A new race and a club championship race, but I won't be about to race it but still very happy to join KA, plus Marie & John for a recce.
Clear sky and sunshine but as we head past Duddon and Devoke we can see that the high Western fells are in cloud. I make the right choice and stick with 3/4's, long sleeved Helly and Montane windproof gilet. We make good progress from Boot, past the stone circle and drop into Miterdale, a lonely and secluded valley. Intricate nav required here and then soon we are slogging up the side of Whinn Fell; we are close to having a good line, but perhaps need to join the ridge and path sooner, this would avoid staying too low on race day.
Once past the summit (CP 1), we consider a straight line to Burnmoor to avoid Illgill Head but this doesn't look so appealing close up so its up and over. Then drop down to the the flat lying area to the East of Burnmoor Tarn before picking up a wee path up Hard Rigg to the summit of Sca Fell Pike. It's a long pull up here and we are in the mist, the wind has picked and the temperature drops.
I actually enjoy this climb but too am pleased to reach the summit; quick hot drink and bait and it's the to Slight Side. It gets even chillier here and our good kit proves worth it's weight in gold. We 'bag' Slight Side and then run on bearings to Eel Tarn; we don't get this spot on but that's what a recce is all about......finding the way to go and the way not to go !
From the Tarn a track leads back to Boot.....and Cali waiting for our return. Tea and biscuits, as is tradition.
Well a cracking route and will be a tough race, I will think of you all.....Forecast for Tenerife all week is 22c and glorious sunshine :-)
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