THE 26 LAKES, WATERS AND MERES RUN In July 2011, Dave Makin and Andy Pooler, two members of the Achille Ratti Climbing Club together completed what was only the fifth circuit of this Lakeland route. The route involves visiting all the 26 Lakes, Waters and Meres (excluding Kentmere Reservoir), as shown on the 1966 edition One Inch Ordnance Survey Map of the English Lake District. Loweswater. Crummock Water. Buttermere. Ennerdale Water. Wast Water. Devoke Water. Goat’s Water. Low Water. Levers Water. Coniston water. Esthwaite Water. Elter Water. Grasmere. Rydal Water. Windermere. Skeggles Water. Haweswater. Small Water. Blea Water. Hayeswater. Brothers Water. Ullswater. Thirlmere. Derwent Water. Bassenthwaite Lake. Over Water. It was devised and first run in the early eighties by two friends: Peter Schofield, a Life Member of the former illustrious fell running club, Horwich RMI Harriers; and Leo Pollard the founder of the fell running section within the Achille Ratti Climbing Club. In the intervening thirty years or so, and before the two completions this year, only two further successful attempts have taken place. The first of these was by Alan Heaton of Clayton Le Moors Harriers and the second by Joss Naylor, both again, in the early eighties. The recent completions have generated some curiosity and interest within fell running circles. All the previous runners of this classic route feel that there should be some organisation for future attempts. To this end, they have asked me to be the organiser and to produce this introduction. Also, collectively we have formulated a set of ground rules and guides for future attempts. 1. A record sheet should be obtained from the organiser before the attempt. This should then be completed and returned to the organiser after the attempt. (contact details below). 2. Attempts should either: (A) Start at Loweswater and finish at Overwater Water. or (B) Start at Overwater Water and finish at Loweswater. 3. The start time is at the participant’s discretion. 4. Running companions and support acceptable. Details from: - Mick Mc Govern. 21 Top O’ Th’ Lane, Brindle, Chorley, Lancashire, PR6 8PA. Tel. 01254 851176 [email protected] .