C.F.R.A - Wasdale Fell Race

The race starts with a gentle climb up onto Illgill Head on the south side of Wastwater followed by a fast grassy run along the top of the ‘Screes’ to the the 1st CP Whin Rigg. From here it is a grassy descent to the valley bottom and flags through to the bridge at Greendale (GR 143056). A word of warning here. Many a soul has gone too fast from Whin Rigg to Greendale and paid for it later on -  you have been WARNED.The route across the valley bottom between checkpoints 1 & 2 is flagged; keep to flagged route as we are only able to race on the fell by the kind permission of the National Trust and local farmers, so your good conduct is essential for future races.

There then follows a long slog up to the 2nd CP Seatallan, first on a good path, then knee deep grass, then on to the 3rd CP Pillar. On a clear day it’s a doddle, just drop into Pots of Ashness and head for the col between Red Pike and Scoat Fell.

Off Pillar to Black Sail it is straightforward, mostly on the tourist path, although there are some shortcuts if you know the terrain, and from Black Sail onwards you contour round Kirkfell, and before long you’ll be looking at the imposing sight of the 3rd CP Great Gable. This is where the race really starts – it’s hands on knees work and Gable is the last checkpoint with a time limit. If you can't make it this far in 4.5hrs you are not fast enough to continue. It's off Gable down the main path to Styhead stretcher box, and from Styhead to the finish is, in my opinion, what makes Wasdale the hardest of the Longs. From Styhead to the 5th CP Esk Hause is straight forward on a good path and from Esk Hause on up to the highest point in England, the 6th CP Scafell Pike; just follow the crowds of folk either coming or going from the summit.

From the Pike it’s all downhill now but care has to be taken in the mist as many a hope has been dashed by going down into Mickledore or down the main Brown Tongue path. The idea is to drop into Lingmell col then descending, gradually contour under the rocks of Lingmell summit and hit the wide grassy path that takes you first to the sharp drop over the ‘Nose’, then a knee jarring descent to the stile on the wall at the last 7th CP. It is then just half a mile of – still steep - grassy downhill to the finish in the tent you registered in.