Three Shires

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Originally Posted by Tractorboy

Looking forward to this next weekend. Did it for the first time last year as a "Langdale substitute" in a championship year (hoping to do both this time).
Looking for a few tips on route:
(1) Last year I started climbing up Wetherlam quite early, whilst others seemed to go along teh track further before turning left. Is any ascent better than the other?
(2) What is the best way to come off Blisco? Is it to go back on yourself and then essentially go East? I had real trouble finding that route down to Blea Tarn.
(3) I also seemed to spend too much time on Lingmoor! Once you're at the checkpoint, do you drop straight down or go along the top further and then drop down?
Any thoughts greatly appreciated. :D

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I think the jury might still be out on the Wetherlam route. Everybody used to go to the fell gate before taking two or three different lines each slightly further along the valley and usually converging higher up. Last year I noticed a few going off earlier and I'm tempted to try it for a change.
Leaving Blisco my preference is to double back and rurn sharp left as soon as you clear the broad gully. The path is a bit intermittent from there but unless it dries up a lot or you are right at the front there should be plenty of stud marks to help keep you on track - just try not to follow the Langdale route all the way down.
The route of Lingmoor always used to be flagged but this was for the junior races which aren't on this year so it probably wont be. It always involved going quite a bit along before the last drop down but if its not flagged you could use an alternative - I was never convinced this was the shortest way back but always followed the flags because I thought it was expected. Last year I tried an alternative dropping a little sooner on to another path then traversing to meet the original route but I dont think it saved me anything, the fact is its a surprisingly long way back to the finish from Lingmoor and by then my brains nav systems aren't always working as they should so its usually a bit vague if I try to remember it in detail! At least with the flags you could switch your brain off for this bit.

I've got my own route up Wetherlam, when i recce'd last year it seemed worth a try, it's no faster than breaking early and following the ridge but it is faster than the route everyone else goes. As for Blisco all i can say is don't go high and right onto Blake Rigg and Bleaberry Knot or you'll end up coming back the way you came.
Lingmoor, again personal opinion but the gully behind Busk Pike seemed the best to me but on the day flags were out so i had to stick to them.

parking problems and slightly different route at start....http://www.amblesideac.org.uk/news.htmto keep the usual atmosphere in these difficult circumstances!

To further add to our worries we have discovered that the County Council are going to replace the footbridge 300 metres into the race and there will be no bridge next weekend! The river is currently (like it?) waist deep and so we plan to walk you over the very narrow Slaters Bridge and start the race on the track on the south side.
Sorry for all the disruption!
Selwyn

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Originally Posted by Al Fowler

Amex'io. Theres a cut of at the Three Shires stone...canni remember what time though.

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I think it's two hours at the three shires stone if memory serves me correctly.

Website says "NB The Three Shires Stone Checkpoint will close 2hours after the start."

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Originally Posted by Britta

Website says "NB The Three Shires Stone Checkpoint will close 2hours after the start."

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Blimey, I was allowing 2 hours to get up Wetherlam??
better go training tonight then

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Originally Posted by Britta

Website says "NB The Three Shires Stone Checkpoint will close 2hours after the start."

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Thanks Britta.
Think i will use it as a get going after injury again trot out, if i am timed out i can't think of a better place in the world to take the bus of shame or walk down the road.

What with the parking problem, seems like a good one to arrive at by bike/public transport.

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Originally Posted by Deek

What with the parking problem, seems like a good one to arrive at by bike/public transport.

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No public transport to Little Langdale I'm afraid, although you could walk from Elterwater. It's only 1.25 miles. 8.30 or 9.20 bus from Ambleside should see you there in time.

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Originally Posted by Deek

What with the parking problem, seems like a good one to arrive at by bike/public transport.

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If i have to bike it then add another hour to get up Wetherlam