Langdale Weekend

Arriving in Great Langdale early, we had a coffee at Bishops Scale and dropped off our stuff before heading down the the Old Dungeon Ghyll and the start of the race.  Conditions weren’t the best with low cloud and rain dominating. 

But members of our Squad were not intimidated

Let us at it!

EtU was keen that I capture this – and no doubt he will enlighten us to its significance

TF – ready for the off – and Mark ready for a cappuccino in the ODG with me

The start – Nicky Spinks, who recently broke the women’ s Lakes 24 hour record

…and they’re off

After a very nice cappuccino in the ODG Mark and I headed up over the Band to Three Tarns and to prove it here’s Mark below.

Conditions really were atrocious, reflected in a tale of woes from many runners including FSS who took a tumble or two.  Fortunately for most they were relatively minor, a Bowland runner was telling us in the pub later that night that he had broken a couple of ribs – heard them crack.  Still he managed to get to the bar and back without too much difficulty.  We heard that someone else wasn’t so lucky and was stretchered off the hill with a serious knee injury.

Another supporter cheering her partner on

I have to say that most runners really appreciate a friendly cheer as they labour on up the hell etc, but look at this evil looking blighter on the tops – I challenge you to come up with a caption!

The wildlife at the ODG, obviously accustomed  to being offered titbits

After the prize giving and a nice hot shower at the Hut we drove out to Elterwater, one of my favourite Lakeland villages for a refreshing pint in the Brittannia

Sunday morning wasn’t worth putting the cat out so we headed down the road, calling at Glasson Dock where we haven’t been for quite a while.  A very nice pub at Condor Green is worth a visit, The Stork, if you’re passing.

JtE will no doubt tell us what this chap is?

Which way does the wind blow!

All in all this fell running lark provides for damn fine weekends.  I look forward to reading all about our Squad’s racing and reccying adventures soon

Not out again next week – Wasdale for the Joss Naylor dinner!  It’s all go isn’t it?

NLN