alt="Image"/>
Passing the intake wall on High Pike (Route 3)
Mountain environment
The fells of the Lake District might seem hardy and able to weather the test of time, but the landscape is exceptionally fragile and prone to damage. Path erosion often leaves huge scars across the mountains, visible from afar, and the upland plants and wildlife exist in a tough and marginal ecozone, where any impact is magnified. In many ways runners are the mountain user group that uses the fells with the lowest impact, carrying the least and wearing the most lightweight footwear. Having said this, fell running often strays from the pitched paths and obvious trails, so we must be careful to try and ‘leave nothing but our stud marks’ on the summits.
When setting out on a mountain run, pack your bag carefully so that no litter can fall out. Ensure that any trash is stashed in a pocket, to be put in litter bins down in the valley floor. There’s nothing more infuriating than seeing used gels or bar wrappers in the fells, as it is obvious which community left them. Having said this, on the whole mountain runners are a most diligent and caring mountain user group, and it’s no bad thing to set the best example. Shut gates, do not climb over dry stone walls, and follow the countryside code (www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code).
Much of the footpath repairs are undertaken by the Fix the Fells teams (www.fixthefells.co.uk), and if you want to help protect the landscape you can consider a donation or even helping as a volunteer. You can also get involved with the initiatives of the Friends of the Lake District (www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk). Many mountain runners develop a strong connection with the Lake District and want to give something back to the fells that have provided them such joy.
If you plan to run with a dog you must be aware that the fells are grazing areas for sheep such as the iconic Herdwick, and you must ensure that your dog is under control at all times. Lambing season (between March and May) is especially delicate, and heavily pregnant ewes, or newborn lambs, must not be disturbed. Ideally keep your dog on a lead near any livestock, although if running through a field with cows in it, if they chase you, let go of the dog’s lead as cattle are more likely to chase your dog than you, and the dog will likely outrun them anyway.
Herdwick sheep on the Lakeland fells
Bio-security is a topic that many trail and fell runners are uneducated on, and some simple steps can be followed to secure the national park from Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS). Dirty running shoes can transport NNIS to and around the national park without a runner being aware they are doing it. Before travelling to the national park you should wash down your shoes and running kit at home. A quick wash and brushing of your fell shoes only takes a minute, and you should do the same before returning home. Diseases such as ash die back and foot-and-mouth are easily spread, as are seeds from NNIS including American skunk cabbage and Himalayan balsam. You can download free identification guides from CFINNS (www.cfinns.scrt.co.uk/species-indentification/identification-guides) in order to learn more about bio-security and to consider how runners can do their bit. On a practical note, washing your fell shoes also lengthens their life, as most upland mud is acidic and rots the stitching and fabrics over time.
Local economy
As with any national park, the majority of visitors stay during a relatively short period of the year, and while you may get the impression local businesses are booming in season, it’s important to remember that the local economy is fragile too. The region was hit very hard by foot-and-mouth in 2001, and then by the major floods of 2009 and winter 2015/2016. Without tourism there would be far fewer pubs, restaurants and shops, which we all enjoy the benefits of, so when visiting the area please try and buy locally to support the local economy and keep the village high streets vibrant.
On ridge of Side Pike, above Langdale (Route 20)
MOUNTAIN RUNNING IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
What’s difference between trail and fell running?
This discussion has been the source of many a friendly argument over the years, but there is a simple classification that this book has sought to make. Trail running is following evident bridleways, footpaths and tracks for the duration of the run, where navigation is largely a case of turning left or right at the appropriate junction. Fell running is choosing a runner’s line of least resistance across open mountainside, often away from any path, and letting the terrain dictate the best and fastest route. Navigation plays a part in this classification, but it is more a case of fell running requiring a far higher level of mountaincraft and judgement in selecting a line that suits your mountain running skills set. Many runs are not purely one or the other, but what defines this book as especially relevant to the runner is that many of the fell running routes differ greatly from a walking route. You know when you’re skilled at fell running as you’ll discover the best lines on the fellsides, where the only footprints you see are those of stud marks from fell running shoes.
Trail and fell running kit
While every runner wants to move quickly and lightly in the mountains, it’s essential that you carry enough kit to enable self-sufficiency – especially in case of changing weather and emergencies. Inexperienced runners often query the obligatory equipment lists provided by race organisers, but it’s important to note that these events are professionally organised, with medical assistance, shelters, aid stations and rescue plans in place. An autonomous runner should always carry the standard obligatory race kit as an absolute minimum, to cater for the fact that the race provisions and safety net are not in place. Many of the Lake District fell races are organised along Fell Running Association (FRA) guidelines, and so their kit list is obligatory (www.fellrunner.org.uk).
Some of the easier and lower-altitude trail running routes in this book can be undertaken wearing road shoes and your normal running clothing, as well as a small running pack, but as you venture higher into the mountains you’ll need more clothing and fell running-specific footwear.
The choice of shoes for fell and trail running is open to endless debate, but what you should look for is an outsole with good grip (for on both rock and mud), perhaps a rock plate in the sole, and increased protection around the toe box. Features such as mud or off-trail performance are key in the Lake District, while they don’t matter so much in the Alps, for example, where the trails are fairly established and well drained underfoot. Brands that dominate the UK market are Inov8, La Sportiva, Walsh and Salomon. Rugged mountain terrain is no place for minimalist or barefoot shoes, although an increasing number of runners are using maximalist shoes such as Hoka’s for trail running-style routes.
Selection of trail and fell running shoes
A decent running bag is essential, as there’s a fair bit of kit to take each day that needs to be readily accessible while you’re on the move. Key features that a runner might look for are a capacity of up to 12L, a bladder or water bottle pouch system, accessible stow pockets for snacks, a whistle for emergencies, and compartments to store waterproofs and other items. When purchasing a bag, try packing it with your running kit and then testing it for fit to ensure that it doesn’t move on your back. Many fell runners prefer a small waist pouch or bum bag, into which all FRA race essentials can be stowed.
Poles are increasingly being used by runners in the mountains. While they would get in the way during a short fell running route, for a longer race or trail run they are a very useful piece of running kit. Make sure