One of the toughest races in the calendar, Wasdale Horseshoe involves 21 miles and 9000 feet of climbing over the highest ground in England. This year the forecast looked good even if a little warm later in the day and there would be no doubt that I would still be out, even if not still running, later in the day. The roughest ground comes late in the race along with a big climb or two so there isn’t a shortage of excuses for a bit of walking.
The cloud cover was just burning off as we arrived, more or less confirming the forecast.
Wast Water and the screes – the first leg of the race is along the top of this ridge
Yewbarrow on the left, Great Gable in the centre and Lingmell (where the final descent is) on the right
Buckbarrow with Greendale Bridge in sunshine
Bill and Chris and a few others relaxing before the start
Almost ready to go
Climbing out of Wasdale towards Illgill Head
Still climbing out of Wasdale towards Illgill Head
Greendale Bridge where Joss hands out drinks and encouragement in equal measures
Mosedale with Wasdale beyond
Looking back to Kirk Fell with Ennerdale beyond
Starting the descent from Great Gable
Pauline was at a couple of places on the route and captured Ben Abdelnoor (who won) and a number of Bowland club mates.
By Sty Head I had very little left in my legs and the long drag to Esk Hause and on to Scafell Pike was pretty unappealing but having got that far ……
Ali with Great Gable and Green Gable in the distance
Esk Hause Shelter with David Powell-Thompson (grey hat), Ali and another marshal
Esk Pike and Bowfell
After Esk Hause there is still plenty left to do and it is time to put away my camera and concentrate on getting over the rough ground and down the final descent. Fortunately Pauline and Mark and moved round to Lingmell and so the final photos are hers.
Lingmell and the start of the final descent
About to start the steep drop back down into Wasdale and the finish
Sitting down in the sunshine, trying to recover and a little removed from the prize giving I was more than surprised to hear my name being called, more than once, – initially I was fairly certain there must be another “Ian” and look round only to realise everyone else was looking round – at me. Stu Stoddart captured the moment when Joss presented my first ever race prize – 2nd V55. A grand day out, indeed!
Finally, huge thanks to the marshals and, this year in particular to the last minute race organiser Rhys Findlay-Robinson.
Posts
