With the weather as it was and early pass out of work you couldn't not make the most of the opportunity. So that's how I managed to be standing outside the Blacksmiths Arms in Broughton Mills at 7:15pm with 47 other like-minded souls. This was nearly double last years' turn out, but it still meant I was on a promise of a top 50 finish. Now that doesn't happen very often.
Not usually a big fan of 'out 'n' back' routes, probably because you see the leaders, (well let's be honest here, most of the field) onto the easy bit while you're still slogging your guts out on the big hill. But with such a small number tonight it didn't seem like a constant stream.
The initial part of the route is the same as the Dunnerdale race to the first cp (first red dot on map). Here the Caw route contours to the right whereas the Dunnerdale route heads north. A nice little trod until the stream crossing, then things get a bit vague and you have to pick your way through the lumps and bumps on the map until you reach the path crossing. The it's just straight up.
Caw is the last summit on the Duddon race, it takes just as long to climb from this side as it does when you approach from the NE. Funny why I thought it might be any different!
On the way back the mist started to roll in and things could have got a bit dicey for the unwary in the middle section. I think in poor visibility this race has the potential for some major cock-ups. Really easy when you can see what you're aiming for. Anyway arrived back at the finish with a healthy gap between me and the last 4 runners, another sub 1.5hr finish.
Should be ok for a utup tomorrow or today I suppose as it's now gone midnight. Time for beddy-byes.
TF
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