Paul Chrisp (M60) - 18 August 2014

Simon Franklin - JNLC Recorder

 I am very pleased to announce that Simon Franklin will take over as the Recorder for the Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge on January 1, 2025.

Simon completed his Crossing in April 2021 and brings enthusiasm, commitment and technical skills to the role. We are working together to achieve a smooth transition and to ensure everything is in place for the start of the 2025 season.

More details will follow in due course and Simon can be contacted at jossnaylor1990@gmail.com.
I wish Simon every success and hope he enjoys being the Recorder as much as I have for the last 12 years. 

Ian Charters

Mark Hartell (M60) with Stephen Watts (M60-Repeat) - 31 July 2024

 Joss Naylor Challenge

31^st July 2024

Mark Hartell and Stephen Watts

Total Time: 16 hrs and 49 minutes

Shortly after my 59^th birthday, I started thinking about the big 60 milestone and, very quickly, decided that a JNT would be an essential part of what I wanted to achieve in my 61^st year. With osteo-arthritis in both ankles and refurbished kneecaps in February 2023 I knew this would be no easy day out but it is always good to have goals especially those that, to some, seem a little far-fetched.

Twice, during the winter months, I set aside weekends in the Lakes to recce sections of the route and twice I was sent home with my tail firmly between my legs and a feeling that my days of moving well over Lake District terrain were over. Wet rock and high winds reduced me to staggering around, yelping in pain and crawling on all fours. I set the idea to the back of my mind.

I chased the cutoffs on Edale Skyline and had a decent springs training on the bike with a few hard rides under my belt but still was very wary of heading back to the Lakes. Come early July and the JNT was suddenly back on the radar as my partner was invited to a low-key attempt. In a triumph of optimism over experience I pulled out maps, poles, gels and all the necessary, drove to the Lakes and set off from Pooley Bridge one sunny morning in early July. The plan was to get to Grizedale Tarn then head down to Patterdale so I could return to the car. I didn’t look at times but hiked and shuffled by feel. The main thing being that at the finish I didn’t feel totally wrecked. The next day I set off from Wasdale Head to Styhead and found my way to the finish. Much better than I had expected; I was smiling! Checking the times I realised it was still going to be a challenge but I set a schedule for 17½ hours and recruited some support.

Steve was the obvious first choice. Still fit, a steady head, great navigator and, bonus, it seemed he would come with a wife (Mel) a van and a daughter (Steph) who wanted to run a leg or two as well.

I’d also recently reunited with an old student friend who I hadn’t seen for 20 years and Ian volunteered for leg 3, Central Fells. We had a plan and a team. As the day approached, others volunteered to be part of the day too so it was set to be a great day out with old friends.

The days leading up to anything long in the Lakes inevitably involve looking at 3 different forecasts several times a day but amazingly it seemed that my old “Rainboy” tag was set to be superseded. After a short night's sleep at Martin and Debbie’s house (Sportident central) the forecasts held true with a beautiful, dry warm and slightly humid day (once it got light!)

Leg 1: Stephen Watts/Neil King

By the time we unearthed Neil from his van on the “wrong” side of the bridge, we were a few minutes late but I kept reminding myself this was not a race nor a record attempt. The key was simply to keep moving and stay strong. A delightful dawn over Loadpot Hill and the first section passed comfortably and uneventfully except for a bit of a flounder and a few curses from me as we took a direct line down to Kirkstone.

Leg 2: Stephanie Watts, Stephen Watts, Jude Jepson, Neil King and Olive (the dog)
Quite the gathering. The Jude/Spyke/Olive combo had obviously decided to take a day off from roofing and renovating and Stephanie was home from Spain and finding it just about warm enough for her liking.

Temperatures were delightful, the banter was good, I was still eating and everything was proceeding well as we arrived a Dunmail a couple of minutes up.

Leg 3: Ian Hill, Alison Wright (part), Stephen Pyke (Spyke) and Stephen Watts (Swatts)

I suppose it was about this time that I started to think Swatts might be planning a full day out. Nevertheless, he was still carrying stuff for me, running ahead to all the tops to take times and generally carrying out all the duties of a pacer.

Seeing Alison for the first time in about 2 decades was great and I was happy that Ian and I had run this section 2 weeks earlier and had all the lines dialled in. Well, apart from the one to High Raise – this is where the humidity and heat kicked in and suddenly I lost 15-20 minutes in a little over an hour. I went quiet and introspective as I did not want this to become a battle against the 18 hours. Fortunately, the low spot passed and by the time we were coming off Bowfell the time bleed had stopped and we gained back a couple of minutes on each top. By the time we were heading down to Styhead Tarn, I was feeling relaxed again: an hour in hand, weather holding, eating again and ankles not too painful.
Melanie had gone above and beyond, carrying water, quiche and all sorts of treats up to the stretcher box so we set off, well-refuelled, onto leg 4.

Leg 4: Stephanie Watts, Stephen Watts, Stephen Pyke (Spyke) Geoff Pettengell (part), Debbie Thompson (greeting on Middle Fell)

So, it was official, Swatts was clearly going to come the whole way AND support me. Great Gable is a bit of a pull at that stage in the game and I had some trepidation about the descent but both passed without incident as did the gully off Kirkfell. Before I knew it we were high on Pillar and psychologically closing in on the finish, except that the recce had taught me that Seatallan packs a little punch and it’s never easy until you are in the bracken coming off Middle Fell. Nonetheless, we finished in daylight with plenty of time before last orders and the whole day was just a lovely day out with friends. A fine way to spend my 60^th Birthday!

Mark

Chief Pacer’s Account

Well, for anyone who knows me, it will be fairly obvious that there was no plan. After turning 60 in 2023, I had wondered how I might mark the occasion, but beyond that, no plans had been made. After 5-6 years away from running, I was once again starting to enjoy getting out fell running. A number of the championship races this year together with the Old Counties Tops fell race and the Saunders Mountain Marathon had kept me relatively content.

I can't remember exactly when, but sometime towards the beginning of July, Mark was suddenly very keen that he needed to take me to a cafe for a discussion over coffee. We wandered along to the Clarence Mill, where Mark told me about his plan to run the JNT on his 60^th birthday, which was on 31^st July 2024, and he asked whether I would support him on a leg or two. During the conversation, I also recall, Mark asking me whether I thought it was a daft idea, bearing in mind his knees and ankles. I couldn't say whether he would complete the crossing, but I knew from years of experience that Mark can dig very deep when the going gets tough and I was quite sure that he would not take on the challenge lightly. That view was confirmed when, over the next couple of weeks, Mark recced much of the route.

At this time, I had no intention of running the whole route. I agreed to support the first two legs and volunteered Mel (my wife) to do the road support. Stephanie (my daughter), who was on a flying trip back from Spain where she lives, asked if she could run a leg or two. So, the initial plan had been hatched; I would run legs 1 and 2 with Mark, Ian Hill, a university friend of Mark's, would run leg 3 and Stephanie would do leg 4.

During the week leading up to the attempt, I could see that the weather forecast was reasonable, and it was only then that occurred to me (but only briefly) that I could carry on with Mark after leg 2. However, this was Mark's attempt; it was his birthday treat, and therefore I decided I would just go with the flow.

Leg 1: Mark Hartell/Neil King

A 4:07 am start began in the dark, but we were soon taking off wind proofs and head torches after passing through the fell gate at the top of Park Foot camping/caravan site. A beautiful dawn and putting the world to rights; what could be better? All passed smoothly until I led the descent on the direct line to Kirkstone. I thought my time was up, if Mark could catch me!

Leg 2: Stephanie Watts, Mark Hartell, Jude Jepson, Neil King and Olive (the dog)

Jude and Spyke were waiting with Mel at the pit stop. Mark briefly stopped whilst I stopped to faff and chat to Spyke, who asked whether I was going to carry on after Dunmail. I had been in doubt, but the opportunity to catch up with Spyke was tempting.

A quick march up Red Screes then followed eventually catching the rest up near the top and time to catch up with Jude.

Leg 3: Ian Hill, Alison Wright (part), Stephen Pyke (Spyke) and Mark Hartell

A bit more faffing at Dunmail, as I had not prepared for carrying on further, meant another delayed start to a leg. Spyke kept me company as I battled to catch the others before the top of Steel Fell. Then time to chat with Ian and Alison, both of whom I had heard about, but never previously met.

The leg passed uneventfully, a few minutes lost here and then a few minutes gained, but generally all on track. The weather was almost perfect although perhaps a little too warm.

Mel and Steph were waiting at Sty Head with food, and water together with Geoff and Josh. Slightly different to my JNT attempt at 50, some 10 years earlier when the timetable was somewhat tighter, and Mel got delayed. On that occasion, Digby and I accosted a kindly-looking runner to ask whether he had any food he could spare and he proceeded to turn his rucksack out and told us to help ourselves to a selection of bars and Kendal Mint Cake.

I had thought about walking back down to Wasdale with Mel from Sty Head, but when I arrived it seemed like such a glorious day that it would be rude not to accompany Mark to the end.

Leg 4: Stephanie Watts, Mark Hartell, Stephen Pyke (Spyke) Geoff Pettengell (part), Debbie Thompson (greeting on Middle Fell)

The early evening is a fantastic time to be running across Lakeland fells. Steeple, Haycock, Seatallen and Middle Fell were all particularly splendid and it was a delight to accompany the others to Grendale Bridge.

Thanks to everyone involved in a truly splendid day out in the hills, and particularly to Mark for his excellent idea for celebrating his birthday.

Stephen

Steve Lumb (M65-Repeat) with Chris Lumb (M65) - 28 July 2024

Big birthday coming up in September, could I complete my 4th crossing before then. Maybe not leave it to the last 2 weeks before, like last time. Brother Steve keen to do a first crossing, how about doing it together? 

We’ve run KIMMs, OMMs and LAMMs together (Steve has a ‘certifiable' 30 KIMM/OMMs under his belt). We had the opportunity to run together in the Scottish Islands Peaks Race in May - which we’d last done together in 2000. Great running, sailing and wildlife spotting - and the unsurprising discovery that 24 years older translated into 24 years (or 50%) slower. So we’d better get some more longer runs out together - cue a very enjoyable Abraham’s Tea Round completed in an overall time of 10:30. 

 An attempt on the JNC seemed even more appropriate following the sad but very moving celebration of Joss at Wasdale Head. So many ‘old’ faces, several of whom had supported my previous crossings, coming together and sharing happy memories. Not least, on a previous crossing, Leigh Warburton, who had materialised unexpectedly out of the dark in Pooley Bridge at 4am, having driven up from Preston that morning, not just to meet and greet but to support me on Leg 1. Friends and stars all! 

So what schedule to set ourselves for our crossing attempt. We are 69 and 67 so have the luxury, if that’s the right word, of 24 hours (although on the 3hrs extra each age group I’d expected it to be 21hrs). Our recently discovered ’add 50% rule’, applied to the 12hr time limit for the 50-55 age group, gave us 18hrs. So we borrowed the 18hr schedule from the JNC website. 

We agreed that we’d attempt it unsupported on the fells, with crossing support once again provided kindly, capably (and tolerantly) by my wife, Viv. Colin Dulson, regular running companion, who ran with and supported Joss on his inaugural crossing, said he’d love to join us on Legs 1&2 - welcome on board, Colin. 

Saturday 26 July - or not, when the weather forecast suggested that we’d be spending the first 12 hours (and the dark) in heavy rain. An advantage of being a small team was that it was easy to shift it to the Sunday and a very promising forecast. A midnight start given that we wanted to finish in daylight (in time for the customary fish and chips, curry sauce and mushy peas….) and Steve rightly said that we wouldn’t be able to sleep on Saturday night anyway. 

Arriving at Pooley Bridge we were welcomed by disco music blaring out from the hotel opposite. Photos taken, the three of us headed off. Park Foot negotiated via an inadvertent visit to one of the dog walking areas, Arthur’s Pike a nice warm up. Loadpot Hill, a different route every time I’ve climbed it; this time, in the dark, probably the worst route. Steady away up to High Raise, under clear skies and a half moon, and onto more frequently run and familiar territory. Arrived at Kirkstone, car park packed with camper vans, ours snuggled into into a corner. Unfortunately, Colin wasn’t feeling very well and didn’t want to slow us down (he wouldn’t have done) so he took a lift through to Dunmail. 

Refuelled and rehydrated, Steve and I headed off up Red Screes (ignoring Colin’s challenge to break my 18 minute record to the top). Head torches coming down, chat with 4 very lightly clad lads who’d had an evening in Windermere and decided to head up to Red Screes for a very early morning walk. They’d enjoyed it so much that they were planning to invest in some walking gear, - converts! Up to the top, no new records, and an enjoyable run through to Dunmail. Welcomed at Dunmail by Viv and Colin - and unexpectedly and very kindly, by JNC meet and greeter Julie Gardner and her terrier, Lottie (both fellow Kendal Conservation Volunteers). Stocked up with extra rations and Katadyns to get drinking water on route, with no support at Styhead. 

Steady away up Steel Fell, more of a Bob Graham support route heading past Calf Crag than the route I should have taken, too deep in conversation with Steve. Then a low cloud covered and not the quickest route up High Raise (my previous schedules have always seemed tight or unachievable on this leg). Steady progress through to Great End and an unusually good line off it down to Styhead. I’d translated No Support into No Rest on our schedule - more sensibly, we took a 7 minute rest to refuel, rehydrate and sort ourselves out. Steve and I very well matched on running speed (slow or walking) and climbing (one foot in front of the other, even slower. We’d already realised and agreed that we were likely to be over our schedule and that we would just set a pace that we both thought we could sustain. 

Leg 4 was both tough and enjoyable. Tough climbs and descents on tired legs, resorting to Steve’s proffered jelly babies and my dry roast peanuts, to keep us fuelled. Plenty of running water to refill our bottles. Stunning views over the fells and down into the valleys to remind us what fell running is all about. A light breeze to cool us down on the tops, some clouds to keep the strong sun off us and, not least, Steve’s excellent company. Great Gable and Kirk Fell behind us, we knew Pillar would be the long haul that it was. Seatallan’s ascent always a sting in the tail, Middlefell and we’re nearly there. Steve leading the descent to Greendale - confusing Viv by heading direct to the bridge rather than via the camper van - in the end a good decision because we finished in 18:30, a nice round number, tired but delighted. Nothing that some Coca Cola, crisps and fish and chips at the Bridge couldn’t start to cure. 

A very big thanks to Viv, Colin, Julie and Ian Charters for all their fabulous support and encouragement. And a huge thanks to Steve for sharing his challenge with me, for the fun we had preparing for it and for such a memorable (for all the right reasons) night and day out on the fells. Brilliant! 

Chris & Steve Lumb

Jean Brown (W55-Repeat) - 13 July 2024

Barry Wilkinson (M55) - 28 June 2024

 Barry Wilkinson

Borrowdale Fellrunners

M55

28^th June 2024

Pooley Bridge

Heading out from Pooley Bridge with Craig Smith and Steve Angus the weather was not ideal, and although a headwind was predicted all day, it was forecast to improve. Not bad considering the biblical downpour of the previous night, but a little disappointing considering the attempt was finalised a week out when the forecast was ideal.

Thornthwaite Beacon

Anyway, we made decent progress and Craig’s Leg 1 experience saw us arrive at Kirkstone bang on schedule to link up with James Harris for Leg 2, and Leigh Warburton on Road support.

We set off up Red Screes immediately, and with only a little clag at the summit, and the constant headwind, still continued to make good progress, hitting each summit on the 12 hour schedule, whilst still having the energy for a nice chat.

A comfortable descent off Seat Sandal bought us to Dunmail a little ahead of schedule, and, due to a slight mix-up picking up Scoffer, no road support in sight. No panic. I knew Leigh wouldn’t be too long, and the JNLC envoy was there to keep us company and provide support.

As expected, within 5 minutes Leigh arrived, and after a quick pot of rice pudding and a banana we were powering up Steel Fell, Scoff leading the way. There is no-one I would rather have as support on leg 3, and we moved along to High Raise and Rossett Pike smoothly.

It was now that conditions started to deteriorate with intermittent sharp showers and a stronger headwind. This was at its worst on Bowfell, making the already treacherous rocks even more so. And sure enough on the descent my foot went on one of the frictionless surface and before I knew it I was down, banging my head heavily. Rising stunned but clear headed, with no time for a head injury assessment, and using a buff as a makeshift bandage, we were back underway with minimal delay. It was then onto Esk Pike and Great End, still climbing strongly, before the direct descent to Styhead, still very much on a sub 12 hour schedule.

Dunmail Raise

Dave Lund and Dava Williams were here to shepherd me home on leg 4, and we set off into the Great Gable clag. It is here that it started to get difficult mentally, fooling myself that I was slipping below my schedule, but inspiration and positivity was taken by thinking of Joss, and how he would relish these conditions. This was all I needed to keep me going and after the difficult descent to Beckhead Tarn the terrain and conditions became more sympathetic. The last real challenge was the descent from Haycock which was beautifully navigated by Dave and Dava and saw us enter the Pots of Ashness and onto Seatallan, before the final push to Middle Fell.

Leigh coming to meet us at the Col was a pleasant surprise, as was the lack of cloud on Middle Fell, and again thinking of Joss on the climb, and a realisation that the schedule was there, gave the opportunity to have a clear sight of Wsdale and a stress free descent to the finish, and reflection on how much the challenge meant to me, and how much I was indebted to my whole support team. Coming into Greendale was emotional, and the finish time of 11:28 was extremely satisfying.

Greendale Bridge

It was on the homeward drive out of the valley that we learnt the sad news that Joss had passed away, but that because of Leigh’s updates he was being made aware of our progress. Finding out at his funeral that his time of passing was the time of my completion, it seems that he was holding on until he knew I was home, and if so, and considering the conditions, I feel that it was a very fitting crossing for the occasion, and I feel extremely proud to have had him rooting for me at the end. RIP Joss, you will be sorely missed.

With thanks:

Leg 1: Craig Smith & Steve Angus

Leg 2: James Harris

Leg 3: Scoffer

Leg 4: Dave Lund & Dava Williams

Road: Leigh Warburton

Ros Blackmore (W55) - 22 June 2024

 As a guest at the presentation meal in October 2023, I was lucky enough to sit on the ‘power table’ with Natalie Hawkrigg, Josie Greenhaugh and Angela Wilson. Swapping stories of challenges and achievements, I was inspired to finally get on with attempting my own F55 crossing. So just two days before my 57^th birthday, I set off from Pooley Bridge at 5am, with a surprise visit from Joe Faulkner, to put me in a good mood.

Pooley Bridge

Two became one in terms of my Leg 1 Support due to illness, but who could be more competent at this than Matt Neale? I was always concerned about Leg 1, it’s a little too runnable for me and I was worried that I would go off too fast and ruin my chances later in the day. My big challenge is always about taking in food and keeping it down and the more I exert myself early on, the harder this is. Matt, however, paced it beautifully, as well as carrying virtually all my gear (except snacks and a water bottle), recorded timings, took a photo, messaged the team and guided me across the required summits perfectly. With just a little clag, that quickly cleared, running conditions were perfect and we arrived, smiling, at Kirskstone 6 minutes up on my 15hr 40 schedule.

Stoney Cove Pike

Jess Palmer was providing my road and Styhead support, ably assisted by Chris Hare, and did an excellent job in providing all of the food that I had carefully specified, knowing full well that this was probably going to be a completely thankless task. His first job was to provide me with a soft boiled egg in a soft white bap! Which luckily totally hit the spot, as it was all downhill from here in terms of food intake. I decided to use a couple of my saved minutes here for my digestion’s sake but 6 minutes later set of with my awesome Leg 2 Support, of Mike Keavney, Tracey Hunter, Stu Clarkson and Claire Stewart, all from Swaledale Runners, my lovely club in the Yorkshire Dales. This was the first time three of them had undertaken running support on the JNLC, which is great from the club’s perspective as it increases opportunities for others undertaking Lakeland challenges. As we climbed Red Screes I was feeling good but was a bit nervous that the sun was now fully up and the day was heating up. I needn’t have worried though, there was a cool breeze on top and the temperature was perfect. Mike ably led us across the mountains and the group company was great, with lots of chatting and laughing. Stu even played me ‘Running Up That Hill’ by my favourite artist Kate Bush, to further inspire me! We arrived at Dunmail Raise in good spirits, but I could already feel that my appetite was waning. I forced myself to eat a quarter of a sandwich, but found the fresh orange segments the most appetising.

Dunmail Raise

The hard pull up Steel Fell at the start of Leg 3 passed quickly enough, with my new Support crew of Ian Oldham and Jon Beyer. Ian did an excellent job of navigating the leg, but poor Jon had the equally difficult task of looking after me as inevitably I started to feel sick. The trudge up High Raise was probably my lowest point of the entire crossing. Feeling the need to change something in order to increase my chance of success, I decided to use my strategy of ‘kill or cure’ by taking on a gel. It would either make me vomit, or get some calories in. I am sure the manufacturers have no idea that their products work like this, but it produced excellent results,(much more pleasant than sticking my fingers down my throat) and I was able to throw up as I ran downhill (a skill I am proud to have mastered) . I instantly felt better and was then able to laugh at Jon’s poor jokes and listen to him singing as we wended our way across the mountains to the more challenging ascent of Bowfell. Ian chose an excellent line up this and we soon found ourselves meeting up with Phil Hodgson, the Great End descent specialist who had come up to help. This was my favourite descent, scampering down Phil’s great lines, feeling confident and arriving at Styhead at 15.37 , 10 minutes up. 

Great End Descent

There was quite a crowd waiting for me. Along with my Leg 4 Support of Neil Bowmer, Tim Grimwood and Caroline Graham, and the food crew of Jess and Chris, all of the Leg 2 crew had come up to greet me and share another mountain with me. I think I managed 1/8^th of a sandwich and a cherry tomato and some tea and coke, but was feeling pretty ropey as I ground my way up Great Gable. Worryingly I lost 2 minutes to the summit, but an interesting choice of descent which ended in scree meant I had to concentrate hard and took my mind of my nausea. However, I knew I couldn’t tackle Kirk Fell strongly feeling like I did, so once again I resorted to a gel, which once again instantly made me vomit. Feeling a bit better, I regained my lost two minutes on the ascent of Kirk Fell and then had an enjoyable section over Pillar and Scoat Fell, where I was 17 minutes up on schedule. I most enjoyed listening to my crew chatting to each other and not needing to talk. At the out and back to Steeple, Tim took a break, since he had already run the Wasdale Fell race route out to Styhead before joining my crew on Leg 4, so he was able to take the obligatory summit photo. My lead haemorrhaged away on the next mountain, Haycock as I was again feeling very sick and this time I needed to stop to deal with this. But I also knew that if I just kept moving, I could complete in my 16 hours, so I just kept plodding on. Neil led the perfect grassy line on the Haycock descent, and the sight of Mandy Goth and Ian waiting half way up Seatallan really lifted my spirits. 

Seatallan

I closely followed Mandy’s ankles up Seatallan, then she led us on a great line off it and up to Middle Fell. Sadly I was once again feeling sick, which was frustrating because my legs were feeling pretty good. My planned glorious run-in to Greendale Bridge therefore became a walk, I touched the bridge, turned off my watch, acknowledged my lovely friends then went round the corner for a final spew! I completed my Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge in 15.39, (one minute ahead of schedule!) surrounded by my friends after a fabulous day in the hills, just as Joss suggested. Thank you to my wonderful support team, all of whom were chosen for both their mountain skills and being people I wanted to spend time with.

Greendale Bridge

Of course, this occurred 6 days before sadly Joss Naylor passed away, leaving family, friends and the fell running community bereft. I only met him a few times, later in his life but he seemed to be so supportive to runners of all abilities. It has been an honour to be one of the last people to complete the challenge in his lifetime and I hope it is a challenge that will inspire many others in the future.

£100 donated to my usual charity, the Meningitis Research Foundation, in memory of my nephew Ethan Jon

Ian Smallwood (M60-Repeat), Harry Longman (M60), Vinny Booth (M60) - 22 June 2024

Jann Smith (W55) - 31 May 2024

 

I first attempted the JNLC on 18/07/2019 when I was 50. It was bad weather and I felt bad reaching Greendale 14 minutes over the time of 14 hours as the lovely Joss was waiting for me.

Sty Head

I re-attampted on my 55th birthday setting off at 4.05am. Things got off to a bad start with a very upset stomach, some pretty spicy weather and a fall, however at Dunmail Raise 2 immodiums were shoved down my throat and I was told to man up!  After that the weather got much better , I force fed myself some food and drink and started to really enjoy it. I got stronger and was really pleased to make up 1.5 hours, finishing in 14hr 25 mins just 10 minutes slower than 5 years ago.

Greendale Bridge

It was a low key affair with just one runner supporting ( my partner Paul Carman ) and just one road support at Dunmail and Styhead from John and Julie Carman who also provided dog-sitting ....Thank you!!

Selfie

Carol Morgan (W50) - 16 March 2024

On a scale of achievements, I will never win an award for sleeping. After a restless night, we had an early morning start from Pooley Bridge and were rewarded with a beautiful sunrise as we climbed up Arthur’s Pike. Never one to make things too easy on myself, I wanted to try to do the challenge in under 12 hours (a late personal celebration of International Women’s Day on the day before Paddy’s day). The first leg is essentially a hard fell race. An introvert by nature, the quiet of the leg was comfortable for me, if probably seemingly uncharacteristic for the friends who were with me: I was working hard to make the splits. The beautiful start was replaced by clag around Kidsy Pike, next time I could see in the distance was around Dunmail Raise. Having trained all Winter in the wind, rain and clag, I was comfortable to trot along in it while the navigation wasn’t today, mine to worry about. We hit the little known tops that were seemingly randomly added and dropped down a grassy line to Kirkstone. So claggy it was that the support team were alerted by the supporter who had dropped off there, while the new team struggled up Red Screes complaining about their lack of time to finish their tea (I had little sympathy, I don’t like tea :)). The navigation challenges soon focused their brains and tea was forgotten about as banter about missed Hodgson’s relays lines was passed around. I felt a bit fatigued after the fast start and was happy to be cocooned in the clag and listen and enjoy the hills and banter. While admiring the skill of those who can navigate much much better than me.

Dunmail Raise arrived, along with some hugs, curry noodles and a fast turn around before the small matter of Steel Fell was addressed. Up, up and away over the bogs to High Raise. A brand new support team and more chat, the excitement of a new dad was palpable by all: a line discussion here and there: the beautiful Langdales fells and surrounding fells tantalising visible here and there through the clag. The achievement of finding a decent line off Great End and spotting the orange coat of the most enthusiastically dressed supporter at the stretcher box. Leg three over in flash! Another new team and the short climb up Gable, followed by the scree drop downwards: the rising winds which was in an unhelpful and unforecast direction (Southerly, rather than South-Easterly). The long climb up Pilar with a brief stop for waterproof trousers, a blowly Steeple and a husband hug all over in a flash. Memories of sunshine and Wasdale Fell Race reccies and the paradox of the beautiful descent being also longest climb on tired legs up Seatallan.

A hop, a skip and a jump down Middle Fell towards the lovely old bridge with watery eyes about another beautiful day out, a challenge achieved, but mostly about having brilliant friends to make it all happen.

Thank you all. Carol x

Photo credits: Kim Collison, Simon Franklin, Simon Mills, Jess Richardson, Debs White

The Crossing

The Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge or The Crossing, as Joss always referred to it, is a significant part of his legacy and will continue, much as before. We all appreciate it won't be quite the same without Joss waiting at Greendale Bridge but nevertheless, everyone involved hopes Contenders will still have a great day out on the fells, just as Joss intended.

I am continuing as the recorder to help ensure the Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge continues for many years to come.

Joss Naylor Funeral arrangements

 It was Joss' wish that his funeral should be a colourful celebration of his life and attending fell runners should dress in their club colours. Also that those who are able should run over any of the passes into Wasdale Head. More details to follow.

St Olaf's at Wasdale Head is the smallest parish church in England and admission will be by invitation only. There will be a public address system to relay the service to those outside. Nearby parking is extremely limited so if you are not running to St Olaf's please car share, park considerately or use public transport.

The Naylor family invite all fellrunners to join them at Wasdale Head on Friday 19th July and to form a colourful guard of honour as Joss takes his short journey to his final resting place.

Donations, if desired, to the Stroke Ward, West Cumberland Hospital. To donate, please see:https://www.arhfuneraldirectors.com/donations/ All enquiries, please contact us on 01946 810241 or at enquiries@arhfuneraldirectors.com

Joss Naylor obituary | Sport | The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/jul/02/joss-naylor-obituary

Joss Naylor running in Wasdale, Cumbria, in 2004. He was born in the hamlet of Wasdale Head, where he lived for most of his life.

Towering figure in the world of fell-running admired for his charisma, tenacity and the domination of his sport

Joss Naylor was a colossus in the world of fell-running who in the final third of the 20th century not only dominated his sport but, through sheer charisma, put it on the map.

His greatest feats of endurance, in the 1970s and 80s, were accomplished far from the public gaze in the clouded hills of Cumbria. But the unprecedented extremity of his achievements, and the hardiness that made them possible, captured the imagination of mountain lovers everywhere.

A Lakeland sheep-farmer who lived for most of his life in the hamlet of Wasdale Head, Naylor, who has died aged 88, ran his first fell event in September 1960, in the Lake District Mountain Trail – despite medical advice to avoid strenuous activity following injury in his teens.

Over the next few years, he began to race regularly, honing his technique and focusing his ambitions. He was not the fastest, and, after taking over the tenancy of his father’s farm in 1962, he had little time for systematic training. But he felt comfortable moving at speed over even the roughest terrain – he said that his experience with dry-stone walls helped him “read” the rocks – and his resilience seemed superhuman.

By the late 60s, he had begun a purple patch that would last almost 20 years: he won the Mountain Trial 10 times and the Ennerdale Horseshoe nine times in a row (1968-76), along with repeated victories in such gruelling events as the Wasdale, the Duddon Valley, the Welsh 1,000m Peaks, the Manx Mountain Marathon and the Karrimor Mountain Marathon (now the Original Mountain Marathon).

What he really excelled at, however, were individual ultra-distance challenges. In 1971, he became only the sixth person to complete the Bob Graham Round, a notorious 66-mile circuit of 42 Lake District peaks, to be completed in 24 hours, which had once been considered as unattainable as the four-minute mile. Then he set out to extend that circuit.

In 1972 he completed 63 peaks within the 24-hour time limit, in the midst of an atrocious storm. Chris Brasher, who paced him for part of the route, described this as “a memory equal to any of the greatest Olympic races that I have ever seen”. Three years later, Naylor upped his total to 72 peaks: the equivalent of going up and down Everest, Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Kinder Scout in a single day, all in a blistering heatwave.

No challenge was too extreme. He ran the 268-mile Pennine Way in just over three days (1974), the 190 miles of the Coast-to-Coast path from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay in 41 hours (1976), Hadrian’s Wall in just under 11 hours (1980), and a route linking all 26 of the Lake District’s “lakes, meres and waters” in 19 hours 15 minutes (1983). When he took off his shoes at the end of the Coast-to-Coast, the skin from the bottom of his feet came off, along with all his toenails.

Naylor was born in Wasdale Head, the youngest child of Joe, a shepherd who had moved there in 1927, and his wife, Ella (nee Wilson). It was not a comfortable upbringing: the valley did not even have electricity until 1977. But Joss, who helped out with farm work from the age of seven, grew used to long, hard, outdoor days, and developed a tolerance for physical discomfort which – combined with his love of nature – would fuel his subsequent achievements.

At 15, he left school (in nearby Gosforth) to work on the farm full time. But his teens were marred by the after-effects of two seemingly minor accidents that left him with chronic back pain. By his early 20s, the medical profession had all but given up on him. His right knee had lost all its cartilage; two discs had been taken from his spine; he wore a special corset to prevent further damage. He was pronounced unfit for national service and urged to avoid strenuous activity.

He listened, but not for long. Other young men his age were getting involved in long-distance fell-running, and Naylor, whose home was overlooked by Scafell Pike, Yewbarrow and Great Gable, had a ringside seat. When the Mountain Trail event started in Wasdale in 1960 Naylor could not resist. He threw away his corset, cut off his work trousers at the knee, and ran along with the official competitors in his heavy work boots. He seized up with cramp near the end, but did well enough to know that he had found his calling.

In 1977, after many years of running and record-setting, he was warned that if he did not stop farm-work he risked having to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life. So he took an indoor job, mentoring apprentices, at the nearby Windscale (now Sellafield) nuclear plant. Yet he hung on to his 1,000-strong flock of Herdwick sheep, which thereafter he tended “as a hobby”. And his fell-running became, if anything, more extreme.

In June 1986, aged 50, he attempted a continuous traverse of all 214 peaks in Alfred Wainwright’s seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, in the midst of another heatwave. It took him seven days, one hour and 25 minutes – a record that stood until 2014 – and required him to “dig deeper within … than I have ever had to reach”. By the end, the flesh on both ankles was rubbed through to the nerve, and his throat and tongue were so swollen that he could barely speak, let alone eat or drink.

To admirers, such ugly details capture the essence of “Iron Joss”. Naylor’s achievements owed less to genetic good fortune than to his indomitable spirit. He suffered no less than other runners. His greatness came from his refusal to surrender.

In an age when elite sport is increasingly seen as a science or a business, he ran with his heart, not his head. His favoured fuels were rock-cakes and apple pie, washed down with Guinness or salted blackcurrant juice or, occasionally, cod liver oil (swigged straight from the bottle, “like whisky”). And he would not hesitate to interrupt a record attempt to rescue a lamb in distress.

He was appoiinted MBE in 1976, yet remained startlingly modest about his achievements. Lesser fell-runners were amazed and inspired by the interest he took in their endeavours, and he would offer advice or encouragement to anyone who shared his love of the fells. The Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge – a 48-mile route for runners over 50 that he set up in 1990 – reflects this generous outlook.

He also used his fame to raise money for charity, which he did enthusiastically for many years – not least by scaling 60 peaks at the age of 60 (in 36 hours) and 70 rather smaller peaks at 70 (in 21 hours).

Naylor was still active on the fells in his 80s, until a stroke in 2021 set off his final decline.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (nee Downie), whom he married in 1963, and three children, Paul, Susan and Gillian.

Joss (Joseph) Naylor, fell runner and farmer, born 10 February 1936; died 28 June 2024

Courtesy of Guardian News & Media Ltd