Spine Races Route Info

Important notes for 2025

There have been some recent landslides/slips to either side of the footpath in the area of Laddow Rocks due to very wet weather, the path has been checked and is clear and passable. However there is obvious loose and broken land to either side of the trail. Please pay proper attention to your adherence to the route here and if you leave the trail for a rest or toilet break please be mindful of the ground conditions.

There is a Military Exercise in the surrounding forest areas near Bryness, this should not impact the event in any way but obviously there may be military vehicles and personnel moving around the areas. Be aware of vehicles and people in places and at times you would not normally expect them. Make sure if you leave the trail to use the toilet you don’t have 30 camouflaged eyes looking at you!

Here you will find information on the routes for the upcoming Spine races, Winter races are on the top half of the page and Summer races on the second half (Scroll Down).

They are clearly marked “Winter” or “Summer“.

How to download files from the maps below.

  • Click on the “Learn More” button for the route or section you need, Then you can download the correct type of file using the buttons on the top right. FIT, KML or GPX.
  • The download will save automatically to your downloads folder in your computer or phone
  • Load on your device or open in software such as Garmin Explore App, Garmin Basecamp, TwoNav Land or App, Suunto App, Polar App etc.
  • You can even print a basic map for reference although you can’t use this as your compulsory maps requirement for the race as they do not have enough reference detail.

You can browse the maps including zooming in.

Full route files are all less than 10,000 track/waypoints so will go onto all newer handhelds but some watches may struggle with the file sizes. The Sprint file is less than 1,000 track/waypoints so suitable for all devices without splitting down further.

All the routes that are split into sections will be less than 1,000 track/waypoints so will fit on all devices including watches.

We recommend that you always use your devices recommended software to load the route onto a device as that will ensure files are reduced if needed and compatible, if you load the route directly onto the Watch/Handheld’s memory please remember to double check it after loading and that it’s the correct distance and starts and finishes in the right place and works on your device.

Winter Races

Please note the files below are the final files for the 2025 races – Also note when loaded onto your device and downloaded they will still have 24 in the file name. They are the correct 2025 files. Delete all previous files from earlier downloads and previous years races to ensure you only have these files on your device.

You are responsible for having the correct route files loaded.

Winter Spine Race – Full Route (2025)

Start – CP1 (2025)

CP1 – CP2 (2025)

CP2 – CP3 (2025)

CP3 – CP4 (2025)

CP4 – CP5 (2025)

CP5 – Finish (2025)

Winter Spine Sprint – Full Route Only (2025)

Winter Challenger South / MRT Challenger – Full Route (2025)

Start – CP1 (2025)

CP1 – Finish (2025)

Winter Challenger North / Full Route (2025)

Start – CP1 (2025)

CP1 – CP2 (2025)

CP2 – CP3 (2025)

CP3 – Finish (2025)

Potential Bad Weather Diversions (Winter Races)

Below are the potential diversions we may put in place that avoid certain sections in bad weather such as flooding and high winds or icy conditions. This is not an exhaustive list and are only the ones we regularly plan for, it may be possible that we need to add more. All diversions are signed on the event but you are responsible for being able to navigate using your GPS device or maps to avoid obstacles or obstructions that we are not aware of.

These are listed for the whole route and on the day will be signed but you may download these diversions and store them if you wish so you have a .gpx file to follow in case of poor weather such as fog.

Unless there is a sign at the point you divert rom the PW you must continue along the original route.

Deans Clough – To avoid a deep water crossing if very wet – A sign will inform you if the diversion is in place.

Bank Newton into Gargrave – To avoid potentially obstructive cattle or wet muddy fields in winter.

Pen-Y-Ghent – To avoid going over PYG when it’s very windy or icy – A sign will inform you if the diversion is in place.

River Tees – This is a diversion that will be put in place if the river banks are flooded – A sign will inform you if the diversion is in place.

Cauldron Snout – This diversion is to avoid flooding or heavy ice along the riverside path – A sign will inform you if the diversion is in place.

Extreme Circumstances Diversions – These are only likely to be used in very extreme weather where we can’t have anyone on the high sections of the route.

We have never used them yet but they are always a possibility and planned for. If we implement either of these two diversion they will be well signed and marked and where they cross or follow roads there will be “caution runners” warning signs for motorists placed along those sections.

Cross Fell Diversion – A lower route if there is extreme snowfall, ice or extreme winds over Cross Fell for a continued period to prevent the race passing over this area due to safety.

Cheviot Diversion – A lower route if the Cheviot’s are experiencing extreme winds or deep snow and continuing the race over the high areas is not an option as in previous years due to safety.

Race Route vs Pennine Way (Winter Races)

At a few locations we will deviate from the main Pennine way route.

These can be for a couple of reasons

  • Request/Courtesy for local farming or residents where we would cause nuisance.
  • Avoidance of challenging areas that are always boggy/flooded at this time of year.
  • Landslide or path erosion.

It is you responsibility to be aware of these areas where we don’t follow the normal Pennine way and to NOT blindly follow the Pennine way markers.

These are all on the .gpx files already. Please ensure if you are using maps as a primary navigation tool you mark your maps accordingly. It is your responsibility to follow the correct race route.

These sections are as follows for 2024:

  • GARRIGILL – Diversion on North side of the river – To avoid out of service Dryburn Bridge. See Map for details.
  • DUFTON – We divert through the village as there are toilets, the village hall used as a monitoring point sometimes and the Post Box Pantry which is a great resource for food during opening hours.
  • Lintley to Slaggyford – There has been a landslide and some fall away of the path so between Lintley and Slaggyford Station you will follow the Tyne Railway Path – This has been edited on the GPS files.

The Pennine way also has various options such as Higher/Lower routes, the “Pennine Bridleway” and the “A Pennine Journey” route which may be easily confused with signage and on a map in the dark and crisscross the main PW.

Route/GPS Accuracy

GPS devices are in general very accurate and reliable but no GPS device is accurate to the exact metre (Not this side of military stuff anyway). So it’s a very helpful navigation tool but you still need to follow the ground and the path below you and not walk into a bog because the GPS device file said you had to step left a bit!

Accuracy can be affected by various things:

  • Freshly switched on your device? it will take a few minutes to pick up all the satellites it needs to be most accurate, usually about 90-120 seconds on most devices but this will usually only get you accuracy to about 3-5 metres.
  • Rocks, cliffs, magnetic deposits – all of these can affect accuracy especially on digital magnetic compasses and this can now and again confuse devices a little.
  • Bad weather, fog, heavy rain dense clouds etc will all slow down the devices picking up signal.
  • Clothes and kit, have your GPS under your sleeve or in a pocket and it has to work harder to get a fix and will use more power maintaining that fix.
  • How old is your device? Newer devices will pick up signal better and have faster update times and accuracy as the tech improves.

Remember it’s a tool to help you navigate and not to be followed blindly.

Routes change and paths get worn and change, we try to edit the route each year to account for this and diversions etc but we won’t always get it right every time but will try to improve things over the years as we proceed so that the route is as good as we can get it on race day.

The .gpx file distance may be shorter or longer than the advertised distance of the race due to diversions or adjustments. You won’t be charged for extra miles or get a refund for shorter distances!

Whilst we have worked hard to try to ensure the .gpx file is as accurate as possible in relation to the path on the ground there may still be small errors, areas where we need to update the files and on such a long route this means it’s challenging to get the file perfect. We will try to improve this each year but you are still required to navigate the route and use good judgement in navigation decisions.

Be aware also in order to ensure the files fit onto devices we have to reduce the number of points and this slightly reduces accuracy so they won’t follow every tiny curve and bend on the route and sometimes the .gpx track will be a straight line across a bend or turn or a corner of a field etc. It’s a fairly accurate guide but pay attention to the route on the ground also. We will try to improve areas where this happens as the years progress.

Feedback after the race is welcomed.

Sensitive Issues/Areas to be Noted (Winter Races)

Please take note of the following areas and try to consider the notes below to prevent issues that can reflect badly on the race.

Night-time noise – In general if you are walking past farmhouse’s and residential areas at night please be aware that voices carry well at night and although your best rendition of Celine Dion’s “My heart will go on” may sound angelic to you at 4am and help you stay awake, it may not be so appreciated by residents abed. Please keep talking and singing to a whisper when passing houses at night.

Toileting outside – Please when answering the call of nature think about where you answer that call. Off the trail and away from the possibility of being observed is best and please bury it if the ground cover allows that or carry out your doings to the next place you can safely dump it. It should not be left for the public to find on a dog walk.

Use of barns/sheds/public toilets for resting/sleeping – Please be aware that although somewhere may seem cosy and out of the wind it may well be someone’s property and they may not appreciate any mess or damage. If anyone asks you to move then do so and apologise, public toilets are for the public and not a race version of a Travelodge! Leave anywhere you sleep as clean as you found it and consider whether it’s a good idea to post a picture on social media of you sleeping in someone else’s barn/shed or in a public toilet as everyone may not see it the same way you do and we rely greatly on the goodwill and support of the local community.

Farm gates – Please follow the country code when it comes to farm gates, please ensure gates close quietly especially near houses. If you are not from the UK click here. “Country Code”.

The Ash Farm/House – Just after Hornystead farm – The footpath goes around the outside of the farm house (The Ash on a map) and NOT through the courtyard. The owners have had issues with participants in the past wandering around the farm buildings – We have made the .gpx file more accurate here but be aware older maps may still show a path through the farm which has not been the case for many years. Follow the .gpx file here and the signs we will place on this section.

Cronkley Farm – Just before the Langdon Beck CP the official PW on an older map takes you through the farm but there are new footpath signs taking you around to the left of the Barn. Please do not go through the yard by climbing gates etc, go around the big barn to the left and re-join the PW on the far side of the farm.

FAQ’s (Winter Races)

I will try to list and answer the most common questions as they come in and publish below for all to see.

Is the bog hole at Sleightholme Moor just after Tan Hill still there?

Yes it’s still there and marked with stakes and tape and participants should be aware when on that section especially in fog and heavy rain to stick to the path.

What diversions will be signed?

Only the ones for bad weather or last minute ones different to the main maps and files are to be signed, the other ones that are already planned and baked into the .gpx files will not be signed and you should be following the .gpx files or mark these on your maps you are using. This is your responsibility.

Any questions please email, but please check the FAQ’s before emailing me. Lindley@thespinerace.com

Lindley

Summer Races

Summer Spine Race 2024 – Full Route

Start – CP1

CP1 – CP2

CP2 – CP3

CP3 – CP4

CP4 – CP5

CP5 – Finish

Summer Spine Sprint – Full Route Only

Summer Challenger South / MRT Challenger – Full Route

Start – CP1

CP1 – Finish

Summer Challenger North / Full Route

Start – CP1

CP1 – CP2

CP2 – CP3

CP3 – Finish

Potential Bad Weather Diversions (Summer Races)

Below are the potential diversions we may put in place that avoid certain sections in bad weather such as flooding and high winds or icy conditions. This is not an exhaustive list and are only the ones we regularly plan for, it may be possible that we need to add more. All diversions are signed on the event but you are responsible for being able to navigate using your GPS device or maps to avoid obstacles or obstructions that we are not aware of.

These are listed for the whole route and on the day will be signed but you may download these diversions and store them if you wish so you have a .gpx file to follow in case of poor weather such as fog.

Unless there is a sign at the point you divert rom the PW you must continue along the original route.

Deans Clough – To avoid a deep water crossing if very wet – A sign will inform you if the diversion is in place.

Pen-Y-Ghent – To avoid going over PYG when it’s very windy or icy – A sign will inform you if the diversion is in place.

Bank Newton into Gargrave – To avoid potentially obstructive cattle or wet muddy fields and reduce disruption.

River Tees – This is a diversion that will be put in place if the river banks are flooded – A sign will inform you if the diversion is in place.

Cauldron Snout – This diversion is to avoid flooding or heavy ice along the riverside path – A sign will inform you if the diversion is in place.

Race Route vs Pennine Way (Summer Races)

At a few locations we will deviate from the main Pennine way route.

These can be for a couple of reasons

  • Request/Courtesy for local farming or residents where we would cause nuisance.
  • Avoidance of challenging areas that are always boggy/flooded at this time of year.

It is you responsibility to be aware of these areas where we don’t follow the normal Pennine way and to NOT blindly follow the Pennine way markers.

These are all on the .gpx files already. Please ensure if you are using maps as a primary navigation tool you mark your maps accordingly. It is your responsibility to follow the correct race route.

These sections are as follows for Summer 2024:

  • GARRIGILL – Diversion on North side of the river – To avoid out of service Dryburn Bridge. See Map for details.
  • CRONKLEY FARM – Just before the Langdon Beck CP the official PW takes you through the farm but there are new footpath signs taking you around to the left of the Barn. Please do not go through the yard by climbing gates etc.
  • DUFTON – We divert through the village as there are toilets and the Post Box Pantry which is a great resource for food during opening hours.

The Pennine way also has various options such as Higher/Lower routes, the “Pennine Bridleway” and the “A Pennine Journey” route which may be easily confused with signage and on a map in the dark and crisscross the main PW.

Route/GPS Accuracy

GPS devices are in general very accurate and reliable but no GPS device is accurate to the exact metre (Not this side of military stuff anyway). So it’s a very helpful navigation tool but you still need to follow the ground and the path below you and not walk into a bog because the GPS device file said you had to step left a bit!

Accuracy can be affected by various things:

  • Freshly switched on your device? it will take a few minutes to pick up all the satellites it needs to be most accurate, usually about 90-120 seconds on most devices but this will usually only get you accuracy to about 3-5 metres.
  • Rocks, cliffs, magnetic deposits – all of these can affect accuracy especially on digital magnetic compasses and this can now and again confuse devices a little.
  • Bad weather, fog, heavy rain dense clouds etc will all slow down the devices picking up signal.
  • Clothes and kit, have your GPS under your sleeve or in a pocket and it has to work harder to get a fix and will use more power maintaining that fix.
  • How old is your device? Newer devices will pick up signal better and have faster update times and accuracy as the tech improves.

Remember it’s a tool to help you navigate and not to be followed blindly.

Routes change and paths get worn and change, we try to edit the route each year to account for this and diversions etc but we won’t always get it right every time but will try to improve things over the years as we proceed so that the route is as good as we can get it on race day.

The .gpx file distance may be shorter or longer than the advertised distance of the race due to diversions or adjustments. You won’t be charged for extra miles or get a refund for shorter distances!

Whilst we have worked hard to try to ensure the .gpx file is as accurate as possible in relation to the path on the ground there may still be small errors, areas where we need to update the files and on such a long route this means it’s challenging to get the file perfect. We will try to improve this each year but you are still required to navigate the route and use good judgement in navigation decisions.

Be aware also in order to ensure the files fit onto devices we have to reduce the number of points and this slightly reduces accuracy so they won’t follow every tiny curve and bend on the route and sometimes the .gpx track will be a straight line across a bend or turn or a corner of a field etc. It’s a fairly accurate guide but pay attention to the route on the ground also. We will try to improve areas where this happens as the years progress.

Feedback after the race is welcomed.

Sensitive Issues/Areas to be Noted (Summer Races)

Please take note of the following areas and try to consider the notes below to prevent issues that can reflect badly on the race.

Night-time noise – In general if you are walking past farmhouse’s and residential areas at night please be aware that voices carry well at night and although your best rendition of Celine Dion’s “My heart will go on” may sound angelic to you at 4am and help you stay awake, it may not be so appreciated by residents abed. Please keep talking and singing to a whisper when passing houses at night.

Toileting outside – Please when answering the call of nature think about where you answer that call. Off the trail and away from the possibility of being observed is best and please bury it if the ground cover allows that or carry out your doings to the next place you can safely dump it. It should not be left for the public to find on a dog walk.

Use of barns/sheds/public toilets for resting/sleeping – Please be aware that although somewhere may seem cosy and out of the wind it may well be someone’s property and they may not appreciate any mess or damage. If anyone asks you to move then do so and apologise, public toilets are for the public and not a race version of a Travelodge! Leave anywhere you sleep as clean as you found it and consider whether it’s a good idea to post a picture on social media of you sleeping in someone else’s barn/shed or in a public toilet as everyone may not see it the same way you do and we rely greatly on the goodwill and support of the local community.

Farm gates – Please follow the country code when it comes to farm gates, please ensure gates close quietly especially near houses. If you are not from the UK click here. “Country Code”.

The Ash Farm/House – Just after Hornystead farm – The footpath goes around the outside of the farm house (The Ash on a map) and NOT through the courtyard. The owners have had issues with participants in the past wandering around the farm buildings – We have made the .gpx file more accurate here but be aware older maps may still show a path through the farm which has not been the case for many years. Follow the .gpx file here and the signs we will place on this section.

Cronkley Farm – Just before Langdon Beck the official PW on a map (especially older les recent version) takes you through a farm but there are new footpath signs taking you around to the left of the Barn. Please do not go through the yard by climbing gates etc, go around the big barn to the left and re-join the PW on the far side of the farm.

FAQ’s (Summer Races)

I will try to list and answer the most common questions as they come in and publish below for all to see.

Is the bog hole at Sleightholme Moor just after Tan Hill still there?

Yes it’s still there and marked with stakes and tape and participants should be aware when on that section especially in fog and heavy rain to stick to the path.

What diversions will be signed?

Only the ones for bad weather or last minute ones different to the main maps and files are to be signed, the other ones that are already planned and baked into the .gpx files will not be signed and you should be following the .gpx files or mark these on your maps you are using. This is your responsibility.

Any questions please email, but please check the FAQ’s before emailing me. Lindley@thespinerace.com

Lindley