The Only Way Is Lancashire
Ellis Bland

The Lancashire Way – Northern Loop is 110mi of Lancashire’s (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

Despite resisting the temptation to go back to drinking, this run brought me the closest I’ve 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–19 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 – the 110 mile Lancashire Way – Northern Loop.

I gave up drinking a couple of years ago. I wouldn’t 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’s shoulder and of course – exclaiming you love for everyone at the end of the night.

Despite resisting the temptation to go back to drinking, this run brought me the closest I’ve 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–19 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 – the 110 mile Lancashire Way – Northern Loop.

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’m 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.

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.

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’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 Galgate.

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.

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’t 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 “I won’t be able to do this in 15 hours”, I was to be right.

 

It wasn’t long until we’d 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’s 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’s military, I just kept telling myself, he’s used to it.

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’s 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.

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!

From experience, I knew the pains (and noises) would eventually subside, though I did feel sorry for Liam. He’s military, I just kept telling myself, he’s used to it.

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’ve ever taken it. With cool air came a relatively firm climb up and across to Ward’s Stone East (562m) with only a handful of squelchy bogs to report. A roaring success for Bowland.

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’ll simply say; just visit them, see them for yourself. Yes, they’re smaller than the Howgills, Yorkshire’s 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’s 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’s peaks (best done just before sunset).

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.

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.

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’ve ever had the pleasure of running through.

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’ve 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’s highest fell, Gragareth (627m).

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.

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’s 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. ‘Now just don’t trip on the cattlegrid’ I thought to myself.

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’t 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.

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’ve got to cross that in 40 miles. “Chin up” James jeered and so started the descent down to Leck.

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’ve ever had the pleasure of running through. Leck Beck is another tourist trap, however we had the whole valley to ourselves.

From Cowan Bridge to Kirkby Lonsdale and over Devil’s Bridge went without a hitch and we were back on the Lune, this time heading back to Loyn Bridge, Gressingham.  James won’t mind me saying he was noticeably struggling on the run into Gressingham. I wasn’t at all surprised, he’d 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’s a sterling runner and made the 6hrs15 minutes of running a total joy.

Back at James’s car and the feeding could commence. I was now 78 miles in and knowing I’d be going the next 10 miles alone and not wanting to carry any excess luggage – I made sure to take on a good 1000 calories.

To cap my arrival into Silverdale off, we were greeted by a magnificent Red Stag only 50 metres from the path.

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’s 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’m sure it was gorgeous but in truth I just wanted to get to Yealand and start to smell the sea air.

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’s 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.

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 “you’re going to do this” 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.

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’ve done events such as Tough Guy in the past and being a Bowland boy I don’t mind a bit of sludge, but after 92 miles I didn’t really need this. I could hear James giggling at my silly shuffling and I would’ve 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’s Point, across Warton Salt Marsh and up Crag Bank to Warton Crag (163m).

At the summit of Warton Crag, I’d been on the go for 18hrs30 and it was here I’d thought James was leaving me. I felt somewhat emotional when he said he’d 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–shedding tactics at Gressingham I’d 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.

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’s safe to say the 3.5 miles to Hest Bank were quite frankly…sh*te.

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’s safe to say the 3.5 miles to Hest Bank were quite frankly…sh*te.

As we passed over Red Bank, James reached the climax of his 15-minute-long ‘joke’ 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.

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. “Just 7 miles to go” I said to myself, “you’re actually going to do this.”

Now, I’ve 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’t 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’t 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’s old watering hole, The Palatine. As a boy he would tell me stories of how he’d staggered out of there onto the prom. Anybody looking at me at this point will have seen something similar, no doubt.

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’t. He was doing a cracking job saying things like – “just get to Westgate bridge, then Asda and then you’re pretty much done”.

Pretty much done “my arse” 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 “I’m gonna run every one of these steps”.  He told me I had nothing to prove, yet I ran every one of them all the same. Stubbornness is a family trait.

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’t know what my heart rate was as I “sprinted” 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–filled eyes. 110 miles in 21hrs15:40, The Lancashire Way Northern Loop, I’d done it.

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’ve 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.

Thanks to Ellis for this, we are awaiting confirmation but we believe he beat the previous record for the Lancashire Way – Northern Loop on March 5th 2021 by around 6 days 2hrs and 45mins or 146hrs 45min.

The Lancashire Way – Northern Loop is 110mi of Lancashire’s (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

Despite resisting the temptation to go back to drinking, this run brought me the closest I’ve 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–19 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 – the 110 mile Lancashire Way – Northern Loop.

I gave up drinking a couple of years ago. I wouldn’t 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’s shoulder and of course – exclaiming you love for everyone at the end of the night.

Despite resisting the temptation to go back to drinking, this run brought me the closest I’ve 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–19 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 – the 110 mile Lancashire Way – Northern Loop.

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’m 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.

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.

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’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 Galgate.

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.

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’t 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 “I won’t be able to do this in 15 hours”, I was to be right.

 

It wasn’t long until we’d 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’s 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’s military, I just kept telling myself, he’s used to it.

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’s 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.

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!

From experience, I knew the pains (and noises) would eventually subside, though I did feel sorry for Liam. He’s military, I just kept telling myself, he’s used to it.

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’ve ever taken it. With cool air came a relatively firm climb up and across to Ward’s Stone East (562m) with only a handful of squelchy bogs to report. A roaring success for Bowland.

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’ll simply say; just visit them, see them for yourself. Yes, they’re smaller than the Howgills, Yorkshire’s 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’s 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’s peaks (best done just before sunset).

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.

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.

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’ve ever had the pleasure of running through.

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’ve 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’s highest fell, Gragareth (627m).

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.

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’s 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. ‘Now just don’t trip on the cattlegrid’ I thought to myself.

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’t 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.

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’ve got to cross that in 40 miles. “Chin up” James jeered and so started the descent down to Leck.

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’ve ever had the pleasure of running through. Leck Beck is another tourist trap, however we had the whole valley to ourselves.

From Cowan Bridge to Kirkby Lonsdale and over Devil’s Bridge went without a hitch and we were back on the Lune, this time heading back to Loyn Bridge, Gressingham.  James won’t mind me saying he was noticeably struggling on the run into Gressingham. I wasn’t at all surprised, he’d 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’s a sterling runner and made the 6hrs15 minutes of running a total joy.

Back at James’s car and the feeding could commence. I was now 78 miles in and knowing I’d be going the next 10 miles alone and not wanting to carry any excess luggage – I made sure to take on a good 1000 calories.

To cap my arrival into Silverdale off, we were greeted by a magnificent Red Stag only 50 metres from the path.

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’s 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’m sure it was gorgeous but in truth I just wanted to get to Yealand and start to smell the sea air.

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’s 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.

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 “you’re going to do this” 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.

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’ve done events such as Tough Guy in the past and being a Bowland boy I don’t mind a bit of sludge, but after 92 miles I didn’t really need this. I could hear James giggling at my silly shuffling and I would’ve 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’s Point, across Warton Salt Marsh and up Crag Bank to Warton Crag (163m).

At the summit of Warton Crag, I’d been on the go for 18hrs30 and it was here I’d thought James was leaving me. I felt somewhat emotional when he said he’d 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–shedding tactics at Gressingham I’d 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.

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’s safe to say the 3.5 miles to Hest Bank were quite frankly…sh*te.

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’s safe to say the 3.5 miles to Hest Bank were quite frankly…sh*te.

As we passed over Red Bank, James reached the climax of his 15-minute-long ‘joke’ 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.

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. “Just 7 miles to go” I said to myself, “you’re actually going to do this.”

Now, I’ve 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’t 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’t 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’s old watering hole, The Palatine. As a boy he would tell me stories of how he’d staggered out of there onto the prom. Anybody looking at me at this point will have seen something similar, no doubt.

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’t. He was doing a cracking job saying things like – “just get to Westgate bridge, then Asda and then you’re pretty much done”.

Pretty much done “my arse” 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 “I’m gonna run every one of these steps”.  He told me I had nothing to prove, yet I ran every one of them all the same. Stubbornness is a family trait.

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’t know what my heart rate was as I “sprinted” 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–filled eyes. 110 miles in 21hrs15:40, The Lancashire Way Northern Loop, I’d done it.

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’ve 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.

Thanks to Ellis for this, we are awaiting confirmation but we believe he beat the previous record for the Lancashire Way – Northern Loop on March 5th 2021 by around 6 days 2hrs and 45mins or 146hrs 45min.

Ellis is a fell an ultra runner based in Lancaster. He holds the current record for the Hadrians Wall Path and numerous course records from 2mi to 100k. He can most often be found amongst the bogs and boulders of his beloved Bowland, with occasional forays to races further afield.
Ellis is a fell an ultra runner based in Lancaster. He holds the current record for the Hadrians Wall Path and numerous course records from 2mi to 100k. He can most often be found amongst the bogs and boulders of his beloved Bowland, with occasional forays to races further afield.

If you have a story to tell, whether it’s from the OMM, another race or challenge or just how you use our kit, get in touch! Just pop an email to james@team-ark.com and who knows, you might just earn yourself some free kit!

More Like this

5 Top UK Hill Runs

5 Top UK Hill Runs

Emily Woodhouse tries to find the 5 best hill runs in the UK and what better place to start than with some of our competitors and athletes?

What Running Taught Me About Being a Woman

What Running Taught Me About Being a Woman

In many ways, the world of running can feel like a man’s world. Particularly in longer distances and off-road events, standing on the start line can feel like you’re the only woman there. So, on International Women’s Day, what better way to commemorate the day than celebrating the uniquely female experience of running in the mountains?

Cold Turkey

Cold Turkey

Cate Matthew goes Cold Turkey, taking us inside the LOC Turkey Race Series & gives us an insight into just what an orienteering race entails!

OMM

SIGN UP AND GET 10% OFF YOUR ORDER

You will be the first to know about our latest kit, events and releases.

Thanks, here is your 10% DISCOUNT CODE: XOMMEMAIL10

My cart
Your cart is empty.

Looks like you haven't made a choice yet.