The Horse fell race

Race: The Horse (13k/500m)

Time/Position: 1.13.00 (2nd Team)

This is a brilliant team event that got off to a memorable start two years ago when it was run in hugely atmospheric soft snow. No such weather luck tonight, as recent snow had almost all melted (but I had already enjoyed three superb snowy runs last weekend, deep drifts in places). It was still a brilliant event, in some ways even more enjoyable than last time. As then, I ran with Jez as a 'team'. And, as then, we finished second team by time - although lower via the somewhat complex handicap system! The route is essentially the Cilcain skyline, albeit done in the dark. Over to the Nannerch bridleway and then up to a checkpoint on thr ridge. We took the Tir Gofal traverse line, unsurprisingly muddy throughout, and I began to tire for the steep final climb to Moel Famau, atmospheric in the mist with distant headtorches from rival teams. Then a good but muddy descent, with a variation route down the bridleway and up the pump house climb to finish back at the White Horse for a cosy pint and debrief.

Western Howgills

Peaks: Uldale Head, Docker Knott, Over Sale, Fell Head, Linghaw

Area: Howgills, Yorkshire Dales

Last time I was here was descending into these obscure valleys high above the M6 for high-value checkpoints on the two mountain marathons I've done in the Howgills. I have often gazed up at the tops when driving along the motorway but have never actually approached from the western side. It was a perfect option for M and I this morning en route to Glasgow in crisp sunshine. It was cold, however,  very cold in fact and the little lane from Tebay (just off the M6) was steep and icy, but I calculated it would just about thaw for the return journey. A complex start involved an icy barefoot river crossing, fairly agonising, before a steep zigzag haul up to Uldale Head which had a frozen pond, thick sheets of ice, near the top. Superb view of the hills to come, but then came a steep descent which M didn't enjoy much, losing height before climbing back up Docker Knott and then a gentler pull to the top of Fell Head. This is the main hill in these parts with expansive views to Ingleborough and the Dales, and also across to High Street, Harter Fell and the Lakes. A light dusting of snow, and crisp sunshine, all added to the scene. Then came a really superb descent over a broad ridge to Linghaw back to the car, only marred by the M6 which is otherwise surprisingly unobtrusive. After a pie in Tebay services, we continued to Glasgow via Moffat.