District 16
10–17 July 2027 · Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, England, UK
About District 16
District 16 is a self-supported, ultra-distance bikepacking challenge exploring the Lake District and its surrounding landscapes in northwest England.
Starting and finishing in Kirkby Lonsdale, the event takes riders on an approximately 600 km journey with 16,000 m of climbing, passing around or near the sixteen principal lakes, meres and waters of the Lake District.
The route combines rocky mountain trails, gravel tracks, bridleways, technical singletrack and hike-a-bike sections. With challenging terrain and substantial elevation gain, District 16 is designed for experienced riders seeking a demanding, multi-day off-road adventure.
The organiser recommends a hardtail mountain bike to tackle the varied terrain.
District 16 follows a self-supported format. Participants must navigate independently and manage their own food, water, mechanical repairs and overnight arrangements. Riders may use commercially available services accessible to all participants, but private support crews and dedicated resupply arrangements are not permitted.
The 2027 event starts at 08:00 on Saturday 10 July, with the event programme running through Saturday 17 July. The organiser states that there is no finishing cut-off.
Registration
Registration Status: Opens 1 November 2026
Registration for District 16 2027 is scheduled to open on Sunday 1 November 2026 and close on Sunday 27 June 2027 at 20:00.
The published entry fee is £95.
Participants must be at least 18 years old on the event date.
Registration is managed through SI Entries.
Routes & Races
District 16 – 600 km
Distance: Approx. 600 km · Elevation: Approx. 16,000 m · Route Format: Loop · Terrain: Mixed off-road, including gravel, rocky trails, bridleways, singletrack and hike-a-bike.
District 16 follows a demanding circuit through the Lake District, passing around or near sixteen lakes, meres and waters before returning to Kirkby Lonsdale.
The route combines technical mountain-bike terrain with gravel tracks, bridleways and other off-road surfaces. Riders should expect steep climbs, challenging descents and sections where pushing or carrying the bike may be necessary.
The challenge is self-supported, with participants responsible for navigation, resupply and mechanical issues throughout their journey.
The organiser recommends a hardtail mountain bike.
Age Groups & Eligibility
District 16 is open to participants aged 18 or over on 10 July 2027.
No separate competitive age-group classifications have been confirmed for the 2027 edition.
Practical Information
Start and finish: The Royal Barn, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria.
Start time: 08:00 on Saturday 10 July 2027.
Event duration: The published event dates are 10–17 July 2027. The organiser states that there is no finishing cut-off.
Navigation: Riders receive an official GPX route file and are responsible for following the course independently.
GPS tracking: A GPS tracker is included in the entry fee and is mandatory.
Equipment: A hardtail mountain bike is recommended for the technical off-road terrain.
Support: District 16 is self-supported. Riders must arrange their own food, water, accommodation and mechanical assistance using services available to all participants.
Parking and camping: Arrangements for the 2027 event are awaiting organiser confirmation.
