The 2024 Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon was calling, and we were set to tackle the Bedafell class, a parent-child adventure through the stunning fells around Haweswater.
Our journey was punctuated by the usual traffic delays, but a short break midway gave us a much-needed pause. Despite the hold-ups, we arrived in good time to get registered, collect our dibbers and tracker, and pick up our event t-shirts. The atmosphere at the event was buzzing with excitement as we pitched our tent. The evening rolled on smoothly – we indulged in a hearty curry from the caterer, bought new fell running shoes for both of us (and an extra pair of shorts for me), and even bumped into my old landlord from my days living in Sheffield. The only task left was cleaning our teeth before bed.
We slept well, though the morning came a bit too soon as the rustling sounds of fellow competitors roused us. With plenty of time to prepare, we enjoyed a breakfast of porridge, boiled eggs, and hot drinks, then packed our tent and kit into the car. It was lovely to discover we were camped next to my son’s old primary school classmate and his dad. After exchanging greetings, we were ready to set off.
Day One:
The theme of the weekend quickly became apparent – reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. As we made our way to the start line, we bumped into my old university climbing partner, a regular at these events. The pair ahead of us in the starting queue turned out to be my girlfriend’s work colleague and his wife.
After dibbing at the start control, we picked up our maps and control descriptions. Our strategy was slow and steady; heading straight off past other teams marking up their maps. My son called out the grid references for the controls as we walked up the hill, while I marked the map and confirmed our route. The initial ascent was gentle, leading us to our first control. Ewan’s curiosity about reentrants was answered practically as we hit the exact top of the feature. Navigation was key, and though I felt a bit rusty, our slow and steady approach paid off. We hit the first control spot-on, our bright red windproof jackets giving away our position.
The landscape was breathtaking, with views stretching over Ullswater to Helvellyn and beyond to the northern fells. We tackled small hills, contoured around some, and braved through bracken. Conversations with fellow competitors, especially those moving at a similar pace, added to the experience.
The day was not without its challenges. A particularly steep descent from the second-to-last control tested our limits, but overall, I felt confident in our navigation and route choices. We often opted for less popular routes, enjoying the tranquility of having the fells to ourselves. The only notable error was my choice of a steep line for the last descent, though we were not alone in this, following a well-worn trod.
Meeting other parent-child competitors was a highlight, sharing stories and tips along the way. The evening at the overnight camp was filled with camaraderie as we chatted over dinner and shared experiences of the day.
Day Two:
The next morning, we were up early for a trip to the toilet and to collect our control descriptions. A quick breakfast and we were off, albeit slightly late to the start. The mild urgency turned out to be a blessing, as we escaped the worst of the midges and joined the procession up the hillside.
The day followed a similar pattern, with strategic route choices aiming for ease rather than competitiveness. Minor navigation errors aside, we hit all controls, and the realization of my lack of hill fitness was a humbling reminder of the challenge. The descent to the event center was a satisfying end to our journey, greeted by a hot meal and friendly faces.
Reflections and Farewell
As we enjoyed our final moments at the event center, the atmosphere was filled with shared accomplishments and future plans. A bit of last-minute shopping, stocking up on socks, and a final fill-up of water marked the end of our adventure. The journey home was filled with reflections on a weekend well spent, unpacking kit, and preparing for the return to everyday life.
This experience had been more than just a race; it was a journey of reconnecting with nature, friends, and family. Each control found, each hill climbed, and each person met added to the richness of the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon. We returned home with tired legs, full hearts, and stories to tell. Looking forward to the next micro-adventure, wherever it may take us, we will be back for next year’s SLMM.
For more information on the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon, visit https://slmm.org.uk.
