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.

Sunday, 7 December 2025

Rachel Vincent (W50) - 12th April 2025

 

I started with slightly depleted support as Joe was unwell leaving his father Andy Green to carry everything. We had a perfect sunrise as we approached Arthur’s pike. The forecast was ideal.  I was surprised how easy it seemed to reach High Street ahead of schedule.

I paused only long enough at Kirkstone to have a gel and hot cross bun placed in my hands. My brother Rob Carter, my middle son Lloyd(13) and Lawrence Brown joined me here. More incredible views and sharing with Lloyd the art of finding the right tussock beside which is your trod starts made this section pass in a flash.




Pasta and coke awaited me at Dunmail, well fed I set off up Steel fell with Pete Murphy and happily trotted on past calf crag. A dip in my energy and enthusiasm on the climb to High Raise was soon restored on the glorious run down to Stake pass. We passed Chris Reade ( also completing his Joss) as we ascended BowFell and he was heading to Esk Pike. Pete scouted out an excellent line down Great End delivering me to family and friends who had gathered at Sty Head.




My husband Phil and James Garland joined me for the final section. Great Gable and Kirk Fell came easily enough, Pillar more of a slog. The SW wind had picked up by now and the sun long gone but every summit remained clear. Despite sore ankles hampering my descents reassurance from James that my pace was good made me sure I could dip under 13 hours.



The run down the final grassy path joined by all 3 sons: the ever attentive road supporter Morgan(15) , fell runner in the making Lloyd, and very enthusiastic cheer leader Austin(10) gave a perfect finish to a fabulous day.


Thanks to all the wonderful friends and family who helped to make this achievement possible. Only fourteen months after a 5 hour surgery to remove a spinal nerve sheath tumour the joy of the hills is as extra sweet.

 

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