So Kath and I head to Langdale for a recce of the Langdale Horseshoe, not sure if either of us will run the race but still a good route to have a fell run on.
The cloud is down on the Crinkles and dark clouds loom; I expect it to be windy (correct) and for us to get wet at some point (incorrect). From the ODG we run along the track towards the NDG and then cut up the left hand side of Stickle Ghyll to Stickle Tarn. Heading East around the tarn we reach the stream crossing (CP 1), and climb the path towards Pavey Ark; as the ground starts to level we cut right to CP 2 on the summit of Thuncar Knott.
Then on a bearing to the next checkpoint is at Esk Hause, some of this on the Bob Graham route and then some on the Old County Tops route. We are running well and despite the blustery conditions we stay below the cloud and dry. As we approach Esk Hause we realise that we might see some of the Borrowdale fell race, we do.....we get there just after Ricky Lightfoot, leading the race, had gone through; we stay around for a few minutes to see the chasing pack of 4 runners, led by Jebby.
We then get back to our route, and double back below Esk Pike on a tricky trod, but soon at Ore Gap and into the cloud. We take it cautiously but pick up the grassy line leading to the summit. Then down to Three Tarns and again do reasonably well to get an line skirting the first few Crinkle summits and the climb directly to Top 5, another checkpoint.
It can be tricky here, we are still in the cloud but I lead us towards the Bad Step and get a good little trod around this......should have led a young couple on this as 'she' did not like descending the Step ! Good running from here leads us to Red Tarn and the last climb to the summit of Blisco. Again good running on race lines leads us to the cattle grid near Blea Tarn and then an easy descent, through the campsite and road back to the ODG.
A great route, 14 miles, 4,500' of ascent and a good day out.
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