The Big Rounds

Three rounds. 113 summits. Nearly 300km and over 25,000m of ascent across the Lake District, Snowdonia, and the Scottish Highlands of Lochaber. The Bob Graham, Paddy Buckley, and Charlie Ramsay Rounds are Britain's three most challenging long-distance mountain rounds, and together they represent the ultimate test of fell running and mountain endurance in the British Isles.

Part practical guide, part celebration of mountain culture, this large-format Cicerone book by award-winning author and photographer David Lintern is designed to inform and inspire anyone drawn to the Big Rounds, whether as a runner against the clock, a walker on a multi-day backpacking circuit, or simply someone captivated by these extraordinary routes and the people who love them. Each round is described in full for both runners and walkers, with route guides, practical planning information, history, and first-hand stories from the legends of the sport.

Tackle all three Big Rounds with full leg-by-leg route guides for the Bob Graham Round in the Lake District, the Paddy Buckley Round in Snowdonia, and the Charlie Ramsay Round in Lochaber, with each round described as both a 24-hour running challenge and a week-long backpacking circuit.
Be inspired by first-hand stories and insights from the people who have defined the Rounds, including Jasmin Paris, Nicky Spinks, Charlie Ramsay, Paddy Buckley, Jim Mann, and Mike Hartley, alongside stunning photography from three of Britain's most dramatic mountain landscapes.
Plan your attempt with detailed practicalities for each round, covering getting there, water sources, suggested backpacker's itineraries, places to stay and resupply, support runner logistics, and the rules for timed attempts.
Explore alternative ways to complete each round, with information on day trips, shorter sections, and additional challenges, including round extensions and other long-distance mountain challenges beyond the Big 3.
Discover the history of each round, from the origins of the Bob Graham in 1932 to the evolution of the Paddy Buckley and Charlie Ramsay Rounds, and learn about the extraordinary community of runners and walkers who have shaped their culture and records.
Prepare thoroughly with comprehensive advice on mountaincraft and personal safety, equipment, environmental impact, access and right to roam across England, Wales, and Scotland, and guidance on winter attempts from current record holder Jim Mann.


A book to inspire, challenge, and move anyone who has ever looked up at a mountain and felt the pull of the summit, The Big Rounds is an essential addition to the shelf of every fell runner, mountain walker, and lover of wild British landscapes.

Seasons

Predominantly spring and summer, but with advice on timed round attempts in the winter from the current record holder, Jim Mann.

Centres

England: Keswick/Ambleside/Wasdale
Wales: Capel Curig/Blaenau Ffestiniog/Betws Coed/Llanberis/Ogwen
Scotland: Fort William/Fersit

Difficulty

Each of the three rounds is presented as a 24-hour running challenge, and a week-long backpacking circuit. Both of these options are genuine challenges for experienced outdoors people.

However, there is additional information for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. All of the routes are also described as day trips and/or as 'sections' of smaller running or backpacking routes.

Must See

The Big Rounds - running and walking the Bob Graham, the Paddy Buckley and the Charlie Ramsay rounds - is a guide to Britain's three most challenging long-distance mountain rounds, and the people who love them. These routes are grand, circular tours of the Lake District, Snowdonia and Lochaber, and the book includes a full guide to each round for both walkers and runners, the history of each round, and advice from running and backpacking experts.

Acknowledgements

Map key

Overview map

Preface

Introduction

What are the Big Rounds?

Using this book

The book's approach

Mountaincraft and personal safety

When to go

Who to go with

Equipping for the Rounds

Environmental impact and leave no trace

Access and the right to roam - differences in law and in practice

The Bob Graham Round

Route guide

Leg 1 Keswick to Threlkeld

Leg 2 Threlkeld to Dunmail Raise

Leg 3 Dunmail Raise to Wasdale

Leg 4 Wasdale to Honister Pass

Leg 5 Honister Pass to Keswick

Practicalities

Getting there and around

Water

Suggested backpacker's itinerary

Alternative ways to complete the Bob Graham Round

Places to stay and resupply

Support for runners

Rules for runners

The history of the Round

A runner's story: Rob Bushby

The Paddy Buckley Round

Route guide

Leg 1 Capel Curig to Nantmor

Leg 2 Nantmor to Pont Cae'r Gors

Leg 3 Pont Cae'r Gors to Llanberis

Leg 4 Llanberis to Ogwen YHA

Leg 5 Ogwen to Capel Curig

Practicalities

Getting there and around

Water

Suggested backpacker's itinerary

Alternative ways to complete the Paddy Buckley Round

Places to stay and resupply

Support for runners

Rules for runners

The history of the Round

A runner's story: Sue Walsh

The Charlie Ramsay Round

Route guide

Leg 1 Glen Nevis to Luibeilt via the Mamores

Leg 2 Luibeilt to Fersit - the valley section

Leg 3 Fersit to Glen Nevis YHA

Practicalities

Getting there and around

Water

Suggested backpacker's itinerary

Alternative ways to complete the Charlie Ramsay Round

Places to stay

Support for runners

Rules for runners

The history of the Round

A runner's story: Jasmin Paris

People of the Rounds

Paddy Buckley

Wendy Dodds

Charlie Ramsay

Nicky Spinks

Helene Whitaker

Jasmin Paris

Jim Mann

Mike Hartley

Keri Wallace

Appendix A: Hills and their heights

Appendix B: Distance and elevation at a glance

Appendix C: Firsts on the Rounds

Appendix D: Round extensions, and other eye-wateringly long challenges

Appendix E: Further reading and viewing