As part of final preparations for the UTMB and CCC respectively, I completed the Traverse yesterday with Nicky Jacquiery in 10.36.

We were both wearing Salomon S Lab XT Wings 3, partly to get these bedded in for the races in the Alps, and partly to ensure we weren't tempted to go too quickly!

Got through to 3 Shires Stone without seeing another soul. Relatively quiet until we came down off Esk Pike to become entangled with the Borrowdale Race. Great to find ourselves travelling up Dale Head a deal faster than some of the runners!

The weather was not too bad, a bit of drizzle on a few occasions through the day, a heavy downpour while climbing Cold Pike (huge rain drops) and a damp and misty ending from about Dale Head Tarn onwards.

Not having reccied the direct descent off Great End, we could have done without the damp, greasy rock to contend with but there were sufficient cairns and signs of passage to keep us on the right line.

Excellent support from my wife Alison Eagle at the usual spots.

A great route and a wonderful feeling of "journeying" which is sometimes missing from circular routes. Highly recommended.