Good 1st Lakeland Fell Race?

[Fellhound]

It's a bit on the fringe but Black Combe would be a good introduction. If you want to experience the rocks though, then I'd say Coniston.

[Paul T]

Hello,

I agree with all that TussockFace says in his post.

Not sure I agree with "Just give 'em a go" in one of the other posts. Building up to the big ones has got to be best although it depends on your experience on the fells.

Out of the races mentioned I'd say the following would be good ones to start off with whilst still being challenging races.

Coniston
Black Coombe
Kentmere
Fairfield

Anniversary Waltz and 3 Shires would be a bit more challenging in my opinion.

Whichever you choose make sure you get round the course before the race so you have an idea where you are going.

Great races to do before the lakeland races start would be.

Winter Hill
Noon Stone
1/2 Tour of Pendle

All three of these would be harder than the Haworth races but easier than the lakeland stuff (dependant on conditions).

Good luck with whichever you choose to do.

Paul.

[Steampig]

Thanks to all fellow forumites. Some interesting and amusing replies.

Tussock face. A very wise reply, must admit that the points you touch on about height and poor weather / stroke visibility are the ones that were in my mind when I statrted this thread.

Sounds like the Noon Stone and some map reading and navigation are required before venturing onto the big stuff!

[Tussockface]

Tussock face. A very wise reply, must admit that the points you touch on about height and poor weather / stroke visibility are the ones that were in my mind when I statrted this thread.

Sounds like the Noon Stone and some map reading and navigation are required before venturing onto the big stuff!

I'm frequently wise in my advice to others. Unfortunately, whenever I try give myself advice I ignore it completely.
See you at the Noon Stone, if not before. Are you doing The Stoop?

[BillJ]

Dunnerdale - a wonderful short race. But you might not want to wait until Nov. 2008!

That was my first Lakeland race, Margaret, if I remember correctly.
Back in about 1990 I think. I really enjoyed it. Remember being relieved to find that there were other people going as slowly up the Knott as I was.

[BillJ]

That was my first Lakeland race, Margaret, if I remember correctly.
Back in about 1990 I think. I really enjoyed it. Remember being relieved to find that there were other people going as slowly up the Knott as I was.

Though thinking about it, I didn't do another race at all for six years after that!!!
I can't really blame that on Dunnerdale, though... its a nice little race, honestly!

[philgreen1968]

i did helvellyn in may as my first lakeland run out, was interesting specially on the return from calfhow crag