7 of us signed up for the Scafell Pike Marathon after Si sowed the initial seed, in our normal race decision making environment- The Pub!
The Scafell Pike Trail Marathon started at Derwent Water at the Lingholm Estate. From here the route follows the shores of Derwent water & continues to the first climb of the day which involves climbing past Castle Crag.
A steep climb from Seathwaite leads to Styhead Tarn & Styhead Pass (1,601′). The next section involves the ascent of the infamous Corridor Route. This is a testing rocky trail that makes a spectacular rising traverse across some of the most rugged yet spectacular rock scenery in England. The route crosses a number of deep ravines, climbing up a series of rock slabs & paths, eventually leading up to the summit of Scafell Pike.
At an elevation of 3,209′ Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. From the summit the route descends to Broad Crag before continuing it’s high level traverse past Broad Crag & Ill Crag leading down towards Esk Hause. Located at 2,490′ this is the highest pass in the Lake District. The descent was certainly challenging under foot as it is boulders, not just rocky and it took some balance skills to be able to descend it on foot and not on backsides. Luckily the weather was dry.
A testing final ascent from Rosthwaite lead the route up to Watendlath Beck with the final ascent back toward Derwent Water.
In conclusion the Scafell Pike Trail Marathon was a fantastic race with beautiful scenery and very challenging terrain, oh and a great couple of nights away in The Lakes with friends.
The finishing times were-
Katie Hateley 06:01:25 2nd FV40, Chris ( Michael) Atton 06:14:48, Paul Geeson 06:15:12, Simon Bottrill 06:53:17, John Houghton 06:53:17, Dan Valencia 07:59:33, Paul Desborough 08:34:22
