Cumbrian runs?

[turnturtle]

I am in the Lake District this weekend, acting as cheerleader for my two sons who are mad enough to be cycling in the Fred Whitton Challenge tomorrow (112 miles over every single pass ). I also have to do my long run tomorrow (about 60-70 minutes). I went on a two hour walk today to try and suss out a suitable running route. The scenery was glorious and we saw buzzards and peregrine falcons, but what climbs! There is no way I could have run where I walked. Can anyone who knows the area recommend a nice flattish circuit of around 4 -5 miles, maybe around one of the lakes? We are staying near Ambleside.

[TurquoiseAnnie]

Hi, you can run from Ambleside out along the main road towards Rydal. There's a gate on the right hand side just beyond the last buildings of Ambleside which leads on to a sort of field road. This will take you to Rydal Hall. You can carry on beyond here to Rydal to make it longer or come down the drive beyond the Hall, back across the road and follow the 'Under Loughrigg' Road - which is almost traffic free. This brings you back into Ambleside. Not sure how far altogether but it's a lovely route and it might save you a car journey - the tracks are all clear enough to see on Google Maps too

[TurquoiseAnnie]

Or.....Tarn Hows between Ambleside and Coniston is beautiful but only 1 1/2 miles round. Nice enough to do 3 times though!

[turnturtle Graduate]

Thanks TA. I had looked at those. Ryton Hall looks interesting. I am actually in Skelwith Bridge so would preferably like one that starts and ends here

. The footpath to Elterwater, returning by Loughriggtarn looks reasonable. Quite a lot of road but officially not open to public traffic so should be safe. Do you know that route?

[Fitfor60 Graduate]

We were staying at Ambleside early in year Beautiful part of country I envy you running there Is it raining?

[turnturtle Graduate]

Of course it's raining. This is the Lake District! The forecast is pretty bleak for tomorrow but I have my wet weather gear with me and a pub supper booked for tomorrow night as a reward!

[TurquoiseAnnie]

Hi - sorry probably too late - it is really lovely past Elterwater Tarn but might be very wet after yesterdays rain (sometimes underwater) I haven't been recently so not sure.THe wet bit would be quite close to you though and you can bypass that by a bit of road. Whatever you do have a wonderful day - the Lakes is beautiful whatever the weather - wish I was running there!

[turnturtle Graduate]

It's not too lateTA! I am lying in bed listening to the rain pelting down and thinking that running alongside the river is not such a good idea. I'm back on the Rydal Hall idea. Better make my hubbie a cup of tea and ask him if he'll drive me to Ambleside.

[Hidden]

After the event, and I don't know the area too well (being a Dartmoor lad), but as I proposed on the banks of Derwent Water I know that running in the Lakes must be magical. 24th Wedding anniversary today!!

How did it go? How did your lads do? Please let us know.

[turnturtle Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Hello Sallycycle. Sadly my run in the Lakes will have to wait till next time. I had the route all planned but there was just too little time to fit it in before we started the mad pursuit of the lads to see them at various staging posts (they started the Fred at 6.45 am) . They both did brilliantly, finishing in the Elite category under seven hours. there were 2000 starters and they finished 33rd and 71st. I felt my running activities were totally insignificant in comparison but it made my day when eldest son said he felt really proud of having an almost septaguanarian mother who could run 5K. I quite welled up! His next challenge is a half ironman on Exmoor so I am hoping it will be easier to find a flattish run for me there. I imagine you know that area too? Do you still cycle as well as run? My balance is rotten so I think I'll stick to Shank's pony.

[Hidden]

Please pass on my congrats to your boys. I am genuinely impressed, and you must be immensely proud. What next for them? The Bob Graham Round? I'm assuming they run if you mention a half Ironman.

I do still cycle, but not as much as I did this time last year due to a certain 6 month old Izzie dog. I will and MUST get out on it ~ I miss her!!

Good luck finding somewhere flat on Exmoor! The half Ironman (70.3) is based around Wimbleball lake. This is reckoned to be the toughest 70.3 so I'm not sure your running will be easy.

Keep running and keep us posted.