A solitary (T, L working) 16km jog (though with very much more walking than running) round Blencathra from Bowscale to Threlkeld.Route: starting having been dropped (by L on the way to Penrith for a business meeting) at Bowscale and running north to Mosedale and then left along the road to the west, this remaining paved (though badly damaged in places) as far as the junction with the Cumbria Way at the end of the valley. Then turning left on an unforgiving hard stony track (not at all loose, however) for 2km before it gave way to a marshy path. Underneath Great Calva, beginning very slowly to gain a little altitude before a steeper pull up to Skiddaw House.
Descending into the valley between Lonsdale Fell and Mungrisedale Common, crossing the valley and Glenderaterra Beck and then not spotting the choice of a lower path but gradually ascending higher above the stream to reach the Blencathra Field Centre. Then descending the road to a carpark to pick up the path through the village by Blease Gill.
Conditions: 19C and hazy sun but cooled by a breeze.
Pub: the Horse and Farrier, Threlkeld, joined by Lois after her meeting in Penrith for Bowness Bay Fell Walker.
