District 16 A Lake District Bike Odyssey

DISTRICT 16

600KM | 16,000M ASCENT | 16 LAKES | ONE EPIC ADVENTURE

An unsupported bikepacking odyssey through the wild heart of the English Lake District and beyond.

District 16 is no ordinary bikepacking event. It’s a journey of endurance, determination and discovery, taking riders on an unforgettable adventure through some of England’s most spectacular and unforgiving landscapes.

Covering approximately 600km with 16,000 metres of climbing, the route winds around or past the sixteen principal lakes, meres and waters of the Lake District. One incredible journey. Hence the name, District 16.

BORN FROM ADVENTURE

Inspired by some of the world’s toughest bikepacking races, including the Highland Trail 550, Silk Road Mountain Race and Atlas Mountain Race, District 16 was created by Stu to deliver something truly special on home soil.

The ambition was simple: create a demanding, beautiful and uncompromising bikepacking challenge that showcases the English Lake District in all its glory — and all its brutality.

This isn’t about taking the easy way around. It’s about embracing the adventure, pushing your limits and discovering just how far you’re prepared to go.

THE JOURNEY

Your adventure begins and ends at The Royal Barn, home of Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery and Coffee Roasters, right in the heart of the historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale.

Once the clock starts, it doesn’t stop until you cross the finish line.

Leaving Kirkby Lonsdale behind, you’ll head towards the Lake District, taking in as much off-road terrain as possible. Along the way, you might even find yourself dipping a toe into the Irish Sea.

As you enter the Lakes, the landscape changes dramatically — and so does the riding.

Expect technical rocky trails, remote mountain passes, flowing singletrack, steep climbs, exposed ridgelines, picturesque Lakeland villages and, inevitably, some good old-fashioned hike-a-bike.

There will be moments when you’ll question why you signed up. But there will be many more when you’ll stop, look around and realise exactly why you did.

From breathtaking mountain panoramas to quiet valleys and hidden trails, District 16 takes you deep into the landscapes that make the Lake District one of the finest places in the world to ride a bike.

BEYOND THE LAKES

Just when you think the hardest riding is behind you, District 16 has a few more surprises waiting.

Leaving the Lake District, your journey continues into the mighty Howgill Fells, where you’ll discover huge open landscapes and one of the longest stretches of singletrack in the UK.

From there, you’ll traverse the rugged terrain around the iconic Yorkshire Three Peaks, with more climbing, more adventure and more unforgettable views.

Eventually, you’ll reach Brownthwaite Pike, known locally as Bullpot.

From this spectacular vantage point, the Lune Valley opens up beneath you. On a clear day, you can even spot Blackpool Tower on the distant horizon.

And then comes the reward.

It’s downhill all the way back to Kirkby Lonsdale.

One final descent brings you back into town, where The Royal Barn awaits, along with a well-earned beer, a warm welcome and the satisfaction of completing something truly extraordinary.

THE BIKE

District 16 is designed to be tough, technical and varied.

With everything from rocky mountain trails and rough bridleways to fast gravel, flowing singletrack and long stretches of hike-a-bike, we recommend a hardtail mountain bike as the ideal weapon of choice.

Whatever you ride, make sure it’s capable, reliable and ready for a serious adventure.

SELF-SUPPORTED. SELF-RELIANT. UNFORGETTABLE.

District 16 is an unsupported bikepacking challenge.

It’s you, your bike, your kit and the route ahead.

You’ll need to manage your own food, water, navigation, mechanical issues, rest and accommodation. The clock keeps ticking whether you’re riding, eating, sleeping or fixing a puncture.

It’s not just a test of fitness. It’s a test of resilience, resourcefulness and determination.

There will be highs. There will be lows. There will probably be a few swear words along the way.

But that’s what makes the finish line so special.

DISTRICT 16 — 2027

Sixteen lakes. Six hundred kilometres. Sixteen thousand metres of climbing.

One hell of an adventure.

Are you ready to take on District 16?

Self Supported Rules apply:

1.  Complete the entire route, under your own power. No drafting, no e-bikes.
2.  Be completely self-supported throughout your ride. No support crews, no gear sharing.
3.  Only use commercial services that are available to all challengers. No private resupply, no private lodging.
4.  If you have to leave the route, you must rejoin it at exactly the same spot.
5.  No gear or food caches.
6.  No prearranged support before you begin your ride, e.g. booking a B&B, arranging to meet a vehicle.
7.  No travel by any motorised means during your journey

A tracker is essential and these will be included in the entry fee. 

Note:

Start Time is 8am on the 10th July 

No cutoff a finish is a finish!

You’ve put the effort in to get there!

What do you get for your money?

• Event logistics, registration
• Free pastry and coffee or other hot drink to start
• GPX file of the route
• District 16 Merchandise
• Finishers beer 
• Checkpoint
• Awesome route and well organised event
• GPS Tracker included
• Pizza party on the 14th July evening
• Bike box storage available
• IF YOU SCRATCH YOU GET A FREE ENTRY FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR WE WANT YOU TO FINISH! 

To be confirmed - 

• Camping at the start (must be pre booked)
• Car parking for the event (must be pre booked)