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