I manage to get a late entry for this run-row-run-row race. Fun as always mostly coming from the rowing bits. HelmHill do well.
Sunday, 23 June 2013
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
Lakeland 50 First Bit
Sunday 16/06/13
I was planning a run for today but maybe not quite as long as this. CB wanted to recce the first half of the Lakeland 50. Or Pooley Bridge to Kentmere. It was going to be a challenge as I had the extra pressure of having to be home by a certain time.
We were dropped off at 9.17am so were now committed. Everything went well and we had no route finding problems. I had done some of this with DW last year. By the time we reached Haweswater it was getting hot. The run along to Mardale Head could be pleasant but today it seemed never ending. With Gatescarth looming ahead.
The climb went slowly for me but CB was going well. The run down to Sadgill took its toll on my knees and the old niggles returned to slow me considerably. After the initial climb we cut the route and went via Skeggles Water and down to finish at my house in Staveley.
5 and a half hours or so. A good pace for the actual event.
And I was home in time.
Russell
I was planning a run for today but maybe not quite as long as this. CB wanted to recce the first half of the Lakeland 50. Or Pooley Bridge to Kentmere. It was going to be a challenge as I had the extra pressure of having to be home by a certain time.
We were dropped off at 9.17am so were now committed. Everything went well and we had no route finding problems. I had done some of this with DW last year. By the time we reached Haweswater it was getting hot. The run along to Mardale Head could be pleasant but today it seemed never ending. With Gatescarth looming ahead.
The climb went slowly for me but CB was going well. The run down to Sadgill took its toll on my knees and the old niggles returned to slow me considerably. After the initial climb we cut the route and went via Skeggles Water and down to finish at my house in Staveley.
5 and a half hours or so. A good pace for the actual event.
And I was home in time.
Russell
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
Training surprise
Wednesday 12th June
Felt good at training tonight. First time for a while.
Have been feeling a but unenthusiastic recently so this is good.
Some bluebells at Rydal. Picture from a couple of weeks ago, just thought I would pop it on here before deleting it. They were better in reality.
Monday, 3 June 2013
Sunday, 26 May 2013
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Monday, 20 May 2013
OCT
Saturday 18th May 2013
After approx 7 hours and 20 minutes we arrive at Cocklay Beck. We decide to retire.
Well, in reality the decision was made much earlier in the day.
Our start was steady and just as planned. We were right on the schedule. But the going got tough after Helvellyn. Wythburn was much boggier than normal and my running and climbing only got slower.
At Angle Tarn I was still feeling confident that I could keep going at the same pace but it went rapidly downhill from there.
Seeing familiar faces returning from Scafell Pike summit en route to Little Narrowcove gave me a boost and our line off went OK. Emerging from the mist to see we had caught up with four teams all looking at maps and knowing exactly where we were going was a nice moment. But when we start to run down Mosedale I have nothing. Wobbly, feeling ill and unable to run I knew it was time to call it a day.
There is always going to be a few moments of doubt after making the decision but it was certainly the right one. To put me, my partner and potentially the race organiser and Mountain Rescue in a difficult situation would be foolish.
What this does do is make me question my chances of doing the JNLC. Will be out of any distance training for a while. Re think needed.
Biggest disappointment is letting CB down. Hope he goes on to make a successful completion. Maybe with me next year!! Optimism is good.
Russell
Monday, 13 May 2013
Monday, 6 May 2013
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
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
Sunday, 5 May 2013
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
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
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
Sunday, 28 April 2013
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
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
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
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
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
Saturday, 13 April 2013
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
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
Monday, 8 April 2013
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
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
Sunday, 31 March 2013
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
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
Friday, 29 March 2013
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
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
Sunday, 24 March 2013
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
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
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
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