Lingmell Dash fell race

Race: Lingmell Dash (British and English Championship)
Peaks: Lingmell, Wasdale, Lake District
Time/Position: 56.51 (77th from 137)
It seemed like a good idea to extend this British Championship fell race by walking in to the start over Eskdale Moor past Burnmoor Tarn, over five miles and 800ft of climbing. Clearly inspired by our 'value for money' approach to last Wednesday's race, it worked well but was obviously rather tiring, especially after a morning climbing on Hare Crag. The weather remained glorious, although some high cloud pushed in as we started walking from the lovely village of Boot in Eskdale. An old bridleway winds up the hillside to the open moor, gaining height easily. Then, a long trudge across to eventually gain Burnmoor Tarn. Soon, views open out to Wasdale and familiar hills become visible (albeit from an unfamiliar angle). Yewbarrow was directly ahead, Great Gable further right and, soon, Lingmell appeared below Scafell. A long descent above Wastwater led down to the valley and an even longer walk to pick up our numbers near the pub. There was just time for a coffee at the famous Ritson's Bar before the race started. I've done a few British Championship races over the years and they are always characterised by a quality field. There is no let up, and the pace was relentless for the dash from the pub, along Wasdale to pick up the main Brown Tongue path briefly, then streams of runners branched off for the direct route up the hillside to pick up the 'Shoulder' - the obvious ridge coming down from the summit of Lingmell. This gives an absolutely brutal climb, very steep for several hundred metres. I used my hands wherever possible and made reasonable progress, although Vic stayed in front of me until the ridge eased off higher up and became runnable. I picked up quite a few places here, good views to the right over Scafell and Scafell Pike. Over an old wall, then a brief rocky section before rounding the summit cairn in 39.30. I gashed my shin on the summit rocks and took a while to get going on the descent. I lost a couple of places on the initial section, but then held my place reasonably well over the grassy plateau then the exceptionally steep and sustained descent of the Shoulder. Very punishing on the quads. A bit of scree suited me, but I was relieved to pick up the main path lower down (sunny and almost hot now). An excellent sprint back to the finish near the pub. Satisfying to break the hour, and the race reminded me of Moel Siabod in this (and many other) respects. As ever, the field was ludicrously strong: I'm not sure I have ever finished in the top 40 in a British Champs race (41st is my best ever!). This was also an English Champs counter, so the field was even stronger. After a few cups of squash and a bite to eat, relaxing and enjoying glorious sunshine, we headed back to Eskdale. The crux comes immediately: the steep climb from the shores of Wastwater up to the plateau below Illgill Head. Steady progress in warm sunshine past Burnmoor Tarn, superb clarity of light that got better as the day wore on. Beautiful descent through woodland to Boot: at least 16 miles in total.