Spring Into Old Hutton

10th April 2010

 

With planning meeting done and dusted, cereal bars, flapjack and energy bars packed, it was a not-quite-so-early start as we headed off to Old Hutton, just outside Kendal, for another LDWA event.  Now the clocks have changed, it was a refreshing change to travel there in the light.  And what a morning it was!  Daffodils out, a hazy clear blue sky and the fells looking amazing.  Yippee!  It brought back happy memories of 'Spring in Lakeland'.

 

Glenn decided not to run as his shins were still sore, but he was there with his camera (plus an Alf in tow).  It was also Glenn's birthday, so after a rousing rendition of 'Happy Birthday' from all on the start line we were off!  We were all set for a 19 miler.  A loop of 10.5 miles back to base and then out for a second loop of 8.5 miles.

 

It was a steady uphill for the first 45 minutes or so - Paula providing the entertainment by falling in a muddy bog up to her knees.  This reminded us of 'Spring in Lakeland.'  Soon we were out on the open fells with amazing views across to the central fells.  It was warm going as we traversed up and over Lambrigg past the windmills you can see from the M6 and we were soon to spot Cumbria's smallest lamb in a field.  Very cute - especially its knees - which were considerably less muddy than Paula's.   It reminded us of 'Spring in Lakeland'.  After some challenging nav involving some random boggy ground, we met Glenn and Alf.  Glenn was not having a great time, despite the sunshine, having had a run in with a farmer AND being called a 'faggot' by another LDWA runner.  On his birthday too!!

 

We were soon on the return journey of the loop back to base at Old Hutton.  Here our instructions got us confused but we eventually made it back with a bit of luck and guesswork.  Similar to 'Spring in Lakeland.'  After a quick bit of refuelling, we were out for loop two. 'The Helm' - a little lump of a hill just above Oxenholme - was looking particularly inviting in the late morning sun.  However, it was not to be, as after a mile or so Paula was not firing on all cylinders and we were forced to turn back.  We still managed some lovely homemade soup, sandwiches and a particularly nice slab of lemon drizzle cake before heading home. Better homemade cake than 'Spring in Lakeland.'

 

All in all, it was a great 10.5 mile trot out, in a beautiful area so close to home.  We're planning to head back to The Helm in the not too distant future... and maybe string the two loops together at Spring Into Old Hutton 2011.  We might even add on the third loop of 5.5 miles.

 

So what next? Paula spent the weekend in recovery and Jenny & Glenn had a birthday tea at the White Hart where the steak and ale pie made up for 'Farmer and Faggot' incident for Glenn. 

 

Since then our duo have also spent an evening at Kendal A&E with Phil after he tripped and hit his head on a tree on his way down.  Thankfully Phil is OK, although his black eyes will take a while to go.   Jenny & Paula had an amazing Friday night run over Whitbarrow via a loooonnnnnnnng climb uphill to the Pepperpot. 

 

And next on the horizon is another LDWA event. Barbondale on Sat 24th April.  A 14 miler near Kirby Lonsdale.  If Jenny gets her food right, and Paula gets her liquids right we should be OK?!  Watch this space!