Middle Pack

This weekend I went up to the Howgill Fells to recce the Sedbergh Hills Race. More as an excuse to get some big hills in my legs than a need to recce the race. I went up with a club mate and also met up with a friend up there. The race route is advertised at 14 miles and 6000ft. This seems a bit short to me? it definately felt a lot longer than 14 miles although it did feel like 6000ft!

I had forgotten what a great race route this is and how much fun it is to run in the Howgills. Grassy slopes, steep hills and deserted valleys make it ideal for fell running and even more ideal for mountain marathons etc. Going to keep my fingers crossed that a mountain marathon ends up back in those hills soon. I think the last one was the “howling howgills” Or even an adventure race? The amount of bridleways would lend themselves beautifully for one.

The race route goes up to Arant Haw which is the first checkpoint. You then turn west, into a great long descent of around a mile down to a stream crossing before another great big ascent to the second checkpoint. You are then making good time on an undulating path up to the top of black force waterfall and on to a small trod that leads to the third checkpoint. The next bit is basically the whole crux of the race. You manage that section then you are home and dry. After a recce I know which lines I am taking but if the clag comes down (which I hope it does) then it will be very interesting. Not much chance for getting too lost as all you have to do is head due east but the best lines are everything here.

The recce has really warmed my appetite for the race. The 2nd to last race in the Valley Striders Fell championship. The other one being the Yorkshireman marathon which is a good race but I will be at a christening that day so this is my last chance to qualify for the competition. A good race here could leapfrog me into first position should it all go smoothly.

I have also booked a couple of days off after the race for a bit of exploring and bivi/camping so will hopefully have some good tales to tell of adventure and fun after the race on the 23rd August.

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