DW has a plan to do leg 4 of the BG. But starting from Honister and running over to Wasdale first.
We have done this before as a recce for pacing duties and therefore whilst actually supporting. Today though will be different as I have not done anything of this distance and time since the summer. I expect a tough day.
It is cold and breezy as we leave Honister at 8.36am when DW, KA and I set off. This is a great route to Wasdale, not much climb and with great views, though perhaps not today.
Here is an evening view of Ennerdale on a better day.
Crossing Beck Head under Great Gable it occurs to me that in another four and a half hours or so we will pass this way again but won't be taking the easy way back. The path down to Gavel Neese is rocky at first then grassy down the ridge. I go steady to preserve my quads. In Wasdale we see the hunt starting out onto the slopes of Yewbarrow then all too soon we leave the road and start the steep ascent ourselves. Steady again, there is a long way to go. The summit comes in good time so onto Red Pike and into the mist.
The views do not improve over Steeple, Scoat Fell and Pillar but the pace is good and we drop out of it as we approach Black Sail. Here we cross paths with the hunt. Beginning to feel it now on Kirk Fell but know Gable is next and that is the last big one. Again I set my pace and just keep going. It works well as I feel quite good.
We decide to take my racing line from the summit to Windy Gap, this is much quicker but does require a bit of commitment! Green Gable is soon behind us. Just before Brandtreth a disorientated group ask me just where they are. I am tempted to say Helvellyn but resist and point them in the right direction. On over Grey Knotts and down to the car where DW provides welcome tea and biscuits, excellent!
A great day but my quads feel it. Thanks DW.
Stairs are a problem on Sunday and Monday training is a test but I make it through.
Russell
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