Taking on the George Fisher Tea Round in Late November

Some challenges don't make sense on paper — and that's exactly why they stick. The George Fisher Tea Round is one of those: 30 miles, over 12,000 feet of climbing, 10 classic Lakeland fells, and a route that starts and finishes outside a shop in Keswick. There's no medal, no race bib, no aid stations. Just you, the mountains, and a big day out.

And in my case — late November.

Why the Tea Round?

There’s something about the simplicity of the Tea Round that drew me in. It’s not just a run; it’s a pilgrimage of sorts. You start at the George Fisher outdoor shop, hit the tops that loom above Derwentwater and Borrowdale, then return to sign the book and claim your badge (if you’re into that sort of thing). It’s a way to connect with the fells, to put yourself in the landscape rather than just move through it.

But doing it in winter? That’s a different story. Fewer daylight hours. Colder temps. Icy rock, wet trails, and the likelihood of weather that doesn’t care about your plans.

That’s the point.

The Route

The Tea Round includes a greatest-hits list of Lake District peaks:Catbells, Robinson, Hindscarth, Dale Head, High Spy, Maiden Moor, Grisedale Pike, Eel Crag (Crag Hill), Sail, and Causey Pike.

You can take various lines between them, but whichever way you slice it, it’s rough and technical terrain with a whole lot of up and down.

Most people aim for summer conditions — dry rock, long daylight, runnable trails. I’ll be attempting it with about 8 hours of light and a forecast that could easily throw rain, sleet, or snow at me. There’s no backup plan. That’s part of the appeal.

Going Semi-Supported

While the Tea Round is often done solo and self-supported, I’ll be going for a semi-supported effort — meaning I’ll be running the route on my own, but with help from my partner at key road crossings.

She’ll be meeting me with food, hot drinks, and any gear changes I might need along the way. No pacers or route support, but having that contact — especially in the colder, darker hours — will be a huge help. It also adds a layer of safety in what could be pretty wild conditions.

We’ve mapped out a few access points where she can meet me quickly if I need to adjust my plan on the fly. It’s not a luxury — it’s smart mountain sense in late November.

Gear Choices

I’ll probably do a full gear breakdown after the run, but for now, I’m going with:

• Footwear: Grippy, aggressive trail shoes that drain well

• Clothing: A layered system — thermal base, windproof mid, and a bombproof waterproof on top. Gloves I can eat with, and enough spare kit to keep me warm at a crawl if I ever need to stop

• Navigation: GPS watch with a GPX loaded, but also map and compass as backup

• Lighting: A powerful headtorch + spare — I’ll almost certainly finish in the dark

• Nutrition: A mix of real food, gels, salty stuff, and a couple of "comfort snacks" (yes, there will be fruitcake)

• Extras: Poles, dry bags, first aid, and all the things you hope not to need but always pack anyway

Having support means I can rotate some of this gear out if needed, which gives me a bit more flexibility without going light to the point of reckless.

Why November?

Because it’s harder. Because it’s uncertain. Because I want to see what happens when comfort is off the table and commitment is all you’ve got left.

I’m not chasing a time. I’m chasing a feeling — that sense of full immersion in the landscape, of being small in a place that doesn’t care how strong or fast you are.

We don’t get many chances in life to do something that’s both stupid and meaningful. This is mine.

What I Hope People Take from This

You don’t need a start line or a medal to do something worthwhile. Some of the most powerful experiences come from the challenges we set ourselves — the ones with no audience, no reward, and no guarantee of success.

If you’re reading this and wondering whether you could do something like the Tea Round, you probably can. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not in November, but someday. Start building. Get out on the hills. Embrace the bad weather. Learn to suffer well.

I'll be updating this post after the run with how it all went — the good, the bad, and whether I still want tea after 30 miles in the cold.

See you on the hill.

Want to know more about the Tea Round or plan your own? Check out the George Fisher website for the route, summit list, and the story behind it.