Today it was time to take on England's largest National Park, the Lake District, which is also now a World Heritage Site, home to Scafell Pike - England’s highest mountain which I found myself on top of just 3 weeks ago as part of my training for another challenge later this year.

Day 1. Day 2. Day 3. Day 4. Day 5. Day 6. Day 7. Day 8. Day 9. Day 10. Day 12. Day13. Day15.

The Lake District is such a vast and beautiful area, with so much scope for wild running, there are trails after trails everywhere and on a day like today with clear skies and the sun shining you could never get bored of the stunning landscapes thy surround this corner of the UK. Today route choice was based on a recommendation from a former military colleague who is now an elite ultra runner. I certainly wasn’t going to be matching him for times or distance today, but I took his advice and completed a route known locally as the “Fairfield Horseshoe”. It's a well-established walking route and was in full use today, its challenging terrain which traverses eight Wainrights lends itself perfectly to running. I headed north-west out of Ambleside, following Scandale Beck before ascending through Rydal Park with its stunning house and gardens. A road and then footpath make a zigzag ascent up to Nab Scar, from where there were wonderful views across to Loughrigg Fells. I follow the route north, over Heron Pike and Great Rigg, to the summit of Fairfield with its cairns and shelters. From the summit I headed east, crossing Link Hause, Hart Crag and Dove Crag before turning south to High Pike summit and then descending steeply to Low Pike. Finally, traverse High Brock and Low Brock before descending back into Ambleside. I did this route twice which calculated 27.3 miles but I did take a good few breaks and water stops as much to enjoy the spectacular views as it was to hydrate! This place is breathtaking and a trail runners paradise, it comes with my highest recommendation and is suitable for all abilities, there is something for everyone!

Day 1. Day 2. Day 3. Day 4. Day 5. Day 6. Day 7. Day 8. Day 9. Day 10. Day 12. Day13. Day15.

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