The route
The SILVA Northern Traverse is a 300km ultra following Wainwright’s Coast to Coast route and was first run in May 2016. The SILVA Lakes Traverse was introduced in 2018 following the first 100km of the SILVA Northern Traverse route. The route is predominantly off-road on a mixture of terrains, but generally following public footpaths, forest tracks, roads, bridleways or other public access routes.
Route breakdown
Approximate distances between support points:
- START (St Bees) to Rosthwaite – 47km
- Rosthwaite to Patterdale – 24km
- Patterdale to Shap (Lakes Traverse FINISH) – 25km
- Shap to Kirkby Stephen – 32km
- Kirkby Stephen to Richmond – 55km
- Richmond to Lion Inn – 69km
- Lion Inn to FINISH (Robin Hood’s Bay) – 47km
SILVA Northern Traverse – 300km
Approximate ‘real life’ total height gain – 6500m
Go directly to the SILVA Northern Traverse route on the Outdooractive website (useful if you want to save the route to your phone in the Outdooractive app)
Tip: click/tap on “Learn more” then expand the map to get more route details.
Average Terrain Type
Pathless 2%
Trail 54%
Track 24%
Road 20%
SILVA Lakes Traverse – 100km
Approximate ‘real life’ total height gain – 3500m
Go directly to the SILVA Lakes Traverse route on the Outdooractive website (useful if you want to save the route to your phone in the Outdooractive app)
Tip: click/tap on “Learn more” then expand the map to get more route details and to access a GPX file if you want to import onto your own device.
Average Terrain Type
Pathless 3%
Trail 70%
Track 18%
Road 9%
Navigating the route
The route is not way-marked in any way (some sections have Coast to Coast signposts but note these do not always follow the race route).
You will be provided with a bespoke race map at registration (see below).
It is important to understand that there will be some amendments to the route ahead of each event and we will keep entered participants updated via email when the final route version is confirmed a few weeks ahead of the event.
The digital version of the route shows waypoints with associated information about; start, finish, all checkpoints, all cut-off times, all support points, and hazards en route. This waypoint information is best when viewed natively in the Outdooractive app, however, it is also shared in any GPX file we offer for download to participants.
Viewing the digital version of the route out in the field is intended as a great aid to, but never a replacement for, referencing the physical map you will be issued with at race registration that also forms part of your mandatory kit. Many participants find that using a combination of both the event map and a digital version of the route works well for them.
The interactive elevation profile (SILVA Lakes Traverse in this example) viewed from within the Outdooractive app with annotated waypoint detail.
An example of SILVA Lakes Traverse waypoint detail in the Outdooractive app.
Our recommended solution to accessing the digital version of the route (to best complement using the event map)
We suggest using Outdooractive app to hand (on your smartphone) – this is the easiest solution out in the field (do consider waterproofness and charging solutions) and crucially can display the route using Harvey 1:40,000 mapping (Pro+ only) just like on our bespoke event map (physical copy) you will receive at registration.
We have teamed up with Outdooractive to give you a €10 discount voucher code on a 1 year subscription to Outdooractive Pro or Pro+*.
Code: OUREAEVENTS10O (best to copy this code) – REDEEM NOW
Additional info
VOUCHER TERMS
*Terms apply. Discount is only redeemable against the Outdooractive Pro (currently 29.99 EURO) Pro+ (currently 59.99 EURO) subscription, and is applied to the first year only. Please note: enter the voucher code before entering payment details to ensure discount is applied.
Prefer to use GPX files to import into your own device?
We have provided easy access to GPX files below of the final route for the 2022 event. These are only suitable for those participants who are more pioneering with their own GPS-capable device solution and understand the technicalities of how to use them. Sorry we cannot offer one-to-one technical support in the use of these files.
Warning: although <trkpt> information including <name> and <desc> has been included in these files, whatever system you choose to import into may strip this out and may also reduce the points (the resolution of the route if you like).
The race map
This map is a waterproof and annotated Harvey map of the entire race route that has been specially commissioned by us, and is updated each year to reflect any developments on the ground. It will also be a fantastic memento of the event. If you are confident and experienced enough with map and compass navigation, you will be able to complete the event successully following the race route using just the event map.
The map will be presented with 12 map frames, all arranged onto two sides. i.e. A single-sheet double-sided map. It will be 1:40 000 scale (1km = 2.5cm), with contours at 15 metres vertical interval, over-printed with our route, our checkpoints, captions and various surrounding information and emergency information. The map has been paginated so that it has a thoughtfully ergonomic day-stage chronology.
The nature of Harvey’s latest waterproof paper technology gives a map that does not require bagging/protection, is easy to fold and not bulky, and should survive the rigours of the roughest journey. We have already used this map material very successfully in other events. We do ask that you look after this map as we only intend to issue one per participant. If a participant loses their map, they will be required to purchase a replacement as it is mandatory kit to be carried while running.
The route line below is subject to change and is offered as rough guidance only.
