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December 2012: the round up issue Captain Pete’s Final Wave Once more the club has gone from strength to strength over the last year. We’ve had mass participation in races with 31 and Dunneredale and 22 at Kirkby, and we’ve been winning races with records set in the process (thanks to Lizzie and Anna). The club has won a few races as a team as well, ladies at Ulverston, men at Middlefell and and a mixed team at Kirkby. Our 3 relay teams in the UK relay all achieved their highest ever placings (the open team was 36th) and with two teams in the Ian Hodgson our first team hit the top 20. We’ve had quite a few new members this year, particularly a larger number of younger people so the next few years of the club seem pretty assured. Remembering some of our recently departed friends, Pete’s well researched John Peel Trail was a great day out for the summer challenge and has since been featured in the Long Distance Walkers magazine. We also had a local winner of the inaugral Bob Grieve Trophy, for the lowest combined time across all four of our club races, Mike McI winning the mens class with Wendy Dodds taking the womens. So we’re all set for an even more successful 2013, starting with more competition in the winter league races, no noubt leading to more fun throughout. See you at Po House. Lizzie shows Ian Holmes how to ascend. AGM - 29th Jan, Kepplewray The usual pie and peas AGM will take place on the 29th January 2013, 7.30pm at Kepplewray, with a short run beforehand from 6.30pm. This time we have some interesting things up for discussion including election of pretty much all committee positions - Captain, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, ordinary members and the newly suggested post of Membership Secretary. Additionally we need to make an important decision about our affiliation to Athletics and the impact that will have on club subs. See you there. The Bob Grieve Trophy for the Series 2012 saw the introduction of a new prize open to both club and non-club 2012 Trophy Winners members. The persons with the lowest cumulative time for all four Black The Trophies were awarded at this year’s Christmas Do at the Coach Combe organised races, win these lovely trophies, as modelled here by House in Ulverston. The winners were: the first winners of the trophies for 2012 performances - Mike McIver (Black Combe) and Wendy Dodds (Clayton-le- Winter league Mens Paul Kingnorth (again) Moors). Winter League Womens Jo Francis Nicol Black Combe Summer Race M Rich Watson Black Combe Summer Race W Val Gill Paul seconds before the deluge Dunnerdale M Mike McIver of profanity Dunnerdale W Anna Lupton Road Champs M James Goffe Road Champs W Helen Gee Road Champs on Handicap Peter Grayson Champs M Pete Tayler Fell Champs W Val Gill Mike McIver Wendy Dodds Fell Champs on Handicap Mike Jewell Black C 1:23:25 Black C 1:38:03 Most improved Runner Becky Thorpe Caw 52:18 (Winner) Caw 1:07:56 Dunnerd 46:15 Dunnerd 59:29 Achievement Award Pete Tayler for Joss Naylor inKirkby a fit ofM unexpected56:55 kindness, Kirkby M 1:13:42 I did not print this picture - Ed 2013 Black Combe Championships As with previous years, you must do 5 races from the 12 to qualify for the Road and Fell Champs, but there must be one from each distance category. If you do more than 5 then your best 5 count. A point score is worked out depending on how quickly you complete the race compared to the winner - so if you win the race then you score 100, and if you take double the amount of time of the winner, you score 50. A handicap score is also worked out for ladies (who gain 12%) and for vets who gain points for each year over 40. This enables everyone to compete together on an arguably level playing field for the handicap trophy. Its all very scientific. For the Winterleague (organised this year by Rich W) you must complete 4 from 6 to qualify. The winner is allocated a 1, second a 2 etc, and it is the lowest cumulative score which wins the trophy. The catch here, is that the start is handicapped, with the best runners having to catch the rest of the field to win. The view of the handicapper Winterleague is final in all matters, and poor excuses will be penalised.

Tue 01/01/13 10.30 Po House Road Please keep an eye on the forum and calendar on the website as all Sun 06/01/13 10am Appletreeworth Trail with some fell these dates are liable to change - particularly the ones where the date Sun 20/01/13 10am Birkrigg Grass and woods has been estimated to begin with. The calendar also has maps of the meeting places for the Winterleague if you’ve not done them before. Sun 03/02/13 10am Roanhead Sand Dunes Sun 10/02/13 10am Broughton XC Mud, grass and railway 2013 Year Planner Sun 24/02/13 10am Black Combe Fell Tue 01/01/13 Po House Sun 06/01/13 Appletreeworth Fell Champs Sun 20/01/13 Birkrigg Sat 02/03/13 Black Combe AM 8m/1000m Sun 03/02/13 Roanhead Sat 06/04/13 New Dungeon Gyll AS 2.5m/640m Sun 10/02/13 Broughton XC Sat 20/04/13 Teenager with Altitude AL 15m/2300m Sun 17/02/13 Keswick to Sat 25/05/13 Hutton Roof BM 7m/397m Sun 24/02/13 Black Combe Sat 01/06/13 Duddon Valley AL 18m/1830m Sat 02/03/13 Black Combe Sat 29/06/13 Buttermere Horseshoe AL 21.5m/2950m Sat 09/03/13 14 Sat 23/03/13 Coniston 14 Sun 21/07/13 Kentmere Horseshoe AM 12.3m/1006m Sat 06/04/13 New Dungeon Gyll Wed 07/08/13 Steel Fell AS 3.1m/400m Sat 20/04/13 Teenager with Altitude Sat 10/08/13 PE Turner Landscape AM 10.6m/910m Sun 19/05/13 Blackpool Beach 10k Sat 21/09/13 Three Shires AL 12.4m/1220m Sat 25/05/13 Hutton Roof Sat 19/10/13 est Screes AS 4.9m/475m Wed 29/05/13 Levens 10k Sat 09/11/13 Dunnerdale AS 5m/550m Sat 01/06/13 Duddon Valley Wed 12/06/13 Gosforth 10m Road Champs Wed 16/06/13 Crossbay Half Mara Sun 17/02/13 Keswick to Buttermere 22 LONG Sun 19/06/13 Hawkshead 10k Sat 09/03/13 Dent 14 LONG Sat 29/06/13 Buttermere Horseshoe Sat 23/03/13 PE Coniston 14 LONG Sun 07/07/13 Coniston Trail Mara Sun 19/05/13 Blackpool Beach 10k SHORT Run on the beach Sun 21/07/13 Kentmere Horseshoe Wed 29/05/13 est Levens 10k SHORT Wed 07/08/13 Steel Fell Sat 10/08/13 Turner Landscape Wed 12/06/13 est Gosforth 10m MEDIUM Wed 14/08/13 Ulverston 10k Sun 16/06/13 PE Crossbay Half Marathon MEDIUM Run across the sands Sat 21/09/13 Three Shires Wed 19/06/13 est Hawkshead 10k SHORT Sat 19/10/13 Screes Sun 07/07/13 PE Coniston Trail Marathon LONG Trail Sun 03/11/13 Lancaster Half Mara Wed 14/08/13 est Ulverston 10k SHORT Sat 09/11/13 Dunnerdale Sun 03/11/13 Lancaster Half Marathon MEDIUM Sat 16/11/13 Brampton to Carlisle Sat 16/11/13 est Brampton to Carlisle 10m MEDIUM Special prize for anyone who does all of these - est = estimated date, PE = Pre entry required we’ll come and visit you in hospital The John Peel Trail Summer Challenge 2012 20th & 21st July 12 inevitable pee stop, then we were seriously on our way. A mile into the route there was a surprise for the others; at Whelpo bridge Jill and Jane were waiting for us, having got out of bed to cheer us on. After a short chat we were soon on our way again, passing more John Peel landmarks along the way. Just past Longlands we encountered a large, official looking sign saying ‘Footpath closed’. In true BCR style we ignored it, which turned out to be the right decision as we came to another sign saying work wasn’t due to begin till the following Monday. Eventually we reached Ruthwaite and handed over to Will and Mike. After returning to Caldbeck to pick up my car it was on to Ouse Bridge Sometimes in the spring we are asking ourselves what we should do as to rendezvous with Dave, Phil and Rob. Will and Mike soon arrived, our Summer Challenge. Not so this year. As far back as January 2011 my ahead of schedule, and handed over to the others. By now morning suggestion of doing the John Peel Trail met with broad approval. Back then, of course, the John Peel Trail didn’t exist, it being just an idea in my mind, but one I was determined to turn into a reality. So, after many trips north to gather information about the John Peel family history and survey possible routes the trail was ready for launch. Preparation for the Summer Challenge was very much as usual, dividing up the route into legs of various lengths and seeking volunteers. Two things were a bit different: one the personal aspect, that we were honouring the memory of our late President, the other a practical one, was breaking, and what a morning it was! A thin layer of mist in the that we had a detailed description of the entire route. Hence the Peel fields soon gave way to absolutely clear air, giving superb views of the family took a keen interest in the event, and some felt that there was no mountains bathed in sunlight. I drove over to High Lorton and had a need to recce the route, as my route description would keep them on the snooze while waiting for the lads to appear. I joined Rob and Phil for right path. Also, Will had the novel idea of using Google Earth to recce the next leg while Dave drove to Lanthwaite Green, where we handed the route. over to Pete, Hazel and Helen. Then it was back to Ouse Bridge before Estimates of the time to do heading home for a bit of a sleep. the trail suggested a start For the next few hours I didn’t know much about what was going on, time of one in the morning. except that the run was going pretty well to schedule. Next was to pick I had planned to set us off by up Karl, Dave, Claire and Dave to take them to Birker Fell. Gill and blowing the hunting horn that Kath soon arrived looking full of life and handed over. Then it was Jill inherited from John, and on to , where Jill and Jane were ready to welcome everyone, I put up some posters around and a walk up Black Combe. Coincidentally it was my 200th ascent. Caldbeck announcing the Gradually the number on the summit grew to 20, including John and launch of the trail, but I was Jill’s grandson, Michael, with his friend, Natalie, and the Peel family’s fox asked not to blow the horn at flag. Following the run down we gathered round John’s grave, of course that hour as it would set local dogs barking. sad to be reminded that he is no longer with us, but pleased to have been For me the event began the previous evening when I met Jill and Jane at able to honour his memory in this way. the Oddfellows Arms in Caldbeck for dinner. They didn’t want to stay We all enjoyed a drink, courtesy of Jill and Jane, and headed for the up late so they went to their accommodation after dinner. For 2 hours evening do at The Green. I was overwhelmed by the expressions of I sat in the pub, being ignored by everyone else, then went to the car to appreciation that came my way. I was, and still am, grateful to everyone get changed. On my return in running kit everyone was looking at me, so I was able to tell them what we were doing. They had seen the posters but were not inclined to stay up to witness the event. Some of them said I should ignore the objectors and blow the horn anyway. Easy for them to say that when BCR would get the blame. Shortly after, I drove over to Ruthwaite to pick up Val, Jo, Jane and Alistair, and so we gathered at John Peel’s grave for a prompt 1 o’clock start. As we left Caldbeck I pointed out the significant John Peel landmarks. After leaving the road, in the first field, there was the for making the event such a success. In the weeks since the challenge I me. It ends with the words: have come to realise, even more, how much it all meant to Jill and her So many thanks to Peter and the Black Combe Runners Team, From Jill and family. Just today, as I was writing this, Jill and Jane called to present me all the family – the fulfilment of a dream with a laminated card with a poem that Jill had written specially to thank Peter Grayson

The John Peel Trail Two days after the challenge, Peter completed the trail as a walk with Cynthia and Keith. Their tale was printed in The Strider... Monday, July 23rd WHICHAM CHURCH TO ESKDALE. Peter, Keith and I left Whicham church well aware that the forecast was poor and , sure enough by the time we reached the top of the Combe we had compasses out. Trying to follow the exact paths and trods off the back and along to needed both pacing and timing but, by spotted the dead sheep behind us. This was a long day – skirting round the time we walked into Eskdale it had almost stopped raining and we Whiteside, past High Lorton,lots more nettles and thistles ( perhaps the were optimistic for the next day . nearest we came to a sense of humour failure) , up Greystones and across the bog of Wythop Moss before another section of nettles and mud and Tuesday, July 24th along the road to our accommodation. ESKDALE TO ENNERDALE BRIDGE Thursday, July 26th We were so wrong. It had been raining most of the night. The paths had OUSE BRIDGE TO CALDBECK become streams and the streams were more like rivers. Joss Naylor was waiting for us at Greendale with coffee and cake but wisely decided not Our last walking day was more leisurely and finding a really good tea to invite us in as we would have soaked his kitchen. He said that he would shop for lunch more than made up for the nettles etc yesterday. We had have taken us up the next bit if his back was better – we were relieved as to pass our B and B at Whelpo , so left our sacs, before walking along the we may have struggled to keep up. We found Greendale Tarn in the clag, muddy river bank into Caldbeck and our finish at the church. The B and wobbled over endless bog, had a lovely descent from and then B owners are distant relatives of our John Peel and couldn’t have been a muddy section to . Crossing the river at the bottom was a bit more hospitable. scary. The bridge was cut off by the flooded river and because it was the Friday, July 27th end of the day etc. we ignored all knowledge and experience and went for it. Suffice to say that the water reached above the men’s knees and Of course it had to be warm and sunny today. We travelled home by bus, me – not only the “giggle” line but worse, the bottom of my rucksack. via Keswick, Kendal and Ulverston giving us plenty of time to reflect on Thankfully, the Cloggers B and B was just up the road and the pub had a very enjoyable walk, certainly not spoilt by the weather. It was good really good food. to see a quieter part of the western Lakes. Pete has worked tirelessly on setting up this route and , as you can imagine, his directions were spot on. Wednesday, July 25th ENNERDALE BRIDGE TO OUSE BRIDGE We did reminisce about our John Peel and thought that he would have approved of the route although he probably would have told us to get a Wow, it wasn’t raining and we were wearing shorts. Soon we hit the move on at times! nettles walking up to Whins and back on went the waterproof trousers. We found a lovely lunch spot at the head of Crummock – and then we Cynthia Nixon The Joss Naylor Challenge 24th June 12 June 24th

I guessed that running the 48 toying with for a while - about 32 miles from whole day). Rain set in for the next few hours mile Joss Naylor Challenge in Duddon Bridge, up the west side taking in all and I lost another 2 minutes on the second leg. the peaks, crossing at the far end of Hardknott The whole thing just seemed too fast. Then it got 12 hours would be hard when I and then back down the west side. This one was worse. The timings “lost 2 minutes on Steel Fell, ran the second and shortest leg done alone and in fine mist/drizzle but a route 5 minutes on High , 7 minutes on Rossett (Kirkstone to Dunmail) and felt well worth doing - who wants to try it next? Pike, 2 minutes on ” have stayed with me like a bad dream. I was half hoping to have lost like I was racing. Soon after I managed to turn an ankle badly so much time at Styhead that I could drop out, at Caw - great preparation. Added to that, my Soon after I ran the first leg (Pooley Bridge to but when I clawed a minute back on Esk Pike chosen day was advertised as very wet with Kirkstone) on the mother of all hangovers and and Mike McI said “I think you can do it now” winds getting up to 60-70 mph, not auspicious kept up with the schedule for 2 hours before it spurred me on - whether he really believed it so I delayed a day and got a reasonable blend coming off the rails. It was only when I ran or not. the fourth leg (Styhead to Greendale Bridge of cloud, drizzle, not too much wind and better near Joss’ house) that I found I had some time weather for the last 5 hours. What I hadn’t Still, 34 minutes down at Styhead seemed only in hand. I thought the only way was to get in bargained on was the sodden ground underfoot desperately late rather than a total lost cause, straight after turning 50, so fixed a day about 8 which must have slowed us down quite a bit. so after a 90 second rest for a few painkillers, Pat set off out front and Will stayed alongside weeks after my birthday. The first leg passed without seeing anything, one to forcefeed me as many calories as I could navigational error costing 5 minutes or so and My longest training runs were a long stomach. We eked back a minute here and a a little foreboding as we lost 12 minutes against circuit (~23 miles), the Ennerdale race (the minute there, lost a few minutes because I led plan (a plan giving 20 minutes leeway across the same) and a “Duddon Skyline” route I’d been my navigators astray going round Black Crags and ended up on Haycock with 60 minutes to I could and still nearly missed it - getting in with me in the right direction. do what was planned for 70 minutes. By then 2 minutes to spare in 11hours 58minutes. The presentation dinner was great too. Thanks I didn’t care whether I got there in time, but Joss came out for a chat, the sun came out and to Ken, Marlene and Jill for coming to support. carried on like you do. The first time I thought I everything was fine - why all the worry? Joss said a few words, presented my with my had a chance was when I appeared at the top of prize tankard and I was heckled for looking too the last mountain, Middlefel, with 16 minutes Huge thanks as usual to the team, who did a young - did me the world of good. FPete Tayler left. A doddle, I thought, so came down as fast as fantastic job holding me together and pointing those who For those who weren’t aware, previous BCR completers of this are: Pete’s Pacers: 7. John Peel M65 21.24 22.7.95 Leg 1; Gary, Rich and Mark Saunders 9. Ken Lindley M50 11.50 09.09.95 Leg 2; Gary, Simon R., Mike McI 40. Mike Berry M50 11.29 20.7.03 Leg 3; Mike & Jamie 42. Pete Cockshott M65 20.02 05.07.04 Leg 4; Pat, Will & Dave W Who’s next? Road support; Hazel (the usual great job), Sue & Helen W

by Penny “ Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, Inspiration Mortimer power and magic in it.” Goethe. Any day I can run – whenever – the hardest journey we need take only step at make a difference however – whenever. a time, but we must keep on stepping”. Every Raindrops on roses – wind in my hair – the step, every training run is a step forward and suns rays on my face – The light is passing back into the sky. The days something to learn from and something to build Stars in a clear sky – a mountain silhouette in are becoming longer and the winter months on. First I need a way forward to be healthy again fading light– are drawing near. Soon the days will be shorter and then the training will be the beginning to A good book- a roaring fire – time with a friend and the weather even more inclement. The the next stage. Each stage will be unique with its A flower in the crack of a rock – the smell of trails however will beckon as autumn brings a own challenges and demands. Flexibility and freshly mown meadow- wonderful and incredible energy and following adaptability – it is an essential part of being an Sound of birds singing in the morning will be winter then spring with a promise of athlete. Weeks in the depths of poor weather A sunset at sea – sun rising over the hill tops – renewal. This is the time to breathe new life into to come will make things hard but all of it will And a long way to run our dreams. take me to another start line -my most favourite To be in nature to strive to do the best I can – to place. I am sure there will be times when I feel As an endurance athlete I have a multitude of learn more about myself within the strappings great and times when I feel I cannot achieve, hopes and dreams -races, times (maybe not as of modern life. To feel freedom of a journey – times when I shall forget about everything. It important as in the past), goals and of course to be exposed to the elements, to feel rawness, will be the camaraderie with fellow runners plans. The list can feel never ending. One of vulnerability and yet strength in my body, mind which will focus the determination. Focus and the lessons of the journey is to learn to focus and spirit. If the truth of our running is that in determination. That is what we all need and so and to channel energy into each moment. One our moving we find ourselves then running is we can follow the advice of the King in Alice in moment at a time. So to bring a dream to reality. the gift that allows us to know ourselves deeper. Wonderland who said – “Begin at the beginning I had a big dream in 2011 and it came to be. If you run for the love of it – then more becomes and go on till you come to the end and then I have a big dream for 2013. It is a dream that possible than you might ever have dreamed. stop” will need me to reach deep inside myself. I feel I Whatever your journey in life – reach high, seek So what inspires me? want to focus on the challenge or reaching even far and look deep – and dream. beyond that which I feel I can do. The mountains and trails – nature – a person who lives each moment of their life – Then you can be who you truly There will be many steps along the way. In the Integrity – passion – respect – compassion- are. words of one Chinese proverb. “to get through The opportunity to open a door to someone and They were the best of , they were the worst of fells... by Sue Ross In July I finally finished the 213 Wainwrights of down to was pretty, lush green and deserted, and we had tea the after taking five years on it. in the manicured gardens of the Howtown Hotel, waiting for the ferry whilst the well behaved dogs dug holes in the lawn. In attempting to write about the best and worst fells, I realised that I couldn’t be objective about it, as each fell was wrapped up in the February 2010 - - - St Sunday - experience of that day out - with the grandees of the Lakes spoiled by Dollywagon - Nethermost - - Whiteside - Raise - - Glenridding the crowds, and the most insignificant of hills being part of an epic journey. We all know what the nice mountains are, and so instead of the A lovely snowy run out and a bit of an epic. An early start from obvious best and worst I thought I would write about some of my more , and on Birks we met ‘one of my people’ (Pat’s phrase). He memorable days out. was a proper bagger with a bobble hat and beard and he was, of course, alone. Funny how all the baggers end up bagging alone in the end. We When I started doing the Wains, I had it in mind that they would all had a good Wainchat before going on. On Helvellyn in deep snow, we occur naturally as part of nice days out in the hills. Back in 2009 I was sumitted at the same time as some skiers and a group of ice climbers, still able to go out and bag seven new ones in one loop. That reduced to all arriving from different directions. Everyone’s eyes were drawn five, and then three and by the time I’d got down to the final 40 in 2010, questionably to Will’s raw pink bare legs and we ran on, eventually I realised that nice days out were no longer an option, and I was really arriving on Glenridding Dodd just as the light was fading. Log fire, pint going to have to try to get the remainder. The problem with my initial and chips. approach is that I had covered whole areas and missed one out. What I had left was one here and one there, and the natural routes became fewer Summer 2010 - Helm Crag - Gibson Knott - Calf Crag - Tarn and fewer, with some really unpleasant and solitary days towards the end Crag where I had to park up and go for a run five times in one day. The matter A highly recommended run. The grassy route down Tarn Crag makes was made slightly worse as I wanted Bonnie to complete at the same time for great fast descending. This one is not too high or extreme either. as me (because clearly she’s so bothered), and so anything I had done in a race had to be re-ascended with Bonnie for her sake. You can imagine Summer 2011 - - Lord’s Seat - - Graystones - how motivated we both were to be doing that at the end of a long day , when its tea time and just starting to rain. I tricked Will into joining me on this one (by this point he was starting Summer 2009 - Angletarn Pikes - Brock Crags - - to become suspiciousof me purported ‘nice runs’) - five Wains in one - - - down to Howtown, tea run, lovely natural loop in an unexplored area. It started well. It was as I on the lawn, boat home promised. Two hours later, we were commando crawling under densly packed Christmas Trees. The clearance was so low that not only did A lovely summer’s day out in unexplored country with no-one in sight. On The Nab a large herd of ancient red deer passed right in front of us, the views were spectacular. We assisted a farmer with his lost dog who seemed to be called ‘Help’, before tresspassing through the garden of a weird cult house in Martindale and ascending Steel Knotts. The descent Fell and so I had to leave something good for the end. My plan was to , 29 July 2012 wait for a nice day and invite everyone, but that nice day didn’t coincide with a free weekend and by the time I had reached the summer, I realised that should get on with it before I became incapacitated by a bump. You can see from the photo that Bonnie is ecstatic. (She had to be throttled into the frame). So what did it bring me? Knowledge of just about every hill in the Lakes, which means in theory I can never get lost again. Some really interesting days out with a purpose, in places that you would never normally choose to go (sometimes wth good reason). Although the likes of the Old Man and are lovely and reletively convenient, they do eventually become boring, and its good to know what else it out there. For those who will be disappointed without some lists, I have put down some hidden gems which are worth a visit, and some which I wouldn’t bother with unless you are bagging yourself. What I found is that the best views we have coats on and hoods up, we were unable to use legs at all as there are not to be found on the high fells, they are to be found on the low ones was no room. It was literally elbows on the ground dragging limp legs where you can look up at the skyline. Some of the smaller ones were the for quite some way. On the map, the route between Graystones and most interesting and pretty too, and usually completely deserted. Whinlatter looked tricky, but I assured myself that the way would be Hidden Gems obvious when we got there. It was not. In the way was a working forestry, no paths in sight, some nice fences and absolutely not a single break in , Borrowdale This is a photo of the hour the trees. We could have descended to the road, but that would have Raven Crag, been giving in, ruining the ‘if in doubt, take a straight line’ theory and the the dogs and I spent in a , Coniston phone box in Deepdale, ‘never descend to re-ascent’ edict. We did about 300m like that and it awaiting rescue. My car was the last time Will came out bagging with me. Grange Fell, Borrowdale was ten miles away. Summer 2011 - Whiteside, . Alone. Steel Knotts, Howtown

Oh the lone Whiteside. A short hop from - except I Longside, Don’t Bother hadn’t done it then and now I had to go back to do just that one. The best , Back o’ Skiddaw (dog walk) plan in these times is to use the shortest route - just as well that there is a , Honister lovely path up it from the road. (Helpfully marked on the map by a nice (dog walk) green straight line by .) In case you fancy trying this, (why?) Five Rules of Bagging there isn’t a nice path up it from the road. Its 1 in 3. There is waist high 1. Never descend if you can help it. (dog walk) bracken, heather and loose scree, all combined in one. Everything you 2. If the route is not clear, go in a touch will tumble down, and either you rock climb, or you heather climb. Ling Fell (bland) straight line. Nothing is fixed. That was just the way up. This was the 3rd Wain of Grike (pylon) 3. It’s always worth driving to the the day from five, and the second time I had gotten out of the car. I was North Lakes if you can have chips in the Mungrisedale (dour) illegally parked, and the ‘just popping up Whiteside’ took nearly three Keswickian afterwards. hours. It was thoroughly unenjoyable. Armboth Fell (bleak) 4. Always take money with you as you (pointless) Autumn 2011 - Gowbarrow - Run 2 of 5 of the day. Alone. never know where you might end up. 5. Never accidentally miss one (really?) “Mummy, what’s that woman doing?” said the boy. “I don’t know” said the mother, “Perhaps she’s on the run. Or mad.” Whereas most folk walk up Gowbarrow from Aira Force, taking in the view of the Lake and meandering along the well trodden paths, I thought it would be better to ascend from the back where there are no paths, and no views, but plenty of fences and walls to climb, bogs to negotiate, and heather to wade through. It made good watching for the many families on top of the hill. Especially when I turned straight round at the top and inexplicably ploughed back into the rough I had just came out of. The End I had pretty much finished by the end of 2011 with only one left - Fleetwith Pike. I had intentionally left it to the end at the point where I realised that I was going to finish. No-one wants to finish on Little Mell Church Stretton 2012 UK Fell & Hill Relays Shropshire

2012 UK Fell & Hill Relays

This year’s UK Fell & Hill Relay was down in Mens Open Team - 36th from 151 in 4hrs13mins Leg 1 - Harry Stainton - 13th on the leg Shropshire in Long Mynd country. This was Leg 2 - Pete Tayler & Jamie Baron the sixth year Black Combe have put teams in, Leg 3 - Mike McIver & Rich Watson - 18th on leg and as with last year, we managed to get 3 teams Leg 4 - Rob Browne together - a total of 18 competitors. Mens Vets - 101st from 151 in 5hrs5mins The setting was lovely, and the weather came out fine too. The A Team Leg 1 - Vinnie Allonby finished well up the field in 36th place with two stellar performances on Leg 2 - Chris Fellows & Mike Jewell Legs 1 and 3 from Harry and Mike Mc & Rich. Pete was put through Leg 3 - Pat McIver & Will Ross his paces by Jamie, Will’s pleasant follow of Pat was not as serene as he Leg 4 - Dave Watson imagined, and Chris was beasted by Mike Jewell. (Kindly, Mike says this was not the case, however Mike didn’t lapse into unconsciousnes Womens Open - 147th from 151 in 6hrs15mins afterwards.) Leg 1 - Anna Lupton - 3rd lady/42nd overall on leg Leg 2 - Helen Gee & Becky Thorpe In the Ladies team, Anna showed the men how to run, giving Helen and Leg 3 - Hazel Tayler & Val Gill Becky on Leg 2 a third ladies team headstart. This was Becky’s first fell Leg 4 - Amanda Seago race (and by all accounts the second leg was the toughest) and yet at the end she was still smiling! Winning Teams Open - Mercia Fell Runners - 3hrs 16 mins The Routes MV40 - Calder Valley - 5th overall in 3hrs 33mins Ladies - Hunters Bog Trotters - 37th in 4hrs 13

so have you got that? Anna coasts in

but who is trying harder?

Leg 4 mass start

Chris was exhausted after tying his laces

pie love For the third year run- ning, the Caw Downhill Race took place from the Newfield Inn on Decem- ber 9th. Competitors, suitably attired, walked sociably up to the top of Caw and then tried to kill themselves and others on the suicidal Caw handicap descent Downhill

This year, despite protestations that he was going to die, Rich Watson was truly handicapped when he shackled his own legs together with chains for his prisoner outfit. After gaining a better start time as a result, he then spent the extra minutes hacksawing the manicles off half way down Caw (whilst racing). This effort won the prize for best costume. Michael Goffe won the prize for best fall after a full frontal face slide (in cricket whites) after suffering the indignation of being overtaken by his dad. It was agreed that Will’s ‘Crap Mummy’ was the worst costume, having unravelled before the start, resulting in Will attempting to race downhill whilst gathering up yards of torn fabric. Harry put his sub-optimal performance down to the chill caused by his off-the-shoulder dress, and vowed that next year he would wear some high-necked lace and a pashmina. The race was almost thwarted when, minutes before the finish, the farmer put 100 sheep between the gates off the fell. Sheepishly, Sue had to inform 1. Vinnie (+3:15) 14. Mike McI (+7:00) him that in 45 seconds, 26 friends in fancy dress and nine dogs off leads 2. James (+4:00) 15. Mike V (+6:00) would like to use the gates at high speed. A cheery and accomodating chap, he waved them through with a smile. Vinnie was through first, with 3. Rich Evans (+6:15) 16. Val (+2:30) the remaining field hot on his heels, Richard Evans winning the race on 4. Beth Ripper (+1:30) 17. Will (+6:15) the final pint. 5. Rich Watson (+3:30) 18. Pete T (+5:00) Amazingly, no-one was seriously hurt, and most escaped with only minor 6. Maggie (+2:00) 19. Dave W (+3:15) flesh wounds and outfit chafe. 7. Tim Ripper (+6:15) 20. Claire W (+2:00) 8. Helen W (+0:45) 21. Jo F-N (+2:45) 9. Jamie (+5:30) 22. Anna L (+6:30) 10. Michael G (+1:45) 23. Hazel (+2:00) 11. Chris Fellows (+4:30) 24. Harry (+6:30) Positions at thesheepy gate 12. Pat McI (+5:30) 25. Helen G (+1:15) 13. Hannah (+4:45) 26. Karl (+2:45)

1. Rich E 3. Rich W 5. James (numbers in green even the dogs 4. Pat denote starting it was a polite race 2. Vinnie

queued Winners times)