Middle Pack

A cool clear day greeted the runners for the (in)famous Wasdale Fell Race.

The race started from Wasdale head, a secluded spot in the shadow of Great Gable and the Scafell Range next to Wast Water, Britains biggest mountain, next to Britains deepest lake. The race had around 145 competitors line up for the challenge. For those who know the lakes the route takes in Whin Rigg, Seatallen, contouring round Scoat fell and Black Crag and onto Pillar, descending into Black Sail Pass, contouring west round Kirkfell, up Great Gable, down to Styhead Pass, up to Esk Hause, final ascent up over Broad Crag and onto Scafell Pike, before the final killer 3000ft descent back down to Wasdale. (more…)

A cool yet clear day greeted the 133 runners at Ennerdale Bridge, the start of the 23 mile 7500ft Ennerdale Horseshoe race. This being the second of the Lakeland Classics series and also the second of the superlong fell races. These being called superlong not for the distance inparticular but the mix of distance and height make these feel a very long way indeed. I think it is safe to say you can add at least 90 minutes onto your marathon time if you are running well.

The route goes clockwise around Ennerdale Water, going past High Stile and Haystacks along to Green Gable before retuning down the other side of the valley via Kirkfell, Pillar, Scoat fell then back via a few more tops to Ennerdale Bridge. Classed as a 3 days walk. The aim was for sub 5 hours. (more…)