Barrow, Stile End & Outerside 16/09/2025.

Good to be back in the Lakes doing an early evening run from Braithwaite taking in the summits of Barrow, Stile End and Outerside, returning via the track from Force Crag Mine. Circa 8 miles with over 2000ft of elevation climbed. All on easily followed paths with a mild scramble up the North Eastern side of Outerside.

There is nothing quite like pushing up onto a summit, descending,  then pushing up to another summit, a natural rollercoaster ride that is infinitely more exhilarating than anything offered by any manufactured theme park.

Sighting a large buzzard, or maybe the King or Queen of the raptors a Golden Eagle contouring between mountains on  the thermals rising from the valley floor. Sheep, abandon their rumination to stare at the strange being struggling upwards attempting to negotiate their hillside  as deftly on two legs as they do on four.

Then once the summits are left behind the thrill of rushing downhill, legs pumping mind focussed on picking your line as deepening shadows appear unfurling twighlight across the fells. Whilst the chilling freshness of mountain water ,from the first meaningful rainfall of autumn, chills your ankles and soaks your feet. Then, all too soon comes  the final push down to river level your body flowing ever faster, as your mind plots

a rebellion against leaving the high places behind.

a rebellion against leaving the high places behind.

Until tomorrow…