Re: Old Counties Tops Race
SwissToni...that's madness!!:D And there's me wondering whether my legs will recover in time to do Ennerdale on 10th June!!:eek:
Mind you....did notice that Windermere Marathon is the next day.........:p
Got my Lake District Anquet map last week and been trying to plot the route into it (saddo!!) and then fly through it. Relieving the boredom of not being able to run 'cause of a rotten cold.
Re: Old Counties Tops Race
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Swiss Toni
Have decided to do this as part of BGR prep (BGR on 30th June). I'm doing the Fellsman the week before and Jura the week after - it's going to be a tough old May!
It sounds like a really good event - food stops on the way round is clearly the future.
What time are you planning on doing the Fellsman in cos anytime is going to be hard to get 62 miles out of your legs in a week !!!:eek:
Re: Old Counties Tops Race
Right, with a couple of weekends in the Lakes coming up, I'm planning to recce the route in 2 halves.
Could someone give me a pointer or two please?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GeoffB
As for routes, it's fairly straightforward, really. From the New Dungeon Ghyll, over to Grasmere, Tongue Gill, Grisedale Tarn & Helvellyn. Down to Wythburn Church where there are excellent refreshments laid on.
The route down off Helvellyn to Wythburn....do you actually follow the path? Or take a more direct line down somewhere?
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Originally Posted by
GeoffB
Then it's up Wythburn, skirt round High Raise to Angle Tarn where there is a kit check.
So skirting around High Raise is considered better than going over? Am I right in thinking that at Greenup Edge, you're not far off the top of High Raise and over the top would be more direct, if a little more ascent?
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Originally Posted by
GeoffB
Scafell Pike, down to Great Moss, over to Mosedale & down to Cockley Beck
Now this looks confusing on the map. Think, from reading previous accounts, I fancy the "back to Little Narrowcove" option. If I do this, is there an easy/obvious way across to Mosedale taking a reasonably direct line?
Apart from that, as GeoffB said previously, looks pretty straightforward route-choice.
Sort of looking forward to it!:p
Re: Old Counties Tops Race
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mr1470
Right, with a couple of weekends in the Lakes coming up, I'm planning to recce the route in 2 halves.
Could someone give me a pointer or two please?
Well, I've only done the race once, so I hardly claim to be an expert, but here are my ideas.
Helvellyn to Wythburn - pretty much direct, aiming to hit the path just before it enters the forest.
Greenup Edge to High Raise - 150m of climbing, I'd have thought contouring was best. It's all very grassy whichever way you go really.
Scafell Pike to Mosedale - to start with Mickleden is 'out of bounds', so Little Narrowcove is a good bet. After that, prepare for wet feet! In last year's LDMT I followed Scoffer straight across Great Moss - about 0.5km splashing through calf-deep water. Very tiring, but gets it out of the way. This is the bit that definitely needs recceing as it can be confusing in mist.
Enjoy your weekends, and hope to see you in May. By the way, who's your partner for the race?
Re: Old Counties Tops Race
Thanks for the reply Geoff.
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Originally Posted by
GeoffB
Helvellyn to Wythburn - pretty much direct, aiming to hit the path just before it enters the forest.
Ok, that's what I thought looking at it on the map. Great, I'll try that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GeoffB
Greenup Edge to High Raise - 150m of climbing, I'd have thought contouring was best. It's all very grassy whichever way you go really.
Did read a comment somewhere about the fact that it was a mystery where the rocks for the cairn on top come from 'cause it's all grass :) Right, I'll try countouring then.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GeoffB
Scafell Pike to Mosedale - to start with Mickleden is 'out of bounds', so Little Narrowcove is a good bet. After that, prepare for wet feet! In last year's LDMT I followed Scoffer straight across Great Moss - about 0.5km splashing through calf-deep water. Very tiring, but gets it out of the way. This is the bit that definitely needs recceing as it can be confusing in mist.
Ok, noted. Will hope it doesn't rain too much in the next week then! I can see a direct line on the map and I've "recce'd" it on Anquet map :) I'll let you know how I get on.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GeoffB
Enjoy your weekends, and hope to see you in May.
It's guaranteed that I'll enjoy my weekends up there Geoff :) Look forward to seeing you in May.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GeoffB
By the way, who's your partner for the race?
A guy from Mercia who doesn't post on here (I don't think). He's a better runner than me but I know the Lakes better so should be a good team. Definitely NOT going to break any records or trouble the leaders, just looking to finish.
We're both qualified in sports massage as well.....ready for when we get cramp :D
Re: Old Counties Tops Race
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mr1470
Thanks for the reply Geoff.
We're both qualified in sports massage as well.....ready for when we get cramp :D
That's handy - I'll probably look out for on that last big climb out of Cockley Beck! I might just need a good massage then.
Re: Old Counties Tops Race
Just out of interest has anyone tried running up the road to Dunmail top then branching off right up the beck before contouring round west of dollywagon before joining the ridge path?
It looks like it could be quicker to me.
Re: Old Counties Tops Race
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dux de lux
Just out of interest has anyone tried running up the road to Dunmail top then branching off right up the beck before contouring round west of dollywagon before joining the ridge path?
It looks like it could be quicker to me.
There's a checkpoint at NY339098 (on the bridleway approaching Great Tongue, just near a footbridge I seem to remember). I presume that's there to stop you doing that.
Re: Old Counties Tops Race
Anybody have the checkpoint details?
ta P
Re: Old Counties Tops Race
Tried to upload from my PC but file is too big. E-mail me and I'll send it over if you like.
MH