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Event info
GENERAL GUIDELINES AND SAFETY
1. Your BHPA card or international equivalent must be shown at the registration on the 19 June 2025.
2. All competitors need to be BHPA PILOT RATED before registration opens.
Flying site
The X-Lakes Challenge is a hike and fly event, where you create your own adventure in the fells of the Lake District.
The X Lakes two day challenge encourages you to create your own adventure in the Fells of the English Lake District (a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- left before start of event
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Registration will open on
01/02 09:00 (Europe/London)
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🛰️
Live trackers supplied
The organiser will supply Live trackers to you, for safety and scoring
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📱
Good phone coverage
The region generally has good phone coverage
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🛰️
Live trackers mandatory
Live Tracking is MANDATORY in this event to score. The organiser will provide the trackers.
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🛰
Tracklogs managed
The organisers will download the tracklogs at HQ for scoring
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🎉
Party
There will be an organised party during or after the event
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🎵
Live music
There will be live music or a DJ at the event
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♻️
Plastic reduction
The organisers support reducing the use of unnecessary plastic at the event. This includes NOT giving disposable water bottles
Contacts
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X-Lakes Competition Director
- John Westall
- 07884037144
- info@x-lakes.uk
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LCC Director
- Paul Abbott
- 07840 059561
- lcc@cumbriasoaringclub.co.uk
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Sponsorship Handler
- Rob Easthope
- info@x-lakes.uk
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LCC Competition Director
- Richard Bungay
- info@x-lakes.uk
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Social Media Technician
- Oli Beswick
- info@x-lakes.uk
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Sponsorship Handler
- Jacob Aubrey
- info@x-lakes.uk
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Social Media Technician
- Keith Paterson
- info@x-lakes.uk
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Vetting Co-Ordinator
- Rosie Ireland
- info@x-lakes.uk
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Admin
- Phil Hewitson
- 07900920232
- lcc@cumbriasoaringclub.co.uk
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Website Technician
- James Whitmore
- info@x-lakes.uk
Event info
GENERAL GUIDELINES AND SAFETY
1. Your BHPA card or international equivalent must be shown at the registration on the 19 June 2025.
2. All competitors need to be BHPA PILOT RATED before registration opens. (18 June 2025)
3. Update your AirTribune details in good time.
4. An “assumption of risk” form must be completed at registration.
5. A mobile phone is compulsory.
6. Mobile coverage on the Lakeland Fells is limited. A satellite beacon, such as an InReach or SPOT, is strongly recommended as a personal emergency SOS device.
7. All flying equipment must be homologated in an airworthy condition and be BHPA approved and comply with the latest edition of the following EN certification standards:
• Paraglider: EN 926-2 and 926-1 or LTF 91/09 (including CCC FAI class), having aspect ratio under 7,2.
• Harness: EN 1651 with certified protection, or LTF 91/09
• Emergency parachute: EN 12491 or LTF 91/09
• Helmet: EN 966 or snowboarding EN 1077 class is accepted.
8. Please sign up with Puretrack.io as we will be using this at the event for safety.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://puretrack.io/trackers&ved=2ahUKEwic-M25jsiLAxW1U0EAHTRYFmkQFnoECBMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3m5U7dgl94crXGrcqKrthC
9. Ensure you join the X-Lakes Official Telegram Competitors and Chat Groups. Competitors Official Group: https://t.me/+t9vPlzuFibNhOGJk - Competitors Chat Group: https://t.me/+YOQDeiH_V91hZjBk
10. WORLD PILOT RANKING SCHEME (WPRS)
The X-Lakes is applying for FAI Category 2 status so competitors can gain WPRS points.
Pilots that wish to gain WPRS points must have CIVL IDs. Please go to https://ams.fai.org/sign-in
Once registered please inform the X-Lakes Team of your CIVL IDs.
GRASMERE SHOW-GROUND SITE RULES
• No fires
• No BBQs directly on the grass
• All rubbish to be put in the skip by the pavilion
• TAKE HOME your recycling please
• Generators must be on trays
• Toilet chemicals must be GREEN
• No noise after 22.00 or loud music at anytime
• Landing is allowed in the main field in the marked area
• No DRONES without event director permission
• Dogs must be on a lead at all times
The Cumbria Soaring Club Lakes Charity Classic website page will be updated to include information and details on how to apply for the Community Impact Fund for deserving Cumbrian causes, Telegram groups to join and how guests must pre-book this year to attend. ALL competitors, participants, guests and crew should be familiar with this information and visit the page before arriving.
https://www.cumbriasoaringclub.co.uk/lcc/CSC_LCCMain.php
Cumbria Soaring Club members enjoy a discount on the donation when entering. The entry donation includes one meal on the Saturday night.
The X-Lakes is a hike and fly, vol-biv challenge run by pilots for pilots.
It is a fund raising event for local charities and is run in conjunction with the Lakes Charity Classic competition.
Please explore the X-Lakes website for details of prior events
https://x-lakes.uk
FOLLOW THE LINKS BELOW FOR PILOT EXPECTATION:
EVENT ETHOS: https://x-lakes.uk/x-lakes-the-ethos/
RISK STATEMENT: https://x-lakes.uk/x-lakes-challenge-risk-statement/
Follow this link for the X-Lakes VETTING FORM, only to be filled out if required and after you have registered.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfw_1sCAulM_BVt-J66CCeBeGv9rDQTRt82p_XCN0na23mCyQ/viewform
Flying site
Selection and entry fee
All XC competitors require a PILOT RATING, meaning you must have passed your BHPA pilot rating or have the International Pilot Proficiency Information (IPPI) level 4 before 18 June 2025 to take part. ENSURE you answer the poll question on the registration page for the pilot rating.
PLEASE NOTE: To ensure we have some degree of control who competes in the challenge we would like pilots without multi day competitive experience to fill out the X-Lake vetting form. ENSURE you answer the poll question on the registration page and complete and return the vetting form (if required) asap, this will help us process your entry quickly and efficiently. The vetting form link is in the next paragraph below.
Link to the X-Lakes vetting form, only to be filled out if required and after you have registered.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfw_1sCAulM_BVt-J66CCeBeGv9rDQTRt82p_XCN0na23mCyQ/viewform
A maximum of 40 places are available for the X-Lakes two day challenge.
If they apply, the previous year's top ten (as per results listed on the website) will be automatically offered an option for a place to compete in the two day challenge. The three top-placed competitors in the previous year’s one day challenge will also be offered an option to participate in the two day challenge if they want to take part.
The remaining places in the two day challenge will then be awarded on the basis of when they registered, remember if you snooze you loose. The organisers will reserve some places as wildcard positions to be awarded at their discretion. If successful, entrants will be invited to make their charitable donation. If the payment is not received within two weeks of acceptance your place will be given to the first competitor on the waiting list.
Please don’t try to register for any of the other LLC events to edge your chances of success.
Documents required at registration
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FAI Sporting Licence
Issued by your local NAC on behalf of the FAI. You cannot normally compete in an FAI event without one. Contact your National Association (NAC)
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FAI IPPI Card
The FAI IPPI card is an International card that states your skill level. It is issued by your National Association and matches the level or your flying Licence
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National Licence
The organiser requires you to present your National flying licence.
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Signed Application form
You will need to sign an applicaton form at the venue. Usually the organiser will provide it on arrival.
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Signed Waiver/Release form
You will need to sign a waiver or release document to show you understand the risks. Usually the organiser will provide it on arrival.
Cancellation Policy
If the organisers have to cancel more than four weeks prior to the event, then all payments will be offered for refund although entrants may opt to allow their unused entry fee to go forward for donation to charity.
Both events will proceed regardless of the weather.
Prize fund and scoring categories
The two day challenge awards a trophy for the overall highest score. Based on returning to the finish, and signing the athlete's two day challenge sign inboard and accruing the highest score of Wainwright's bagged. We will be awarding a prize to the highest scoring male and female competitors.
A trophy is awarded to the highest scoring competitor in the Vol-Biv Challenge.
A ‘Jo-median’ trophy will also be provided for the person coming in the mid-field position in the two day challenge to recognise the value of simply taking part in the X-Lakes challenge!
In the event of a tie the winner is the competitor with the most Wainwrights. If it's still tied the winner is the first competitor to return to the show-ground and sign the athletes two day challenge sign inboard.
General schedule
Wednesday 18 June:
12:00 - Grasmere show-ground opens from noon onwards
Collect Wristbands
Park Up / Pitch Tents
Free-Flying
Thursday 19 June:
17:00 - 19:00 - Registration
19:30 - 20:30 - LCC and X-Lakes Briefings
Friday 20 June:
06:30 - 07:30 - Issue Trackers
08:00 - Start Challenge
16:00 - 17:00 One Day Challenge Ends
21:00 - Two Day Challenge Flying Ceases
22:00 - Two Day Challenge Mandatory Night Pause
Please Note: if the weather is more favourable on Saturday for the one day challenge we will move it.
Saturday 21 June:
07:00 - Two Day Challenge Re-Starts
16:00 - 17:00 - Day Two Challenge Ends
18:00 - 20:00 Evening meal, Raffle and Prize-Giving
20:00 - 22:00 - Evening Entertainment
Sunday 22 June:
Free-Flying
Depart from the show ground
Daily schedule
12:00 Arrival at Gramere:
On arrival at the Grasmere show-ground
ensure you collect your wristbands from the main office.
Choose a perfect pitch to camp, this year we will have different areas depending on your preferences.
Free Flying:
During the LCC event please take advantage of our beautiful flying areas and explore to your heart's content.
Thursday 19 June
17:00 Registration:
All competitors and their supporters will be welcomed to registration at the main office at 17:00.
19:00 Registration Closes:
Please come in good time to registration as we will be finishing promptly ready for the Briefing.
19:30 Event Briefing:
During the briefing the task committee and organisers will discuss local weather and possible route options. The technical support team will demonstrate the tracking systems and the safety support systems will be discussed. A local knowledge expert will discuss the complex mountain systems and how the sea breeze will affect the area during the competition, this will help you with your route selection.
Friday 20 June
06:30 Collect Trackers:
Competitors are required to report to collect their trackers from the main office at 06:30 on the Friday of the event.
07:30 Confirmatory Brief:
The task committee may elect to have a confirmatory briefing at 07:30 in which case all participants will be informed by the X-Lakes Official Telegram Group.
08:00 Challenge Start:
The Challenge will begin at 08:00. Any change to this plan will be shared by the X-Lakes Official Telegram Group. All competitors must write their name on the appropriate sign inboard in block capitals before the challenge starts to confirm they are competing.
16:00 One Day Finish:
The one day challenge finishes at 16:00 on Friday, all competitors must sign in by their name on the athletes one day challenge sign inboard by 16:00 to avoid any penalties.
17:00 Late Finishers:
Late finishers will be treated as follows:
– 10 points will be deducted from the pilot score for each ten minutes of lateness. The 1st second past 16:00 results in 10 points being deducted, 20 at 10 minutes and 1 second, up to 60 points at 16:50 and 1 second.
– Over an hour late scores zero.
In any case where a competitor cannot make it back by 17:00 on Friday they must report in on the X-Lakes Official Telegram Group. However, all their points will be forfeited.
Any competitor may withdraw from the event at any time. However, they must inform the event organisers on the X-Lakes Official Telegram Group and when they return sign in by their name on the one day challenge sign inboard.
Failure to report withdrawing could cause a major rescue being activated.
21:00 Flying Ceases
All two day competitors must be on the deck by 21:00.
22:00 Two Day Competitors Compulsory Rest Period:
All two day competitors must stop and report in their position to the X-Lakes Official Telegram Group at 22:00.
Saturday 21 June
07:00 Two Day Challenge Re-Start Time:
All competitors must return to their finish locations to restart their Challenge not before 07:00.
16:00 Two Day Finish:
The two day challenge finishes at 16:00 on Saturday, all competitors must sign in by their name on the athletes two day challenge sign inboard by 16:00 to avoid any penalties.
17:00 Late Finishers:
Late finishers will be treated as follows:
– 10 points will be deducted from the pilot score for each ten minutes of lateness. The 1st second past 16:00 results in 10 points being deducted, 20 at 10 minutes and 1 second, up to 60 points at 16:50 and 1 second.
– Over an hour late scores zero.
In any case where a competitor cannot make it back by 17:00 on Friday they must report in on the X-Lakes Official Telegram Group. However, all their points will be forfeited.
Any competitor may withdraw from the event at any time. However, they must inform the event organisers on the X-Lakes Official Telegram Group and when they return sign in by their name on the two day challenge sign inboard.
Failure to report with drawing could cause a major rescue being activated.
18:00 -19:00 Evening Meal and Raffle.
All competitors, supporters and guests are welcome to join us for their free evening meal and buy their raffle tickets to support our charity fundraising causes.
19:00 - 20:00 Prize Giving
20:00 - 22:00 Evening Entertainment
Sunday 22 June
Free-Flying
Depart from show ground
Accommodation and Activities
Motorhomes and caravans are welcomed on the sports field. Camping is available from Wednesday to Sunday. The grassy tented areas are flat and it is usually possible to park alongside your tent. Free showers. There are NO electric hookups for campervans.
Non-competitors / guests are also welcome to camp and attend but must pre-book via this online form by 16 June - https://www.eventbookings.com/b/event/lcc-x-lakes-2025
If you prefer not to camp, search the usual online accommodation portals for Grasmere Village options to suit most budgets.
The X-Lakes hike and fly challenges are now officially Cumbria Soaring Club events and will again run alongside the LCC. They overlap with the LCC events so it is not possible to take part in both.
How to get here
The map below shows the event main office / Grasmere Sports Field location.
The link below directs you to the main access to the sports field:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/v3n3e2mLWK3vNqVs6
1 Stock Ln,
Grasmere,
Ambleside LA22 9SJ, UK
Grasmere United Kingdom
Downloads
Waypoint files
Organizers
Contacts
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X-Lakes Competition Director
- John Westall
- 07884037144
- info@x-lakes.uk
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LCC Director
- Paul Abbott
- 07840 059561
- lcc@cumbriasoaringclub.co.uk
-
Sponsorship Handler
- Rob Easthope
- info@x-lakes.uk
-
LCC Competition Director
- Richard Bungay
- info@x-lakes.uk
-
Social Media Technician
- Oli Beswick
- info@x-lakes.uk
-
Sponsorship Handler
- Jacob Aubrey
- info@x-lakes.uk
-
Social Media Technician
- Keith Paterson
- info@x-lakes.uk
-
Vetting Co-Ordinator
- Rosie Ireland
- info@x-lakes.uk
-
Admin
- Phil Hewitson
- 07900920232
- lcc@cumbriasoaringclub.co.uk
-
Website Technician
- James Whitmore
- info@x-lakes.uk