Lovely afternoon in the Western Fells. Honister-Fleetwith Pike-Haystacks-Scarth Gap-Black Sail Hut-Ennerdale
A steady afternoon out to get my legs back, after suffering from a stuttering training regime over the past few weeks, and previously only 2.5 miles done this week due to blister problems.
Took it steady up to Fleetwith Pike but still reached the summit in 24 minutes. Took a little longer than expecting getting round to Haystacks, it's a bit longer than I remembered across the top of Haystacks, but I was really taking my time as it was my first time on Haystacks in clear weather so I was having a good look round. Partly for the benefit of Ennerdale tomorrow, but even more so for the Buttermere race in a couple of weeks (Innonimate Tarn to Scarth Gap was the scene of an absolute shit-tip of a navigation error last time, my "shortcut" costing me plenty of time, and I went from comfortably top half at Honister, to 5th last at the finish.... also aided and abetted by a lack of endurance over such a demanding race).
Raced down from Scarth Gap to Ennerdale floor in just a few minutes, then a steady jog back down a stiflingly hot sun trap of Ennerdale valley back to Ennerdale village where I'm staying until Monday.
13 miles, 1850ft. Good news is the blisters are just about gone, with only a little bit of pain from my Mudclaws on fast descents. I don't think this will cause much of an issue tomorrow. But my main worry is the lack of miles over the past few weeks, due to various niggles and blisters, really felt it in my ankles today on the rough ground, I guess I'm just slightly off top condition. But bearing in my I was at 'peak condition' less than 6 weeks ago I'm hoping I can bluff my way round Ennerdale tomorrow, but I fear my hopes of a good time are hanging in the balance.