Borrowdale Trail Race - Race Report

Post date: Oct 5, 2017 7:02:22 PM

By Sarah McFadzean

The Borrowdale Trail Race (half marathon) took part on Saturday 8th July. Registration took place in Keswick before runners were ferried

across Derwent water to the start area at Lingholm Estate. From here the runners followed a single track trail towards Hawse End Bay on the

shores of Derwentwater. The route then joined the scenic lakeshore trail through mixed woodland to the picturesque village of Grange, before

winding its way past Castle Crag and on to the typical stone built Lakeland village of Rosthwaite. A steady climb out of Rosthwaite led to

a welcome descent into the hamlet of Watendlath.

A spectacular trail followed the beautiful Watendlath valley before descending to Ashness Bridge via a short road section. Here the panorama opened out with views down to the lake and fells beyond. A singletrack traverse passed FalconCrags which loom up on your right, followed by a gradual descent into Great Wood and finally to the lakeshore past Friars Crag, and back intothe finish at Crow Park, Keswick. The Lake District is one of my favourite places to go and this race was one of the best things I havetaKen part in, I didn't want it to end!

The climbing sections were tough but a quick glance over your shoulder to the view made it more than worth it. I'd like to return to complete a trail marathon here in the next few years and hopefully the Ennerdale 25K next year. This race was well organised and everyone was friendly, with a gala day on Derwent Water in the afternoon to be enjoyed by the whole family there was something for everyone to enjoy. And the sun was shining! Couldn't havebeen better!