Horace Andy

John Martyn

Cowling Gala fell race

Stef's sons, Tom and Sam, are staying with us this week and on Saturday we all went over to Cowling for the BOFRA Cowling Gala fell race It's a short but quite hilly race (2.75miles / 475feet) up to the pinnacles and back along the same route. Tom doesn't normally do any running but set off quickly before turning round near the top of the main climb and walking and jogging back down. Sam had a great run and finished just ahead of Paul Hindle, formerly of our club but latterly of Wharfedale Harriers. Stef ran well and was fourth lady I think. I felt good and was pushed along for a good part of the race by Barry Scholes, especially on the final descent. It was the best run I've had for a good while and I'm looking forward to seeing the results, which should appear here soon 

The Stone Roses

Charity Hill Climb

It was the KCAC Charity Hill Climb last night. This used to be a three mile uphill road route from the now I think sadly defunct Willow Tree in Riddlesden, but now it's a three mile plus mostly road with a section of very wet and muddy bridleway too route from round the corner from the Busfeild Arms in East Morton. The target at the top of the hill is still the same: Keighley Gate 

The route is many miles too short for me and completely runnable, but enjoyable all the same. We had over sixty people taking part last night including cyclists of all abilities, walkers, joggers and some very decent runners. Nearly everyone adjourned after the climb to the Busfeild where excellent free food was served, real ales were quaffed (it's a thirsty business running uphill) and raffle tickets were sold. Definitely one of my favourite nights of the year (and we won a bottle in the raffle!)

Sparky's Dream

Swifts

Our swifts are still here and we had the privilege of watching them flying around 'screaming' last night whilst sat outside the Fleece with a drink. I doubt they'll be around much more than another week so it was nice to catch them before they went. I always used to think we were borrowing them during our summer from Africa where they spend the majority of their time but it dawned on me recently that they were all born here in the village and as such they are much more local than me!

The Congos

A weekend in Langdale

I've probably been to Langdale more times than any other valley in Lakeland; partly because it's relatively close to 'home' (be it Derbys or the West Riding), and partly because I love it. Stef and I went over on Friday evening to stay at Millbeck Farm for the weekend. The farm has both sheep and cattle and is situated brilliantly right underneath the Langdale Pikes. Sue, the landlady, was very helpful and we have already booked to go back later in the year!

On Friday evening we just had time to check in and then nip for a pint or two to the Stickle Tavern. On Saturday we walked round the vast majority of the skyline from Chapel Stile up to Silver Howe, on over Blea Rigg to the Pikes, picking up the BG route with added peaks and went round the head of the dale as far as Pike O'Blisco. We called at the Old Dungeon Ghyll for tea and got back to the farm at 9-30pm, which meant we'd been out around 11hours in total and bagged 13 Wainwrights

Yesterday we climbed up to Thurnacar Knott, over High Raise, then went over to Sergeant's Crag and Eagle Crag (two new Wainwrights for us both) before coming back over Stake Pass (and the ODG again for soup and a pint)

Hugh Mundell