Beat the Bounds Patterdale

 The inaugural event for this. True- Beating the parish bounds is far from a new idea but it has not been an event/race to enter before. Nicky the RO chatted to me at the Fellsman and was keen for me to give it a go. Runs on consecutive weekends would be interesting although today was not really a race (except once you start timing people then of course it is a race!) Mostly I knew the route but there is a twist. Modern paths do not always follow the parish boundary and so a GPX file was provided to show us where we should go and then on the map some 'virtual' CPs for us to try to hit too. I think most of us tried to do our best with this but we all seem to have slightly missed some of those CPs and some people certainly cut corners.

It was billed as about 43km and I knew it would have a great deal of ascent. I was slightly anxious about coming down Red Screes as I usually go up and the same on Stoney Cove Pike. I was also made more anxious by the weather forecasts all week. It seemed we would get wet, might have gales and maybe lightning! Fantastic.

Bob was injured so our plans of spending a few days in the van changed and I drove up early on Saturday morning. Soon after 7 I was parked at the cricket club and then walking to the school for registration. There was a full course, a half course and various family/kiddy offerings plus quite a wide start window of 5.30-9am. It was hard to judge the best time to start and I gave up calculating how long I might take to Kirkstone. The weather was very much better than anticipated so at 7.30am I set of in shorts, T shirt and long sleeved top. 

Flat calm on the lake first thing

Easy running along the paths that are parallel to the road led me through Patterdale and Glenridding. The lake was flat calm and I was already warm. I almost missed Stu as he was so bundled up in hat and coats but he spotted me and shouted a cheery hello. 

I found the track leading into Glencoyne no problem and there was a photographer waiting. 

Views back along Ullswater

I made a slight mistake at the farm but the lady was very understanding and let me through her gate. I then worked on reeling in the couple up ahead as I steadily climbed up the quiet Glencoyne. 

At the col near Sheffield Pike I caught them and found two young women from Leeds. We detoured to the summit of Stybarrow Dodd but not quite over the shoulder to the fence corner, oops. In our defence the cloud had rolled in and we thought we had done what was necessary. We ran pretty much together down to Sticks Pass and then over Whitestones and Raise.  They were faster on the descents but my stomping up hills kept me in touch. By Little Man it was clear one was pulling away and one was struggling. I ended up in the middle and chasing Zara for most of the journey to Kirkstone. Over Helvellyn and heading south we both stayed pretty close to the invisible boundary and both made the slight detour at Dollywagon Pike. 

Heading off Fairfield (no photos on Helvellyn as too cloudy)

From here the boundary takes a fairly direct line down and then up Seat Sandal. It is not quite pathless but it is steep and rough. I had chosen good shoes for rock but not quite so good for steep grass and mud. We started catching and overtaking early starters here and it did spur me on. I was also caught by later starting fast men, including some who knew me. The boggy mess at the bottom was short lived and then it was a tough climb to the next summit. Zara was slightly ahead but very much still in sight. The drop to the col near Grisedale Tarn was quickly over and then it was the long flog up Fairfield. I made good time here and smiled at the memories of May when we were there with our grandson. I stopped to take photos and a couple of guys pulled ahead but it was quite nice being a little relaxed and knowing that although I cared about my time it didn't really count for anything. I was on my own for a bit but after Hart Crag caught Zara and we realised that the men were not far ahead. After Dove Crag we had to stay by the wall and then spot the line of old iron fence posts, not turn earlier on the main path. I had thought about a short diversion to take in Little Hart Crag and so bag another Wainwright but I did not want to alarm the dot watchers and in the end was busy chatting to Zara anyway!

So much better than the forecast- looking east

After Scandale Pass I was conscious that we needed to stay by the wall and not take the diagonal path towards Red Screes. I had not spotted that we should actually go even further SE before heading for the summit. Looking at the tracker traces I don't think anybody did! I had now pulled away slightly and so led the way down the rocky steps and path to Kirkstone. It was mostly dry and far less hazardous than I had anticipated. 

Back to Ullswater again

I checked in and grabbed food and a cup of tea, Busy eating flapjack I forgot to refill my water but only realised once across the road and climbing behind the pub. 

I decided it would not be a real trouble and that I would find water if I needed it. Zara stayed longer at the CP and I never saw her again. 

It seemed a long way in this direction - I usually do this from the other direction heading downhill to Kirkstone. I was passing people though, including Lesley Malarkey (great effort by her as a V75). 

A nice surprise on Stony Cove Pike was to be met by Matt N. He was marshalling there in case it got wet and people were anxious. I knew the boundary followed the wall here and tried to stay true to this, only to find that the GPX file doesn't for some reason. The rock was dry and easy. I met my first two SLMM pair here and think they were doing Scafell/Elite, pretty sure I recognised them as lads I knew as kids when they orienteered. It was a long long pull up to Thornythwaite Beacon and here I started to meet SLMM folk in numbers, including friends. Staying by the boundary meant taking the big grassy quad bike track near the wall and this was fine until the first blast of rain came through. it was enough for me to stop and put my cag on and to hide my phone. I should have checked the map but in my delight at running downhill I veered from the wall and slightly missed Short Stile. I was soon on the short climb up Knott and my strava trace shows that I went over the top even though the tracker suggests I did two short straight lines here. I think perhaps it was only set to record data less often. 

I knew the drop to the col would be fast and that once I crossed the main path that the climb up Rest Dodd would be boggy. From here to Boredale Hause was the trickiest bit of the whole route so far as sticking to the boundary is concerned. Many people assumed it follows the wall but iinfact it seems to cut across 'nothing' to Satura Crags. 

Don't often go this side

It then does follow walls to Angle Tarn and here we met lots and lots of SLMM people. They had kindly flattened the marsh grass and so long as you picked the correct elephant track it was great. I have only been on the west side of the tarn orienteering and again slightly missed the virtual CP down by the lakeside/crag. I had now caught David and Ewan and we ran sort of together trying to pick the best way on pathless ground from Stony Rigg to Boredale Hause. Here the weather brought another short sharp shower. We were together most of the way up Place Fell although I missed one line going over Round How whilst they contoured round on the true boundary. I have never gone off Place Fell to the north and the boundary is not where the paths are. We made it to the Knight, a new mini summit for me. Interestingly my strava trace shows we reached the cairn but the tracker thinks we stopped short- we must have been too fast!

Just the final stretch now and a rather gnarly path at the start. David stopped with cramp but insisted I pushed on. Ironically I caught walkers who let me pass and in doing so I missed the grassy line down to the big track. My path ascended a little before a steep drop to Side Farm where I could see David just ahead. Easy running on the big farm track soon led to the back of the school and the finish where we crossed the line almost together. David though had started 5 mins after me that morning. 

There was plenty of drink and cake as we sat recovering outside. I was quite pleased to have beaten 8hrs 30. I finished 7th overall, 1st F, 1st M/FV60, 2nd M/FV50 and only a few minutes behind 5th and 6th place.  

Oh- and a long segment record and a few PRs on Strava. We moved inside for more chat, lots of wonderful soup and yet more cake and tea. 

The guys soon started leaving in search of a TV to watch England in the Euros. It was a good event and nice to raise money for the community- parking, cake, the event, teas etc. A number of friends had not known of the event, although it was on Si Entries, so I suspect next year it will get even more customers.

Pennine 39 (37 really)

 One of the best weekends in my racing year again. No Ts, no medals, no stress just a great route, wonderful people, lots of food, drink and banter. Thanks Joe and all at Nav4.

It's my 8th time at the race and it always a little different. No need to worry about sun cream and running out of water this year as grey skies were pretty consistent. After we had collected more mint cake from Romneys we moved on for a damp walk around some Kentmere Wainwrights. It was quite nice to explore these at just a fast walk and to revisit lower 'lumps' that I would often dismiss. By late afternoon we were in Alston to claim a space at the garage car park area.

Photo from Stu Smith- love these guys

We wandered up to the YHA only to find the whole Nav4 gang and extended family were already unpacked and drinking tea. It didn't take long to put our flags and banners up and then to join them. Bob was going to cycle and help at CP1 near Cauldron Snout and then explore more on his bike afterwards.

A decent sleep in the van and we awoke to very grey skies and 'damp' but not quite raining weather. Not really what either of us wanted but not cold either. Bob got dressed in multiple layers before heading out on his bike. I debated layers and shorts before walking up the YHA for the toilet and to chat. Before 8am we were starting to gather by the garage ready for our coach. It felt quite strange not really knowing almost any of the other female runners. It meant I had no idea what to expect but I did know that Claire, Dsepina and others were missing so hoped my Runfurther points would be good. Nick and I bagged front seat which helped me not to feel travel sick and also meant we could wave at a very soggy Bob as we passed him. The drizzle turned to rain over the high point near the County Durham boundary but then ceased again as we reached Bowlees.

We were gradually herded across the field and over the delicate bridge to the start area and a chance to take the obligatory waterfall photos at Low Force. It was now warm enough and dry enough to stash my cag. As is the usual way with Joe there was a quiet 'Off you go' and we had started. Steve Jones led for his usual 2 mins and then Rory and Phil slowly started pulling further and further away. The first section is easy and very runnable path but I made myself hold back rather than risk arriving in Dufton blown up. A few blokes overtook me but that was fine. There was no time to worry about diverting for the view at High Force as we followed the Pennine Way westwards.

The rocks below Falcon Clints were very damp and greasy so I slowed even more here and decided that losing 10 mins in the race total was better than an uncomfortable fall. It was a joy to reach the end and to start the mini scramble up the side of Cauldron Snout to the marshalls waiting at the bridge. 

No blue skies today

Bob had made it and had time to get changed and warm. A quick kiss and I was on my way. He promised to let me know how far behind me the next woman was. Before long I caught the first back marker from the early start. It was Dom so I slowed for a quick chat as we went through the gates at Birkdale- the highest inhabited farm in England. I then worked on reeling in 'white shirt' man who had overtaken me on the rocks. I had the luxury of knowing the way having done the race many times before and just ignored the 'damp' as I headed towards High Cup Nick. I overtook some more early starters here. The low cloud parted enough for the spectacular view but I didn't stop for a photo today. 

Today's view was much more cloudy but still impressive

I found the lower path and had to slow again briefly for greasy rocks but was soon onto better ground and running down the grass edges. I saw Jenny up ahead- it had taken me a long time to catch her and we had a brief chat as the gates off the fell. I then concentrated on chasing two faster men all the way down the track and then tarmac into Dufton. 

Photo from Stu Smith

I helped another early starter find the village hall and our first real CP. I was eager to grab food but not waste much time. I had hoped to see Siobhan and ask her to update me on any rival but she wasn't there. I grabbed cheese and melon before leaving with an oaty date cake. I didn't even have time for a quick Stu hug. Orange shorts man had an exploding water bottle but collected the bits and led me up the lane and back onto the Pennine Way. It was muddier than I can ever remember on the walled path and it was a relief to reach the first stream and start on the long steep straight track. It also gave me a chance to look back. There was nobody in sight, not even white shirt man. I caught an other early runner and was glad of his shout when I lost concentration at a path junction. I could hear him behind me as I climbed higher onto the open moors amongst the tiny streams, old mine workings and hushes. The climb has a series of flatter ledges  and I tried to run when I could.

By Knock Old Man I had caught another early starter and decided I needed to stop and put my cag on. It was breezy but not knock you off your feet windy and the rain was more of an annoying drizzle than real hard rain. I ran hard towards the road knowing it would keep me warm. Climbing to Great Dun Fell was strange as the low cloud reduced visibility to about 50m and so the radar domes were hidden. Many of the flag stones were under a fair amount of water but they did not seem slippery and I ran fairly well down to the col and up over Little Dun Fell. I passed a pair of female runners here and was surprised they had opted for the early bus given the progress they were making. Heading to Cross Fell the visibility deteriorated a little but I wasn't too bothered and could still see the tall cairns and then eventually the trig and shelter. 

Visibility about 50m today

I picked up the main path heading north no problem and then debated about taking the short cut trod. Just before it I bounced across an area of very bouncy bog and as I slowed spotted the trod. Perfect. Today I got the line perfect and decided I must usually head too far right. The grass on the trod was a different colour and so easy to follow. It brought be out a little further back on the main track but was easier running than my usual line.

Gregs Hut seemed deserted until a head poked out the window. I shouted my number and ran straight on by. Knowing to expect the worst of the next section helps. The yellow brick road has mellowed a little and is now easier to run on plus I no longer expect it to be all downhill. I stopped to take my cag off now I was out the worst of the wind and predictably the drizzle started again. I could see orange shorts man up ahead and worked on not letting the gap grow at all. I had time to check my watch and do some maths. I could be on for a PW - the greasy rocks, my slow steady start and running alone with no real incentive to race hard had slowed my pace. I tried to make up some time on the descent to Garrigill but knew it was going to be some way off my fastest times.

There were no marshalls in the road and so I could not just shout my number and had no choice but divert to the village hall. Siobhan and her boys were there. I quickly refilled water, grabbed a banana and left. Running through the village I suddenly realised I had not asked about the possible diversion. This last section along the river back to Alston is only about 5km but in some years it has seemed to really drag. This year it sped by. The bridge had big CLOSED notices but was not locked or barricaded so I crossed. Later I found others had continued and crossed at the ford. I could see no runners and was surprised not to see Orange shorts man.  Deciding to make the best I could of my 'slower' time I ran fairly hard on the nice grassy paths but cursed the many stiles, especially when I bashed my shin on one. As I reached the little climb up to the woods and final path I had clawed back a little time and so ran knowing the flags would not be far. The short flight of steps to the YHA are always a shock to the legs but I had finished. Not quite a PW, 1stF and 1stM/FV60, in fact even 1st M/F V50 and 5th overall. Reasonably consistent since 2016 with 7.04, 7.26, 7.06, 7.00, 6.55, 7.21, 7.04 and now 7.23

Bob was there taking photos. Rory had won and was already on his way home. 

Phil had resolved his car charging issues and was now patiently waiting.A few minutes later orange shorts man appeared he had missed the turning near Low Scilly Hall and ended up down near the river. 

Soup and cups of tea revived me and I did not feel too bad at all. Clearly running just that bit slower had been kind to my body! I soon felt good enough to go for a shower before returning outside for more food.

Race time 7hrs 24  although my watch says 7hrs 23

The smoking fire pit kept the worst of the midges away and we were able to loiter around outside, cheer in the next runners and swap tales form the race. David N, jenny, Nick, Steve and others all finished. In fact ALL the runners who started did finish!

With almost all of the runners back we helped reorganise the dining room ready for our evening meal. There were 28 eating so it was cozy and a bit noisy. 

Photo Stu Smith

Dom finished and as last runner got tremendous applause. He had spent a long day on his feet! The food was excellent and the wine flowed freely. It was sad to learn that Jos had died the night before - so many memories, he will not soon be forgotten.

Stanza Stones (the second one)

 As is usual we drove to the start on Friday evening. As we neared Marsden the weather clagged in and by the time we were putting up flags and banners the drizzle got heavier. It rained hard over night and we had left a skylight open. I was up early and by 7am had dropped off mint cake, put up boards and completed my registration and kit check. Back at the van I had breakfast before returning to the hall to use the loo and to chat with friends. Kevin and Rory were both claiming to be less than ideally prepared; yeah right! Mark D had a dodgy infection on one leg. Guy was back determined to complete this year. 

Plus there were chats with Charlotte, Sarah, Ian, Steve and Sally. Martin finally got his Fellsman trophy and beer and we left it with Dawn in his car.

The forecast was for improved weather as the day went on and it was certainly getting brighter but still chilly. I set off in two tops and my cag as there were still black clouds looming. 

A steady start saw Ian vanishing up ahead and Martin was already out of sight this year, but I was OK with that and found the first stone. Once on the moors we had our first heavy rain shower and I was pleased to have kept my cag on. A mixture of running and stomping led me to the road crossing and then the masts at Windy Hill. It was very breezy crossing the M62 footbridge and quite windy on Blackstone Edge. There was less mud than I expected though and we made decent time to the White House. I didn't really need anything yet so grabbed two jaffa cakes and pushed on. This next section is on a big drivable track and as it is almost flat it should be easy to run. I ran to the Stone near the climbing crag but then into the headwind and with my hip causing me pain I started to slow. Run a bit, walk a bit was to become the pattern for the day. I kept commanding my legs to run but the answer was no. Shouting at failing body parts does not work. I used the guys ahead to push myself onwards to Stoodley Pike and then down into Mytholmroyd. Darren came past and sped off plus various others. The views were now great and the sky mostly blue.

At least I found the correct village hall for the CP this year. Amy and most of the men that were just ahead were still here. A quick snack and top up of water and we were off. It's a tough climb out of the valley and up on Midgely Moor and I could sense the others all pulling away. There was one confusing path section with the first real boggy bits of the day. Gary C ran with me for a bit before we reached the easy running on the conduit and he too pulled away. I just kept trying the best I could and consoled myself that the walking climbs were actually OK.

I found Stone 3 OK, it has a marker post but I remember thinking it was tricky last year. Heading east I suddenly realised I knew exactly where I was as we met the new Calderdale Hike route area. It must have perked me up because I ran well here and caught some guys on the way into Oxenhope. I knew the way here and pushed on. Before long I could see Amy up ahead. Haworth was full of tourists and the trip hazards of dogs on stretchy leads, toddlers, prams and people ambling about with no awareness of others. I reached the CP just seconds behind Amy.  I decided I needed a decent refuel here as I knew I had not really been eating enough. Perhaps I ate too much because I struggled to get going again and only kept with Amy after she made two small errors. By the time we reached the lanes near Cullingworth Moor she was off and pulling away. I was happy with my running on the Calder Aire Link but knew I would be slow on the wet rocks in Goitstock Wood. No swimmers this year but the waterfalls were impressive. I pushed on to the next woods knowing it was now not far to the CP in Bingley.

Charles was there and made me a cup of tea. I refilled my water but really did not fancy the food on offer.  I knew I needed to eat but just could not make myself do it. Having negotiated the town traffic safely I climbed up by the flight of locks and then stopped as grit was rubbing my ankle. I dislike the canal section. It is flat, 6 miles and should be so easy to run. It was easier than in the extreme heat of last year but still very warm. My hip objected strongly but I kept trying to run and refusing to stop until I had counted 100 paces. I encouraged myself with the thought of the unofficial Fellsman CP at the end of the canal. I sat here with Chris and William for a few minutes as I ate an ice pop. I now knew that I was being caught by the next woman but realistically there was little I could do.

Climbing up to Silsden Road I caught the guy with poles but it obviously cost me more than him because as Kate caught me he and the other man pulled steadily away and she followed. For ages I could see them up ahead but the gap was widening as we climbed Addingham Moor and then ran towards Ilkley. I stopped for water at the foot of Keighley old road and again at the CP at the top. The others were now out of sight but I spotted a runner up ahead and was determined to catch him before 12 Apostles. I did and then after we circled the stones I overtook on the long descent to the last stone. The run down seemed Ok so perhaps I was not trying as hard as last year. 

I ran well down the tarmac but did have to stop for a breather on the way to the school. 

Kevin and Rory with only 2 secs splitting first and second place!

50 miles with 2145m of climb. Done in 11hrs 21 so a PB by 17 minutes. It should be a PB after the heat of last year and I was pleased until I found Kevin had a 100 minute PB! Amy was 1st in 11.06 and Kate next in 11.16. I guess only being 5 mins behind Kate and 15 behind Amy is not so bad. First FV again.  

Lots of sitting, chatting and some food allowed me to feel more normal and my legs were much less trashed than last year. We were due to go straight to the Lakes but Bob said the forecast had worsened so it was home for a much needed shower and bed.

Feeling old

My race prep was less than ideal with 239km and 8747m in the previous 10 days, which included a reasonably fast effort on my Birthday 100. Not that I would change this as I love my birthday runs and we had some great days in the Lakes too.

Birthday run

 It seems a long time since I posted and I certainly have not been doing nothing! Lots of indoor climbing, quite a few bike rides and some big Wainwright walks and runs.

It has become a thing to do a big run on my birthday as proof to myself that I am not really getting old. Denial yes. I had a variety of options in mind but knew I had to plan with only Bob as support this year plus I did not want to do anything too crazy as I had some races in June. A local guy had written a book on a route he devised called the North West Way which goes from Preston to Carlisle via some interesting places. At 192 miles I was tempted to do it all but then the weather in the preceding fortnight was awful and I decided to be sensible and do half of it. I quite liked the idea of running home and knew that this would work well for Bob supporting me and so the plan was Bowes to Preston. All down hill and running home. Of course it was also into the wind and no it really was not all down hill. There would be plenty of variety underfoot, in the scenery and also in terms of bits I knew or did not know.

First light in Bowes

We drove north past all the bow topped caravans making their way to Appleby Horse Fair and were in Bowes by early evening. Two of my planned park ups were non starters but the third was fine although traffic noise from the nearby A66 was not ideal. I was already packed and organised and so with itchy feet I went out to explore. It is a pretty little village with some gentrified houses, a pretty church and the ruins of a castle. I decided not to start by the castle as the field paths had long grass that would be very wet in the morning. Wet feet after 500m when the next 8 miles were on big dry tracks seemed daft.

Ready for a long day

I was up as my alarm went at 4.30am and after a quick breakfast a photo left the van in cool but dry weather. I was cautious on the first mile or so but once on the big tracks over the moors I relaxed and made good progress. 

Setting off for home

The route opted for the drivable shooters track rather than the Pennine Way path so my feet stayed dry all the way to Tan Hill Inn.  All was quiet as I passed the pub and those in campervans were still asleep. 

Not the best selfie

Here I turned south on the Pennine Way which although following a good track was wet and muddy after all the recent rain. Beautiful wild scenery all the way.

Wild moors above Keld

Before long I could see Keld and recognised the scenery from my Northern Traverse runs. With  no need to divert to toilets or shop in Keld I was soon near Crackpot Hall (what a great name) and entering new territory. 

Keld village

The route ignores the PW and the Pennine Journey paths and stays to the east of the river. Again it was a good track  and then some lovely old flagstones all the way to Muker.

Old mine workings

Quickly admiring the old buildings in the hamlet I took field paths where the flood water had just about receded and headed west to Thwaite. It was now properly morning and I got some strange looks as I passed the camp site. 

Beautiful meadows

Bob had found a good parking place above Thwaite and it was good to see him and to eat and drink. 

Off to the moors again

Determined not to get comfortable I was soon on my way up the track leading towards Great Shunner Fell (2384m) and Bob shot off over Buttertubs to Hardraw.  Soon the track became grassy and very wet and muddy. The sections of flagstones were under about 8-10 inches of water but they were better than the muddy boggy sections.  As I neared the summit the drizzle started. Fortunately it was really just wetting out of low cloud and soon stopped. 

Grey but not yet too wet

I had been looking forward to the 5 miles of track which would drop me into Wensleydale but for the first mile or so had to be cautious given the underfoot conditions. The views were wonderful, the bird life amazing (grouse and curlews mainly) and I met my first walkers of the day. It was a joy to be running downhill as it is a track I have only ever gone up before.  

Arriving in Hardraw

Bob was parked exactly where I met the tarmac. More food and a cup of tea. Over 22 miles done and I was up an schedule.

Refuelling

Knowing the way made the next miles easy and allowed me to relax and take in the scenery. I love the dales with their meadows full of flowers, lambs and birds. It was warm but not too hot now. Road signs saying floods/closed caused some concern but they were a day or so old. I did stay on the PW rather than the smaller path close to the river but managed to get from Hardraw to Hawes with no issues. Thwarted by flood water would have been very irritating and the road had been shut 48hrs earlier. The small town was getting very busy with walkers, tourists and shoppers as I took the old stone path behind the creamery and into Gayle. Bob meanwhile went to the cheese shop and bought me lots of extra birthday presents!

I love the Dales

Once out of town and on Gaudy Lane I was alone again heading up and up on the PW. My feet were soaked but did not seem to be suffering at all. I was moving towards Fellsman and Dales High Way paths that I knew. Running along the big track below Dodd Fell seemed easier than when racing the Fellsman and I had time to admire the view north to Snaizeholme and Great Knoutberry. 

Off Cam High Road but still good tracks

At Kidstone Gate I joined Cam High Road, an old Roman route, and had excellent views of the Y3Ps and Ribblehead Viaduct. 

Ribbleshead viaduct and 3Ps scenery

At Cam End it was a sharp left turn to head south but still on the PW. Good tracks were certainly helping me make good progress here. Ling Gill looked interesting and a good spot to swim plus there is lots of history- a 16th century bridge  and old mine workings. 

Looking a bit grey but still dry

From Old Ing there are multiple paths but I stuck to that chosen for the NWW rather than the slightly lower Ribble Way. Along this section I passed a few walkers, a DoE group and then a friend out running with her son: always a nice surprise. 

So much water everywhere!

At Sell Gill Holes I remembered a winter walk with Bob where we sheltered from the wind to picnic. Before long I was in Horton in Ribblesdale. It was surprisingly quiet although the campsite looked full.

A quiet spot in Horton

I had decided in advance that the best spot for Bob was by the old primary school. I knew there would be space and that it would be quiet if he needed a snooze. Being in Brackenbottom meant Pen Y Gent would be a short out and back but in the end the weather changed my plans here anyway. As I ate and drank in the van we could see the weather closing in. 

Cag on - it's going to rain

Sure enough, by the time I had climbed 1km east the cloud was low and the air was damp. There seemed little point gaining the peak with no view. I had been many times before and didn't want to risk a slip on the greasy rocks either. Instead I headed south to Churn Milk Hole and eventually the lane. It was now wet and I found PW walkers hiding behind a wall sorting their gear. Climbing onto Fountains Fell seemed to take a while; I guess I was getting tired now after 40+miles and the boggy ground was slowing me down. No photos either. Dropping towards Tennant Gill Farm the rain eased but the paths stayed horribly wet and boggy all the way to the road. I consoled myself with the maths that by the south side of Malham Tarn I would be pretty much half way. It was a relief to reach the tarmac driveway to the hall and also to have the distraction of all the wooden carved birds and animals as I climbed. 

Waves on the tarn

Reaching the tarn more walkers appeared making the most of the now dry weather. I ate more here. I cannot remember what but know there was soup, fresh mango, quiche and cups of tea. 

Arriving at Malham Tarn car park

Leaving the main car park it was soon obvious the whole area had been flooded and much of the flat grass was still under water with raging streams where there is often just a trickle. A rather circuitous route got me through. I had been anxious about the next section knowing how much I dread wet muddy limestone and the gnarly path below Ing scar did not disappoint. 

Heading to Malham Cove

It was a relief to reach the limestone pavement above the Cove. Usually I would bounce across this but today with tired legs I took more care.

Limestone pavement

It was busy with many families having walked up from the campsite and car parks on such a pleasant afternoon/evening. No time for me to explore the village today.

The iconic view

In my head it would be down hill from here to Hellifield; of course it wasn't. A couple of miles and I was in Kirkby Malham and alone again. Here the paths deteriorated with first a slippery steep muddy affair in the woods and then rather indeterminate paths through meadows with thigh high grass all the way to Otterburn. At least from there to Hellifield was easy and was downhill! I was very pleased to see Bob and the van and to have yet more refreshments. A day later would have been a disaster as the Long Preston road was blocked for hours- perhaps by the travelling vans. I should probably have stopped and changed my socks here, if only to check on my feet, but there seemed little point as I knew they would soon be soaked again.

You would think from here to Preston across relatively lowland and flattish field paths would be easy. It proved to be the toughest part of the day. The paths are clearly walked much less and this meant the nav was more tricky plus with the recent rain and warmth the vegetation had shot up and nobody had beaten it down. There were some quiet lanes which upped the pace a bit but there were also some very very muddy bits with highly exuberant young cows.  I was pleased to have my poles even though I didn't actually need to use them. The Paythorne area will not be my favourite and I was pleased to reach the old bridge and be making my way towards Gisburn. The paths added to avoid main road running have improved since we ran the Ribble Way as a team and turning off to Gisburn Park was even better. Bob had again found the perfect stop. It was only about 8.30pm and I was keen to make the most of the light and so did not stop long. Baby bel cheese and Lidl Romeo / Bounty vars would have to do. I was carrying my head torch but would not need it yet. Over 100km done and feeling OK.

Mill Lane near Gisburn

Leaving the van I turned up the driveway of Coppice Farm to meet a huge herd of deer which was a nice treat. 

There must have been 50 in total

A few km later was a herd of very frisky cows- much less of a treat. The ground was wet and muddy but I eventually emerged at Sawley for a bit of road running. It was quiet and I had no issue with traffic. I deviated from the official route slightly here as I did not want to run through a farm yard in the dark and cause upset or spook any farm dogs. Near Grindleton I picked up the Ribble Way and relished easy nav for a while. The quarry and cement works at Chatburn were noisy even at night but otherwise all was deserted. The river side path was easy to follow but very wet and muddy. There were even some sections where the river had burst it's banks. Wider paths near the sculpture park were easier and before long I was at Low Moor and then Eddisford Bridge. Bob was there in the van as promised but for the first time today I was feeling slightly sick and not wanting to eat. Still, there was only a marathon to go and I had eaten well all day.

Leaving Clitheroe

It was easy running even in the dark to Great Mitton and then roads to the Hodder bridges- the 'new' one and the ancient packhorse Cromwell's bridge. Cromwell's army crossed here on their way to the Battle of Preston in 1648. Shortly after this my route left the Ribble Way and climbed to the back of Stonyhurst College so there was more easy track running pretty much all the way to Hurst Green. Having visited and run here often I did not mind not seeing the impressive buildings as it was dark. A track dropped me towards the river and Dinckley bridge and then it all went a bit wrong. I lost the path and did some battle with mud and undergrowth- I was tired and it was dark. Having my poles helped keep me upright in several sections of mud but I still managed one skid and a twisted knee. I relocated on the bigger bridleway and was soon at the bridge in Little Town.  Bob was there but I didn't really want much except to get the job done now.

Near Malham Cove- out of order but too good not to include

The NWW crosses some field paths to Ribchester but the road has pavement and I could not face more bog and mud. Ribchester was deserted as you might expect at 2.30am and I was soon on my way to Hothersall and thinking of all the times I had gone to meet kids doing DoE on paths around here. I kept disturbing wildlife now. I think a fox watched me and then ran off. There were some deer and an owl plus lots of sheep's eyes glowing in the dark. Heading west on paths that cross Alston Lane and Elston Lane was OK but then I saw 'different' eyes and suddenly there was barking. Two dogs had either escaped or been let out alone. I was not impressed. It was not yet light and I had no idea how friendly they might be. Stressed I charged off towards Tun Brook woods and it all went a bit wrong again. I found the gate into the woods and crossed a bridge. OS maps and my instructions were cross it and go straight up the other side. There are two bridges!  After some swearing and battle with mud and undergrowth I retraced my steps to the first bridge and saw that I needed to drop down to the main stream and another bridge. It's probably easy in daylight and with a fully functioning brain but I will go back one day soon and check. Once past the solar farm I was soon on familiar ground and on the easy path above Red Scar wood. I was glad running home meant from here it I knew the way so well. Dropping to Brockholes and the nature reserve there was even more bird life and I met a photographer out at dawn. The Guild Wheel is a good surface Which on a normal run I would not be a fan of) and as I crossed under the A59 to follow the Ribble downstream I knew there was less than 9 miles to go. It was now raining but I didn't really care. I stopped at our van briefly at the Shaws Arms but again wanted little to eat. 

The heaviest of the rain I had in all the journey

It is always a joy to run through Avenham and Miller Parks. I looked up right to Avenham Tower where we once lived, was surprised to see a couple of tents by the river in the park and then started meeting early morning runners. I hope they didn't think I usually run so badly- they of course had no idea where I had started. The official route goes up through the very fine Winckley Square to then finish at the train station. I stayed on the Guild Wheel by the river and had opted to finish at the dock swing bridge where I knew Bob could park easily even in rush hour.  

I can stop at last

I thought about running home- another mile or so on the Guild Wheel but the cycle path along Portway is noisy and smelly so finishing at the dock seemed nicer. 

Job done

 I finished- a bit wet and bedraggled but in one piece and happy at 6.48am. So just under 26hrs (25.53) for the 99 miles/159km and 3294m of climb. 

It was a very short drive home for a shower, fried eggs on bread as always and some sleep for both of us. Bob had managed a few micro naps but had been awake as long as me.

Doing this in the 'proper' direction would have been better for the prevailing wind but it was not really very windy and it was good to be running home and on very easy paths at the end.  I ate well until Clitheroe and was happy with that. I did not change any clothes or footwear and should perhaps have changed socks and checked my feet. Two days later my feet are fine. It would have been better without the previous fortnight of rain but the weather on the day was pretty good. After a sleep we repacked the van and drove to the Lakes for 3 days of big Wainwright walks. Bob completed (and exceeded) his 80 Wainwrights for 80 years. I must admit it was good to have dry feet for almost the entirety of those 3 days and no mud or navigation issues. We were also blessed with beautiful weather. So now I just have the Carlisle to Bowes section to do when I have some spare time. I might have to start at Bowness on Solway to make it about 100 miles though. Thanks to Steve Garrill for the inspiration and the kind gift of his NWW book as an early birthday present.