Saturday · 25 April 2026 · Mendip Hills
A self-navigation ultra-marathon through six pubs, two reservoirs and the highest point of the Mendip Hills. Run by trail runners, for trail runners.
The race
The BTU is organised by Bristol-based Town & Country Harriers — every marshal, checkpoint volunteer and aid-station crew member is a trail runner who knows what you need out there. All surplus goes to the Mendip Hills Fund; we’ve donated £18,800 to date.
A loop of the full Butcombe Trail — Bleadon, Axbridge, Cheddar, Priddy, Hinton Blewett, Compton Martin, Beacon Batch (highest point in the Mendips, 325 m), and back to Basecamp. Trail-marathon experience required.
Enter 50MA first ultra, or a fast day out. Climbs the side of Cheddar Gorge then drops into the peaceful Velvet Bottom nature reserve before looping home via Charterhouse.
Enter 50KThe route
The Butcombe Trail was conceived in 2007 as a six-pub hiking route by local walker Sue Gearing, in collaboration with Butcombe Brewery. We turned it into an ultramarathon in 2016. Expect tracks, tarmac lanes, fields, woodland, reservoirs and one proper hill at the end — Beacon Batch, the highest point in the Mendips at 325 m.
| CP | Location | Leg | Total | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bleadon | 15 km | 15 km | — |
| 2 | Axbridge | 12 km | 27 km | — |
| 3 | Draycott | 8 km | 35 km | — |
| 4 | Priddy | 6 km | 41 km | 15:30 |
| 5 | Hinton Blewett | 15 km | 56 km | 18:15 |
| 6 | Compton Martin | 7 km | 63 km | 19:30 |
| 7 | Charterhouse | 6 km | 69 km | 21:00 |
| F | Basecamp | 11 km | 80 km | 23:00 |
| CP | Location | Leg | Total | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bleadon | 15 km | 15 km | — |
| 2 | Axbridge | 12 km | 27 km | 14:15 |
| 3 | Charterhouse | 12 km | 39 km | 16:45 |
| F | Basecamp | 11 km | 50 km | 19:00 |
Route files updated 16/12/2025 (v1.1). Always check for the latest version before race day.
Race day
Mandatory kit
The Mendips look gentle but the weather turns fast. Spot checks happen at registration and on course. Anyone missing kit will be DNS’d / DQ’d — no exceptions.
Camping & basecamp
£15 per person, per night. Tents, campervans, motorhomes welcome — no electrical hook-ups. Book through SI Entries up to two days before the race.
Arrive from 3 pm Friday 24 April. Leave by midday Sunday 26 April.
Cheer along any public right of way. Checkpoints are the best places to catch your runner. Pacing is allowed only after the final checkpoint (CP7, Beacon Batch on 50M).
Live tracking on race day:
Alpine Lounge — Fri 9:00–20:30, Sat–Sun 9:00–18:00.
Basecamp Pavilion Café — Sat 7:00–22:00. Last hot food orders one hour before close.
Hot post-race meal (meat or vegan) included for every finisher.
Recces
Self-navigation rewards preparation. We run four organised recce days every winter — drop in, follow a TACH leader, and stop for a pint somewhere good. Free, no booking, all welcome. Watch our Facebook for updates.
What runners say
“The route is beautiful — an absolute dream if you love trails and enjoy a good hill. One of the nicest race starts I’ve ever experienced.”
Amy Boalch · 2022 BTU50 winner
“Best one I’ve ever run. Incredible value for money — superb organisation and a stunning route.”
Randy Lahey
“The course is fantastic, the marshals incredibly friendly, and the aid stations well-stocked.”
Fizzwhigler · RunUltra.co.uk
“Well-marshalled, the pub stops are a joy — they ease the miles.”
Markyash · RunUltra.co.uk
FAQs
The 50-mile race requires you to have completed a trail marathon since January 2024. The 50K has no formal experience requirement, but you should have trained appropriately for the distance and elevation.
90% refund up to two months before race day, 50% up to one month before, no refunds after. Pregnancy: 100% refund on notification. If we cancel the event for any reason, you get a full refund. Entries can’t be deferred to a future year.
Yes, but they must be removed at every checkpoint and road crossing. Repeated breaches risk disqualification.
One pacer is allowed from the final checkpoint only.
No. Carry everything you need — aid stations are well stocked but legs can be up to 16 km long.
Sadly not — there’s livestock on the route. Dogs are welcome at Basecamp camping though.
Guide runners go free. Email us at butcombetrailultra@tach.club and we’ll sort it out.
Sweet (cake, biscuits, fruit, sweets), savoury (crisps, nuts, sausage rolls), water, squash, flat cola at every checkpoint. Vegan options available throughout. A free hot meal at the finish for every runner — meat or vegan.
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Every penny of surplus from the BTU goes to the Mendip Hills Fund, supporting environmental conservation and community projects across the AONB. The race is organised entirely by volunteer trail runners from Town & Country Harriers.