A 4.5km run, setting off after sunset and gradually losing the light. Despite a very familiar running route, an Outdoor Day because of the atmosphere of the gathering gloom (not well captured in the photographs).Route: leaving the car in the Lanthwaite Wood National Trust car park (less than a quarter full at 5pm on November 1st) and taking the longer zigzag on main tracks to reach the start of the small path up Robin’s Steps to the summit plateau of Brackenthwaite Hows.
Descending south and picking up the path within the wood by its eastern wall to join the small path descending to the boat house. Thence round the lake as far as the pumping station, turning right along the banks of Park Beck to Park Bridge. From there, along the road to the Kirkstile Inn.
Conditions: 10C with some high cloud just after sunset. By 6pm after a pint, pitch black, 5C and mist driving home.
Pub: the Kirkstile Inn for Cumbrian Ales Esthwaite Bitter.
