Is Whinlatter Forest parkrun hard?

Yes. Whinlatter is the hilliest parkrun in the UK with over 200 metres of elevation gain across the 5km. It runs on gravel trail and forest paths with significant climbs and descents. Most runners walk sections. Budget significantly more time than your usual parkrun finish.

What shoes should I wear at Whinlatter Forest parkrun?

Trail shoes are essential. The course runs on gravel forest trails and singletrack paths that become slippery in wet conditions. Road shoes are not suitable. In wet weather, shoes with aggressive grip or fell shoes are strongly recommended.

Where do I park at Whinlatter Forest parkrun?

Paid parking at Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre, postcode CA12 5TW, for the A Course. For the B Course, parking is at or near Revelin Moss Car Park. Check which course is running before choosing where to park.

Is Whinlatter Forest parkrun good for a PB?

No. Whinlatter has one of the slowest average finish times of any parkrun in the UK due to the extreme elevation and trail terrain. Come here for the spectacular Lake District scenery and the experience, not a fast time.

Whinlatter Forest parkrun: Course Guide, Terrain and Tips

Before you go: Whinlatter runs an A Course and a B Course on alternate weeks, starting from different locations. Check which course is running before you travel. Not all turning points are marshalled , follow the arrow signs carefully.

The honest version

Whinlatter Forest parkrun has a reputation and it is entirely deserved. This is the hilliest parkrun in the UK, set deep in Whinlatter Forest in the Lake District with over 200 metres of elevation gain across the 5k. It is not a parkrun you come to for a PB. It is the parkrun you come to because nowhere else looks like this.

The forest valley views, the mountain backdrop, the gravel trails through ancient woodland , this is a genuinely spectacular place to run. The second slowest average finish time of any parkrun in the UK tells you everything you need to know about the terrain. Budget extra time and bring your trail shoes.

Whinlatter Forest parkrun course looking down the forest valley — Looking down the forest valley on the Whinlatter course. Photo by Charlie Whitmore.

Two courses , A and B

Whinlatter is unusual in that it alternates between two entirely different course layouts on opposite sides of the road. You need to know which one is running before you go.

Start

Visitor Centre on the main road
The A Course starts by the Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre. Paid parking here. The course heads out from the visitor centre into the forest.
Km 1 to 2

Steep uphill through the forest
The climbing starts almost immediately and continues through the first half of the course. This is relentless. Most people walk sections. That is absolutely fine and expected.
Km 2 to 3

High point with views
The highest point of the course offers remarkable views across the Lake District on a clear day. Take a breath. You have earned it.
Km 3 to 5

Descent back to the finish
The return descent is steep in places. Take care on loose gravel sections. Trail shoes with good grip are essential here.

Start

Revelin Moss Car Park
The B Course starts near Revelin Moss Car Park on the opposite side of the road from the Visitor Centre. Different start, different character.
Km 0 to 2.5

First loop , down then up, figure of eight
The B Course forms a figure-of-eight pattern. The first loop starts with a descent and then climbs back to the central point at 2.5km. The trail narrows considerably on this section and can be muddy.
Km 2.5

Midpoint crossover
The two loops of the figure-of-eight cross here. Keep your eyes on the signage , not all turning points are marshalled.
Km 2.5 to 5

Second loop , down then up to finish
The second loop reverses the pattern , down first, then the final climb back to the finish. Includes a narrow singletrack path which gets muddy. Trail shoes non-negotiable.

Elevation profile: over 200m total gain

Runners climbing the gravel trail at Whinlatter Forest parkrun — The gravel trail climb. It looks like this. Photo by Charlie Whitmore.

Course statistics

Average finish times, course records and full results are published and updated weekly by parkrun.

View on parkrun →

What to wear on your feet

Shoe recommendation by conditions

Always

Trail shoes. This is non-negotiable regardless of weather or conditions. The gravel paths, steep descents, and narrow singletrack sections on the B Course all require proper trail grip. Road shoes will let you down on the descents and potentially cause injury.

Wet

Trail shoes with aggressive grip. The B Course singletrack section becomes genuinely muddy after rain. Mud-specific trail shoes or fell shoes are worth considering in wet conditions.

Getting there and parking

Paid parking is available at Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre, which is the start point for the A Course. There is also limited roadside parking on Whinlatter Pass that is within walking distance of the start.

For the B Course, parking is at or near Revelin Moss Car Park. Check which course is running before choosing where to park.

Practicalities

Cafe Ambio and toilets are at the Visitor Centre before and after the run. Worth noting that Whinlatter is a popular tourist destination so the number of participants varies significantly week to week. Around 100 to 150 runners is the average but busy tourist weekends bring larger fields.

Not all turning points are marshalled. Pay attention to the arrow signs on the course. If you are unsure at any point, stop and look for the next marker rather than guessing.

Is it a good PB course?

No. Whinlatter is the second slowest parkrun in the UK by average finish time, behind only the famous beach run at Great Yarmouth. You do not come here for a fast time. You come here because the Lake District forest is genuinely extraordinary and because completing this course is an achievement in itself.

If you want a PB, come back when you are feeling strong. If you want one of the most memorable parkruns in the country, Whinlatter delivers completely.

SaturdayOff verdict

Terrain

Gravel trail, singletrack

Elevation

200m+, relentlessly hilly

Difficulty

5 out of 5

PB potential

None

Suitable for beginners

With caution

Dogs welcome

Yes, on leads

Pushchair friendly

Nearest café

Cafe Ambio, Visitor Centre

Guide submitted by Charlie Whitmore , thank you Charlie.

Common questions

Is Whinlatter Forest parkrun hard?: Yes. Whinlatter is the hilliest parkrun in the UK with over 200 metres of elevation gain across the 5km. Most runners walk sections. Budget significantly more time than your usual parkrun finish.
What shoes should I wear at Whinlatter Forest parkrun?: Trail shoes are essential. The course runs on gravel forest trails and singletrack paths that become slippery in wet conditions. Road shoes are not suitable.
Does Whinlatter Forest parkrun have two courses?: Yes. Whinlatter alternates between an A Course and a B Course on opposite sides of the road, starting from different locations. Check which course is running before you travel.
Where do I park at Whinlatter Forest parkrun?: Paid parking at Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre, postcode CA12 5TW, for the A Course. For the B Course, parking is near Revelin Moss Car Park. Check which course is running before choosing where to park.
Is Whinlatter Forest parkrun good for a PB?: No. Whinlatter has one of the slowest average finish times of any parkrun in the UK. Come here for the spectacular Lake District scenery, not a fast time.

Guide based on community knowledge submitted by Charlie Whitmore. Last updated June 2026.