Briefing for this r*n began on the Friday evening, where the 12 r*nners paid the usual amount of heed to the two hares. Maps were distributed, with instructions to follow the way-marking, with no actual flour or chalk to follow.

An unusually early start time (9.30) was set to coincide with bus timetable! Yes, this was to be an A to B hash with return by bus. All the pack gathered outside lodge 9, one of the two lodges we were staying in, and began the shortish walk down to the beach, for the start of the trail proper.

There were two map version in circulation (I think), with a Rambo loop towards the end for the more energetic.

The route followed the spectacular coastal path, with many ups and downs and points of interest along the way. The views out across the Solway Firth were outstanding, with the Cumbrian fells forming the backdrop.

The pack split roughly in half, Ws and Rs, and a gap started to open up. The Rambos spent a good 20 minutes exploring the rugged part of the coastline known as Gutcher’s Isle. This included a scramble to the summit of the isle from the beach below. By the time the Rambos set off on trail again the Wimps were almost caught up. However, the gap opened again as the r*nners enjoyed the dry underfoot conditions.

When the time to split came the Rambos headed off into the forest, and by careful navigation found themselves on the seafront at Kippford, close to the On Inn, the Anchor. There was no sign of the Wimps, who were still en route, following the coast rather than going through the woods.

Most of the Rambo group had brought a packed lunch so as it was about lunchtime they tucked into their sandwiches, with take away coffees from the local café. After a while the other half of the pack arrived and some retired to the On Inn. The rest opted to catch the earlier bus back to camp rather than sit around for a two-and-a-half hour wait. In the end nobody took the later bus, with four intrepid souls (the hares plus Fiddler on the Hoof and Dormouse) walking back along the coast path in the reverse direction.

This left most with time to do other activities which included a pool swim for White Noise and beach civil engineering by Hard Astern and Ready About, with a little help from Morticia and Large Package.

Later in the evening we all enjoyed a meal in the on-site bar and restaurant.