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Recce 2nd August

Who is the Navigator Here?

Having been on holiday last week with the most active thing I had done being a bit of fishing I was ready for a spot of training back in the fells. I had not checked my emails so was not sure who would be interested in a jog around Leg 3 and 4, especially when the other option was the Borrowdale fell race! As ever Richard was keen for a day out and Tim had already booked early to avoid disappointment. Rob S was also keen to see what all the fuss was about. There was also an email from Jonathan Bradshaw who is planning a go at the round the same day as me! He was keen to meet up for the day. He kindly offered to leave his car at Honister Pass the night before and do leg 5 as a warm up.
At the allotted hour we set out from Dunmail up Steel Fell following the posts to Calf Crag and then to Sgt Man and High Raise. At this point I seemed to loose concentration, missing Thunacar Knott and headed for Pavey Ark. What was alarming is that everybody followed. The next event was Tim’s bog trip, the same one I dived in a few weeks ago, not as deep but equally as impressive, but he was out and running in no time.
After Esk Pike there were a few milling about waiting for the runners in the Borrowdale Fell Race. We headed on missing III Crag and having to double back. On the climb up to Scafell Pike the lead runners went past going considerably quicker than us (but they were only out for a quick 17mile trot!) We then messed about trying to find Broad Stand. At this point Tim and Rob decided to take the path down to Wasdale leaving me, Jonathan and Richard to have a go at climbing the stand in the wet. Luckily a rope was in place. Jonathan climbed in no trouble. I wish the same can be said for me. Next came Richard and by the look on his face he was really enjoying the experience!!!. I will need a rope on the day if it’s wet. The scramble to the top was not very pleasant and we were glad to be on the top. On the decent into Wasdale the mist lifted and the sun came out. At the footbridge we stopped for a bit of lunch and then Richard, Rob and Tim headed for Sty Head and the pub at Seatoller, leaving Jonathan and I to head up Yewbarrow. The navigation on Leg 4 was considerably better and we got round in just over 4hrs 30mins. We all met up for a quick cup of tea in the youth hostel and then all piled into Jonathan’s car (not quite as posh as Richard’s Mondeo!) and headed for Dunmail.
I stopped in the Travelers’ Rest for a pint and Steak and Chips with Jonathan before he set of for home. He seemed very strong on the two legs and I am sure he will fly round on the day. Hope the same can be said for me. One more long run next week in the Howgills before I start to take it easy.

Recce 26th July

Look it's Billy Bland!

Having re-arranged the route to accommodate a number of interested parties it ended up with me on my tod! I did hang around in the car part at Seatoller till about 8.10 but decided that any of the likely crew must have had better offers, or where just having a lie in like most sane people on a Saturday morning. Still the day looked like it was going to be good and the Borrowdale Valley looked stunning so I was not too perturbed. I slapped in the sun cream, topped up the water, and trotted off down the track to Seatoller and Styhead. I climbed the track beside Styhead Gill and as I approached the tarn another runner was coming the other way. Slight with tight curly grey hair I think it was “Billy” Bland. Given his time for the round I paid homage and trotted on. He seemed to be setting a good pace!
After my last attempt at Yewbarrow going “off piste”, I used John’s directions and headed for the gate he had described. Yes, it looked a far more straightforward route to the top. “Not!” I am of the opinion that there is no good route up, just lots of loose ground and heather. As I started the climb there was the merest wisp of cloud on the tops, but by the time I reached Yewbarrow summit the clag was in thick. I had hoped for a clear day to get the route clear in my head but no such luck. From the summit I dropped of the track to meet the lower track at Dore Head so missing out the scramble and climbed on to Red Pike and this time found Steeple in the mist. It was calm still day however and made for a reasonably cool run.
I messed up on Pillar, instead of checking the compass I asked a guy by the trig point for the path to Black Sail Pass and he confidently pointed into the mist. I set of in the direction on what looked like the path only to spend 10 minutes climbing down some very steep ground. Why it took me so long to realize this was not the route I don’t know, so it was back to the top and take a bearing. Once on the correct path I passed the “git” who had given me the bum info and ran on without a nod. At Black Sail I took on stew and then headed up Kirk Fell. On the scramble there where a couple making heavy going of the loose ground so we detoured around them. The dog however decided to scramble up some loose stones only to kick them down on the couple below. I didn’t have my hearing aids on so luckily couldn’t make out what they where shouting about. I quickly disappeared into the mist and made for the top. The metal posts lead to the path, but I decided to take a more direct route aiming for Kirk Tarn and pick up the path a Rib End. But in the mist I missed the tarns and spent a bit of time getting back on track. I picked up the path and started the climb to Great Gable summit. Just as I crested the top the sun came out. Fantastic a view at last!
From Green Gable I made good time down to Brandreth and Grey Knotts, it’s amazing how must easier it is when you can see the route. I got to the car park at Honister Pass at 2pm. The route from Wasdale to Honister had taken 4hrs 30mins, and given the 20 minute detour on Pillar and a 10 minute stop for lunch it I was reasonably pleased with the time. I looked up Dale Head but after 18 miles I decided to take the bridle way down to the car. Coming into Seatoller I sat in Hause Gill; cold but very refreshing.
A quick cup of tea and another long run over. Not many more now until the round. I must say I am starting to feel a little tired and will be glad when I can “lie in” on a Saturday morning like the rest of you!!

Recce 19th July

Where has the Summer Gone?

Looked out this morning and there didn’t seem a lot of incentive to head into the fells, especially Borrowdale!. But needs must. Driving into the Borrowdale Valley it was raining hard and all the tops where cloaked in the clag. The river was running fast, and all the becks coming off the fells were in full spate. I didn’t think there would be any takers for a day in the fells, but you never can tell. As I rounded the corner to Honister there was Richard in his immaculately presented Ford Mondeo. Great, someone to share the day. Jess was not to keen to get out of the car, which gives some idea of the weather! Wet and the wind had a decided chill, could this really be July?
We got moving pretty quickly to warm up and where soon slogging up Grey Knotts and then onto Brandreth. We then cut down under the clag to Buttermeer, crossing lots of lovely heather and marsh. Sapping, but good training. At the farm we turned up Fleetwith Pike, this is some climb it’s up up up all the way, but the run off the top back down to Honister is worth the effort. We thought about a cup of tea at the Youth Hostel but decided that if we did we would not come out again so we made for the top of Dale Head. Then on to Hindscarth, and Robinson. We set a good pace and at Robinson Richard decided to retrace his steps back to Dale Head and the car. Don’t blame him. I continued on, keen to see the route off Robinson down to Little Town. The scramble off surprised me, it was wet and seemed difficult. Don’t fancy it much if I get that far on the day, I could well be on my proverbial a bit. The track improved considerably after this however and the run into Little Town was enjoyable.
Stopped at the Chappel, no to prey, but for a spot of Lunch (Ray’s Stew) and then slogged up High Craggs back up to Hindscarth and then Dale Head. Although the weather had lifted a bit on the way down to Little Town, it had closed in again by the time I reached Hindscarth with strong (40mph) wind and driving rain. After 5.5hrs, 18miles and 9,000 feet I was glad to be back at the car.
The river was rising fast in the Borrowdale Valley and I would guess if the rain keeps up the road would be impassable by late afternoon. Still that’s not my problem. Thanks to Richard for turning out, it sure helps to have someone to run with.

Recce 13th July

Heather and Spongy Grass - Not a Good Combination

What a turn out for an early Sunday Morning. Dunmail Raise was like a car park. Richard, Tim and Mike M where all set when I got there. Mike, Dave D, Helen and Julie arrived shortly after and then Ray and Cath. A grand total of 10, although Ray only planned to make a guest appearance at Great Calva. We left two cars at Dunmail Raise, and dropped another at Threlkeld and then drove into Keswick to park up. We finally found some space up by the swimming pool. Most of that area is limited to 2hrs now.
We were all set to go by 8.15 am. But which way? After several recce runs in the mist on the fells with little problem, we where lost in Keswick, how embarrassing! We got some looks, 9 of us milling around near New Balance factory outlet. Maybe the onlookers thought we were waiting for them to open or something! Still it was not long before we where on track and heading for the top of Skiddaw. The line began to extend out. Richard, the two Mikes and I pushed on to get the split at the top of Skiddaw.
We then regrouped and viewed the route to Great Calva. I had done this leg once before and knew that there is a good and a bad way to make the crossing. We soon started to spread out again and decided to split into two groups. Tim, Mike Cath and I headed up Great Calva while Helen, Julie, Dave, Mike and Richard skirted around with the plan to meet up at the bottom of Blencathra. As I said, there is a right and a wrong way to cross to Great Calva and it soon transpired we where on the wrong line. Deep in the heather. However, as if by magic Mr Ben appeared in the form of Ray, equipped with a rather trendy woolly hat. We stopped to discuss the best line and then set off for the top of Great Calva. The heather at this time of year is thick and high, and looking down to the beck there was plenty to cross. Ray had a theory that a line to the West would prove faster than the direct route. We decided to split up. Ray and I went West while Cath, Mike and Tim went the direct route. At the beck we spotted Richard coming along the Cumbria Way but no sign of the others. Ray left us at the beck and Richard and I started the climb up Long Brow. We drifted left and soon saw Cath up in front. I think she was determined to prove her dad wrong regarding the best line. In hindsight we should have kept right to take advantage of the slightly less slopeing ground. Anyhow I think the experiment is inconclusive and there is no good line from Great Calva. There was no sign of Mike M or Tim so we continued on spongy grass up to Blencathra. We took the hard path on the East side of Blencathra to the top, although traversing the scree may be a better option. We regrouped at Halls Fell top and then down to Threlkeld. Cath set a cracking pace all the way down.
At Threlkeld we regrouped and had a spot of lunch. I am not sure what happened on the route to Threlkeld but what had started as 10 was now to but a few. Tim had twisted his ankle, heather hopping off Great Calva and Dave had twisted his already twisted knee on Halls Fell. As for Mick, Helen and Julie we were not sure. After a 20 minute break Dave D and I set off for Leg 2. Despite his knee Dave manfully pushed on to the top of Clough Head. Not wanting to risk any further damage he called it a day at this point and signalled for the support team (who were by this time shopping in Ambleside, obviously in need of some retail therapy after a day in the heather) to pick him up from St Johns in the Vail.
I pressed on for Dunmail Raise in fantastic weather feeling in good shape. At the car I looked up at Steel Fell and though it didn’t look that bad, but would save it for another day. I just hope I have the same feeling on that other day!
Again thanks to all for your support on Sunday.

Recce 5th July

Bad weather to Start, Great End for Some and Not For Others!

Set of with Mick, Dave, Helen and Julie and three dogs. Overcast it looked like we were in for a wet day. Up over Steel Fell we set a good pace. Dave and I after Sgt Man set of for High Raise and then to the pikes, while Mick, Julie and Helen took a more direct route to Rosset Pike. Dave and I took the high road, and this time I avoided the bottomless bog that claimed me on the last outing. We all met up on the pike and stopped for Lunch. Around this time the clag came in and the rain came down. A quick lunch and the plan was for Mick and I to climb Bow Fell, while Dave, Julie and Helen took the path past Angle Tarn with the plan to meet at Esk Pike. Mick took a fine line up to Bow Fell which we crested in good time, by this time however the clag was in thick and the rain was stinging my legs (bad call to wear shorts, although Mick’s half length running pants had started to sag alarmingly!). We pushed on to Esk Pike and sheltered at the top. After about 10 mins we decided that sitting around was not such as good plan, so we retraced our steps to meet up with the others, no sign. After a few of Mick’s best hollers we had success, a response from the mist. To our disappointment it was 3 hikers dressed for the summit of Everest. They took one look at my shorts and Mick’s baggy Skater Boy pants and where not impressed. One stated that I was inappropriately dressed for the day (probably true) and when we explained our plight one suggested we let off a flare to show where we were. Bizarre!

At this stage we decided that the planned route was not a goer and tracked back in the hope of meeting up. We ended up on a steep decent to Angle Tarn and then back to Rossett Pike. We then started back towards Martcrag Moor. Passed the Duke of Edinburgh
award students aimlessly walking in the mist with the biggest rucksacks I have ever seen. Asked if they were happy and knew where they were? No to both questions. The mist lifted and Mick and I could see the others making their way towards us. Once together it transpired they had gone to Great End, not Esk Pike. Anyhow, all was well. We then took the route past Eagle Crack and back to the cars at Dunmail. 20miles and some good climbs. Mick then recommended standing in a dustbin of cold water ala Paula Radcliff. So when I got home I duly did. Just as I climbed in, in my underpants, as Mick had suggested the next door curtain twitched, how could I explain?

Recce 28th June

Parked up at Seathwaite and followed the valley down to the Greenhow Knott, and then climbed up to Styhead Tarn. Not sure what was the beck and what was the path! Had noted a number of cars at Dunmail and wondered if someone was on the round today? Trotted down Moses Trod and into Wasdale. Here I got a bit confused, what is the best way up Yewbarrow? I guess this is a stupid question because by the look of it there is not one. I chose the most direct route, straight up from the campsite, but the scree made the climb difficult, and it took 40 mins to get the top. I need to seek some advice on this for next time from the experts.
Again on the tops vis was poor, but the path is good and arrived in good time on Red Pike. Steeple was also a bit confusing. I picked up the wall, towards Steeple but was not 100% sure of the top! Again some advice needed. To Pillar is plain sailing and down to Blacksail pass which was just below the clag. On the path down I meet the BG brigade, He was going anticlockwise and did not say much, he looked a bit grumpy, his support team were more enthusiastic, I wished them luck. At the pass I also bumped into a guy who was waiting for a BG victim going clockwise so there where two of them on the round! Popular thing this BG!
Up Kirk Fell there appear to be two paths. One up the east and one up the west side. I took the east side and ended up scrabbling part of the way up. Will try the west side next time. From the top the path is not obvious and in the clag I needed to spend time on the map. Not sure if its best to cut through Kirk Fell Tarn or skirt to the north of it. Anyhow on to Great Gable and then to Green Gable, all in complete clag. As I dropped from Green Gable onto Brandreth the weather perked up and met more BG support coming up from Honister. I was going to drop into Honister and then up Dale Head, but given the vis and the weather I copped out and cut back to Base Brown and back to Seathwaite. Still 18 miles and 10,000 feet of climbing. Not a bad session and things to think about. PS sorry no pics but nothing to see or photograph!