So me and Russ head out to recce the race route. It is another scorcher but the forecast is for 45mph winds - this proves to be correct.
We park close to Threlkeld cricket ground and follow the track to Newsham, the sun is strong, so is the breeze. We take a slightly different line to the BG route, cutting right, through the fence and then up - this is how the race map has it marked, it is also the route of teh Ultra Lakes 100.
Over the Old Coach Road and then a steep climb to Clough Head, once on the ridge the wind really becomes apparent and relentless. On to Great Dood and then easy running (in less windy conditions), bypassing Watson's and Stybarrow Dodd, to Sticks Pass - very different to how it was when I was last here, on the TdeH, and several feet of fresh snow !
On to Raise, checkpoint 3 and then over Whiteside and Lower Man to Helvellyn, we shelter for a few moments from the wind - it is hard going - from our left all the way to here and soon to be on our right all the way back. The 'back' route is the same as the 'out' and navigation / visibility are no problem today.
It is a relief to drop off Clough Head and out of the wind, we are exhausted from the battle. Back at the car is just under 4hrs, a good run out, I wonder how long the race will take me !?
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