Fancy a taking a grand tour this summer? For this one, you don't need to leave the country for a cultural tour of Europe! No, you just need to make your way to the Lake District for a race of epic proportions - the Grand Tour of Skiddaw.

Taking place on 26 August, this is an approximately 46 mile ultra trail race which takes in the beautiful Northern Lake District with a climb up the mighty Skiddaw at the halfway point (roughly), giving a total of 7136 feet of ascent.
 
The route is almost entirely run on public footpaths and bridleways with beautiful and changing vistas over every mile. The route follows the River Caldew, winding through fields and woods before changing to the stunning and remote Caldbeck Fells. The climb up Skiddaw follows, and after visiting the summit runners will descend via Longside Edge giving them fantastic views over Bassenthwaite.
 
But the 'grandness' of this race doesn't stop at the jaw-dropping scenery, organisers told us there will be a bar (The Stagger Inn), woodfired pizza, a firepit and much more besides. In fact, those who want to make a night (or weekend) of it have the option to camp on Friday and Saturday night.

And we mustn't forget the all important medal, which is also grand in nature, a race spokesperson said: "Everyone who crosses the finish-line within cutoff time will receive a gorgeous Lakeland slate medal and a finishers shirt (which if we say so ourselves, is what my dad would call 'pub worthy')."

If you fancy it, but reckon your navigational skills could do with some improvement, then check out the Navigation Skills and Recce Weekend which will help with your training for the event. Taking place on 13/14 May, organisers say: "You will spend two days under the guidance of NAV4 Adventure. Well known and well respected, what Joe and his team don't know about navigation isn't worth knowing."

Organisers tell us that the solo event is already 60% full and there are only four pairs places left - so if you'd like to know more be quick and visit the Grand Tour of Skiddaw website.

Image: Grand Tour of Skiddaw