Silver How

Monday 6th May 2013

So I find myself with reason to be at Elterwater on a perfect Bank Holiday Monday evening. I take a unconventional route to Silver How where the views are superb. Photos do not do it justice. What an evening after the long winter. With lots of paths and trods to choose I follow my nose to get back to the car. A wonderful hour.

Photos from the summit.

Russell

Scafell Pike

Saturday 4th May 2013

CB and I head off from Langdale towards Scafell Pike to have a look at a few route choices for the up coming OCT. The weather is cool and cloudy but forecast to improve. Steady progress to the summit. Is is quite calm but poor visibility. We take a bearing and get a reasonable line. I am happy with this way down but it is not the most direct. Unfortunately it does not clear and we cannot see the alternatives that I would like to investigate. On the day I would be OK with this route or if clear we may be able to find the line I have used previously.

Across Great Moss then at Lingcove Beck we pick up the Great Lakes route as far as Red Tarn. Then descend back into Oxendale. A good steady run.

Russell

Dockray Hartside

Wednesday 1st May 2013

Race 2 of the Helm Hill Runners club championships.

This is a tough 6 mile race with a mile of uphill road before taking to the fell. This does not suit me and I set off slowly with heavy legs. After the first checkpoint on High Brow I have picked up a few places. The descent and the first part of the ascent to Hartside are tussocky and boggy. I find the lack of spring in the legs continues but I am able to maintain my pace all the way to the summit, gaining on a couple of runners ahead.

Here it is decision time. Most runners descend to Little Aira Beck. But I prefer to take an high line around to Swineside Knott. Further but better running. I do not see any runners ahead of me, just the odd footprint. Later I hear some others also chose this way. I gain another couple of places and another two on the final descent from Common Fell.

A great evening race. The first of a series of 4 races. Blencathra, Dockray Great Dodd and Askham being the others. Hope to do these if possible.

Russell

TWA

Saturday 27th April

I have been thinking about this race route for some time. Combined with the fact I have never been to Grasmoor and need some long training runs it seemed the perfect choice. Earlier plans had been thwarted by the weather and I wanted to do it in good conditions. I couldn't do the race because I had a meeting in Blackpool with Jim Kerr so this Saturday provided the perfect opportunity. It meant I would be on my own but sometimes that can be a good thing. Friends were having successful runs in The 3 Peaks and Highlander MM.

The forecast was good, breezy and the odd shower early in the day then sunny with light winds later, this worked out perfectly. Looking at the results from the race the week before I planned to be out for 5 hours. So leaving Stair at 9.07am I head up Causey Pike. At Sleet Hause I reach the (fresh) snow line and have to put on cag, hat and gloves. Soon over the summit the route to Outerside is straight forward. Although I can see the next objective at Coledale Hause the best route is unclear. I go with what looks right. Employing proven MM tactics of the more direct the better. Avoiding unnecessary climbing. There is enough of that without adding more.

Not sure how well that worked out, I would like to know the race line. As I ascend I see the cloud lifting and at the Hause all the summits are clear. My earlier thoughts were that if the summit of Grasmoor was in clag I would cut the corner direct to Whiteless Pike. No question now so I climb enthusiastically for the summit. What a great place to be on such a perfect day (alone). At least it felt that way after such a long winter. The views are a privilege but the cold northerly breeze prevents loitering.

Descending now and onto the Buttermere Sailbeck race route to Whiteless Pike. Conditions are much more benign. A brief photo stop and into the unforgiving descent to Sail Beck. Here I remove the cag etc. Hat and gloves would be on and off later in the day. Once again it is pick a line time to Newlands Hause. I am happy with the line. Climbing again by Moss Force and on to High Snockrigg, another new summit. Across Buttermere Moss, boggy, with Robinson looming. It had been my plan to look at my watch here to make a decision but it was such a good day I decided to continue and finish the route whatever. Almost all the snow from earlier in the day had gone and all the high summits are clear. I am forced to slow and take in this incomparable vista.

Now it was a case of following the AW route. Easier said than done but it goes OK. The main thing being the descent from Dale Head. I am happy with the line I chose. A mixture of pleasure and pain at the end. The river provides welcome welcome cooling relief. A fraction over my allotted time but the day demanded a slower complementary pace.

Photos are:
Looking back from Coledale
Robinson from Whitless Pike
Grasmoor from Whitless Pike
View from Dale Head to Gable.

Russell

Mondays and training.

Started going out on the fells on Mondays now the clocks have changed. First run was Wansfell from Troutbeck church. Nanny Lane still had quite deep snow drifts between the walls. The gate half way up was partly buried. The farmer told me that a week earlier it was covered and you could walk straight over it. Much less snow on the ridge from Baystones to the Pike but breezy. Worked hard and felt good.

Did Reston Scar Scamper race route one night but can't remember which one.

Last Monday it was Potter Fell and Brunt Knott. Hadn't done much at the weekend so felt strong. Ran some of the up hills I have recently had to walk through lack of motivation and heavy legs. As much as I like running in good company it is nice to be out on your own sometimes. Especially in the evenings.

Back to Helm training. I found last year that taking the sessions meant that I did not work has hard myself as I should do. This year I will try to rectify that.

Russell

Extended Kentmere

Saturday 13th April

CB and myself plan a few hours out from Kentmere. This is his last long(ish) run before the 3 Peaks and our first run as just us before the Old County Tops. The chosen route goes like this. Kentmere. Shipman Knotts. Kentmere Pike. Harter Fell. Gatescarth Pass. Haweswater. Dudderwick. Rough Crag. High Street. Thornthwaite Crag. Ill Bell. Kentmere.

On the tops the snow patches make for hard going. Never knowing quite how firm the foot fall would be we are slowed by constant slips or sudden knee deep plunges. In clag for the first half of the run but at High Street the sky brightens and we look up to see blue sky. From then on the day was warm and very pleasant. A good day.

Russell

Potter to Yarlside

6th and 7th April 2013

On the Saturday I really do potter over Brunt Knott and Potter Fell, passing Dubbs and descending in vague paths. Following signs and arrows I eventually emerge near Burneside and make my way home along the river.

Sunday is the Helm Hill Runners downhill championship race at Yarlside. I had better go because I am the organiser. Picking up DW, my invaluable helper and time keeper, we drive over. The day looks perfect. Not too warm or cold. Mainly sunny. Spring! The race goes well but could do with a few more runners. I hope all those involved, runners, helpers, supporters and spectators had a good day.

We finish with refreshments in the Cross Keys. Perfect.

Russell

Grasmere gingerbread

Sunday 31st March 2013

DW, CB and I plan a long run. The higher fells may be too wintry so we decide on what I think is an LDWA route from Grasmere. A good decision. Leaving the village we climb first to Alcock Tarn and then a rising trod towards Nab Scar. From there along to Great Rigg Man and increasing snow and ice. At the summit we turn, after donning spikes, towards Arthur's Pike then descend into Tongue Gill, (spikes off) then cross the A591 and head up Greenburn.

The valley is followed to Greenburn Bottom from where we ascend to Pike of Carrs and into the snow again. Then along the ridge to Helm Crag (The lion and the lamb). A short descent into Easdale then ascend once more this time on to Blea Rigg. Continuing along to Silver How is hard work as the time and distance begin to tell. The paths are also partly covered in snow adding to the effort.

Then it is decision time. Go for the last summit of Loughrigg or the quick way back to Grasmere. After a brief discussion and some dithering it is on to Loughrigg. I am glad we did but at the time I would have felt no shame in descending.

This is a really good route. A little contrived but that does give the opportunity to shorten it at several places if required.

Russell

Shipman Knotts

Friday 29th March 2013

Most of today spent doing little jobs and pottering about. Every time I look out of the window I see Shipman Knotts and Kentmere Pike resplendent in their snowy overcoats. Eventually I find time and head up the valley. Parking at Maggs How I follow the race route. Sometimes the snow drifts make this tough going or force deviations. Sunny spells are welcome and the breeze is not too strong. Glad to be out but I am not feeling my best. Icy parches make the descent tricky and I recce a new line. Good for today but in summer the bracken might make it impractical.

Russell

Howgill snow and wind

Sunday 24th March

Edale Skyline race cancelled due to the weather so our team decide on a couple of hours in the Howgills. Ably lead by RS. Leaving well prepared we contour under the fells before climbing to The Knott. Then descending steeply into Hobdale Beck is fun. The climb out to Middle Tongue is not. On the exposed ridge the strong and cold easterly wind lets us know our stay here today will be a test.

Once the climbing is done we head for Bram Rigg Top and descend the ridge on firm snow (see pic) to Bram Rigg Beck. We thought there would be some shelter from the wind on this side but not so. It was even worse. Buffeting us all the way back up onto the ridge above Nab and on to Arant Haw.

The final stretch over Winder is a relative pleasure with the wind behind, the last descent is the usual quad basher.

Good to be back and enjoy home made cupcakes. Thanks AB.

Russell

Coniston round

Saturday 16th March

The forecast is not great for today. So DW and I change plans, saving our big day out for better times. We head to Coniston and familiar ground. Or so we thought. Heading up the main path there are spots of rain but as we leave this and turn for Wetherlam we are in snow. Also the first to pass this way today. We break trail happily moving along the ground seeming familiar.

The light is very flat and it becomes hard to define the ground ahead. Soon we arrive at a large cairn. At first I thought it was the summit but not so. It just doesn't look right. We press on. Finally the true summit arrives. Descending we pick up the cairns again but the path is obliterated by hard snow so out with map and compass. On a bearing we stay high to avoid the steep ground. This work well and we find ourselves on the familiar approach to Prison Band.

Again breaking trail, then half way up we meet a party descending. Now with easier going Swirl How comes quickly. As does the main path to Brim Fell. In the cloud everything looks the same, thankfully the line of cairns and footprints combined with our sense of direction keep us on the right route to Coniston Old Man. Retracing our steps then following a couple of pairs of fell shoe prints as we head to Doe Crag. Then on to Brown Pike and our return to Coniston via the Walna Scar Road.

A very enjoyable run.

Russell

Black Combe race

Saturday 2nd March 2012

Always a good way to kick off the racing year. If you have not already done 10 Winter League races. Back to the usual start and finish as the fields were relatively dry. My warm up felt OK but the race start was terrible. Heavy legs and hard work but I am determined to keep running until the steepness of Seaness prevents it.

I deliberately set a steady pace to the summit of Black Combe, perhaps too steady as I feel out of place in the field. In the mist now but I get the right line around to White Combe and gain a few places and a few more down to the fodder rack and river crossing. Now the real work begins. Surprisingly I feel better than I thought I would. I start to gain on the group ahead but am passed by 4 or 5 runners. However I 'dig in' as they say and by the summit I feel good and have caught then all up.

The mist has come right in now and I ignore everyone else and take my own line back to the main path. This works well as I pass all but one without even seeing them. I chase this runner all the way down slowly gaining. Approaching the finish I finally catch them and although crossing the line behind them my better dibber technique enables me rightly or wrongly to be placed ahead of them in the results ( sorry Anna).

My time is 5 minutes slower than I would like but that is usually the case these days. But I am still relatively pleased. The pie peas back in the village hall were very welcome. And all for £6. This really in one of the best races in the calendar.

Russell

Helvellyn and the Dodds

Saturday 23rd February 2013

DW, CB and I head for Threlkeld to do the race route.

Although a reasonably nice day in the valleys the tops are in mist and still have snow. The climb up Clough Head seems harder than last time but I can only go at my pace. I am finding more and more that the start of runs is harder and it takes a while to get going.

After Great Dodd the snow and ice increases and at Lower Man we don Kahtoolas. A good decision. They make the return so much easier, especially the descents. There were a few Mountain Rescue call outs on Helvellyn this day.

I work as hard as I can but still get left behind on the climbs. Nice of the others to wait for me. Soon we descend back to Newsham and things warm up. Coffee and cake courtesy of DW very welcome.

Russell

Fairfield

Saturday 16th February 2013

Not a great forecast but need to get out today as am on family duties tomorrow. I decide on Fairfield from Grasmere via Stone Arthur and see how it goes from there. Quite wet underfoot to start with but then things became gradually more frozen. The summit of Great Rigg Man was bleak. From there the snow became more crusty and icy. The breeze picked on Fairfield, not a place to hang around today.

The descent to Grisdale Hause is not great in summer. Today decidedly unpleasant. As height was lost the snow became softer and rocks more prominent. Care needed. Once down it was a relief to be out of the wind. Most of the ascent of Seat Sandal was in deep snow and very hard going. I can only gain comfort from the fact that this must be good training.

From the summit I take a bearing and head off into the whiteness. However I find myself heading too far right. The snow drifts have a crusty surface as my shins can testify. After correcting my line I am soon at the pointy rock spike. Although below the snow now the steep and rocky ground is tricky. I am careful.

At Dunmail I consider Steel Fell, wanting to recce an alternative line. Conditions are against me on this so part way up I contour to the ridge and head back down to Town Head. Only 2 and a half hours but very hard work at times.

Always try to take a positive.

Russell

Langdale

Saturday 9th February 2013

The plan was to do more recceing for the JNC but the weather was not playing ball. Snow and low cloud. Still it was a good opportunity to try alternative lines in poor visibility. Langdale was the chosen venue and DW and I head up Stickle Gill and Blea Rigg to Sargeant Man. From there we dropped to below Calf Crag. The line I wanted to try follows Birks Gill then continues almost directly to High Raise. This worked well. The snow made for hard going but I think it could the way to go. Just one more alternative to try and of course do again it better conditions when I can check it against the schedule.

From High Raise we pick up the snow covered trod to the top of Stake Pass. This line will need a bit more attention. Stick to the path or take more direct but on potentially poorer ground. Now we follow the OCT route for a while then try a line to Rossett Pike that I had used last summer. In the poor visibility we cut up too soon and after orientating ourselves head along the ridge to the summit. Then down the main path and along the valley to the NDG.

Finishing of with a pint of Winter Warmer in the Hawkshead Brewery.

A very good training run and a couple of things learned. A good day.

Russell

Leg 1 JNLC recce

Saturday 2nd February 2013

I have been planning this run for a while but never had the chance due to time and weather. The forecast was very good if a little breezy (it was) so no excuse. The scariest moment of the day came on the drive over. A patch of ice by Brotherswater momentarily took my destiny out of my own hands.

Parking no problem today and I am soon off up the road and track to Hayeswater. A little more height gained and I am into the sunshine. But also to wind. Hat and gloves on. It was to be this way all day. At The Knott I am onto snow. It is frozen but just enough give to allow safe passage without need for crampons. Just as well as I had decided to leave my Kahtoolas behind. After reaching Rampsgill Head I follow to ridge all the way back to Loadpot Hill.

Now the fun begins. Time to set the watch and see if I can keep to the schedule. I drop the odd minute and the going is variable. The wind cannot decide if it wants to help or hinder. The snow mostly firm but occasionally the frozen drifts give way. I am also constantly distracted by the view west. Probably as good as it gets. I had no camera so you'll have to take my word for it. They will live in the memory. I suspect on the day I won't have the time for such luxuries. If you had the good fortune to be out this day you will know what I mean.

I descend happily back to Hartsop and warmer temperatures. The car park is now chocker! The drive home is a pleasure. I always know I have had a good run when driving back my mind wanders over the days events, I am smiling and nothing bothers me. Not even news about idiot politicians, football fixing and the price of petrol on Radio4.

Russell

Snowy day.

Saturday 26th January

The predicted snow finally came making my cycle home last night entertaining.

This morning after snow clearing duties I ran the Reston Scar Scamper race route. Quite breezy on the top so I guess it would be a lot worse on the high fells.

Great to be out in these conditions. The steep descents were interesting. Thawing quickly now so if the rain comes tonight I don't think there will be much left tomorrow.

Russell

The training begins

Saturday 19th January 2013

Provisional date for JNLC attempt set as 20th July 2013.

Last week I had a look at the last part of the first leg. Parking at Kirkstone I ran out to Thornthwaite Crag. Then set the clock and timed myself back. Quite pleased I managed to keep to the schedule (just).

Today I went out with DW. Parking at Dunmail we climbed up Willie Wife Moor to Dollywagon then on to Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn. Thinking going back would be too short we continued to Whiteside and Raise. Down Stake pass to Stanah bridge. Back along the paths and forest roads to Dunmail.

A very good run. More of these needed.

A small slip resulted in a bruised knee but hey ho that's the way it goes.

Must keep motivated.

Russell

New Years Day Run

Tuesday 1st January 2013

The weather was a little grim so I opted for a short run over Cunswick and Scout Scars. A good way to start the new year. Hope to keep it up.

Russell

No title comes to mind for this post.

Saturday 29th December

The weather forecast was not good. Wet and windy. So we eventually decide to abandon plan A. Also plan C and go for plan B. Basically follow he UTLD route from Elterwater to Coniston and then find an alternative way back.

Thankfully the pace was very steady and we made reasonable progress passing a couple of 4x4's on the way to Tilberthwaite. Heading over to Coniston we encountered wind and rain. Confirming our decision to stay low was a good one.

In Coniston we decide to follow the Cumbrian Way back to Skelwith Bridge. Going via Tarn Hows was OK but after that I did start to suffer a little. It felt a long (undulating) way and my lack of running and climbing was showing itself.

The river Brathay at Skelwith Force was in full spate and very impressive. A bit scary I find. The plod back to Elterwater along the partly flooded path uncomfortable. Glad I made the effort but it did show just how short of fitness I am and how much I need to do if any of 2013's challenges are to be attempted.

Thanks DW and CB for the company and waiting for me.

Russell