A flash of shocking pink was brought to the Ullswater Way on Saturday 7th March, as the WHS Mountain Runners in their standout team T-shirts took on the popular trail circumnavigating England’s second largest lake.
Students from Years 7 to 12 were joined by staff, siblings and parents, with runners aiming for a variety of target distances along the 20.5-mile circuit. The route was planned with seven stages, giving runners the opportunity to push themselves or rest as needed. The Mountain Runners have always encouraged students of any level of fitness to join, providing an opportunity for all to get involved.
The team met at school at 7:30am before heading to Pooley Bridge to begin running at 8:30am. Once the briefing and preparations were completed, and the starting photo was captured, the team set off towards Ullswater. At -2.5 degrees, Stage 1 took the group along the water’s edge in cloud, with icy patches replacing the usual boggy sections. Arthur’s Pike and Bonscale Pike loomed above as the team ran through the fog, but it wasn’t long before they climbed higher and were rewarded with a fantastic view of a temperature inversion over Ullswater and bright blue sky above.
There was lots of chatter and laughter as the runners descended the grass to the end of Stage 1 at Howtown. Here, they enjoyed the first refreshment stop, refuelling before continuing the journey towards Patterdale.
The longest and most technical stage of the run came next. Now, with coats stashed away in bags, it almost felt like a summer’s day. The stream of pink snaking its way along the side of the lake could probably be seen from space! This stage brought back plenty of memories from a previous Ullswater Way challenge, however, that time it was dark and headtorched with rain lashing down. This made the stunning views and sun on backs even more appreciated by everyone!
A quick stop at Silver Point (a very popular destination for walkers) gave the group a much-needed break to take in the views before heading towards Patterdale and the next refreshment stop. With almost 10 miles completed at Patterdale, the team would now be making their way back towards Pooley Bridge.
Heading north through the tourist hotspot of Glenridding, the runners hit the undulating trail alongside the lake towards Glencoyne. Another quick stop followed before the shortest stage (around 1 mile) which took the group to Aira Force.
An uphill stretch from the car park had the runners weaving amongst walkers to a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the glacial lake and fells. The interesting traverse that followed brought the group to a fork in the path, heading right, through the gate into Swinburn’s Park and a welcome sign indicating 4.5 miles to Pooley Bridge.
A steady pace through the woods eventually brought the group to Watermillock Church and the final refreshment stop of the challenge. The team were keen to finish the route so headed up the road, through Wreay before hitting the grassy stage. The fields were wet and slippery, with plenty of laughs and a few slides (no names mentioned!) along the way.
Some of the team timidly attempted to keep their trainers dry along the wettest terrain of the day, while the majority intrepidly waded through the ankle-deep water before crossing the A592 and on to the final stretch of trail to the finish line.
The triumphant team were happily greeted by proud parents, grandparents and supporters on their return to Pooley Bridge. The whole challenge took around 6 hours and 46 minutes, with 18 of the 20 students remarkably completing the full 20.5 miles. Five staff runners as well as younger siblings and parents joined in the incredible day!
Group leader Ms Pigdon said: “What a brilliant way to spend a day on the trails with such an amazing group of people. Our students once again demonstrated the utmost resilience and good humour throughout the entire route. The weather and the scenery inspired us all to enjoy every mile.”
Staff runner Miss Leighton remarked: “It was such an uplifting day, it felt like I was being carried along all the way!”
A huge thank you to everyone who donated fuel for the challenge – the cakes, flapjacks and many treats were greatly appreciated by all the runners! A massive thank you also goes to Mr Mallinson who kindly provided liquid refreshment along the way.
The WHS Mountain Runners bring together a community of students, staff, parents and supporters. Well done everyone – another fantastic day and memories to last a lifetime!
