Fell Running in the Peak District has been difficult of late.
But this weekend Spring showed her long awaited face and warmth returned. Blue skies, sunshine and a respite from the nagging, bone chilling easterly wind that we have endured for weeks made for perfect conditions to get out onto the hill.
Snow still lay, deep in places too and consolidated into steep banks but this enhanced the conditions adding an element of interest to the run.
My route took me along Derwent Edge, picking up the route of the Ultra Tour of the Peak District to Lost Lad, then headed off to the beautiful Abbey Brook before climbing back up to rejoin the race route and follow it towards Derwent Moor.
Consolidated Snow Drift
Equipment I used:
Montane Featherlite Jacket
Inov-8 Roclite 285
Helly Hansen l/s merino mix base + thin polyseter T
Ron Hill leggings
Windproof beanie
Rab Powerstretch gloves
Buff
Inov-8 Race Pac 4 sack containing:
OMM Rotor Smock
Montane Featherlite trousers
Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy
Emergency phone & food
Food & Drink consumed
4 cubes of Cliff Shot Bloks
I tend not to drink except in hot conditions even on this 3+ hour run, preferring to hydrate before & after. (I was starving & thirsty at the end though!)
Video
Hopefully this will give you a feel for the stunning scenery and give you a taste of fell running in the Peak District: