It might only be an amble, but it is a long one....officially 22 miles but we measure closer to 24 ! On the drive to Braithwaite we enter a snow shower or two, wonder how the day will turnout.
As usual with these events, the registration and start is all very relaxed. Runners are due to set off at 9:30 but as it's not timed and no results most people go when ready. Having marked my map by reading through the route description, I realise it is intricate and we could easily go the wrong way; so care required.
Wise words, but in the first two miles we make a minor mistake, it's never going to be critical and just means a few hundred yards extra...as good training ! So once through Swinside we climb Catbells the weather is clear and the views of the snow covered Lakeland fells is stunning. A torturous wet rocky step descent takes us down towards Derwent water and then a long traverse above Grange and eventually past Castle Crag. Again we need to pay attention to the route, it's incredibly difficult to read the description whilst on the move, it's rocky in most places and where's it not, it's muddy and slippery....this is clearly why Kath was happy for me to be navigator ! :-)
We then drop down towards Seatoller and North to the first checkpoint at Rosthwaite. We bump I to Nicola, she is walking the route and set off earlier, she is going well. Once we are fed and watered we head off towards Stonethwaite and then a long, gradual climb to Dock Tarn; the scenery is fantastic but the Ricky and muddy path is hard going. We then drop to Watendlath and here the weather closes in and we decide waterproof jackets are necessary.
Then on a permissive path, parallel to Watendlath Beck, through Ashness Wood and then down the road to the second checkpoint at Surprise View. We pass on the Scotch Eggs but tuck into the Mars Bars, flapjack, bananas and squash. Then down the road to Ashness Bridge and a steady climb to Walla Crag, perhaps a new Wainwright for Kath to tick off. The weather improves and we then descend to Keswick, via and up and down of Castle Head.
Through the town and then a reverse of the BG finish to the suspension bridge at Portinscale. Not far now, but the intricate route finding continues before we are back on familiar ground, retracing the outward route back to the finish.
Out for 5 hours and both tired. The prospect of hot showers does not materialise so we settle for a sink and hot water but still good to freshen up. Then into Keswick for a late lunch. Nicola does well, she too completed the long route.
