Walling Competition 2026

Dry stone walling competition

30 May 2026 / 8.45am – 3.30pm

Our annual dry stone walling competition, takes place at Barkin House Farm, Gateback (From Kendal, just off B6254 after Old Hutton) on Saturday 30 May 2026. All experienced wallers are invited to enter. 

All competitors must arrive by 8.45 am at the latest to draw stints. 

Entry: FREE for spectators and wallers alike.

For those wallers who book in advance we will provide a lunch for you.

Enter the Competition

To enter you will need to download and complete a 2026 Entry Form (below). This competition is the first of six in the Dry Stone Walling Association’s Ellwood Grand Prix. If you are taking part in the Grand Prix please make sure you tick the box on the entry form.

2026 Competition Booklet (pdf)

2026 Entry Form (Word doc)

Please return your completed entry form by post or email to:

Kelley Sproston-Heath
Friends of the Lake District
Murley Moss
Oxenholme Road, 
Kendal, Cumbria
LA9 7SS                   
Tel:  01539 720788
Email: kelley.sproston-heath@fld.org.uk

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Classes

Please say which Class you are entering on your booking form. 

CLASS 1 – Professional (1^st £100,  2^nd £80,  3^rd £50)

Anyone whose main income is from walling or who has previously won first prize in a competition in Class 2 or equivalent.  

CLASS 2 – Amateur / Open (1^st £60,  2^nd £40,  3^rd £30)

Open to those with some experience who have not won first prize in a competition in this class or equivalent. (DSWA Grand Prix Novice entries will be placed in this class).

CLASS 3 – Novice / Juniors (1^st £30,  2^nd £20,  3^rd £10)

Open to those who have never competed before or anyone who has won less than two first prizes in previous competitions in this class. 

CLASS 4 – Veteran Class (1^st £60,  2^nd £40,  3^rd £30)

Open to those aged 60 and above. 

If you are unsure which class you should enter please contact Friends of the Lake District (contact details above).

PRIZES:  Will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in each class plus best overall Footings and Cams, and best lady waller.

TROPHIES:      To be awarded at each event and held for one year 

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Rules

1. The wall should be battered (sloping) on both sides.
2. The walling must be the competitor’s own work.  Stones must be used from the competitor’s own stretch and all stone must be used. 
3. The length of wall will be a maximum of 3 metres but may be shorter.
4. Competitors must have some practical experience in walling.
5. Competitors will be expected to provide their own tools and safety equipment/clothing including goggles and steel toe cap boots.
6. Individual walling frames and strings must not be used.
7. All competitors are responsible for tidying up their own stint.
8. No hammers to be used.
9. The decision of the Judges will be final.

Please return your entry form or email your entry details to Friends of the Lake District at least five days before the event.