{"id":158607,"date":"2021-04-30T11:54:50","date_gmt":"2021-04-30T11:54:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theomm.com\/?p=158607"},"modified":"2023-08-08T16:07:02","modified_gmt":"2023-08-08T16:07:02","slug":"the-only-way-is-lancashire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theomm.com\/de\/the-only-way-is-lancashire\/","title":{"rendered":"The Only Way Is Lancashire"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Lancashire Way \u2013 Northern Loop is 110mi of Lancashire\u2019s (mostly) finest tracks, trails, fields, fells and coast. Ellis Bland takes it on in a oner and gives us an insight into what it takes to climb over that many stiles<\/em><\/p>\n

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I gave up drinking a couple of years ago. I wouldn\u2019t say I necessarily had a problem with liquor but<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0just like with my miles, I struggled with moderation. Since kicking the\u00a0<\/span>habit, t<\/span>he benefits for my running have been huge<\/span>;<\/span>\u00a0I train more effectively without a foggy head and I can see my goals far clearer.\u00a0 Naturally there are a lot of crossovers with Ultra Running and alcohol consumption and thus the withdrawal was easy; the weaving waddle after too many miles, the drooling on your support runner<\/span>\u2019<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0shoulder and of course \u2013 exclaiming you love<\/span>\u00a0for\u00a0<\/span>everyone at the end of the night.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite resisting the temptation to go back to drinking, this run brought me the closest I\u2019ve been to picking up the bottle again.\u00a0 Not because it was in any<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>way harder than previous excursions but just down to the sheer fact it passes an unholy number of lovely Lancashire pubs. Fortunately, due to COVID<\/span>\u2013<\/span>19 restrictions<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0the taverns were closed! As a result<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0here is my account o<\/span>f<\/span>\u00a0becoming the first person to tackle (in one go) the most beautiful pub crawl in Britain \u2013 the\u00a0<\/span>110<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>mile<\/span>\u00a0Lancashire Way<\/span>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/span>Northern Loop.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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As\u00a0<\/span>with all the challenges I\u00a0<\/span>undertake<\/span>, I meticulously recce the route beforehand. Any spare moment I have<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>are spent\u00a0<\/span>stud<\/span>ying<\/span>\u00a0maps and all training is done on the\u00a0<\/span>rout<\/span>e. I basically immerse myself in the challenge so much<\/span>\u00a0so,<\/span>\u00a0that I\u2019m a little sick of it before I even toe the start line (I imagine my girlfriend feels the same). However, the Northern Loop was different as I was only unfamiliar with about 15 miles.\u00a0<\/span>For this reason<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0the timeframe<\/span>\u00a0from the moment my coach planted the seed to\u00a0<\/span>give it a\u00a0<\/span>go\u00a0<\/span>and me actually jogging down to Lancaster Castle to start<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>was only about 2 weeks. Needless to say, this one I was excited to have a crack at.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I set off from Lancaster Castle at 12:20am (technical difficulties meant I missed the romance of a midnight start). As starting venues go<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0this was an atmospheric one and I was eager to return. My schedule to complete the loop was 21hrs15 minutes, though\u00a0<\/span>really<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0I just wanted to get round in one piece.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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In daylight<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0the route down to Glasson Dock is one of great awe and beauty along the banks of the river Lune. To your left you have rolling fields and to the right<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0the river<\/span>\u2019<\/span>s sparkling waters with waterfowl abundant. Alas, it was pitch black. However, the chirps of Oyster Catchers and a passing Barn Owl made for an enjoyable first section and we were quickly onto the canal into\u00a0<\/span>Galgate.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The first 24 miles were to be accompanied by Liam Mills, a military man by training and a meticulous pacer. I had told him we would be sitting at 08:30 minute miles and trust me, he stuck me to that.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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We were quickly onto the steeps of Nicky Nook<\/span>\u00a0(<\/span>214m<\/span>)<\/span>. A tourist trap on any fine weather day\u00a0<\/span>but oddly\u00a0<\/span>deserted for our 02:30am summit. A slight nip in the air at the summit made me feel especially grateful for my OMM Supersonic Smock (I don\u2019t include this for product placement purposes, just that I think all runners\/ walkers should in fact own one), a truly wonderful piece of kit. We dropped off the back and through the picturesque Holme Wood. Dancing along the boardwalks I chuckled to myself thinking \u201cI won\u2019t be able to do this in 15 hours\u201d, I was to be right.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t long until we\u2019d traversed along the foot of\u00a0<\/span>Harrisend<\/span>\u00a0Fell and down on the Wyre Way heading towards Dolphinholme. So far so good, although I was acutely aware I was having stomach problems. One of the problems with a midnight start is it\u2019s tempting to overeat the day<\/span>\u00a0before<\/span>\u00a0but then not have enough sleep beforehand and subsequent time to digest. As a result of my indulgent\u00a0<\/span>feasting,<\/span>\u00a0I was making some rather strange noises!\u00a0 From experience<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0I knew the pains (and noises) would eventually subside, though I did feel sorry for Liam. He\u2019s military<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0I just kept telling myself, he\u2019s used to it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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From experience<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0I knew the pains (and noises) would eventually subside, though I did feel sorry for Liam. He\u2019s military<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0I just kept telling myself, he\u2019s used to it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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A quiet patter through the sleepy village of Dolphinholme and after a brilliant section of running through Mark Holme Wood, we were then crossing the bridge at the foot of\u00a0<\/span>Abbeystead<\/span>\u00a0Reservoir. To those unacquainted with\u00a0<\/span>Abbeystead<\/span>\u00a0it\u2019s a pretty village in the Trough of Bowland with a gruesome history. A gas explosion at its waterworks in 1984 killed 16 people and a<\/span>s a<\/span>\u00a0result, running\u00a0<\/span>a<\/span>round its simply stunning reservoir always feels quite somber.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Arriving at Stoops Bridge<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Abbeystead<\/span>\u00a0after 24 miles and the first leg was done. A sock change, sandwich and fresh pacer later and we were heading off into my beloved Bowland Fells. A special thanks to Liam who was superb throughout and in true style<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0then ran home to bed!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Despite the delayed start time I was around 20 minutes up on my initial schedule and fearing I may overcook it, the climb up to Cabin Flats was as leisurely as I\u2019ve ever taken it. With cool air came a relatively firm climb up and across to Ward\u2019s Stone East<\/span>\u00a0(<\/span>562m<\/span>)\u00a0<\/span>with only a handful of squelchy bogs to report. A roaring success for Bowland.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, I could talk about the Bowland Fells forever (and probably will<\/span>\u00a0[ed. See\u00a0<\/span>Bogged Down]<\/span>) but for the sake of this write up I will keep it as brief as possible. I\u2019ll simply say<\/span>;<\/span>\u00a0just visit them, see them for yourself.\u00a0<\/span>Yes,<\/span>\u00a0they\u2019re smaller than the\u00a0<\/span>Howgills<\/span>, Yorkshire\u2019s big ones and of course the Lake<\/span>land Fells<\/span>, but size is not where their majesty lies. Their appeal is in their solitude, their undiscovered aura and finally their views. From Ward\u2019s Stone you can see the 3 ranges I just mentioned and on a clear day you can have a glance west\u00a0<\/span>to\u00a0<\/span>the Isle of Man\u2019s peaks (best done just before sunset).\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Limestone arches\u00a0<\/span><\/span>around\u00a0<\/span><\/span>every corner and not even a rather exuberant\u00a0<\/span><\/span>c<\/span><\/span>hocolate lab nearly taking me off my feet could detract from some of the finest scenery I\u2019ve ever had the pleasure of running through.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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From the trig at\u00a0<\/span>Wolfhole<\/span>\u00a0Crag came a rollercoaster descent down the fence line to the Salter Fell Road, joining at Sandy Gutter. Despite one w<\/span>aist-<\/span>high dip in a moss\u00a0<\/span>bog<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0I knew the soggiest running of the day was over and as the sun rose on my back I felt at ease. Along the Salter Fell road my pacer\/coach\/<\/span>f<\/span>riend Rowan Wood was darting ahead and taking lots of pictures. Despite being 12 years my senior<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0he moves about with a lot more agility than I possess. I reminded myself I was only 37 miles in and refrained from joining in the sprints.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The section from Wray to\u00a0<\/span>Loyn<\/span>\u00a0Bridge, Gressingham felt like a saunter as me and Rowan passed a couple of ale houses and chewed the fat. We chatted about some of the local races in the area, Wray Scarecrows was where I raced as a child and will always have a place in my heart.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Despite taking the foot off the gas we came into the end of leg 2 (<\/span>Loyn<\/span>\u00a0Bridge) 35 minutes up, arriving at 07:45am. Unsurprisingly my next pacer was already there. James Simon is Mr Dependable and in all the epics we\u2019ve done together he has never once been late. A\u00a0<\/span>20 minute<\/span>\u00a0break and lots of food later and the 2 of us were off up the Lune with our shoulders facing Lancashire<\/span>\u2019<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0highest fell,\u00a0<\/span>Gragareth<\/span>\u00a0(<\/span>627m<\/span>)<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before even contemplating\u00a0<\/span>Gragareth<\/span>\u00a0there was lots of meandering to be done through forest, village and farmland.\u00a0 Despite the amount of tarmac on this section, the villages are most idyllic, Melling,\u00a0<\/span>Wrayton<\/span>\u00a0and past the Lunesdale Arms in Tunstall.\u00a0 The going was good and conversation buoyant.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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I remember the\u00a0<\/span>50 mile<\/span>\u00a0mark\u00a0<\/span>comes at a comical moment on the Northern Loop<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0as it coincides with the passing through of a farmer<\/span>\u2019<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>open ended<\/span>\u00a0barn.\u00a0 This bought a\u00a0<\/span>wry\u00a0<\/span>smile to my face as I think of the fuss some farmers would cause, whereas this old boy was all t<\/span>o<\/span>o happy to watch us through.\u00a0<\/span>\u2018<\/span>Now just don\u2019t trip on the cattlegrid<\/span>\u2019<\/span>\u00a0I thought to myself.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After the gaiety of farmland running suddenly came the long tarmac slog up to Leck Fell House and the foot of\u00a0<\/span>Gragareth<\/span>. This road is at no point particularly steep but I can remember it pulling for a long time.\u00a0 If the road wasn\u2019t steep, the climb up\u00a0<\/span>Gragareth<\/span>\u00a0certainly was. However, relieved to be back on soft ground and an excuse to walk, we powered on up. Once hitting the\u00a0<\/span>summit,<\/span>\u00a0we had spectacular views east towards the backside of\u00a0<\/span>Whernside<\/span>\u00a0and beyond to the Moors. Ahead was Great\u00a0<\/span>Coum<\/span>\u00a0(<\/span>687m<\/span>)<\/span>, and despite a little dusting<\/span>\u00a0of snow<\/span>\u00a0in our faces<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0our spirits were high as we summited.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Great\u00a0<\/span>Coum<\/span>\u00a0was as northerly as I was to travel on the Northern Loop. As we arced round and took in Crag Hill, 639m, we were met by the sight of the\u00a0<\/span>steeps<\/span>\u00a0of the\u00a0<\/span>Barbondale<\/span>\u00a0Fells and in the distance the Scafell Range. James made reference to how impressive they\u00a0looked<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0however I was too busy sulking looking out towards Warton Crag, thinking to myself, I\u2019ve got to cross that in 40 miles. \u201cChin up\u201d James jeered and so started the descent down to Leck.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the slow going in Ease Gill<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0it really was a sight to behold. Limestone arches\u00a0<\/span>around\u00a0<\/span>every corner and not even a rather exuberant\u00a0<\/span>c<\/span>hocolate lab nearly taking me off my feet could detract from some of the finest scenery I\u2019ve ever had the pleasure of running through. Leck Beck is another tourist trap<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0however we had the whole valley to ourselves.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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From Cowan Bridge to Kir<\/span>k<\/span>by Lonsdale and over Devil<\/span>\u2019<\/span>s Bridge went without a hitch and we were back on the Lune, this time heading back to\u00a0<\/span>Loyn\u00a0Bridge, Gressingham.\u00a0 James won\u2019t mind me saying he was noticeably struggling on the run into Gressingham. I wasn\u2019t at all surprised, he\u2019d been lugging a heavy pack for me, running ahead to get food prepared and wasting lots of energy telling me pointless yet amusing stories.\u00a0 Despite his struggles and my offer to take the pack, he refused every time. James was to leave me at\u00a0<\/span>Loyn<\/span>\u00a0Bridge but not before he broke his own 50km personal best in a time of 6hrs05 minutes.\u00a0 This brought me enormous happiness as all his efforts had paid off. He\u2019s a sterling runner and made the 6hrs15 minutes of running a total joy.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Back at James\u2019s car and the feeding could commence. I was now 78 miles in and knowing I\u2019d be going the next 10 miles alone and not wanting to carry any excess luggage \u2013 I made sure to take on a good 1000 calories.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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To cap my arrival into Silverdale off<\/span><\/span>,<\/span><\/span>\u00a0we were greeted by a magnificent Red Stag only 50 metres from the path.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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After a\u00a0<\/span>20 minute<\/span>\u00a0break I trundled up through Gressingham, down into Aughton, over into Over Kellet (passing the Eagles Head), through Capernwray, Borwick, along and under the M6 and finally up to St John\u2019s Church in\u00a0<\/span>Yealand<\/span>\u00a0Conyers. I speak lackadaisically about this\u00a0<\/span>10 mile<\/span>\u00a0solo crossing\u00a0<\/span>but\u00a0<\/span>in truth\u00a0<\/span>these were<\/span>\u00a0the hardest miles of the day. It was cruel, unexpectedly difficult<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>with lots of frequent turns<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>above all it was frustrating. I\u2019m sure it was gorgeous but in truth I just wanted to get to\u00a0<\/span>Yealand\u00a0and start to smell the sea air.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After picking up\u00a0<\/span>James Gray at the church<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0my mood was immediately lifted and despite a silly dog leg in\u00a0<\/span>Yealand<\/span>\u00a0(I can only imagine it\u2019s included to facilitate passing The New Inn<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Yealand<\/span>) I was happy to be back running with company. Albeit the pace now sitting at\u00a0<\/span>11 minute<\/span>\u00a0miles.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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I had done this section to Warton during a recce and knew I was in for a treat. The running in this area of Lancashire is spectacular and with the sun falling as we passed through Leighton Moss<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0I had my first \u201cyou\u2019re going to do this\u201d moment of the day. To cap my arrival into Silverdale off<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0we were greeted by a magnificent Red Stag only 50 metres from the path.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Down to the shoreline of Morecambe Bay<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0off Cove Road and so began the most sapping section of the day. A\u00a0<\/span>1 kilometre<\/span>\u00a0trudge across quicksand to the cobbled beach at Silverdale. I\u2019ve done events such as Tough Guy in the past and being a Bowland boy I don\u2019t mind a bit of sludge, but after 92 miles I didn\u2019t really need this. I could hear James giggling at my silly shuffling and I would\u2019ve stuffed his head in the sand, if only I could catch him. Greeted by my family friends Alan and Linda Alker outside the Silverdale Hotel I felt strong again and not wanting to stop (through fear of not starting) I pushed on down to Jenny Brown<\/span>\u2019<\/span>s Point, across Warton Salt Marsh and up Crag Bank to Warton Crag<\/span>\u00a0(<\/span>163m<\/span>)<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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At the summit of Warton Crag<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>I\u2019d\u00a0<\/span>been on the go for 18hrs30 and it was here I<\/span>\u2019d<\/span>\u00a0thought James was leaving me. I felt somewhat emotional when he said he\u2019d join me to Hest Bank (where I was to meet my final support runner). The thought of tackling Carnforth to<\/span>\u00a0Hest Bank,\u00a0<\/span>along the shoreline alone had been filling me with dread all afternoon.\u00a0 It was now dark and due to my silly weight<\/span>\u2013<\/span>shedding tactics at Gressingham I\u2019d accidentally thrown out my headtorch cable and as a result unable to charge a spare battery.\u00a0 Darkness quickly engulfed me, so just using the light from James headtorch he got me off Warton Crag safely, past umpteen ale houses in Warton and to the shore in Carnforth. A momentary celebration as I passed through the\u00a0100 mile\u00a0mark in 19hrs15 minutes.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Celebrations were quickly thwarted by more painstaking miles along the rocky beach. Again, in the light this a lovely bit of coastline, but with no real path, deep salt pools and with some terrible blisters on my toes, it\u2019s safe to say the 3.5 miles to Hest Bank were quite frankly\u2026sh*te.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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in the light this a lovely bit of coastline, but with no real path, deep salt pools and with some terrible blisters on my toes, it\u2019s safe to say the 3.5 miles to Hest Bank were quite frankly\u2026sh*te.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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As we passed over Red Bank<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0James reached the climax of his\u00a0<\/span>15-minute-long<\/span>\u00a0\u2018joke\u2019 about a stray, shaggy dog. The joke was about as underwhelming as the prospect of running down the promenade, however it was clever tactics by him as it passed the time and stopped me verbally whinging.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tarmac, Double Decker choccy bar, new pacer in the form of Joe Moulton and with the bright lights of Morecambe ahead, we were onto the final leg. \u201cJust 7 miles to go\u201d I said to myself, \u201cyou\u2019re actually going to do this.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Now, I\u2019ve run Morecambe Prom many times, but never at\u00a0<\/span>10 minute<\/span>\u00a0mile pace and never with 103 miles behind me. It seemed to go on for a bloody long time. My eyes were fixed on the lights of the old lifeboat station<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0yet it didn\u2019t seem to be getting any closer. Unexpectedly, word had obviously gotten out about what I was doing and I felt humbled by being spurred on by strangers. Yet an overriding feeling of embarrassment as I knew I was moving slowly. I hope they weren\u2019t expecting Usain Bolt<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0I joked to Joe. Past the lifeboat station and my gaze now locked on the Midland Hotel (my turning point back to Lancaster) but not before passing my grandfather<\/span>\u2019<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0old watering hole, The Palatine. As a boy he would tell me stories of how he\u2019d staggered out of there onto the prom. Anybody looking at me at this point will have seen something similar<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0no doubt.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As we reached the Midland<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0we got ourselves onto the cycle track, 3.2 miles to go! Joe was doing a super job keeping my spirits up, setting me little markers as we trundled along. Skills like these cannot be taught to a pacer, they either have the compassion to know what the runner needs or they don\u2019t. He was doing a cracking job saying things like \u2013 \u201cjust get to Westgate bridge, then Asda and then you\u2019re pretty much done\u201d.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Pretty much done \u201cmy arse\u201d I shouted, for I knew the Northern Loop had one last trick up its sleeve. That trick being the up and over Carlisle Bridge to cross the Lune. 109.5 miles in and I said to Joe \u201cI\u2019m\u00a0<\/span>gonna<\/span>\u00a0run every<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>one of\u00a0<\/span>these<\/span>\u00a0steps\u201d.\u00a0 He told me I had nothing to prove, yet I ran every one of them all the same. Stubbornness is a family trait.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With 0.3 miles to go, only now did I truly believe I had this one done.\u00a0 We upped the pace along the Quay and I gave the climb up to the Priory everything I had, still determined to run every step. I don\u2019t know what my heart rate was as I \u201csprinted\u201d up to the portcullis at Lancaster Castle, but I could hear it ringing in my ears. I banged on the iron gates and slumped to the floor with tear<\/span>\u2013<\/span>filled eyes. 110 miles in 21hrs15:40, The Lancashire Way Northern Loop, I\u2019d done it.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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As I sit here 3 days on writing this<\/span><\/span>,<\/span><\/span>\u00a0I now know why those tears were present at the end. Over the course of this last year of restrictions, I\u2019ve fallen back in love with my birth county, with its people and with its funny culture. This loop was never further than 30 miles from my own front door and yet somehow incapsulated everything I love about long distance running. The places you go, the people you meet and the cultures you encounter may seem more exciting the further afield you travel, yet the familiarity and beauty of your own local area should never be taken for granted. This run made me proud to be from the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>R<\/span><\/span>ed\u00a0<\/span><\/span>R<\/span><\/span>ose\u00a0<\/span><\/span>C<\/span><\/span>ounty and my god did I see it in full bloom during this day.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Thanks to Ellis for this, we are awaiting confirmation but we believe he beat the previous record for the Lancashire Way \u2013 Northern Loop on March 5th 2021 by around 6 days 2hrs and 45mins or 146hrs 45min.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Lancashire Way \u2013 Northern Loop is 110mi of Lancashire\u2019s (mostly) finest tracks, trails, fields, fells and coast. Ellis Bland takes it on in a oner and gives us an insight into what it takes to climb over that many stiles<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I gave up drinking a couple of years ago. I wouldn\u2019t say I necessarily had a problem with liquor but, just like with my miles, I struggled with moderation. Since kicking the habit, the benefits for my running have been huge; I train more effectively without a foggy head and I can see my goals far clearer.  Naturally there are a lot of crossovers with Ultra Running and alcohol consumption and thus the withdrawal was easy; the weaving waddle after too many miles, the drooling on your support runner\u2019s shoulder and of course \u2013 exclaiming you love for everyone at the end of the night.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite resisting the temptation to go back to drinking, this run brought me the closest I\u2019ve been to picking up the bottle again.  Not because it was in any way harder than previous excursions but just down to the sheer fact it passes an unholy number of lovely Lancashire pubs. Fortunately, due to COVID\u201319 restrictions, the taverns were closed! As a result, here is my account of becoming the first person to tackle (in one go) the most beautiful pub crawl in Britain \u2013 the 110 mile Lancashire Way \u2013 Northern Loop.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with all the challenges I undertake, I meticulously recce the route beforehand. Any spare moment I have are spent studying maps and all training is done on the route. I basically immerse myself in the challenge so much so, that I\u2019m a little sick of it before I even toe the start line (I imagine my girlfriend feels the same). However, the Northern Loop was different as I was only unfamiliar with about 15 miles. For this reason, the timeframe from the moment my coach planted the seed to give it a go and me actually jogging down to Lancaster Castle to start, was only about 2 weeks. Needless to say, this one I was excited to have a crack at.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I set off from Lancaster Castle at 12:20am (technical difficulties meant I missed the romance of a midnight start). As starting venues go, this was an atmospheric one and I was eager to return. My schedule to complete the loop was 21hrs15 minutes, though really, I just wanted to get round in one piece.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In daylight, the route down to Glasson Dock is one of great awe and beauty along the banks of the river Lune. To your left you have rolling fields and to the right, the river\u2019s sparkling waters with waterfowl abundant. Alas, it was pitch black. However, the chirps of Oyster Catchers and a passing Barn Owl made for an enjoyable first section and we were quickly onto the canal into Galgate.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first 24 miles were to be accompanied by Liam Mills, a military man by training and a meticulous pacer. I had told him we would be sitting at 08:30 minute miles and trust me, he stuck me to that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were quickly onto the steeps of Nicky Nook (214m). A tourist trap on any fine weather day but oddly deserted for our 02:30am summit. A slight nip in the air at the summit made me feel especially grateful for my OMM Supersonic Smock (I don\u2019t include this for product placement purposes, just that I think all runners\/ walkers should in fact own one), a truly wonderful piece of kit. We dropped off the back and through the picturesque Holme Wood. Dancing along the boardwalks I chuckled to myself thinking \u201cI won\u2019t be able to do this in 15 hours\u201d, I was to be right.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It wasn\u2019t long until we\u2019d traversed along the foot of Harrisend Fell and down on the Wyre Way heading towards Dolphinholme. So far so good, although I was acutely aware I was having stomach problems. One of the problems with a midnight start is it\u2019s tempting to overeat the day before but then not have enough sleep beforehand and subsequent time to digest. As a result of my indulgent feasting, I was making some rather strange noises!  From experience, I knew the pains (and noises) would eventually subside, though I did feel sorry for Liam. He\u2019s military, I just kept telling myself, he\u2019s used to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quiet patter through the sleepy village of Dolphinholme and after a brilliant section of running through Mark Holme Wood, we were then crossing the bridge at the foot of Abbeystead Reservoir. To those unacquainted with Abbeystead it\u2019s a pretty village in the Trough of Bowland with a gruesome history. A gas explosion at its waterworks in 1984 killed 16 people and as a result, running around its simply stunning reservoir always feels quite somber.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arriving at Stoops Bridge, Abbeystead after 24 miles and the first leg was done. A sock change, sandwich and fresh pacer later and we were heading off into my beloved Bowland Fells. A special thanks to Liam who was superb throughout and in true style, then ran home to bed! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the delayed start time I was around 20 minutes up on my initial schedule and fearing I may overcook it, the climb up to Cabin Flats was as leisurely as I\u2019ve ever taken it. With cool air came a relatively firm climb up and across to Ward\u2019s Stone East (562m) with only a handful of squelchy bogs to report. A roaring success for Bowland.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, I could talk about the Bowland Fells forever (and probably will [ed. See Bogged Down]) but for the sake of this write up I will keep it as brief as possible. I\u2019ll simply say; just visit them, see them for yourself. Yes, they\u2019re smaller than the Howgills, Yorkshire\u2019s big ones and of course the Lakeland Fells, but size is not where their majesty lies. Their appeal is in their solitude, their undiscovered aura and finally their views. From Ward\u2019s Stone you can see the 3 ranges I just mentioned and on a clear day you can have a glance west to the Isle of Man\u2019s peaks (best done just before sunset).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the trig at Wolfhole Crag came a rollercoaster descent down the fence line to the Salter Fell Road, joining at Sandy Gutter. Despite one waist-high dip in a moss bog, I knew the soggiest running of the day was over and as the sun rose on my back I felt at ease. Along the Salter Fell road my pacer\/coach\/friend Rowan Wood was darting ahead and taking lots of pictures. Despite being 12 years my senior, he moves about with a lot more agility than I possess. I reminded myself I was only 37 miles in and refrained from joining in the sprints.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The section from Wray to Loyn Bridge, Gressingham felt like a saunter as me and Rowan passed a couple of ale houses and chewed the fat. We chatted about some of the local races in the area, Wray Scarecrows was where I raced as a child and will always have a place in my heart.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite taking the foot off the gas we came into the end of leg 2 (Loyn Bridge) 35 minutes up, arriving at 07:45am. Unsurprisingly my next pacer was already there. James Simon is Mr Dependable and in all the epics we\u2019ve done together he has never once been late. A 20 minute break and lots of food later and the 2 of us were off up the Lune with our shoulders facing Lancashire\u2019s highest fell, Gragareth (627m).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before even contemplating Gragareth there was lots of meandering to be done through forest, village and farmland.  Despite the amount of tarmac on this section, the villages are most idyllic, Melling, Wrayton and past the Lunesdale Arms in Tunstall.  The going was good and conversation buoyant.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I remember the 50 mile mark comes at a comical moment on the Northern Loop, as it coincides with the passing through of a farmer\u2019s open ended barn.  This bought a wry smile to my face as I think of the fuss some farmers would cause, whereas this old boy was all too happy to watch us through. \u2018Now just don\u2019t trip on the cattlegrid\u2019 I thought to myself.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the gaiety of farmland running suddenly came the long tarmac slog up to Leck Fell House and the foot of Gragareth. This road is at no point particularly steep but I can remember it pulling for a long time.  If the road wasn\u2019t steep, the climb up Gragareth certainly was. However, relieved to be back on soft ground and an excuse to walk, we powered on up. Once hitting the summit, we had spectacular views east towards the backside of Whernside and beyond to the Moors. Ahead was Great Coum (687m), and despite a little dusting of snow in our faces, our spirits were high as we summited.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Great Coum was as northerly as I was to travel on the Northern Loop. As we arced round and took in Crag Hill, 639m, we were met by the sight of the steeps of the Barbondale Fells and in the distance the Scafell Range. James made reference to how impressive they looked, however I was too busy sulking looking out towards Warton Crag, thinking to myself, I\u2019ve got to cross that in 40 miles. \u201cChin up\u201d James jeered and so started the descent down to Leck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the slow going in Ease Gill, it really was a sight to behold. Limestone arches around every corner and not even a rather exuberant chocolate lab nearly taking me off my feet could detract from some of the finest scenery I\u2019ve ever had the pleasure of running through. Leck Beck is another tourist trap, however we had the whole valley to ourselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Cowan Bridge to Kirkby Lonsdale and over Devil\u2019s Bridge went without a hitch and we were back on the Lune, this time heading back to Loyn Bridge, Gressingham.  James won\u2019t mind me saying he was noticeably struggling on the run into Gressingham. I wasn\u2019t at all surprised, he\u2019d been lugging a heavy pack for me, running ahead to get food prepared and wasting lots of energy telling me pointless yet amusing stories.  Despite his struggles and my offer to take the pack, he refused every time. James was to leave me at Loyn Bridge but not before he broke his own 50km personal best in a time of 6hrs05 minutes.  This brought me enormous happiness as all his efforts had paid off. He\u2019s a sterling runner and made the 6hrs15 minutes of running a total joy.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back at James\u2019s car and the feeding could commence. I was now 78 miles in and knowing I\u2019d be going the next 10 miles alone and not wanting to carry any excess luggage \u2013 I made sure to take on a good 1000 calories.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To cap my arrival into Silverdale off, we were greeted by a magnificent Red Stag only 50 metres from the path.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a 20 minute break I trundled up through Gressingham, down into Aughton, over into Over Kellet (passing the Eagles Head), through Capernwray, Borwick, along and under the M6 and finally up to St John\u2019s Church in Yealand Conyers. I speak lackadaisically about this 10 mile solo crossing but in truth these were the hardest miles of the day. It was cruel, unexpectedly difficult, with lots of frequent turns and above all it was frustrating. I\u2019m sure it was gorgeous but in truth I just wanted to get to Yealand and start to smell the sea air.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After picking up James Gray at the church, my mood was immediately lifted and despite a silly dog leg in Yealand (I can only imagine it\u2019s included to facilitate passing The New Inn, Yealand) I was happy to be back running with company. Albeit the pace now sitting at 11 minute miles.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had done this section to Warton during a recce and knew I was in for a treat. The running in this area of Lancashire is spectacular and with the sun falling as we passed through Leighton Moss, I had my first \u201cyou\u2019re going to do this\u201d moment of the day. To cap my arrival into Silverdale off, we were greeted by a magnificent Red Stag only 50 metres from the path.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Down to the shoreline of Morecambe Bay, off Cove Road and so began the most sapping section of the day. A 1 kilometre trudge across quicksand to the cobbled beach at Silverdale. I\u2019ve done events such as Tough Guy in the past and being a Bowland boy I don\u2019t mind a bit of sludge, but after 92 miles I didn\u2019t really need this. I could hear James giggling at my silly shuffling and I would\u2019ve stuffed his head in the sand, if only I could catch him. Greeted by my family friends Alan and Linda Alker outside the Silverdale Hotel I felt strong again and not wanting to stop (through fear of not starting) I pushed on down to Jenny Brown\u2019s Point, across Warton Salt Marsh and up Crag Bank to Warton Crag (163m).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the summit of Warton Crag, I\u2019d been on the go for 18hrs30 and it was here I\u2019d thought James was leaving me. I felt somewhat emotional when he said he\u2019d join me to Hest Bank (where I was to meet my final support runner). The thought of tackling Carnforth to Hest Bank, along the shoreline alone had been filling me with dread all afternoon.  It was now dark and due to my silly weight\u2013shedding tactics at Gressingham I\u2019d accidentally thrown out my headtorch cable and as a result unable to charge a spare battery.  Darkness quickly engulfed me, so just using the light from James headtorch he got me off Warton Crag safely, past umpteen ale houses in Warton and to the shore in Carnforth. A momentary celebration as I passed through the 100 mile mark in 19hrs15 minutes.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrations were quickly thwarted by more painstaking miles along the rocky beach. Again, in the light this a lovely bit of coastline, but with no real path, deep salt pools and with some terrible blisters on my toes, it\u2019s safe to say the 3.5 miles to Hest Bank were quite frankly\u2026sh*te.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

in the light this a lovely bit of coastline, but with no real path, deep salt pools and with some terrible blisters on my toes, it\u2019s safe to say the 3.5 miles to Hest Bank were quite frankly\u2026sh*te.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we passed over Red Bank, James reached the climax of his 15-minute-long \u2018joke\u2019 about a stray, shaggy dog. The joke was about as underwhelming as the prospect of running down the promenade, however it was clever tactics by him as it passed the time and stopped me verbally whinging.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarmac, Double Decker choccy bar, new pacer in the form of Joe Moulton and with the bright lights of Morecambe ahead, we were onto the final leg. \u201cJust 7 miles to go\u201d I said to myself, \u201cyou\u2019re actually going to do this.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, I\u2019ve run Morecambe Prom many times, but never at 10 minute mile pace and never with 103 miles behind me. It seemed to go on for a bloody long time. My eyes were fixed on the lights of the old lifeboat station, yet it didn\u2019t seem to be getting any closer. Unexpectedly, word had obviously gotten out about what I was doing and I felt humbled by being spurred on by strangers. Yet an overriding feeling of embarrassment as I knew I was moving slowly. I hope they weren\u2019t expecting Usain Bolt, I joked to Joe. Past the lifeboat station and my gaze now locked on the Midland Hotel (my turning point back to Lancaster) but not before passing my grandfather\u2019s old watering hole, The Palatine. As a boy he would tell me stories of how he\u2019d staggered out of there onto the prom. Anybody looking at me at this point will have seen something similar, no doubt.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we reached the Midland, we got ourselves onto the cycle track, 3.2 miles to go! Joe was doing a super job keeping my spirits up, setting me little markers as we trundled along. Skills like these cannot be taught to a pacer, they either have the compassion to know what the runner needs or they don\u2019t. He was doing a cracking job saying things like \u2013 \u201cjust get to Westgate bridge, then Asda and then you\u2019re pretty much done\u201d.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pretty much done \u201cmy arse\u201d I shouted, for I knew the Northern Loop had one last trick up its sleeve. That trick being the up and over Carlisle Bridge to cross the Lune. 109.5 miles in and I said to Joe \u201cI\u2019m gonna run every one of these steps\u201d.  He told me I had nothing to prove, yet I ran every one of them all the same. Stubbornness is a family trait.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With 0.3 miles to go, only now did I truly believe I had this one done.  We upped the pace along the Quay and I gave the climb up to the Priory everything I had, still determined to run every step. I don\u2019t know what my heart rate was as I \u201csprinted\u201d up to the portcullis at Lancaster Castle, but I could hear it ringing in my ears. I banged on the iron gates and slumped to the floor with tear\u2013filled eyes. 110 miles in 21hrs15:40, The Lancashire Way Northern Loop, I\u2019d done it.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pretty much done \u201cmy arse\u201d I shouted, for I knew the Northern Loop had one last trick up its sleeve. That trick being the up and over Carlisle Bridge to cross the Lune. 109.5 miles in and I said to Joe \u201cI\u2019m gonna run every one of these steps\u201d.  He told me I had nothing to prove, yet I ran every one of them all the same. Stubbornness is a family trait.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With 0.3 miles to go, only now did I truly believe I had this one done.  We upped the pace along the Quay and I gave the climb up to the Priory everything I had, still determined to run every step. I don\u2019t know what my heart rate was as I \u201csprinted\u201d up to the portcullis at Lancaster Castle, but I could hear it ringing in my ears. I banged on the iron gates and slumped to the floor with tear\u2013filled eyes. 110 miles in 21hrs15:40, The Lancashire Way Northern Loop, I\u2019d done it.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I sit here 3 days on writing this, I now know why those tears were present at the end. Over the course of this last year of restrictions, I\u2019ve fallen back in love with my birth county, with its people and with its funny culture. This loop was never further than 30 miles from my own front door and yet somehow incapsulated everything I love about long distance running. The places you go, the people you meet and the cultures you encounter may seem more exciting the further afield you travel, yet the familiarity and beauty of your own local area should never be taken for granted. This run made me proud to be from the Red Rose County and my god did I see it in full bloom during this day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to Ellis for this, we are awaiting confirmation but we believe he beat the previous record for the Lancashire Way \u2013 Northern Loop on March 5th 2021 by around 6 days 2hrs and 45mins or 146hrs 45min.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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