It's been HOT and DRY

 I'm a sucker for the sunshine and heat. It makes me stay out and do way more stuff than I should just in case the good weather doesn't last and I miss it! So it was that just a couple of days after the Fellsman we were up in the Lakes. My recovery was our usual climbing session on Preston wall for 4 hours- with a number of breaks because I was starving hungry.

By Monday evening we were parked up near Crummock Water and I had a short walk up the hill to find wifi signal (this became crucial later in the trip). We no longer walk or run together but Bob had planned a more modest anticlockwise loop and my hope was that we would meet on the top at our respective half way points. 

I got carried away and headed north further than I intended but then missed the Darren Holloway trod and did a wild and direct ascent of .. It was a stunning day and I wanted to get the worst of the climb over before it became too hot. My memory of Whiteside is from the race many years ago where I skidded on greasy rock and smashed my face- lots of blood and maybe a cracked cheek bone. I finished the race but it was a tough day out to put it mildly. Today the rock was dry and dusty and I wasn't in such a hurry anyway. 

Time to stop and take in the views at Gasgale Crags before continuing to Hopegill Head and meeting the first person of the day. I had not planned to include Grisedale Pike but it was too tempting and not really an out and back using the path that skirts Sand Hill. I spotted a direct path up Eel Crag and having never been that way decided to take it. Steep but good taking me directly to the trig on Crag Hill. There was no sign of Bob so I headed over Scar Crag and a stop for food. Still no sign so I set off for Grasmoor and then over to my left I spotted him. A short detour let us meet. I ran strongly, for me, up Grasmmor and loved the descent back down as I headed for Wandhope and Whiteless Pike. The big debate in my head ow was how much did I want an ice-cream? (the answer is always yes please).  I dropped to Buttermere and although horrified at the £6.50 price tag got my ice-cream. 

It was then a bit of a pull up the side of Rannerdale even though I skipped the summit. The bluebells were lovely and well worth the diversion.

From here it was an easy run back to Lanthwaite and the van. I was eating and sunbathing by the time Bob returned. Only 23km but lots of climb.

My legs felt Ok so the next day I set off for another sunny run. This time we moved the van to Buttermere and I set off along the lakeside to Gatesgarth, It was really odd running the L100 section in reverse and in the early not fading light. 

I knew the pull up Fleetwith Pike would be steep and it did not disappoint. My hopes of it still being in the shade didn't pan out but the stunning views made up for it. From there across to Grey Knotts was surprisingly damp underfoot. I skipped Brandreth and headed on deserted trods to the tarns and Haystacks. My aim now was the whole ridge out to Great Bourne where I could collect another trig!(my aim this year, on top of various other aims is 128 trigs).  

The Lakes is surprisingly poor for collecting them with none on Fleetwith, Grey Knotts, Haystacks, Seat, High Crag, High Stile, Red Pike or Starling Dodd.! The climbs were steep but I was having fun and I stopped to chat to people on High Stile I spotted Bob arriving from the north- perfect. 

After a brief chat I ran on north and apart from a short rocky section off Red Pike it was fab with grassy paths and none of the usual bogs. Great Bourne was deserted so I pressed straight on for Floutern Tarn. 

I tried a swim but my body was roasting, the water was cold and it didn't get deep quickly enough for a sudden plunge. I got in on the third go but it was more of a dunk than a swim! It was still over 6km back to Buttermere so I pressed on and was amazed to find so much bog. I had no signal in Buttermere and so didn't know if I was ahead or behind Bob. 

I was thirsty having run out of water twice so I stopped at the Bridge Inn- a pint of shandy and a pint of water please. I had barely sat down in their garden when I spotted Bob and called him in for a drink.  We then walked back to the van together.

I had planned to paddle-board the next day. The van had issues (starter motor) so it was a steep carry down but not too bad. Another sunny day. I headed out across the water and once at the other shore stopped to admire views before heading to the southern end of the lake.

I explored a little way up the stream but there was no way I was going to reach Buttermere. The wind was much stronger than up at the van  and seemed to being funnelled in all directions depending which valley I was opposite. I continued my tour of the lake to below Rannerdale Knotts and then turned back north. 

The wind was now quite fierce so I sort of went with it to the western shore and then had the most exciting surf to the end of the lake. Wow. As I rested on the little beach I tried to work out my next moves. 

The wind and waves were so strong I decided I needed to wade around the rocky promontory and then would be OK into the final bay. It was hard work but worked out OK. A final rest on the last beach and then a short paddle back to where I had launched.  11km or so with lots of breaks.

Our final day was Bob's birthday and as we couldn't move the van I hatched a plan. Bus to Honister and then walk back over Dale Head, Hindscarf and Robinson, Meal in the Bridge Inn and wander back to the van. 

It all went perfectly with the fighter jets putting on a great show at the top of the pass. as we began our first climb. We remembered years ago when I joined Andy on the last leg of his BG here. 

The views in all directions were amazing and for me it was easy miles at a leisurely pace. 

Another warm sunny day and I was happy to be going a bit slower. We don't often walk together now so it made a nice change. Another 18km. 

Back at the van we were reluctant to try a bump start as if we failed we might block the whole valley and be rather unpopular so we wandered up the hill for signal and called for help. The breakdown man had just taken his son to work at a nearby pub and so was very speedy. We were soon on our way home praying all would be well so long as we didn't stall or turn the engine off!

Bank Holiday Monday meant no garages open so we climbed, shopped and I went for a local cycle ride- 33km on the rather flat Fylde. 

On the Tuesday we cycled together and had a cafe lunch- about 52km in total. That evening I went to the first of our orienteering club's summer sprint O events. Tired legs and a lack of fast decisions meant I didn't have a perfect run but it was a beautiful evening and I got to see friends. 

The next day we set off to cycle to a new pop up coffee shop run by an ex-pupil. Bob had e-bike issues but I found it and had a lovely coffee, cake and chat. Another 40km+ speedy ride.

The van now had a new starter motor so we set off for the Dales. I wanted to do the Dales Skyline again. Last time I did it E-W with a very steep climb up Barbon hill near the end. This time I would try W-E. It is a tough day out at almost 60km and with over 2900m of climb. 

We slept well in the van on the outskirts of Barbon and I was off and out nice and early. I made good time up the first top but then seemed very slow down the rough pathless drop to the cattle grid. 

I didn't get the perfect line up Whernside but it was OK and I knew the next sections very well off the top, down to the Hill Inn, over Ingleborough and then on to Horton. 

It was hot and I stopped at the toilet with the tap and drank masses before filling by bottle again. A sheep traffic jam slowed my climb up PyG and then it was easy running before the turn up to Fountains Fell. 

At the path bend I opted for straight up and had the funniest moment of the day when using my hands on a very steep slope I almost grabbed a toad. I scared it enough that it leapt- straight up and into my face. I screamed. Thankfully there is no video. Fountains Fell and Malham Moor was lovely running but then it all turned bad. 

It was hot, I was out of water and the next sections seemed really hard work- not steep just rough and endless. After crossing the Pennine Bridleway it took for ever to reach Rye Loaf hill, although I did at least manage a small diversion for some seemingly clean water.  Thankfully the paths back NW through the limestone were lovely and I was soon on the trig near Warrendale Knotts with just the run down into Settle to complete. 

Bob was enjoying his own adventures over in Kingsdale and so I took a selfie at the market cross and tried not to be too upset that my time was almost 40 minutes slower than my other attempt. 

A litre of cold chocolate milk revived me a little as I sat waiting. A short drive took us to one of our fav camp spots near Winskill Stones. I was tired! A relaxing evening and the standard for there- a beautiful sunset.

The great weather was set to continue so I planned a recovery amble. The plan was across the limestone to the top of Malham Cove, over to Goredale Scar, round the tarn and back to the van. 

It wasn't long before I decided that I could run the flat and downs and perhaps the gentlest ups. Most of the way was empty but there were quite a few people  but not crowds at the predictable places. 

It was still quite early. After the tarn I saw nobody and took some less frequented paths. To avoid some road running I extended my route a little. 

Back at the van after 25km Bob was still out on his bike ride. We arranged to meet in Settle for an ice-cream. Jogging down was easy and the ice-cream was lovely. The walk back up was hard work although I did unexpectedly bump into Duncan Elliot- the man who dreamed up the Dales Skyline. He was pleased to hear that I had now done it in the 'correct' direction. I think I prefer E-W  but either way it is a lovely route. 

My slow time was in part due to an in-coming cold, cough and chest infection- Cheers Layton. Love my grandchild but he harbours some serious germs! Another 6km or so added to the day. 

One day left and I suggested that as it would be Sunday we should get up early and drive over the tops to Littondale which would be quieter than most Dales as was not far away. We met no big vehicles and were parked up in Arncliffe for breakfast before most people were up. Bob was not sure what he would do. A broken bike chain meant no cycling. 

Hard to believe these were submerged for the last race here

I ran to the end of the valley  with all sorts of memories of UTYD but at the steeping stones I carried on north and then at Halton Gill turned up onto the big ridge. A short out and back gained my Horse Head trig, not been there before. The rest of the ridge heading mainly SE looked great on the map. In fairness it was dry underfoot but a little 'lumpier' than I had anticipated. 

I saw nobody for miles and had amazing views back to the 3Ps and across the Fellsman land in the other direction. Most of the smaller tarns had completely dried out and there was no bog. From the second trig at Firth Fell it was a joy. 

I bumped into a Fellsman friend out walking with his wife but there were still very few people. From the final trig above Hawswick I  found a nice short cut, watched a red kite and dropped back to the valley floor. It had been a trip of wild life- hares, deer but mostly so many birds. Hawswick was pretty and I followed the river path back to Arncliffe. 

I was tempted to swim on one big river bend where swallows were nesting but pushed on back to the van.  28km done. No sign of Bob so I left a note and went to the pub.

Sat out in the sun I managed to get enough signal to text. He was up the valley at the pub in Litton. 

I jogged up to meet him and we walked back together. Another 8km or so done. I then got my swim, a real swim, in a beautiful pool only about a ten minute walk from the van. 

The weather was still glorious but it was time to go home. Love the Dales. So many wild flowers and so much bird life.

My 11th Fellsman

It has been dry, drier than ever and for ages so the ground underfoot was going to be the best it could be in terms of lack of bog and firmness. Maybe tougher for the feet in some ways but less energy sapping I was hoping. The forecast was also looking promising- not wall to wall sunshine and possibly some light rain at some point but mostly dry. This led me to debate which race vest/sack to use and I changed my mind several times in the preceeding week- if I had still been working I just would not have had the time! In the end I overpacked and used my trusty old KIMM sack. I have used it before and know it works plus it is roomy enough to pull things in and out without needing a flat table to repack all items.

Bob and I drove over to Threshfield after our usual Friday indoor climbing . We were soon parked up and all the flags and banners were up quickly. It is no big hassle when the weather is kind. The display boards were up and I had laid out lots of rope mats and dog toys in the hope of raising some funds for Mountain Rescue.  Bob was involved with kit check but we returned to the van for a meal first. 

Thanks to all our sponsors

There was a minor change to registration with much of the queue being inside the school in case of bad weather. It was speedier than last year but I know some people queued for some time and wish now that I had volunteered to kit check too. 

Nick and his choice of the now compulsory goggles

I chatted with friends- some doing the Fellsman and others doing the Dart (new half option).Soon after 9pm I was back in the van having a last minute faff and then laying stuff out for the morning before getting an early night. I woke briefly when Bob returned at 10.20 but was soon asleep again.

Lots of spot prizes as usual

I always beat my alarm clock at races so before 5.30 I was up and dressed. Bob did know what his tasks might be and so got up too. It seems an early start for an 8.30 race but I was keen to make time for breakfast, toilet visits and being in plenty of time for the last bus which would leave at 6.30am.  It's a pleasant journey and I had a seat at the front and so did not feel nauseous.  In Ingleton the queue was much better this year and we were soon inside collecting numbers to be recorded by pen and paper at each CP, woop woop watches for the Fell tracker system, tally cards and finally trackers. If technology moves on and there is some yet to be thought of improvement I am sure the Fellsman will add it in- but apparently they will not remove the Tally!

Curlew did not run the Fellsman

Once in the main hall I met up with Charles and then Albert and Dave plus Mark S. Matt N appeared and many other friends that I only see at certain races. Julian was collecting names for an Oldies Team as usual.

Start field and a minutes silence for Bandy

Well before 8.30 we started to move out onto the playing fields where we met a massive Curlew. It was being worn by a walker completing a hike through the Dales for charity and to raise awareness of the ground nesting birds. IN the end I had decided to run in my longest 3/4s even though it meant carrying some longs. I felt it might be too chilly for real shorts and hate having to change at dusk. I had packed my bigger cag which was a mistake as it stayed in my sack the whole time. Two long sleeve base layers was all I used all day this year. No need for the gloves, waterproof over mitts or spare thicker mitts.  The start is always a mad dash, especially now the majority leave via the steep bank and tiny gate. As we left the road at the edge of town there were still people racing for position. I tried to settle into what would be a reasonable pace for me and kept up the internal chant of "it's a long way yet just wait, plod on". Despite this I always emerge onto the Ingleborough Summit feeling things have been too fast. Our friends and neighbours were manning the CP as usual and had many many layers on in the chilly breeze up there. 

I had toyed with the idea of checking out the more direct grass descent as I hate the crowded steps. Some day I will actually get round to a recee and decide which is best for me. Today I played safe and went to the steps. We caught a group doing a charity challenge.  They obviously have as much right to be there but who would organise a challenge on the same day as PPP and when almost 400 Fellsman runners are going to try to get past. Once off the rocks it was a lovely run down to the Hill Inn. So dry it was easy to take to grassy trods beside the flag stones.

I needed nothing yet and so once wooped I headed on down the road and onto the track leading to Wernside. No SportSunday photographers to make me smile this year but I had a spell of feeling good- until it got steep that is. Claire has not been running much and I could see her just ahead. It gave me something to aim for. Once on the main ridge you get to see all those who have already been to the CP at the trig (well not the fastest runners who are already long gone). 

Friends manning the Whernside CP

A quick turn around here and then it was off down the ridge and the CP in Kingsdale. Most of this is lovely grassy flat or downhill running. I knew I should eat and so grabbed two Voom bars at the CP. I quickly ate them as I plodded up the gentle starter slope. Before long I had sharp pains in my lower belly- was it the Voom? I will never know but certainly I struggled up the steep climb to Gragareth and could barely run on the flatter path to the CP and back. 

Gragareth just gets steeper and steeper

Perhaps I had just set off too fast and was now paying for it? It was disappointing being caught by runners but there was nothing to be done except to plod on and admire the view. I was quite pleased with my line off Great Coum  but then felt I was slow on the track after Flinters Gyll. The nasty track was dry but still hard on the feet and two women got ahead of me. At Dent there was kit check which is always irritating as inevitably what they want is buried deep in your sack. Dave was sat waiting for Albert but I had to say that I had not seen him. I topped up my water and had different food before heading off along the minor road eating my sandwich. A third of the race done and things sort of OK. I started to feel a bit more positive and was able to call back a runner who otherwise would have gone very wrong. By now people were settling into their natural pace and most of those I was with now I would be with at least on and off all the way to the finish. Between us we took a good line to Blea Moor and although it was still a little damp at the bottom it was much less boggy than usual. I lost some time over the short stretch of rough grass to the air shaft and then again on the steep steps through the last plantation but I did run pretty much all of the road and arrived in Stonehouse ready to eat again. Last year their theme was Alice in Wonderland this year a prison break.

Stonehouse -pasta please

The climb under the viaduct is never easy and I did not have the energy to dig out my phone to take a photo of the train. The next CP on Great Knoutberry is another little out and back with lots of mutual support by those ascending and descending. The run down was wonderful. Suddenly I found myself running alone- too slow for the guys ahead but a bit faster than those behind. I wasn't really worried and this continued pretty much until the finish. A good line let me catch them by Redshaw. 

I had a quick chat with Aimie as I ate hot dog ( I had marshalled the CP with her a few years ago) and left munching banana. I was trying to remember if it was my second or third and how much you needed to get potassium poisoning.  There was banter as we climbed to Snaizeholme and set off on the fence line to the big track. I had told the group about the nice grassy track to the radio aerials at the road junction but they were met by family here and slowed to be with them for a while. By Dodd there were others with me and it helped keep the pace up to reach the trig. The line off was not obvious but I knew the way and we caught two that had dropped too low to the left. They then all followed me to the start of the bridleway and were pleased to have got such a good line.

At Fleet Moss we all wanted to eat and restock. I knew if I stopped here too long that it would feel very cold when I left and as they didn't have fruit salad this year and I didn't fancy the bean stew I was soon on my way.  The tarmac is a bit grim but I told myself it was easy kilometres and worked on catching anybody I could see ahead. I overtook one runner and two others were only just ahead when I reached the 'new' Deepdale CP by the river. Despite stopping for a pee I was still only just behind them at Yockenthwaite and we climbed the moor together. I was confident of my line to the 'new' CP at the wall corner and found some reasonable trods. It was now a short run to Hells Gap with the wall for guidance and we ran together before another short run down to Cray. I knew from LAW that the track had recently been covered with fresh aggregate and tried to find verge trods where I could. 

Great idea for runners with tired quads and CP staff that can't lift the heavy liquids

Cray is where I start to prepare for the night. I used their loo, organised my sack so that I could reach my gloves and torch and tried to eat some more. People seemed to be taking a variety of lines up the stream below Buckden Pike but I just stuck with what I know and was happy.  It was still light at the trig, just, but I put my torch on to avoid tripping on the flagstone path along the top. After the memorial I jumped through the wall and so avoided the boggy peaty erode mess on the north side- so much better. I was alone again, although I could see red lights ahead and torches behind me. I have taken many different lines here and basically until you hit the main path none are great. The main path had the most mud of the day so far.  

Sadly dark when I arrived 

At the Top Mere CP it was nice to shout hello to Joe and Nav4 friends before the easy bridleway that would lead me to the road above Park Rash. I caught two runners here and we ran across the grass paths to the fairly lights at the CP together. I tried to find things I wanted to eat but mostly drinks and somehow left the CP alone. 

Fairy lights and beacons

There were torches ahead and behind as I climbed up to Great Whernside. Either here or on Buckden it briefly tried to drizzle on me but it did not last long and I continued in just my base layers. 

I felt I was slow on the steep bit to the stile but them made better time on the moor. Somewhere around here I started overtaking Dart people. I was running alone again but happy- I was sticking to the fence line until the Langcliffe Pot area. I was mostly happy but in a moment of inattention did manage to find a deep dark bog with my right leg. At least it didn't suck my shoe off.

From Capplestone Gate I had other runners around me. Strangely one group of guys seemed reluctant to run so two of us pulled ahead. We got a good line down to the bridleway and soon picked up the beacons and reflective tape that would lead us to Yarnbury. Here I grabbed sweets for just a hit of sugar. I must have been in a better state than some years because I managed to run/jog almost all of the road and down into Grassington. I knew I couldn't quite beat 16 hours so there seemed little point in making a crazy effort. I got cat called near the pubs but two groups of local teenagers were lovely and encouraging.

Yes- if there is mud or bog I will find it

A stomp and jog up from the bridge saw me arrive at the school in 16hrs 07mins- faster than last year- something I would not have believed when I was in Dent.

Winners- they look so young

 8th female behind a very speedy Anna Llewellyn who won outright and took a new record. 

1st FV60 (only FV60) and only 20 mins behind the FV50 and only beaten by one MV60. I wonder how many more I can do?

Bob was there at the finish. He had slotted in a bike ride but then been helping man the finish desk. Several cups of tea, baked potato with chilli, apple pie and custard refreshed me enough to feel it was time for bed. I couldn't face what might be a cold shower and so opted for a strip wash in the van. 

Another £44 for Mnt Rescue

A fried egg breakfast set me up for taking down the flags and then the prize giving. An overall female win for first time ever in The Fellsman, and indeed in the Dart too. We did get the Oldies team prize again and I collected a spot prize of a tent for Mark who has now completed the Fellsman!

We were tired but less so than last year and being home by mid afternoon certainly helped.