Introduction

The Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge route leaves Pooley Bridge to traverse 30 summits over a distance of 48 miles and climbs 16,000 feet (77km, 4877m).

The inaugural run from Pooley Bridge to Wasdale was made by Joss Naylor in 1990, at the age of 54; in very bad weather with heavy rain and a strong SW wind Joss completed the run to Greendale Bridge in 11 hours and 30 minutes.

Chris Brasher offered engraved pewter tankards to the first 20 runners to do so with the proviso that they raised at least £100 for a charity of their own choice. In January 1997, with 17 tankards already awarded, Chris extended his sponsorship. In 2001, with 33 tankards awarded, Joss secured on-going sponsorship for the tankards.

The challenge is offered to fell runners over the age of 50 to complete the run in set times according to their age group. The challenge is intended to be a "supported run" for individuals - each contender is to be accompanied on every leg for safety reasons and unaccompanied attempts will not be recognised. There is more information on the Challenge Details page below.

If you are interested, please have a look at the Challenge Details, download a schedule or contact me using the email address on the Challenge Details page.

Friday, 29 November 2024

Barry Wilkinson (M55) - 28 June 2024

 Barry Wilkinson

Borrowdale Fellrunners

M55

28th 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



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