Sunday on the Fell

Inspired by drmackem's tales of off-road running (and also having enjoyed it enormously last time) I decided to run on the fell today, and The Herb came along too.  K had baggsied the morning exercise slot so we had the choice of an 8:30 start or leaving it til after lunch.  Herb voted for morning, so after a swift crumpet and a cuppa we were away.

Along to Halton East with Herb grumbling about running on the road then up the green lane to Halton Heights.  This feels easier each time, and as it's split into two uphill sections with a flat bit in-between it's mentally not too bad either.

 The top of the moor, with the signpost pointing the way home

We were quickly up at the road and onto the fell, with nobody but the occasional startled grouse to disturb us.  There was a bit of a breeze, but it was mainly helping as we hit the long climb to the top of the moor.  Having run this way a few weeks ago I could remember how long this goes on for, so was able to helpfully tell the Herb there was still loads of uphill to go each time I heard a grumpy "bloody 'ell!" from behind.

An interesting cairn on the way down

It actually felt easier than last time, even though my HR was high, and were soon turning for home after a few photo stops.

An interesting Herb on the way down

I always love the descent down to Embsay Crag from here as the view changes with nearly every step, although it was a great deal wetter than last time I ran down here, and we had to be careful where we put our feet.

"You can see my house from here..."

We paused on top of the crag then got the descent line right (which, as there's a 3' wide path isn't too hard...) then ran back to the Eastby road and home.  8.5m, 1:20 and a grand morning's work.