1. The instructions say we go out through Chapel Farm, but that's not on the OS map. I guess it's the building on the map at about 257140...

That's the farm. From Rosthwaite cross the river, follow the Cumbria way, cross Stonethwaite bridge, turn right, head down the road and turn right into the farm (usually few spectators on the corner cheering you on.)

2. If it's a hot day, I'm thinking about water. I've walked the corridor route a few times with family but can't remember now -- are the becks crossing it full enough that you'd want to fill a bottle from them? If so they look like the best bet.

Best water on the mountain is at calf cove 227 080, always running. Corridor route streams are very dry at the moment and can't be relied on. Even the 'reliable' stream 219 080 was dry yesterday.


3. When I did my BGR I remember parts of the path from Grey Knotts down to Honister Hause were really slippery, even in dry weather. Do people tend to take the path, or go more 'off piste'?

Off piste. Various routes - right of Brandreth,left of Grey Knotts, Moses trod? Follow the fence line? Seen em all done.

5. How do the checkpoints work -- does someone just note your number as you pass?
Yes.

6. And so to more important matters :-) What's it like in terms of entertainments/food & drink back at the hotel? In particular if my family decide to hang around for the 3-4 hrs it takes me to run, will they have anything to do/eat? (I guess the hotel will do bar meals anyway.) (I know there may be an evening party, but we'll be long gone for that.)

Various options = They could always walk to Styhead with water, food etc for you and join the rest of the Borrowdale supporters? Then again, if you're a 3hr man they probably won't have time.
some of my lot head into Keswick for a late breakfast then up to Honister to see me through and back to the field to see me finish. No better place in the world on a sunny day.


7. How much emergency food is considered enough; e.g. 2xSnickers bars would be 500+ kcal, would they pass a kit check?

In an emergency would it be enough for you mores the point.