R*n 768: Eskdale

For several hours before this run even started there was lots of confusing discussion concerning how best to organise cars to the start. No real surprise then that some cars - including ours, went to the wrong place. Fortunately someone just got enough telephone signal to discover where we were and sent Large Package to round us up.

As this was an A to B run and Morticia was at B, it was left to Lurch to start us off with some rather complicated instructions. The rambos then headed off one way and wimps in the opposite direction. Fortunately Lurch, decided to act as master of the hounds and follow the wimps which was a good job since they got confused at the first markings. A little further on, when the uber wimps could split off he felt that it would be best if he stayed with the wimps.

We uber wimps tramped on the long and winding trail through woodland and up a never- ending hill on which we were told to "look behind" twice. The first time, we could see the beautiful view and colours of the nearby fells but by the time we got to the second sign we could hardly see anything through the mist. Baldbrick thought the sign meant look behind the tree and saw nothing! Eventually we reached the top and followed the signs to a view point by a small lake then as we continued following the trail met Morticia, acting as whipper in, who was very relieved to see our group as she had seen no one else. 

Before much longer the trail led downhill giving the uber wimps a chance to jog and the rambo FRB's, which included LP + 2 fell running visitors, to get down first to the beer stop. By this time, LP's shoes had been completely ruined. I am not exactly sure how he repaired them but it did not stop him continuing on at his usual speed.

The next leg of the trail took us through the grounds of Muncaster Castle and on past the ruins of some Roman Baths. The rambos nearly got an early bath since their route was meant to take them onto the shore but Morticia had to quickly sign post a diversion as the tide had come in! 

Eventually we reached the welcome warmth of the Ratty Arms and the excellent food provided before boarding the train back to Dalegarth, where the confusing plans of how to get drivers and cars back to the youth hostel were put into action again. 

Once again, Lurch and Morticia had laid some excellent trails, braving terrible weather conditions and proving to be caring hares.

I have slept so much since the weekend that I don't remember exactly where or when we did the down down's for this run but I think it was at the end of Sunday's run in the car park of the Greyhound Inn in Grizeback. Neither do I remember who got down down's apart from Morticia for trying to drown the Rambo's.