It was a bright morning but with lots of freezing fog, the car suggesting minus four for most of the journey up. I hoped that the sun would burn this off and the day would be clear with good views, but it wasn't to be. After the briefing we set off on the first loop. This is all on forest trails and isn't as interesting as the second loop. The first "half" marathon seemed to be nearly 24k. The mist never really cleared, there was ice underfoot and it was cold out of the sun.
Loop 2 goes over the tops to Windermere, then along the lakeside for a couple of km before a steep up to head back to Grizedale. I finished in 6hrs 16, a lot slower than last year but the course was longer this time. Felt fine though, even on the last steep ascents. Next up is the Buttermere to Dalemain recce. Gulp.
The ascent out of Near Sawrey:
