Grizedale Horseshoe Race

[Pinno]

Well done Ady sounds a real toughie this one.

[Mountain Goatess]

Nice one Ady, well done! Sounds like fun, great route.

[hillbilly]

Hi, I completed the race ok have no injuries or problems was 30 mins slower than last year .The conditions were fairly demanding on tops mist rain and wind. tempereratures were mild enough.Lower down was very wet with lot of torrents to wade and splash about in very slippery on descents and grassy climbs. I thought my shoes were suspect until talking to other finishers and it seemed everyone was on the deck several times. Well done to organizers ,checkpoint staff and other competitors . See some of you at three shires .

[mr brightside]

Couldn't find any definitive checkpoint info on here for this event so i emailed the organiser for some intel:

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Promoted by the Achille Ratti Climbing Club in accordance with FRA rules

Saturday 5th September 2009 at 11.30 pm

Proceeds to CAFOD - Third World Charity
10 miles - 5000 ft ****** Navigational skills ****** Age over 18 years

Race Organiser: Alan Kenny
4 Birch Drive
Silverdale
Carnforth
Lancs LA5 0SE Tel 01524-701648
Race Rules
1. All competitors must have completed similar events or have mountaineering skills suited to fast travel on rough mountain terrain. They must be proficient in the use of map and compass in bad visibility.

2. The following MUST be carried during the race
* Windproof whole body cover
· Other body cover appropriate for the weather conditions
* Map covering the race area
* Compass
* Whistle
Spot checks will be made at the start and you are advised to carry emergency food.

Registration
On the day only at the Village Hall, Glenridding (GR384168) from 10.00 am.

Entry fee - £5

Route
Start and finish Glenridding Village Hall (GR384168)

Check Points

1. Catstycam Summit
2. Hellvellyn Summit
3. Grisedale Tarn (eastern end)
4. St Sunday Crag Summit
5. Barn GR 370149
6. Wall stile GR 373160
7. Finish (Village Hall)

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Last time this event was discussed on here there was a difference in opinion over where to start the descent from St Sunday Crag, some runners used gullies in the crag and scurried down the scree to the grass. Looking at the OS map the easiest route seems to be to go NE towards Blind Cove and drop straight down onto CP5 at the corner of the plantation down an easier and less steep route. Also which is the best route to Catstye Cam? Again looking at the map taking the footpath to the outflow of Red Tarn and striking straight up for the trig point seems initially to be best, any thoughts on these points? Thanks.

[Alf]

Looking at the OS map the easiest route seems to be to go NE towards Blind Cove and drop straight down onto CP5 at the corner of the plantation down an easier and less steep route. Also which is the best route to Catstye Cam? Again looking at the map taking the footpath to the outflow of Red Tarn and striking straight up for the trig point seems initially to be best, any thoughts on these points? Thanks.

That's the way I went last year but the direct route across Grisedale Beck from CP5 was not available (due to a dispute with a farmer I think?) and we were directed back up the beck (SW) to another bridge crossing. Not sure if that will be the same this year ?

[Witton Park]

Never looked at this race before - it looks a toughy.

But is "Horseshoe correct?

Surely the Grisedale Horseshoe should drop CP5 & CP6 and replace them with Birks summit?

NB. I'm only going off a map!

[Ady In Accy]

Everyone has to show their kit before their entry is accepted. Was rather a wet one last year - think this was the reason for the diversion.

[Stevie]

Last time this event was discussed on here there was a difference in opinion over where to start the descent from St Sunday Crag, some runners used gullies in the crag and scurried down the scree to the grass. Looking at the OS map the easiest route seems to be to go NE towards Blind Cove and drop straight down onto CP5 at the corner of the plantation down an easier and less steep route. Also which is the best route to Catstye Cam? Again looking at the map taking the footpath to the outflow of Red Tarn and striking straight up for the trig point seems initially to be best, any thoughts on these points? Thanks.

Your route to Catstyecam is the one everybody takes - out by Gillside and up Birkhouse Moor then the Red tarn outflow path.

The Blind Cove route you describe is the gully descent that was discussed in the past. There is an initial gully descent from the bottom of the slope as the ridge levels out for Birks.

[mr brightside]

Never looked at this race before - it looks a toughy.

But is "Horseshoe correct?

Surely the Grisedale Horseshoe should drop CP5 & CP6 and replace them with Birks summit?

NB. I'm only going off a map!

Past threads have said this race is tougher than it looks and feels more like an AL than an AM, the worst bit is apparrently the last thrash up from the penultimate checkpoint in the valley bottom.

[Clive]

Past threads have said this race is tougher than it looks and feels more like an AL than an AM, the worst bit is apparrently the last thrash up from the penultimate checkpoint in the valley bottom.

Hmmm perhaps I'd better not do this the day before Helvellyn Tri, but might come and watch instead.