The Lakeland 24 Peaks Challenge with Professional Mountain Leaders
The Lakeland 24 Peaks Challenge is one of the most demanding and rewarding mountain challenges in the Lake District. Over the course of two incredible days, participants cover over 30 miles of rugged mountain terrain, summiting 24 iconic peaks — each standing over 2,400 feet (732m) high.
To make things even more exciting, the challenge is completed in under 24 hours of total walking time. It’s a true test of stamina, resilience, and determination, offering a real sense of achievement for those who make it to the finish.
What to Expect
This challenge will push your physical and mental limits. Expect long, tough days featuring steep ascents, rocky terrain, and morale-testing descents — but also unforgettable views and the immense satisfaction of completing one of the UK’s toughest hiking challenges.
You’ll tackle many of the Lake District’s most famous peaks, including Scafell Pike, Great Gable, and Helvellyn, guided by experienced mountain leaders who ensure safety and support throughout.
Who Is It For?
The Lakeland 24 Peaks Challenge is best suited to experienced hillwalkers with a very good level of fitness. Strong mountain experience and endurance are key to success.
We recommend completing the Borrowdale 10 Challenge and the Lakeland 10 Peaks Challenge as preparation. This is also an excellent training event for larger objectives such as the Welsh 3000s or the Lakeland 3000s in 24 Hours Challenge.
Terrain: Rough & Rocky Duration: 2 days - Approx. 10-14 Hours per day.
Route Stats: Miles - 31.5 Ascent - 4800m. Start Location: The Old Dungeon Ghyll / Ambleside
Lakeland 24 Peaks Challenge – Day 1: Buttermere to Langdale
Day 1 of this epic mountain challenge begins in the picturesque village of Buttermere. As this is a linear route, it’s best to meet at the end point — The Old Dungeon Ghyll in Langdale — and take arranged transport to the start.
The day starts with an immediate test of endurance: a steep climb up the slopes of Red Pike. After around 90 minutes of steady ascent, challengers reach the ridgeline, where two more summits follow in quick succession. The first major descent comes as the route drops down Gamlin End on High Crag, before continuing across Haystacks (a worthy addition, though not officially included in the ten).
From here, the route pushes onwards to Green Gable and Great Gable — both iconic Lakeland peaks. After a significant descent from Great Gable’s summit, it’s time to climb again, joining the famous Corridor Route into the Scafell Massif. Here, the day’s biggest peaks arrive in rapid succession: Lingmell, Scafell Pike, and Great End. With these summits completed, only Esk Pike and Bowfell remain.
From the top of Bowfell, a well-earned descent down The Band leads challengers into Langdale, where a conveniently placed pub awaits — the perfect spot to celebrate completing one of the toughest hiking days in the Lake District.
Highlights Of Day 1 Include:
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The Buttermere ridgeline
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Great Gable
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The summit of the Highest Mountain in England
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Sensational views from Bowfell
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Bagging 10 Peaks
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A very tough day out which will be sure to test you.
Highlights Of Day 2 Include:
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Walking the entire Helvellyn range
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Reaching the 3rd highest summit in England, Helvellyn
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Fantastic walking terrain with excellent views throughout
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Bagging 14 Peaks
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Completing the Lakeland 24 Peaks Challenge
Lakeland 24 Peaks Challenge – Day 2: Kirkstone Pass to Helvellyn Range
Day 2 of this incredible challenge starts at Kirkstone Pass, and much like Day 1, the route wastes no time in getting stuck into a climb! A steady ascent soon brings you to the summit of Red Screes, where the day’s first views across the Lake District make all the effort worthwhile.
From here, grassy ground is covered as the route continues across to Dove Crag, followed shortly by Hart Crag and Fairfield. The next target, Seat Sandal, sits slightly apart from the main ridge, but once this outlying peak is conquered — along with the zig-zagging climb up Dollywagon Pike — the toughest section of the day is behind you.
Now established on the Helvellyn range, the character of the route changes. A series of shorter ascents and descents link the remaining summits, including the mighty Helvellyn itself.
To finish, the route can descend either west, dropping into St John’s in the Vale, or east, heading towards Dockray — both offering the perfect ending to an unforgettable two-day Lake District mountain challenge.
COSTS
Guiding Package — Guides, Risk Assessments, Insurance, Info Pack & Environmental Impact Donation.
£180 per person. Min payment of 8 people.
Guide to Client Ratio of 1:8. No Max group size.
The transport element can be organised at additional cost if required
Support Package— All of the above, plus weblink, medical data collation and 12 week fitness plan.
+ £100 one off payment
Why Us?
There are literally dozens of companies who provide guided mountain event challenges so it makes life very hard when coming to pick who to trust with your challenge. Over the years we have been given the opportunity to host mountain challenges for groups of all sizes, abilities and backgrounds and each and every group has been happy with our service. We have the experience to ensure it goes smoothly and everyone has a great time doing it.
We have an excellent safety record, and many glowing testimonials which can be viewed here.