learning BGR sections

[Bob]

The summit was reached after 42 mins which I was pleased with as i was deliberately taking it easy and the BG site suggests nearly an hour if on a 24hr schedule.

The schedule is written assuming that you have done the whole route up to that point - I can get up Yewbarrow in around 34mins when fresh but on my round it took nearer an hour.

I have read in the BGR ROUTE CHOICES thread that there is an even quicker route up - possibly in between the screes which are behind Threlkeld Knotts. This didnt look very easy to me but would certainly be a little more direct to the summit.

There seems to be a path developing up Clough Head these days. Sounds like you were following it. It is only distinct in the upper half though.

As i neared Grisedale Tarn I realised I would have preferred to run along it’s rear flank (under Seat Sandal). This would have incurred less descent and lead directly to the crossroads up to Fairfield. I have also read about an ascent of Fairfield directly from the Tarn outlet- this will be investigated on my next visit as I didnt have time to run up Fairfield on this occasion.

Two options - either run down the grass next to the path, essentially a straight line, to the outflow of the tarn then a direct line up the slope in front of you. Or follow the old fence line off Dollywaggon (in the direction of Seat Sandal) and traverse the path round the SW side of the tarn to The Hause then up and down Fairfield that way. I prefer the latter.

Fromthe summit of Seat Sandal I guessed at the direction to head to bring me to the layby at the Achille Ratti Bothy and although I got it pretty much spot on, the ground was truly awful, steep, boulder strewn and then “hidden by bracken” boulders. My time from SS summit to the main road was significantly LONGER than a sub 24hr schedule.
Surely there is a better way down Seat Sandal????

As Swiss Toni has said - aim for the north end of Steel Fell and drop down to the dual carriageway section of the road at the summit of Dunmail Raise.

Additionally - does anybody know where I can find the website that gives you a full round time based on the consecutive peaks you have ran? I have been on it in the past but am unable to find it again despite many searches.

http://www.aqvi55.dsl.pipex.com/run/bgr_est.htm is the page you are after.

At 3 hrs 20 this was one of my longest runs (fell or road). I was quite knackered and can’t imagine how I could ever manage another 20 odd hours! However, I will continue to recce the route and build up my endurance with perhaps an attempt in 2010 0r 2011 (I’ll be 42 in 2011)

You will

[GeoffB]

... As i neared Grisedale Tarn I realised I would have preferred to run along it’s rear flank (under Seat Sandal). This would have incurred less descent and lead directly to the crossroads up to Fairfield. I have also read about an ascent of Fairfield directly from the Tarn outlet- this will be investigated on my next visit as I didnt have time to run up Fairfield on this occasion...

It's also worth pointing out that by going to the right of the tarn you (and your pacers) can leave kit at the bottom as you will be retracing your steps to here exactly. No point carrying stuff up Fairfield & then straight back down again.

[DazTheSlug]

...I will continue to recce the route and build up my endurance with perhaps an attempt in 2010 0r 2011...

man after my own heart - patience is a virtue and all that!

speaking of which, finalised family holiday plans last night and managed to talk Lady Slugge into camping at Wasdale (Church Stile) next week, so hoping to sneak out for my first ever nosey at BG sections, namely Leg 4 and also Scafell/Scafell Pike (Foxes Tarn, Lord's Rake) on a couple of days between Aug.13th-17th
quite happy to do it on my own, but if anybody fancies blundering about with a complete BG novice, let me know...

[Marvin]

It's also worth pointing out that by going to the right of the tarn you (and your pacers) can leave kit at the bottom as you will be retracing your steps to here exactly. No point carrying stuff up Fairfield & then straight back down again.

DazH and I reccied both routes and felt that going to the right of the tarn definitely seemed better. You don't drop down so far, and the first part of the climb up Fairfield is easier. Having said that, the climb up Fairfield is still a bit of a monster.

[bestathlete]

Great replies chaps, many thanks for your input. Reading through made me want to go right back out there and run it again to try out the lines.

Ive come to realise that the training runs/recces are only a part of what is required to properly equip oneself for an attempt. I'm going to get myself a folder with a page for each summit, recording such details as - route tips and time to next summit, bearing to depart summit - description of summit cairn/trig point etc. I'll also record any other pertinant information and keep a log of BG route training runs/recces.

Is this the kind of thing some of you do/have done? Currently, all that I have learned is either in my head or I refer back to these threads. Can't carry on this way though, after all, ive only done legs 1 and 2 so far.

[Alan Lucker]

I recorded the route on Memory map. In the days leading up to my atempt - after lots of recceing - I could imagine the whole route in my head. I would go over it lots of times to be sure of it. Whatever you can come up with to jog your memory of the route will only go to improve your confidence.
Have fun.

[Marvin]

I recorded the route on Memory map. In the days leading up to my atempt - after lots of recceing - I could imagine the whole route in my head. I would go over it lots of times to be sure of it. Whatever you can come up with to jog your memory of the route will only go to improve your confidence.
Have fun.

I did just the same thing (but using Anquet and Tracklogs). I'm happy to share my planned and actual tracks - PM me.

[Bob]

Most of what you are wanting to do can be found at http://www.aqvi55.dsl.pipex.com/run/bob_graham.htm , detailed notes, including bearings, are at http://www.aqvi55.dsl.pipex.com/run/bgr_notes.htm and if you have Memory Map then you can download a trace file from a link on that page. Summit descriptions at http://www.aqvi55.dsl.pipex.com/run/bgr_tops.htm

I've also got photos of some of the summits and various route choices on my machine at home.

Any errors, proposals for extra info, just drop me a PM.

[Pilgrim]

The Acorn B&B in Keswick is incredibly friendly. I don't have their number / email to hand but a google search will give that.

Thanks for the reply PB but I'd already set off - I'll try them next time.

Just got back from a 5 day break - 1 leg per day....
...well, that was the idea...
What a shock to the system! That's the first time I've run in the Lake District! Tuesday, leg 1, fantastic day out - Skiddaw nearly killed me - not done much training recently and legs got punished for it! Great weather until Blencathra (the only place I saw any runners all week!) - bit nervewracking coming off there in the clag.
Wednesday, leg 2, didn't happen - legs aching from Tuesday and I didn't fancy doing it all by compass.
Thursday, leg 3, didn't happen - just did Seatoller to Wasdale over Styhead Pass as I'd been warned not to try that section on my own in bad weather.
Friday - beautiful day and I now resemble a lobster as a result. Opted not to do leg 4 as I wanted to go up Scafell Pike. Glad I did - fantastic views all round. Checked out a few of the peaks then over Glaramara to Rosthwaite for a pint or three.
Saturday - cancelled as I had to go and pick the kids up.

So, all in all, having experienced running in the lakeland fells for the first time:
1, I have GOT to return!!! It's just TOO good! The hills are far too hard!
2, Thoughts of doing the BG next year might have to be put back a year!

[stevefoster]

Thanks for the reply PB but I'd already set off - I'll try them next time.

Just got back from a 5 day break - 1 leg per day....
...well, that was the idea...
What a shock to the system! That's the first time I've run in the Lake District! Tuesday, leg 1, fantastic day out - Skiddaw nearly killed me - not done much training recently and legs got punished for it! Great weather until Blencathra (the only place I saw any runners all week!) - bit nervewracking coming off there in the clag.
Wednesday, leg 2, didn't happen - legs aching from Tuesday and I didn't fancy doing it all by compass.
Thursday, leg 3, didn't happen - just did Seatoller to Wasdale over Styhead Pass as I'd been warned not to try that section on my own in bad weather.
Friday - beautiful day and I now resemble a lobster as a result. Opted not to do leg 4 as I wanted to go up Scafell Pike. Glad I did - fantastic views all round. Checked out a few of the peaks then over Glaramara to Rosthwaite for a pint or three.
Saturday - cancelled as I had to go and pick the kids up.

So, all in all, having experienced running in the lakeland fells for the first time:
1, I have GOT to return!!! It's just TOO good! The hills are far too hard!
2, Thoughts of doing the BG next year might have to be put back a year!

Sounds like you enjoyed yourself Pilgrim Gets you like that, the Lake District. Keep getting up them hills, just training for a BG is a great way to spend your time even if you never attempt one. Keep plodding on and enjoy it and you'll get there