Blood Sweat and Tears

A great turn out 14 Dallam runners 1 Colt and 3 Dogs


The weather forecast was not so good but that doesn't deter a hardy fell runner, after a quick kit check and our head count system done, off we set into the darkness of my Nemesis, Inglebrough, our feet soon wet from the river running down the walled path of the first section. I led the way to the first re-group passing the lead over to Mick for the next section, this proving yet again to be tricky under foot catching one or two out with a little tumble and the odd trip here and there. The darkness helping us by way of not being able to see the climb to the summit. Looking up into the darkness I could see two lights way head, them two must have pushed hard to be so far up I thought I need to dig in, if I'm that far behind, as I did suddenly two walkers approached, so they must have been the lights I had seen maybe I'm not that far behind after all.

After a regroup at the start of the steps we were helped up to the summit by the increasing wind behind us. Summit done, lets head down the same way we came up, after a quick look around for the path not too sure we had the right one at first, just remember trust the dogs they know the way down, which they did, the wind that helped us up, was now holding us back forcing tears to run down our cheeks making each step even more of a challenge, them done its an easy path down just the odd rock to jump over.

A little bit more hill work was done as we went back up to the back markers ensuring our group all made a safe descent. Taking the grassy race route just before the river makes for a speedier descent and much easier in the dark.

The final descent and a chance to stretch the legs and push on, not always a good idea in the dark, with only a few meters to the final gate I clipped a rock and down I went. Luckily just a gravel track I thought as I was getting closer to the ground but no wait! Not my jacket, keep them hands and knees down save the jacket...... well done jacket saved, only a ripped glove and blooded knee, Adam the only one in sight, to see my slide, not as good as the Oscar winning Bond roll from Jarvo by any means.

Yet another great night on the Fells everyone returned safely, some of us a little battered but our enthusiasm still in tact.

Total 6.6miles 2137ft ascent 4.6mph ave speed