The first (or last) section of the classic 24hr challenge is a route of contrasts. From the sanitised track and crowds of Skiddaw to the loneliness of Great Calva; from the pathless section to cross the Caldew to the exposed scrambling of Hall's Fell; from quintessential Lakeland to something more Pennine. Often done at night, particularly on an attempt on the full round - the durations given reflect this.
The Bob Graham Round is the classic (and probably easiest) British 24hr challenge and is attempted by around 200 fell-runners each year with around 1 in 3 attempts being successful. Though it may be done in either direction it is currently most commonly attempted clockwise which means that this is the first leg.
Though not a long route this leg does cover some rough, pathless ground that may be found hard going especially after rain. Away from the two main tops of Skiddaw and Blencathra this is one of the quietest areas of the Lake District. Be prepared to encounter day-trippers in street shoes; an occasional solitary walker; fit looking runner types or even no-one at all.
Done in a clockwise manner the route feels gentle but arriving on the summit of Blencathra you are met with a dramatic view down to the valley below. The drama is heightened by the knowledge that the route to your destination pitches you headlong down one of Lakeland's finest ridges. Try to time your arrival on Blencathra for an hour or so before sunset when the shadows are lengthening in the valley and the sun's rays are casting their last on the summits.
Later, when sat supping a pint outside the pub in Threlkeld you can look up at the north slopes of Clough Head, the start of the next section of the round, thankful that you aren't trying to do it all within the 24hr time limit!
Detailed description
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Difficulty: DifficultDistance: 12.28 miles (19.76 km)
Total ascent: 1,562m
Steepest Gradient: 30% (1 in 3)
Time: 3 – 5 hours (Trail running)
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Additional Information
Start May be started at either Keswick or Threlkeld, NY266234; Finish Threlkeld, NY324254
Nearest town:
Keswick
Terrain:
From Keswick to the summit of Skiddaw is on well surfaced tracks. The back o' Skiddaw was pathless but there is now a prominent path leading to Great Calva, however the ground between there and Mungrisedale Common is rough and heather covered. The descent from Blencathra via Hall's Fell can be tricky in damp conditions in which case Doddick Fell is easier if slightly longer.
Seasonal variations:
The section up Skiddaw is well maintained but the lines to and from Great Calva can get very boggy after rain. The river Caldew rises quickly and can be impassible in which case gain Mungrisedale Common by Skiddaw House. Hall's Fell can be tricky and if under snow it may be better to descend via Doddick Fell.
Weather and Hill Conditions: mwis: Lake District – Met Office: Lake District
Public transport:
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There is a bus service (X4-5-50) between Threlkeld and Keswick. See http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/roads-transport/public-transport-road-safety/transport/publictransport/busserv/timetables/default.asp
Guidebooks:
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Wainwright: Northern Fells
External Links:
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For more info on the Bob Graham Round -
http://www.bobgrahamclub.org.uk/
http://bobwightman.co.uk/run/bob_graham.php
Others in this series:
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Leg 2: Threlkeld to Dunmail - http://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=146
Leg 3: Dunmail to Wasdale - http://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=147
Leg 4: Wasdale to Honister - http://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=148
Leg 5: Honister to Keswick - http://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=149
Maps:
OS Explorer OL4 (1:25,000), OS Explorer OL5 (1:25,000), Harvey/BMC Lake District (1:40,000), OS Landranger 90 (1:50,000), OS Landranger 89 (1:50,000)
Directory Listings:
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Tourist info:
Keswick (017687 72645); Seatoller (017687 77294); Ullswater (017684 82414)
Further Routes
by Bob
- Bob Graham Round: 2 Threlkeld to Dunmail 28 Oct, 2011
- Bob Graham Round: 4 Wasdale to Honister 28 Oct, 2011
- Bob Graham Round: 3 Dunmail to Wasdale 26 Oct, 2011
- Bob Graham Round: 5 Honister to Keswick 25 Oct, 2011