Lakeland 5 Passes

 Three in a row- weekends races that is. Actually it had been pretty much every weekend since the Fellsman at the end of April. This is not counting other runs, sprint orienteering, cycle rides, climbing and paddle boarding! We drove up after an evening meal and put the flags up in drizzle, winds and under stormy skies. 

I slept well in the van which is unusual for me the night before a race. I woke fine but felt so so tired. Not a great way to start a race really. I dithered a bit about clothing- would I be warm enough in short shorts? 

It was nice to meet friends and to chat to Anna who I have not seen for the best part of a year at Lakeland 100.  As we gathered for the briefing my watch malfunctioned as it tried to load the route. Oh well, at least I know the way. I turned it completely off and managed to get it set to just record the run, although even then it missed about the first kilometre. 

I knew the first mile or so would be fast and refused to be sucked in. If I was struggling now there was no pint trying to keep up and finding I was trashed before even the first top. It felt hard work climbing up onto Loughrigg but at least the weather was improving- at least the rain had gone but it was replaced by 90% humidity.

Claire, Phil, Adam and others were long gone. It wasn't long before the other Claire caught me up and we ran together for a while.

The descent to Ambleside was speedy despite the added hazard of crossing the Park Run course this year. I didn't need anything from the CP at this early stage and pushed on. Claire soon caught me up again and we ran together through the woods and to the lower slopes of Wansfell. Charles was also with us. They they both climbed faster than me and it was a while before I was close enough to chat to them again. I plodded on upwards doing the best I could. The run across the top and down Nanny Lane was not too bad and I felt a little better. Having crossed the valley floor it is then straight up Garburn Pass but at east this side is slightly more gentle and less eroded. I could still see Charles and Claire up ahead along with some others that I vaguely knew. I tried to keep the gap from getting any bigger and managed OK until the top. The descent was another matter. I am such a wuss on rocky descents now and do not enjoy the drop to Kentmere.

Everything passes and I was soon running into the village with thoughts of food at the CP. I topped up my water bottle and filled the other one that was already primed with MF powder.  I also grabbed some food as up until now I had only had a couple of mouthfuls. I was with others as we headed up and over to Longsleddale and I was starting to feel a bit less rubbish. Passing some of them no doubt helped! The climb up Gatesgarth goes on a bit but I was prepared for this and didn't trip over this year. The stream was surprisingly full and the waterfalls a pleasant distraction. All the way up I could see Claire (and sometimes Charles) and I worked hard gradually reeling her in. It was much cooler up here, In fact the wind was fierce and blowing us about and we were only just warm enough in shorts and T shirts given the damp air. By Harter Fell we were together and before the drop to Nan Bield I was ahead. A younger runner came blasting past, clearly annoyed with herself. Apparently she had gone wrong and lost 15 minutes somewhere. Up ahead of me was orange shirt man and as we entered the misty path cutting across grassier terrain I stuck with him all the way to Thornthwaite Beacon. I was  slightly slower down to Threshthwaite Mouth but not by much. 

We climbed Stoney Cove Pike together and were still pretty close as we dropped to Kirkstone Pass.

Here I restocked with water again and grabbed some more food. I also got a pleasant surprise as I met Charles who was still re-tying his laces. We climbed up Red Screes not knowing that Claire was not so far behind and that seeing us had given her a boost too. If you plod on you get there and we did.  The tops were nice and grassy but Charles still pulled ahead a bit. I concentrated on keeping him within reach as we started to head down Scandale. I was catching him and that helped me. We ran together on the wider flatter track and I even got slightly ahead when he stopped for a quick wee by a wall. I pushed on towards the outskirts of the Rydal Hall estate. It suddenly seemed really important to stay ahead and to try to beat last years time. At this pace, fast for me, there was  no hope of eating so I was so pleased to have a couple of MF jellies with me, and to still have water. I just kept pushing on with the odd glance behind me. Nobody in sight. Run a bit more, more tourists now, check behind. Still clear.  The Old Coffin road was shorter than I expected and before long I reached the tarmac and knew that the turn and drop to the village outskirts was close. I even had time to clock that the ice cream shop would close before I could finish and get back. No time to waste... straight over the main road, into the show ground and around the main track. I, unlike many, followed the arrows all the way to the final fence with no corner cutting.  

Finally I had finished.  Bob was waiting and took some photos. I even remembered to stop my watch within a couple of minutes of crossing the line. 

7hrs 32, better than last year although not a PB. 4th F and 1st FV. Bob fetched me several cups of tea and I went to claim my meal- good choices. Gradually I felt better as we cheered in more finishers. Charles was only a few minutes behind me and Claire not long behind that.  Some finishing were in a worse state than me.  We sat chatting until I realised I was soaked in sweat, enough to leave very wet patches where I sat, and starting to chill. Changed and back in the hall we sat chatting with Claire, Phil, Ken, Charles and Claire. We even had ice cream - thanks Claire.

Bob had done a walk over Helm Crag but we were both starting to droop. we agreed that at 6pm we would take the flags down and leave. They were now all dry which was a bonus. The van behaved and we left with no drama.

Pennine 39

 One of my favourite weekends in the year. Our plans didn't quite work out- van issues still so I was on my own. By 8.10am I was collecting boxes of mint cake from Romneys and by 9.10am doing the same with Mountain Fuel from Rupert in Keswick. Jobs completed I drove to Ullswater and was on the water with SUP inflated by 10.30. The early bird and all that.

It didn't seem windy at the Patterdale end and I pottered up to the southern end of the lake in search of lunch. My early start causing me to forget to make sandwiches. With an egg barm in my belly and a sandwich in my dry bag I set off for more exploring.By the time I was opposite Glen Coyne it was windy and from there to Howtown the headwind just got stronger. 

I stopped for my lunch feeling sure the return trip would have the benefit of a tail wind. It did for a couple of km and then a headwind again! Not fair. I finished off with a refreshing swim in a very warm lake and drove to Alston. 

It wasn't long before the flags and banners were up outside and boards and spot prizes were up inside. Joe had kindly found me a bunk space so all was looking good. I registered and then wandered up into the village with Nick. 

Sadly the chippy had shut down and two pubs were no longer doing food. I should have then just gone to the Spar and cooked back at the hostel but joined by Francis we ended up in another pub with beer and food. Back at the hostel it was filling up and I spent the evening chatting before heading up to a very hot top bunk. I didn't sleep very well and an alarm had been set for 6am. Oh well, I was awake anyway.

Feet taped, breakfast eaten and toilet stops done I wandered down to the Spar ready for the coach. Kat and I caught up on news from each other and admired the scenery from our front seat view. Lots of curlew and grouse chicks. At Bowlees after quick toilet breaks we headed down to the fragile bridge and the river. Despite the dry spell the waterfalls were still impressive. I was feeling tired- not a great way to start a race but knew that Kat or Claire or both would easily beat me and so I might as well just enjoy the journey. The start was predictably low key... are you ready? OK off you go.

I let others power off ahead and was soon 6th F. Early days and I was not going to start chasing at this stage. I chatted with Tony H and then Jonathan. My caution paid off and before many km I was back in 3rdF. My watch had done strange things at the start but now seemed to be working fine. I didn't need it for nav anyway having done the route several times before. It was warm and very humid although not as brightly sunny as last weekend. The nice grassy paths and track gave way to the jumble of rocks under Falcon Clints and I slowed down not wanting to take a tumble here. At least the rocks were dry this year. I thought I was struggling and running badly but others were too and before long I had dropped Tony and Ashok. 

Climbing the rocks up past Cauldron Snout to the first CP I passed the first of the walkers/slow runners from the early bus. I wasn't in need of anything yet so grabbed some peanuts and pushed on with Jonathon for company.Passing Birkdale Farm (the highest permanently inhabited one in England) we left the big track and turned onto grass to descend to Maize Beck bridge. We had now passed most people from the early start and could see High Cup Nick ahead. Jonathan had not seen it before and was suitably impressed. 

We ran together to Dufton and the CP in the village hall. I stopped long enough to refill both soft flasks and to grab slices of orange and melon. I left alone and headed up the Pennine Way eating by bag of crisps. I could see a couple of other runners further up and then a faster runner appeared from behind me- he had been up the Pennine Journey in error. I used these to help pull me up Knock. I had the poles out by now and it did help me keep a good rhythm. Knock is an unkind hill with a false top but at least there was breeze up here. The bogs were totally dried out and the flag stone path led us quickly to the extra water stop on the tiny aerials road. Somewhere here I got my mojo back in full and started running. I left Jonathon so he missed my fall. Luckily I was on the baked earth and grass path next to the flag stones and so there was no blood just shock and bruising. I pressed on over Great Dun Fell, Little Dun and on to Cross Fell.  

I didn't linger at the trig point and was soon on the trod cutting the corner to Gregs Hut. Louise was sitting by the pipe from the spring and her usual smiley self. I was now in race mode and ran almost all of the horrid yellow brick road. It has settled out a bit but still seems to stretch on and on into the distance. I made sure I was eating and drinking having learned my lesson last weekend. 

The drop into Garrigill was speedy and I remembered to turn towards the village Hall for this years CP. Neil was sat outside so I shouted my number and turned around.  Under 4 miles to go now. It was interesting using my garmin and seeing it count down the km left and also see it updating my ETA. I used this to motivate me and it was rewarding seeing my time get closer to 7hrs. Then suddenly my watch did strange things and started to add km? I ignored it and ran as much as I could. The many stiles slowed me up a bit but mostly it is pleasant grassy running and I managed to avoid meeting PW walkers at bottlenecks. I pushed hard and was determined to get under 7hrs 10 and even under 7hrs 5 if I could. Yes- 7.04, not my fastest but not the worst either. Rory stormed round in 5hrs 40, ten minutes ahead of Phil, despite having been ill for weeks and Kat took first F in 6.42 ahead of Claire in 6.58

Once stopped it was multiple cups of tea, several bowls of soup and bread and more. I chatted to friends and had laughs with Phil and Claire. I went for a shower and felt more human- my legs and feet felt surprisingly OK given the race but it was good to slump in one of the soft sofas for a while. 

Then we started on the beer- Senior Moment and Fell Runner blonde. Sandra arrived and was making our evening meal and we sat chatting over good food and slowly refuelling. 

By 10.30 I was done and wandered up to bed. Another hot night on the top bunk. I took down the flags amid swarms of midges and then headed back indoors. Breakfast in the morning was a relaxed drawn out affair before I drove home. A good weekend away.

The Inaugral Stanza Stones

 June was always going to be a busy month and my big birthday run right at the end of May would add to the demands on my body. I am a sucker for lovely weather and feel I should be out in it every day... so when not running we cycled, walked and paddle-boarded plus a bit of indoor climbing.

This race was being organised by Cragg Runner/Daz and it looked like a great route with the added interest of visiting each of the Stanza Stones.  Very early on Saturday morning we left sunny Preston and were shocked to arrive over the Pennines and find the tops were clagged in. Kevin appeared shortly afterwards and assured me it would burn off. He was right. 

By the time the flags and banners were up and I had registered before the masses on the coach arrived it was getting warmer. After a cup of tea and lots of chatting I headed outside for the briefing. 

It was going to be warm but for now I kept my long sleeves on- probably a mistake but I am a right wuss and hate being cold. Should remember Quentin's mantra- if you are not shivering on the start line you will be too hot once you are running.

The road start seemed steep and my body was not yet warmed up. Claire was already pulling ahead with the lead men. On Pule Hill I met Bob out for his walk and Steve who was supporting Sally. 

There were climbers on the small crag and the Stanza Stone was easy to find. I followed a guy and took the wrong line leaving though! 

Dropped too far to the road and had to climb back up over some rough ground- not far but I lost places and was cross with myself. Rachel had overtaken me and we ran together down to the road and the steep path to the stream. I pulled ahead and didn't see he fall. I was busy taking my top layer off and keeping an eye on Martin up ahead. 

He was kindly wearing a bright florescent top making him easy to spot. I told myself not to chase this early in the race but it was no use.. well before the radio masts on Windy Hill we were close and it stayed like that all the way to the White House. The Pennine Way was easy to follow and the flag stone path made for easy running although the ground was so dry that the peat would have been fine. I was pleased to cross the M62 and escape the litter strewn lay-bys and noise of traffic. Blackstone Edge was beautiful and being dry we could avoid the worst of the trip hazards by running on the peaty lines close by. From the Aigin Stone to the CP we were together. 

It was a bit of a shock to arrive and realise that I had not eaten at all and had barely drunk anything either. I was carrying plenty so I just grabbed some sweets and pushed on. The big track was easy running and I knew where the next Stone was from climbing on Cows Mouth crag.  

The big track continued past reservoirs and it was breezy but hot.  From Warland Res we followed the drain on a big loop that led us the ridge with Stoodley Pike- all familiar territory. 

Not Martin but it is the Pike

Leaving the Pike Martin pulled ahead a bit but was always in sight until we left the moor and dropped through the woods towards Mytholmroyd. Here I made my next mistake- a little knowledge is a dangerous thing! I was sure we were heading to the hall that the Hebden uses. I wondered why I couldn't see Martin and ran 3 sides of a square before realising my mistake and heading back to the Community Hall. Annoying and it made me rush. I should have stayed and eaten more plus I only refilled one water bottle not two. The next section was a bit fiddly and I lost time checking carefully. It was also a steep climb! A path diverted around a house was the only boggy section of the whole day and here four guys caught me. I was struggling with a sore glute, sore left shin and terrible stomach cramp. There was nothing they could do and I assured them I would be fine and tried to follow and tag on to their pace. We dropped one guy and I was now following Steve's red shirt across Crow Hill and onto the moors. I do not know this area at all and it is years since I have done any races there. It was good to have people to follow and to concentrate on trying to nibble at food as we left the open moor and followed yet another water drain to the minor road. The next Stone was the trickiest to find but the description was good and we arrived with no issues. From here it was down into Oxenhope and then on to Haworth which seemed to take longer than I expected. I was keen to stick with them but knew that the pace was stopping me eating enough. I drank all I had and resolved to stop at the next CP to rest, recover and eat. Haworth was predictably busy and we dodged tourists all the way down the cobbled street and into the CP. 

It was now scorching and I was suffering. I sat in the shade drinking lots and trying to eat. I should have made myself eat more but I just couldn't face it. Martin had left as we arrived and now Steve and the other guy left too. I left a little later and alone. The next section was relatively short but is a bit of a hazy memory.... it was HOT, I didn't know the way, there were lots of nettles and a climb up onto a moor. Across the moor was easy and I felt a bit better in the breeze but then I made two small nav errors and had to double back. Darren Tweed caught me here and it was nice to have company again as we took the Calder Aire path towards Harden Beck. 

There was shade in the woods but no breeze. The path was rocky and full of trip hazards plus lots of families walking and teenagers swimming in the big pools. The second set of woods had a wider path and we were soon on the outskirts of Bingley. In the park on the edge of town we caught a runner I had been with before the M62, he was trashed and I think he retired at that CP. 

Off the dreaded canal and arriving at Fellsman CP

Again, I knew I had to stop and try to eat even though it was tempting to crack on with Darren. I filled both water bottles, drank a fair bit and managed a slice of pizza but no more. A cold wet cloth from Charles helped. After a confused moment in the car park I was soon on track and heading for the canal- a mixed blessing of easy nav, what should have been easy running but Oh so boring. It was depressing to be so slow and not make good use of this flat good path to up my pace but my body just would not do it! I could find no where to sit and felt rubbish. I even contemplated phoning Bob and telling him I was doing badly and would be very late. There was some shade and I tried to jog when I could. At least I knew where to leave the canal at the swing bridge. I had messaged Chris Driver with the tracker link and knew he might support us. He and his boys did much better than that. Timothy was out on his bike making sure we didn't miss the swing bridge turn and giving encouragement. Chris had set up a full water station with William. I stopped to sit, chat and recover. I managed a bag of crisps, more liquid and then William ran to fetch me an ice pop- what a star.  They also checked the tracker and let me know that Rachel was only a few km behind me. 

With a bit of food inside me and the ice pop cooling me I set off to the climb onto the moor. 

The next Stanza Stone is huge, upright and set in a wall so at least that would be no issue.

I plodded up the tarmac to the moor and tried to keep a good pace going. At least we didn't have to climb up onto Rivock Edge. The new path into the woods and down to the farms was easy running and I was feeling slightly better- amazing what some food can do! Having clipped at the Stone I pushed on past the paths and up onto Addingham moor. This bit I knew from my Dales High Way run and it was much easier in the daylight and being bone dry. I ran most of it even if it was not super fast and it didn't take long to reach the moor road. I plodded up this at a reasonable pace but then had to stop on the seat as the slope levelled out. I had a MF jelly and pushed on to Whetstone Gate and the last CP.  I ate a small piece of cake, drank and asked how far behind Rachel was. Suddenly it seemed important not to be caught at this stage having been ahead all day. There was still plenty of day light and I was feeling slightly better- perhaps because I knew the end was in sight. A mixture of walking and jogging took me along the ridge top on the flag stone path. It was cooler now but still warm enough for shorts and T shirt. I was worried about the next stone and checked two spots on either side of the path unnecessarily. More time lost! 

I needn't have bothered- the Stone 'Puddle' which I knew would be lying flat was very close to the path and the kite was easily visible. I punched quickly and ran on to the path junction where there was a quad bike. The out and back to 12 Apostles didn't take long and then it was down and down towards Ilkley. Parts were pleasant running and other bits seemed determined to trip my tired legs. I was also anxious not to miss the last Stone which was always further down the hill than I hoped. There were little red flags in places but some had been flattened or removed. I kept the stream on my left and prayed. Eventually I reached the short turn to the last Stone and I stepped down my leg collapsed with painful cramp. The two guys I had been chatting too were very concerned. They asked what they could do and perhaps were not expecting a request to please massage my leg! Last clip punched and the path quickly improved as it left the moor and a short section of woodland. 

Then it was out onto to the road where Bob was waiting and down into the suburbs to turn right on the final level road section and into the field. 

Phew- I had made the finish (which wasn't a given in the early afternoon), had kept ahead of Rachel and it was done.  

Explaining the cramp and strange men rubbing my leg

11 hours 38 mins. Longer than I had hoped but I was pleased to be 2nd F, 1st FV and 13th overall. I was only about 15 mins behind Martin  but Darren and Steve had both run well in the second half. 

Claire had another storming run and was only just behind Phil by the finish. The winners time was 9hrs20 with Kevin inside 10 hours and Adam just over 10.

I sat on the finish line for a while before moving inside for cups of tea, food and a mini presentation of my trophy, mug and T shirt. Bob had been patient all day so as the light started to fade we dismantled the flags, said bye and he drove me home.

I know there are places where I faffed with route nav and so could do better but then the ground might not be so dry another year. I should have eaten more early on and perhaps have done less in the previous fortnight.  It was though a great day out and a beautiful route

Birthday challenge run

 A long run on my birthday is becoming a tradition- perhaps my attempt to deny ageing. I had several options in mind but one seemed too big (maybe later) and several of the others too short (might reserve the shorter ones for future years).  rs LDWA100 in the Midlands just did not enthuse me so I browsed the GoFar site and found the Dales Top 10, at 80 hilly miles it seemed perfect. There would be parts I knew but other sections that would be an adventure. Certainly no time to check it all out. Chris has helped on several of my solo runs and I wanted to invite him if he was available- just as well in the end as our van was off the road!  The next decision was deciding which day over the bank holiday would be best- the weather was pretty much the same but a family walk and lunch on Sunday and the hope that Monday into Tues would be quieter meant the run would be on my actual birthday.

Chilly start

Chris and I drove to Horton on Sunday evening and parked up by the now closed Primary School- plenty of space and very quiet so perfect. We went for a short stroll up the lane  and were stunned at how cold the air was thanks to the easterly wind. 

Super crew van

I slept well and woke refreshed at 5am. After a quick breakfast it seemed daft to hang about and at 5.40am I set off. 

A few walkers had already passed the van and I picked these off quickly as I jogged up the lane to Brackenclose and then the footpath towards my first Top Pen y Gent. 

The sun was already up and I was soon shedding layers. the views were awesome and the wildlife not yet disturbed by the masses. The peak loomed large although actually it is only the 9th highest. The rock steps were pleasingly dry and I was soon up at the trig point. Reversing the rock and heading towards Fountains Fell I saw y last people for several hours. I guess I could have skipped F Fell as it is 12th highest but my route sort of took me that way and the GPX from the GoFar website included it. I had two options here and having taken the least tarmac I now guess most people opt for tarmac and then the Pennine Way. My path was mostly dry but the long grass was still wet from overnight and before long my shoes were soaked. Once I reached the PW it was easier running and mostly down hill to the lane that would lead me north to Arncliffe. 

Not a fan of tarmac but speedy miles

I was making good time and the tarmac helped me increase this further. It was a shock to see a worried Bob in my car. He had misunderstood my spreadsheet where I had inserted road crossings and thought I was well behind time. Overall the lane descended but there was one very steep climb up from a stream. 

After birthday kisses I left Bob and took the bridleway behind the village to cross the river and climb Middlesmoor towards Kettlewell. Busy looking at the views I must have missed a small path and climbed higher over the spur than I had intended but it was on a nice grassy path and I didn't really mind. I had seen nobody for ages but Kettlewell was awake and starting to get busy. 

Mixed jogging and hill stomping led me through the village, past the campsite and onto the moor.  Hag Dyke was deserted and I think the last time I was here there was deep snow ( a Fellsman recee with Bob). Great Whernside (6th highest) was up ahead. This was going to be reverse Fellsman and so should be easy except a chilly wind as I reached the top had me dropping quickly for cover and I missed the small path. I dropped too low but found some trods and all was well as I reached the Park rash road crossing. It's is usually dark when I reach here so it made a change to see the scenery. Knowing I would be out all day and most of the night I made myself stop and eat properly. 

Warm now even on the tops

Back on track it was easy to reach the lower slopes of Buckden Pike. It was also a joy to find the bogs by the wall were now bone dry and I was soon up at the memorial. More and more flag stones are being added to the ridge path and I made good time to the trig where there was a small crowd of walkers including Bob and Chris. 

Making good time meant they had not yet completed their walk. More birthday misses and photos before we left Bob and Chris and I jogged down together chatting. 

The cows tried to guard the last gate but were easily moved and we reached the van on the Cray road. I spent a few minutes here eating, drinking and topping up my supplies. 

The stony Gilbert Lane up onto the next moor is fairly steep but I think I prefer flogging up than running down. There were lapwings and curlews everywhere, some getting very cross that I was close to their nesting areas. 

I found the turn off to Staling Busk easily and was delighted to find it was grassy! This lasted a while until it levelled out and became a gnarly track down and into the village. Field paths led me towards Marsett and another gnarly track.

I had not been here before and the 'small' ridge of Wether Fell I had to cross looked bigger than I had hoped. Luckily there were two struggling walkers up ahead and I promised myself I would overtake them by the stile and having done so had to jog on of course. I crossed the old Roman Road and could soon see Hawes nestled by the river Ure. I made  a determined effort not to look too far north to Great Shunner Fell. Lovely grassy field paths led me down and down to Gayle and then Hawes. I had done almost 50km and was moving quite well.  Worries that the small path cutting the corner in Hawes would be crowded proved unfounded and there was no queue at the icecream van. I stopped for a treat which vanished quickly and jogged over the river and towards Hardraw.

 It was more crowded here and I hoped they had found space to park the van and car. No worries- they had a space and were sat sunbathing with mugs of tea. 

Wow it was hot in this valley. I had planned a longer stop here to eat and to change my socks. I had a worrying hot spot on my foot and decided to take both heels. I also charged my phone which had somehow turned itself on. I was using Strava beacon so that they could track me and so needed the battery to stay good.

It was tough getting going after the stop even though the PW track is relatively easy going.  I plodded on trying to ignore the hot spots on my feet and wishing I could run or jog a bit more. 

Great Shunner Fell is 716m (3rd in height) and I was still up on time when I reached the deserted shelter stone at the top. I didn't linger as I knew the next section was perhaps the roughest with a couple of pathless sections.

Bob on his way up Buckden Pike

At least it had dried out in recent weeks and I found the quad bike track more quickly today.  The climb up past the shooting butts was grim and I felt very slow- still 5 tops done if you count Fountains Fell and I was still up on time. It was a relief to reach Hugh Seat at 689m and a decent path. This is 10th highest but not include in todays list? I must find out why. Nor is the next top Gregory Chapel which is 695m. I had to pass them anyway to reach the out and back peak of High Seat. 

The summit

At 709m the top of this is rather underwhelming but I was just glad to turn and know that the next few kilometres were downhill and on grass all the way to Hells Gap and the B road. I knew Chris was keen to check out this stream, gorge and waterfall but he was just a little too early to meet me. I stopped for more food and top ups before crossing the road and heading up to Swarth Fell. Despite my concerns about them driving tired they insisted they would see me in Garsdale. The ridge path was much drier than I have ever known it and I was so pleased that my route stopped at 681m and did not have to go all the way north to Wild Boar Fell even though that is 705m and 5th highest in the Dales. Running back down the ridge was a joy until I reached the low col and a boggy section and then the pathless slightly tussocky ground leading to the bridleway. Once into Grisedale it was farm lanes all the way to Garsdale. I had seen nobody for ages again but the birds were chirping away and I had seen deer, mice, shrews, rabbits, hares and now a fox. I had collected my torch just in case but certainly didn't need it yet even though the moon was starting to look interesting. 

So many meadows and flowers

The tarmac lane was boring if easy and I tried to identify and count wildflowers to distract myself. Before long I was at Dandra Garth and the van again. 

Moon is up but still light

They had managed a short snooze when I stopped to eat, drink coffee and replenish things again. I was struggling to eat now. 

Dandra Garth

I waved them bye as the sun was setting and the moon rising high. The bridleway over to Dentdale was drier and better than I remembered and it was a gorgeous evening. Dropping into the valley at Cowgill it was just getting dark and I put my torch on, partly to warn and drivers I met. I actually met none despite running several kilometres west along the bulk of Dentdale but they would not have been expecting a pedestrian and there were tall hedges with almost no verge. Eventually I reached the small bridge and woodland that we run past on the Fellsman. I was careful here as I wanted to take the first little used path and so avoid a farm yard and dogs. I found it despite thigh tall meadow grass and flowers. The water eroded stony path up to the old green lane was steeper and harder work than I had anticipated after my recee. I now had a choice- follow the hill straight up as on my recee or go along the green lane to the quarry in the hope that the paths there led all the way up. If they did I did not find them in the dark and that section of the green lane was awful with huge puddles and rocks. Perhaps neither way would be good at this stage in the run but I was very glad to have my poles as I flogged up the slope. Despite the sunset this was a low point- I needed to have eaten more- and I felt like I was crawling. Once on the top I quickly ran past Great Coum687m (10th) and on to Crag Hill 682m (11th). I have no idea why Crag Hill is included but the return trip was only about 1.5km and was relatively level. From this last trig I could see the lights of civilisation and a town.

The next job was to get back down to the green lane. I found a trod beside a wall from the col which took me most of the way. Fortunately this section of the old track is much better and I managed to jog most of the way to the road. Only two peaks to go now even if they are the two highest ones! Both guys were sleeping when I arrived and I felt quite guilty disturbing them, especially as I did not stop long as I did not really want to eat. I set off along the road linking Deepdale to Kingsdale and they promised to see me near the Hill Inn. I found the footpath up New Pasture and flogged up the back of Whernside. It was still warm as the mass of the hill protected me from the easterly wind. 736m and the highest peak done. I made reasonable time along the big ridge path but the wheels really came off on the descent. In the dark, on tired legs and with what seemed like constant multiple trip hazards I slowed dreadfully. I did not dare to cut across the grass as I had in daylight. The campsite was silent and as I reached the last cattle grid I spotted Chis who had come out to meet me. The moon was huge and bright yellow. Awesome. They had parked way up the road where it was wider- it wasn't far but I was perhaps a little grumpy about it. A brief stop and I was off up the last peak. 

Not from my run as it was still dark- last peak

Easy running to start with and even the flag stones ere OK. I slowed badly on the rock steps and over the summit plateau to the final trig at 723m. The path from here to Horton is a fair few kilometres but I had forgot how gnarly it is for tired legs. It seemed to take forever to reach a runnable path and I was losing much of my time advantage. As I hit the lower slopes and a decent path it was light enough not to need my torch and at last I could run. I really wanted to stay under 24 hours. 

I crossed the railway and ran through the village, past the old cafe, the campsite and the pub until the lane to the school. Yes- the van and car were in sight at last. 

Challenge complete- 80 miles, almost 5000m of climb and 23hrs 18 mins. 13 peaks although Fountains Fell and not Wild Boar Fell is still a puzzle. Not a bad way to spend the 24hrs of your birthday! 

I was too tired to want to eat and they had been asleep so I had a very quick and superficial wash before falling into bed. So many great memories of a grand day out in the beautiful Dales. 

Celebrations the next day

 Huge thanks to Bob for his support and encouragement and especially to Chris my super crewman for his time and the use of his van, including his bed for my smelly body at the end. I could not have done it without you both.