For the second year running I managed to devise my own alternative route across Darwen Moor. I wasn't the only to deviate from the prescribed route, as TM and friends decided to do a lap of a field somewhere near Belmont and goodness knows where Andy went : we wait to hear.
Despite being up with ample time, I managed to be on the last minute and parked up at the UP rather than trying to find space near the hall. Further delayed by a chap who followed me into the car park and just as I was heading out, asked me if I knew of an LDWA Challenge Event that he was looking for. So I waited while he sorted himself out and escorted him to the hall. See, some people can become TM even before they start the event.
Eventually away a good five minutes late, my first encounter was NLN heading down from the Rivington Green to the hall, obviously less concerned with a fast start than even me. Multitudes of walkers to navigate past up to the top barn then queues on the way up to Pike, by which time I had caught up with a few runners (or maybe hybrid walker/runners?). And onto Pike Cottage and up to Winter Hill with sections of walking whilst chatting with friends from LDWA.
On the climb near Belmont Reservoir, I recognised the style that I correctly identified as TM so ran with her and her friends, asking if she's seen YJ and EtU to which she replied "there's John", only 10 yards away. So we generally ran together to the feed station at Entwistle Reservoir where EYJ was helping(?) out. YJ took a flyer whilst we had the compulsory 20 minute sit down second breakfast (lots of nice cakes). I eventually caught up with YJ, stopped for a pee, caught up with him again and turning off Blackburn Road, he then had a pit stop, also refuelling (I of course had no need, having taken in plenty of nourishment at the checkpoint). So I continued, thinking I ought to make an effort, having been fairly languid so far, With nobody in sight, I somehow managed to miss a turning and the path I was on petered out. Checking where I was, I decided I was too far south, so headed north, traversing over fields over horrible tussocks and barbed wire fences. I eventually hit a road up to a farmhouse and realised where I was so picked up the Witton Weavers Way, knowing that I would eventually get to Darwen Tower, no doubt some time behind YJ and TM. I saw no runners until I hit the ridge path from Slipper Rowe to Darwen Tower with the first encounter being with KLM. A good run along the path brought me to the tower which I encircled to find the clipper and return the along the route I had just run. A relatively quick feed at Slipper Rowe followed by a laboured climb to Great Hill where two runners passed me, which disturbed me into making an effort which I did and caught them up on the way down pass Tom's Cup then they passed my on the muddier parts. I decided to take the alternate route to White Coppice for a change and for me, at least at this time of year, the quarry route is faster, as I retook them on the descent.
I rejoined the route from the cricket club just as TM as arriving. Then ten minutes later, they were with me - they'd skipped the food!!! A good run in brought me home in 6 hours exactly with TM arriving 3 minutes later to have good conversation and an excellent hotpot and peas. NLN and FSS were already on their second or third brew. Shortly after YJ arrived but no sign of EtU. I assume KLM must have just gone. And no sign of TLoB whatsoever - thought you were going to do it?
Comparing my strava upload with TM's, I was in fact slightly north of where I should have been, and managed to find a much more direct route across Darwen Moor, though I would not recommend it.
It was by far my longest run of the year so a bit stiff today but a good build up for the 100. I've got 12 days holiday booked between now and the end of April so hope to get some long midweek runs to build up the mileage.
Anyone interested in doing t'Hobble and Spring Into Lakeland?
