Triathlon Time Trial

Not my favourite time of year this, but at least we can see a little progress with the slow acceleration in the lengthening of the days.

Thoughts now turning to silly games we can play in the warmer weather and the recent article in Fellrunner about a Lakeland triathlon challenge route prompted me to come up with this far more modest local route:-

Dump the bike at the big new car park at Horrocks Fold on Walker Fold Road, and using the entrance to the car park as your start line, run up Coalpit Road and pick up the footpath to Smithills Res. Then this is the bit where you need support; swim the length of the res from the Winter Hill End to the Smithills end. You need the support to carry your kit, and especially your shoes, to the other end. The alternatives are to first run along the bank in bare feet, or to swim with your shoes on (other kit optional).

Then back to the car park, collect the bike and cycle round Winter Hill on the road, via Belmont and Rivington.

Dump the bike back at the car park, then it's back up Coalpit Road, onto the track at (yes, you've guessed it) the Trespass Stone, through to the summit trig point and back to the car park.

Should take about 30 mins + 1 hour 15 mins + 1 hour = 2:45, say 3 including transitions.

When shall we go for it?