The Howling Howgills

Sunday 29th November 2009

5 Dallam runners 1 COLT and 3 Dogs

The Weather was looking grim but our main aim was to check out the Wednesday night run, some of us setting off in our full waterproof gear as we approached Lockbank Farm the rain was coming straight down but we could see our first summit which was a good sign but that's where it ended. As we climbed the very steep slopes of Winder, the rain and wind started to build the ground sodden from the endless rain of the previous week making the conditions even more difficult than expected, we all battled our way up, I'm sure everyone was thinking the same as me "What are we doing up here but its better then Xmas shopping".

First summit done we pressed on to make the ascent of Arrant How the conditions just seemed to get worse as we climbed the rain which felt like little darts was now turning to snow, the temperature was dropping and we were only 45mins into the run everyone was cold, my feet were like blocks of ice as I looked up towards the snow and clag covered summit of The Calf, a few of us saying they had had enough for the day, out with the map to see if we could make something else up.

Ok map checked lets press on for a short way, just to the dip, then we will cut down Ashbeck Gill and make our way back. We had only dropped a few feet, the wind now behind us the world seem a slightly better place as we headed into the cutting and around Crook running was a pleasure again the only down side being the sodden ground catching most of us out with a bit of sliding here and there.

A somewhat shorter day then I wanted to do and I really needing to step up another gear I think next week I intend to stay closer to home and on lower ground.

Total 5.2miles a surprising 1870ft ascent and ave 3.5mph