Joss Naylor Challenge Account
After my good friend Shaun Scott who I had successfully completed the Bob Graham
Round with in 1998 decided just before Christmas that his life was over another good
friend Kevin Bray suggested that as we were both over 65 we have a go at the Joss
Naylor Challenge in memory of Shaun. We also asked another friend Jon Punsheon who
was also over 65 to join us. On Shaun’s wife Claire’s suggestion we chose Survivors Of
Bereavement By Suicide as our chosen charity. We already had over £4000 pledged
before we even set off.
Stage 1 Pooley Bridge to Kirkstone
Pacers: Rich Carter, Jane Briggs and Mathew Briggs
We chose to set off at midnight to give us a good chance on our modest schedule of
finishing at Greendale before dark. The weather forecast was excellent, clear at the start
with a little mist over Arthurs Pike then as we progressed over the grassy summits a most
wonderful cloud inversion began making us feel as if we were on top of the world.
Kirkstone was completely enclosed by mist but above as the sun rose it was clear and
warm. We arrived at Kirkstone to be greeted by freezing temperatures so set off as soon
as possible to get above the cloud.
Stage 2 Kirkstone to Dunmail
Pacers: Sarah Acey, Lindsey Quinn, John Butters and his dog Jasper
We really couldn't wait to get back into the sunshine at the top of Red Screes so did quite
a quick climb back into the warmth. Hart Crag, Fairfield and Seat Sandal all passed
exactly on our chosen schedule but unfortunately due to the Keswick to Barrow Walk our
vehicles couldn't park at the top of Dunmail meaning we had to add extra distance down to
the old AA box lay-by and back. Not a problem as we literally had all day.
Stage 3 Dunmail to Sty Head
Pacers: Sarah Acey, Claire Calverley, John Telfer, Rich Kirby, Paul Appleby and Vaughan
Hemy.
The temperature at Dunmail was distinctly chilly so we didn't hang around too long. It was
great to be greeted by Julie a Joss Naylor Challenge representative. We had a strong
climb up onto Steel Fell and jogged along the grassy trods toward High Raise. We all
agreed that this is probably the dullest section but once we were over the back of High
Raise the views and paths became much more interesting. John led us on a great line up
Bowfell and an equally good descent off Great End to be greeted by a large welcoming
party at Sty Head with lots of goodies. The welcoming party included Shaun’s wife Claire
and his daughter Lois. It was lovely to find them so positive and I think it gave us all a lift to
see them.
Stage 4 Sty Head to Greendale
Pacers: Lois Scott, Claire Calverly, John Telfer, Rich Kirby and Vaughan Hemy.
We set off up Great Gable just 12 minutes behind our 20hr 19m schedule so we knew we
didn't have to push the pace to the finish. Kevin and I had agreed that if we could get up
Gable we had a good chance of completing the challenge. We got to the top ahead of our
planned split to give us a lot of confidence. A scree descent off Gable led to Kirkfell and
Pillar to be met by Chris Dixon, Grant Reed and his dog Skye. As we were fairly confident
of finishing before dark we allowed ourselves an unscheduled break to enjoy the fabulous
selection of food and drink they had carried up all the way from Wasdale. I can tell you that
after 17hr 45m of eating cereal bars and Jelly Babies etc a sausage roll tastes like the
best food you've ever eaten! So onto the last few hills and back on grass again we made
steady progress towards Greendale. I personally really struggled on Seatallan but Lois
kept me going right to the top. Middle Fell seemed much more straightforward and then
we were at Greendale Bridge 21hrs 36m since we left Pooley Bridge to be greeted by an
enthusiastic crowd including Joss Naylor's neighbours Ian and Sue who had turned out to
greet us.
A wonderful day out in the hills supported by lovely people on the route and at the road
crossings. A great team effort and a day to remember.
Pacers:
Rich Carter, Jane Briggs, Mathew Briggs, Sarah Acey, Lindsey Quinn, John Butters,
Jasper, Claire Calverley, John Telfer, Rich Kirby, Paul Appleby, Vaughan Hemy and Lois
Scott.
Road Support:
Linda Bray, Denise Waugh, Margaret Sewell, Mike Briggs, Claire Scott, Gary Mason,
Wendy Stephenson, Chris Dixon, Grant Reed and Skye
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