A report from Old Cheviot:

Grisedale Horseshoe Race 2015

Old Cheviot headed over to The Lakes on Saturday for the Grisedale Horseshoe Fell Race. This medium race packs 5,000 ft of climbing into 10 tough miles. The race starts at Glenridding, and goes over Catstye Cam, Hellvellyn, St Sunday Crag, before a final sting in the tail climb back over to Glenridding.

The weather was superb: high clouds, a cooling breeze on the tops, and crystal-clear visibility. As the leaders whizzed up the first climb, OC settled for a steady plod. The airy scramble along Swirral Edge was fun, before a fantastic run along the ridge to Dollywagon Pike. An Ambleside runner took an excellent line down to Grisedale Tarn, which OC was pleased to follow.

After summiting St Sunday Crag, runners scattered in all directions. OC followed his favoured line to the north-east, sweeping into the grass gulley/scree run, before descending steeply to the valley bottom. The final ascent over the ridge seemed interminable. But eventually OC climbed the stile, and enjoyed the final grassy descent. OC’s aged legs were wobbling along the track past the campsite, but he pressed on to finish 21st in 2 hours 24 mins. The tea and cake in the village hall went down a treat afterwards.

The race was won by Jim Davies (Borrowdale) in just under 2 hours. This is another superb race organised by Achille Ratti (thanks guys!), and all for just a fiver. OC recommends putting the race on a ‘to do’ list for anyone who has not run it before.

Old Cheviot