stunning Coppermines Valley and our second hostel: YHA Coniston Holly How.

Expect ~30km and roughly 2000m of ascent - proper expedition energy, but broken up with time for rest, views, and steady pacing. We'll be carrying full packs, so fitness and pack comfort matter - but the reward is huge.

This day is not about a testing pace but it will be long so be mentally prepared for it.

The Start of the Challenge

We start the day early - well before dawn.

Sunday - Scenic Return to Grasmere (or depart from Coniston)

Today’s flexible: if you’re short on time, you can head out from Coniston in the morning. For those who want more, we’ll take a relaxed return route back to Grasmere on foot - no pressure, just a scenic wind-down walk through woods, valleys and lakeshore.

It’s the perfect way to finish: all effort behind you, all beauty around you.


Autumn Weather at its Finest!

The landscape of the lakes is epic! As we head to the more remote areas, there’s a good chance we’ll be the only people on the mountain.


Pricing

£345 **book now to get the early bird price (£325)

Secure your spot with a £150 deposit - remaining balance is due 60 days before the trip goes ahead.


How To Book

If you’re unsure about anything, please ask Freddie at your next Jove session or send a us a message via IG, email (hello@thejoveclub.com) or WhatsApp.

Book below, send any questions to hello@thejoveclub.com or speak to Freddie at your next Jove Club session.

See our booking terms here.

BOOK HERE

Finishing in the Dark

We’ll likely be finishing the traverse in the dark but with all the most technical ground behind us.


Who's It For?

This is for hikers who perhaps want to push themselves a little further - not necessarily faster. You don’t need to be a fell-running machine, but you should be comfortable walking for 8+ hours a day with some elevation.

It’s perfect if you’ve done single-day hikes and want to experience a multi-day point-to-point journey, or if you're training for bigger objectives such as the Cape Wrath Trail, TMB, or a hut-to-hut in the Alps.

We don’t believe in a generic out of 5 grading… the best thing about Jove Club (if you’re based in London) is you get to speak to the team at sessions who are more than happy to explain the challenges in detail and help you assess if the trip is right for you.

And of course, we can help you physically prepare - that’s what we do!

If you're not in London and unsure whether it's right for you - message us. We’ll help you decide and can offer prep tips too.


Why November?

Because this is when the Lakes are at their best: quieter, stunning autumn colours and potentially more challenging conditions… The weather can be poor - but with the right kit and guidance, that’s part of the magic, challenge and ultimately, reward.


The Best Tasting Beer!

The end of our route is a pub in Coniston - after 12-14 hours of hard work - this is the best bit of the challenge!


Travel

Where to Meet: YHA Grasmere

How to Get There:

  • Car share (we’ll help coordinate)

  • Train to Windermere, then short bus or taxi to Grasmere

  • Return from Coniston or back to Grasmere by foot with the group


Final Words

This isn’t a guided bimble to tick off a notable peak.... It’s a real and unique challenge - a moving basecamp experience through one of the UK’s most legendary landscapes.

You’ll finish tired, maybe a little soggy, but 100% glad you came.

Want to join? Click below to book your spot, or message us if you’ve got questions.

SECURE YOUR SPOT

Essential Gear List (pack as light as possible!):

Mountain Gear:

  • Boots or suitable approach shoes

  • Gaiters (optional but recommended!)

  • Three pairs of walking socks (minimum)

  • Walking trousers (you can wear shorts for the day routes but bear in mind, it is much colder at the summit of any mountain!)

  • Thermal top / base layer

  • Warm layers (would recommend a fleece + lightweight down jacket)

  • Waterproof jacket + trousers

  • Snacks and water for each day on the mountain (minimum of 1L)

  • Personal first aid kit

  • Survival bag (small foil blanket)

  • Baseball cap or sun hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Sun cream

  • Two pairs of gloves for each day as a minimum (if one pair gets wet, you’ll want a spare pair)

  • Warm hat

  • Walking poles (optional but recommended!)

  • Ruck sack ~40L (it needs to be able to fit a spare pair of dry clothes, towel and toiletries for our move to Conniston)

  • Waterproof liner

  • Headtorch + spare batteries

  • Portable charging block

  • Midge repellent

  • Any medication you need

  • Map (if interested, let us know and we’ll advise which map), compass and map case (optional in case you want to practice navigation)

  • Whistle

General:

  • Personal items (toiletries, medications, etc.)

  • Towel (although you can hire in the hostels)

  • Comfortable clothes for the evening

  • Recommend eye mask and ear plugs for the hostel

  • Would recommend a pair of sandals or flip flops or any other comfy shoes for post hike!

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5 September

Expedition: Scottish Highlands - Level 2: Knoydart With a Twist