Rowrah Kart Circuit

About Rowrah Kart Circuit

Rowrah — officially the home of the Cumbria Kart Racing Club (CKRC) — is one of Britain's genuine karting landmarks. A small band of enthusiasts carved the circuit out of a disused quarry in 1963, and it has been a fixture of British club karting ever since. It has a serious pedigree: the club lists David Coulthard, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Paul di Resta, George Russell and Lando Norris among the drivers who raced here during their karting years. This is not a leisure-park attraction bolted onto an arcade — it is a proper competition circuit that also opens its doors to the public, and it is very well regarded, sitting around 4.8 out of 5 on Google.

The Circuit

The track runs to roughly 1,030 metres with about eleven corners, and its defining feature is the setting: the whole circuit sits on the floor of the old quarry, so the gradient changes and the way corners fall away make it one of the most technical and demanding layouts in the country. That quarry setting has a bonus — the surrounding walls give spectators a rare full view of the entire circuit. Drivers consistently describe Rowrah as a track that rewards commitment and precision; it is the kind of place where lap time comes from reading the undulations and stringing corners together, not from raw straight-line speed.

Who Should Visit

Rowrah is best suited to drivers who genuinely enjoy the challenge of a technical circuit — improving amateurs, owner-drivers and anyone drawn to club-level competition. As the base of CKRC it runs a full race calendar, from club championships and Summer Series rounds to national events like Super 1 and gearbox racing, so keen racers have plenty to aim at. Importantly, you do not have to be a member to drive: the club also offers public arrive & drive sessions for friends, groups and colleagues. It is a fantastic experience for petrolheads and F1 fans who want to lap the same quarry as future grand prix winners — though for very young children or a purely casual first spin, a dedicated leisure centre may be an easier introduction.

Planning Your Visit

Rowrah is at Kirkland, Frizington, in west Cumbria (CA26 3XU), on the edge of the Lake District. As an outdoor circuit in an exposed quarry setting, conditions can change quickly, and sessions generally run in the wet — but it is well worth checking ahead, as public availability is tied to the club's race and practice calendar. There is a café on site during operating hours, with evening catering laid on during weekend race events, though facilities are geared to racing rather than a full day-out venue.

Pricing is mid-range for UK karting. Because this is a working club circuit rather than a drop-in centre, always book ahead and confirm current session times, availability and prices directly with Cumbria Kart Racing Club before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions