Bob Graham Round - Leg 4 - Wasdale to Honister Pass
- intotheoutside
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
We had a great client, Mel, return recently to complete the last two legs of the Bob Graham round. Mel attempted it a few years back but just came a little short, so was back with a vengeance to finish the last two legs and bag the Bob Graham round once and for all.
INTO THE OUTSIDE do the Bob Graham round not by running the route but going at a more leisurely pace, turning it into a multi day trek and wild camp. You are self supported, carrying your own camping equipment and food. It's much more of a challenge and allows you more time in the mountains to immerse yourself in nature and the challenge itself. Why rush these things...
As most of you know the Bob Graham Round consists of 42 peaks, 66 miles and is usually done in 24 hours. First done way back in 1932 by Bob Graham, hotelier of Keswick, Cumberland, at the age of 42, the 42 Peak Round has become a testing ground for the supremely fit. Each summer around 100 of the most highly tuned ultra-distance fell runners will attempt the 27,000 ft of ascent within the allotted 24 hours. Only one in three will return to the Keswick Moot Hall before the clock runs down. INTO THE OUTSIDE however run the challenge over 5 days, leg by leg, finding the best wild camping spots to cook up, enjoy a brew and rest your weary head.
Mel was back and had been training hard. We started Leg 4 in Wasdale and the temperatures were very challenging. The sun was beating down on the humidity was off the charts. It was a steep ascent up Yewbarrow but we did it in good time and Mel was making good pace. Next we darting along the tops to Steeple, Red Pike, Pillar, Kirk Fell and Great Gable. The sun was intense but the wind more so. We got battered the whole way. After an immense slog we finally managed to achieve our goal and reach Grey Knotts for a wonderful wild camp over looking Buttermere and Crummock Water. It was a stunning sun set but unfortunalty it clouded over so we missed the strawberry moon. It was a solid graft, 12 hours in total, but what an effort and Mel was incredible. It set us up wonderfully to complete the next days journey to Keswick and the Moot Hall finishing spot. Check in soon for the final part...
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