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Main Boards => Long Distance Walks => Topic started by: dav on 18:05:44, 27/08/18

Title: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: dav on 18:05:44, 27/08/18
As Slogger,
Anyone interested can follow my progress or lack of it on the above attempt to set the FKT (Fastest known time) for a 70+ year old carrying all unsupported kit and overnight shelter.
I start Thursday 30th August at around 4.30am from St. Bees.
Live Tracker Link:- http://http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0qr0neBbrlc7clUMWb19tj7gM314qb2Ns (http://http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0qr0neBbrlc7clUMWb19tj7gM314qb2Ns)
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: lostme1 on 19:11:05, 27/08/18
Is the link working for anyone. All I get is network monitoring software screen.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: bricam2096 on 19:31:50, 27/08/18
His link has an extra http in the link so it should be what I've linked below although it might not start giving info until he turns the tracker on.

https://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0qr0neBbrlc7clUMWb19tj7gM314qb2Ns
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 09:02:45, 30/08/18
 The tracker is now operational.He left St Bees at 4.19am and is now descending Dent.
 Edit:He appears to be going back up Dent.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: bricam2096 on 10:33:03, 30/08/18
I was expecting him when he reached Ennerdale Water to take the path on the north side as it's smooth track and would have thought quicker than the south path which might be shorter in length but was a bit scrambly in places, especially if wet but I'm not questioning the great mans choice  O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: gunwharfman on 14:20:50, 30/08/18
I'm watching, for me the route brings back nice memories, but I was a lot slower! Good luck mate!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 14:25:50, 30/08/18
I was expecting him when he reached Ennerdale Water to take the path on the north side as it's smooth track and would have thought quicker than the south path which might be shorter in length but was a bit scrambly in places, especially if wet but I'm not questioning the great mans choice  O0
Not that I remember Wainwright's route I am guessing that it was to the South of Ennerdale Water and Dave is sticking strictly to that route.  A bit of scrambling wouldn't slow him down anyway!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: bricam2096 on 15:29:05, 30/08/18
It looks like his tracker only plots the last 50 points, so his last recorded point now will always be number 50. This means that the first few points from St. Bees have now been erased so the whole route now won't be there for anyone to look at or see when he started.

The points seem to be about every 10 minutes, which really shows the difference between the easy track from Ennerdale Water to Black Sail Hut and then the climb up towards Honister. Will be watching later to see how he gets on in the dark probably after Grasmere.

EDITED to add....only the last 50 points are showing but if you go to the left hand side of the screen you can click between pages so you can see the first points after all.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 16:30:16, 30/08/18
 At least the weather looks good,around 16-20c and no rain.I imagine he will be walking at least until 10pm giving him an 18 hour first day.I should imagine his target will be around 40 miles so he might stop just short of Grassmere.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 17:02:51, 30/08/18
Looks as though he stopped at the YH at Borrowdale for a rest/food but off again now.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: bricam2096 on 17:39:48, 30/08/18
At least the weather looks good,around 16-20c and no rain.I imagine he will be walking at least until 10pm giving him an 18 hour first day.I should imagine his target will be around 40 miles so he might stop just short of Grassmere.

Knowing Slogger, he'll get to that 40 mile mark and feel good so keep on going...which would be understandable.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: pdstsp on 18:50:12, 30/08/18
Hi all - my daughter and I met Slogger on the descent to Honister mines around three ish and walked with him for a while - as I'd never met him it took a minute or two to work out it was him.  He was struggling a bit with cramp but was very chatty - seemed a bit down about his chances of success with this attempt.  Some of the things he said made me realise what a wimp I am, eg - once you,ve done your first sixty you don't get the same buzz next time so you have to do a seventy!  Way out of my league.


Heading for round Grizedale Tarn tonight.


Paul
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: April on 19:53:12, 30/08/18
Some of the things he said made me realise what a wimp I am, eg - once you,ve done your first sixty you don't get the same buzz next time so you have to do a seventy!  Way out of my league.

I am a wimp too  :) Just thinking about doing those distances makes me feel tired. We are back to watching dots move on maps again  :)

Good luck Slogger  O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 21:50:45, 30/08/18
 Looks like he has stopped on the Easedale Rd near Grassmere,seems to have been in the same place for 50 mins.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 22:08:39, 30/08/18
Perhaps he is having a sleep/rest.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: bricam2096 on 22:13:00, 30/08/18
Not sure how these trackers work but he could have made it into Grasmere and switched it off to save the battery and has finished for the day, the trackers next marker would have been about 10 mins after the last one shown. The journey between Grasmere and Patterdale is not one I'd fancy in the dark.

I got to Grasmere half way through day 3 on my first 2 C2C's, to put it in some perspective.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 05:46:56, 31/08/18
Not looking good, still showing outside Grasmere.  Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: pdstsp on 08:45:45, 31/08/18
Moving again
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: April on 08:51:09, 31/08/18
He did deserve a bit of a rest. I don't know how he does it.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 09:13:08, 31/08/18
Not looking good.I wonder if he has  aborted and decided to do a bit more of the walk before going home?
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: April on 12:29:39, 31/08/18
He is on the way to Angle Tarn now. Tony, is this too slow for his 5 day attempt with you saying it isn't looking good? He has a nice day today at least, sunshine!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 13:04:00, 31/08/18
I wouldn't underestimate his stamina, my concern is why did he stay/rest so long at Grasmere.  However he walked 40 miles yesterday and perhaps that was in his plan to even pace/distance over the 5 days making sure that he was well rested before starting each day.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: pdstsp on 13:18:52, 31/08/18
He did mention yesterday that, on a previous attempt, he had stopped at Grasmere, decided to abandon and had a later start the next day, but then decided to keep walking and then walked 50 miles the next day.  Mad.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 16:04:40, 31/08/18
He is on the way to Angle Tarn now. Tony, is this too slow for his 5 day attempt with you saying it isn't looking good? He has a nice day today at least, sunshine!
April,I was a bit surprised by his late start as its out of character.He needs to be at the 80 mile point tonight,around Kirkby Stephen.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: bricam2096 on 19:04:20, 31/08/18
Bear in mind that after he descended Kidsty Pike he’ll have a long stretch with not much ascent until Kirkby Stephen and the climb up to Nine Standards so that might help. Plus a lot easier 2nd half, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 19:24:03, 31/08/18
Well he is continuing out of Shap, so hopefully he has a good evening and stays injury free.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 19:38:46, 31/08/18
 Seems to be going well despite the late start.Perhaps he will walk through the night and not bother sleeping till tomorrow evening.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 23:14:40, 31/08/18
 Still going strong.Whatever the outcome its a great effort.When I first walked the coast to coast I was 26 and it took me five days to cover the distance he has covered in two days.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: April on 06:49:50, 01/09/18
Whatever the outcome its a great effort.

Yes, it this is so beyond what most people can do.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: pdstsp on 07:20:47, 01/09/18
Looks like he's off again after a few hours rest.  Amazing - go Slogger!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 07:27:28, 01/09/18
Well he walked through until just after 2.00 and off again at 6.00, has completed about 80 miles so far.  Fingers crossed for another 40 miles today.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 09:26:32, 01/09/18
Looks like he's off again after a few hours rest.  Amazing - go Slogger!
I think he is just doing another 100 miles before retiring.A kind of cool down. ;)
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: pdstsp on 10:02:33, 01/09/18
I think he is just doing another 100 miles before retiring.A kind of cool down. ;)


That made me laugh.


I've had to work today to get a report out by Monday - and Saturday's my walking day so I'm mighty cheesed off.  My wife, who I work with, has just informed me that if I spent less time watching Slogger's progress, I might have finished work and be out there myself.  She has a point.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 20:28:13, 01/09/18
Looks as though he may have stopped for the night just south of Healaugh, alternatively his tracker has stopped working for the last 2 hours.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: bricam2096 on 21:38:42, 01/09/18
I'm guessing he's made it as far as Reeth but the last tracking signal was just before it. Hopefully enjoying a well deserved rest  O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 23:20:26, 01/09/18
  He is still on schedule for a sub-five day provided he reaches Claybank Top by tomorrow evening.He has got until 4am on Tuesday so plenty of time provided he can keep going at a steady pace. O0
 
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 07:56:25, 02/09/18
A good rest last night and off again early this morning, now about 3 miles from Richmond.  Seems to be judging his "walk" well with reasonable rest periods to help recover.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 08:53:45, 02/09/18
Can’t believe I missed this thread. Slogger likes a challenge doesn’t he?! Got my fingers crossed for him  O0   nd will try not to spend the whole day dot watching... :D
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 10:09:58, 02/09/18
 Pushing on past  Richmond.Stopping early last night seems to have paid dividends. O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: bricam2096 on 19:37:39, 02/09/18
Looks like he's stopped for the day, possibly at the Bluebell Inn. I read that he was trying to beat the fastest time but I don't recall him saying what that time was, or maybe I missed it?

One day left, still a long way to go.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: rural roamer on 19:41:48, 02/09/18
I think I remember him saying during one of the Spine races that he needed to get more sleep early on, so hopefully that’s what he’s done this time and can push on now seeing the end in sight. Go Slogger....
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 19:42:28, 02/09/18
Looks like he's stopped for the day, possibly at the Bluebell Inn. I read that he was trying to beat the fastest time but I don't recall him saying what that time was, or maybe I missed it?

One day left, still a long way to go.
At the outset he said that it was an "attempt to set the FKT (Fastest known time) for a 70+ year old carrying all unsupported kit and overnight shelter" i.e. I don't think that there was a current FKT - do you know anyone else over 70 that would even try to do it in under 5 days?
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: sussamb on 20:04:03, 02/09/18
Well at 66, 67 next year, I'm aiming for 12 days in June 2019. No way would I be trying for five  ;)
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 20:04:48, 02/09/18
 Fastest known time for a + 70 year old walking up to 40 miles per day and carrying backpacking kit and self supported? I doubt if there is a time as most older runners/walkers tend to stick to non-stop ultras such as the LDWA 100.Unsupported backpackers setting very fast times are quite rare.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 20:16:46, 02/09/18
Well at 66, 67 next year, I'm aiming for 12 days in June 2019. No way would I be trying for five  ;)
You can set a record for a 67 year old named Sussamb! ;D
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: sussamb on 21:42:39, 02/09/18
Yeah I might manage that  O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 05:46:57, 03/09/18
He set off again about midnight and is making good progress but I think he will have to walk through the day without a significant rest to finish in time.  Good luck, a magnificent effort, I won't even mention your age (oh I just did!). O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: rural roamer on 08:39:55, 03/09/18
Not far off the Lion Inn now, 30 odd miles left?
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: pdstsp on 09:05:32, 03/09/18
I can see today being split between work (10%) and watching the tracker!  Keep going Slogger!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 09:27:28, 03/09/18
Not far off the Lion Inn now, 30 odd miles left?
He has walked about 20 miles since midnight so with 30 to go it will be tight although it is a bit flatter than earlier.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 10:22:23, 03/09/18
 Must be that six hour session in the Bluebell Inn that has given him a new lease of life.Its amazing what copious amounts of ale do for the legs.........and head.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: April on 10:29:32, 03/09/18
I hope the weather is better over there than what it is like in Cumbria. Tipping it down here. On holiday from work. Typical. Means I can dot watch Slogger instead. Come on Slogger  O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: rural roamer on 11:51:12, 03/09/18
Seems to be eating up the miles!  Lucky I'm not too busy at work today   
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: pdstsp on 12:30:47, 03/09/18
Wow - he's flying!!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: pdstsp on 12:49:57, 03/09/18
And as soon as I put that, he stopped!  Lunch time hopefully.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: rural roamer on 12:52:30, 03/09/18
Stopped at Glaisdale for some food and quick rest before the final push?
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: Percy on 12:54:01, 03/09/18
Stopped at Glaisdale for some food and quick rest before the final push?
Getting the legs ready for that bloody hill coming out of Grosmont.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: rural roamer on 13:09:22, 03/09/18
Or maybe just no signal as he's now almost at Egton Bridge!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 13:12:09, 03/09/18
Isn't it annoying when it doesn't update every 10 minutes!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: rural roamer on 13:15:43, 03/09/18
Or maybe I should get on with my work and not keep checking it every 10 minutes!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 13:18:13, 03/09/18
Or maybe I should get on with my work and not keep checking it every 10 minutes!
Your work will still be there tomorrow!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: pdstsp on 15:19:57, 03/09/18
I've got my whole office excited!  And for a five day completion he does have until 4 am tomorrow doesn't he?  (Though the way he's going he won't need it)
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 15:24:16, 03/09/18
I've got my whole office excited!  And for a five day completion he does have until 4 am tomorrow doesn't he?  (Though the way he's going he won't need it)
I agree but he has been walking since midnight!  However I have faith that he will do it.  It is good to see RHB and Dave on the same page.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 16:44:48, 03/09/18
I agree but he has been walking since midnight!  However I have faith that he will do it.  It is good to see RHB and Dave on the same page.
In the 2013 Spine race he walked the first three days without sleeping.Provided he had a good rest before he started this section he should be fine.Just past Littlebeck so he should hopefully be in RHB around 8.30-9pm.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 18:05:38, 03/09/18
In the 2013 Spine race he walked the first three days without sleeping.Provided he had a good rest before he started this section he should be fine.Just past Littlebeck so he should hopefully be in RHB around 8.30-9pm.
I think he must be running!  Looks like he will be there an hour or so earlier than your estimate, he must be making sure the pub is open for a good drink/rest. I am amazed that he is to complete it, although not surprised, even though when he was seen on the descent to Honister mines when "he was struggling a bit with cramp".  Just shows what type of guy he is.  I know that he has an hour or so to go but I congratulate him on his achievement.  Well done Dave.  Edit - Had another look your estimate seems a better one than mine!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 18:29:28, 03/09/18
What a stormtrooper he is! So glad that he is having success on this attempt!  O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: rural roamer on 18:54:04, 03/09/18
Just about to hit the cliff top, not far now....


Oh not quite, hadn’t zoomed in on the map enough! Still got to go through the caravan parks.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 19:03:58, 03/09/18
 Can someone tell him that the record for over seventies is not 4 days 16 hours and he is entitled to take the last few miles slowly!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: pdstsp on 19:13:53, 03/09/18
Looks like he'[censored] the coast - amazing - not far now.  Perhaps he was just damping down expectations when we bumped into him on Thursday!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: bricam2096 on 19:17:54, 03/09/18
Looks like he'[censored] the coast - amazing - not far now.  Perhaps he was just damping down expectations when we bumped into him on Thursday!

I'd imagine that once he got the Lakes section out of the way and felt better, and with the knowledge that it would get "easier" that would give him a boost. I wonder how it would feel doing it in the other direction in less than 5 days and having the Lakes section at the end.

maybe that's another challenge for Slogger  :D
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: pdstsp on 19:31:08, 03/09/18
True, however he's done this I am in awe - perhaps it was me and my daughter's encouragement  ;D


Not sure what the censored word is in my post - thought it was hit - ahh now I get it, I put "he's" then "hit" . 


 
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: Sarah Pitht on 20:00:58, 03/09/18
Good thought bricam -perhaps we’ll let him have 5 days off before the return leg!  ;D
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: April on 20:01:57, 03/09/18
The most I've ever walked in one day is 18 miles (if my memory is behaving itself). I was a wreck the next day. Slogger, like pdstsp, I am in awe.

Not sure what the censored word is in my post - thought it was hit - ahh now I get it, I put "he's" then "hit" . 

 ;D

perhaps we’ll let him have 5 days off before the return leg!  ;D

 ;D
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 20:08:20, 03/09/18
I don't know whether the tracker is doing its usual thing or whether he has finished and gone into a pub with thick walls.  Anyway I am sure he has finished, hope that he remembered his stone to throw into the sea or he will have to go back and get one. 

Well done.  50 miles on the last day. 

The last and only time I have walked that far, without walking 4 days beforehand, was on the flat when I was 16 - 55 years ago! O0 O0 O0 O0 O0 O0 O0 O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: rural roamer on 20:15:25, 03/09/18
Yes must have finished now, hasn’t updated for half an hour. Perhaps the signal was lost as he was heading down the hill to the bay? Just at the crucial moment! Well done  O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: pdstsp on 20:22:37, 03/09/18
Or perhaps he's just making us wait! 


Fantastic achievement - well done Slogger
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: April on 20:32:53, 03/09/18
He is on the move again, almost there, amazing, well done Slogger, you are a Legend O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: harland on 20:33:57, 03/09/18
Or has he finished and on the way home - walking?
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 20:45:27, 03/09/18
 Well done Dave.I should imagine he will have a days rest and then its back to work before the next madcap adventure. O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: sussamb on 11:22:43, 04/09/18
Yep, brilliant effort.  Can hardly wait to get his TR  O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: lostme1 on 12:45:34, 04/09/18
Yep, brilliant effort.  Can hardly wait to get his TR  O0

+1
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: dav on 17:58:20, 04/09/18
Thank you everyone, I am amazed by all your interest but gladthat it has kept you entertained for a few days.
Day 1. St. Bees to Grasmere.
Left St. Bees at 4.25am. Legs not happy on the little climb out onto the cliff top path. This is going to be interesting, I thought. By the time I was approaching Moor Row, my left foot arch was really sore, it had been coming on foe the last few miles. I was walking in a fairly new pair of Meindle walking shoes, as during testing all my other GTX shoes leaked. Anyway I stopped to inspect and discovered that the shoe itself had a strong built in arch support and that the Sorbothane Double Strike insoles that I had added was pushing up into the arch. My right foot over suppinates so wasn't affected. I got out my knife and cut away the padding of the insole at the arch area. Immediatte relief and no further problems there.
Re-supplied in Cleater, made steady progress as far as Loft Beck. During the last 2.5 years I become aware that my hip flexor tendon are pretty much done following year of fell running. Every time I ascend steeply, especially on climbs up those little rock steps, my legs quickly lose strength. On long reasonablely steep ascents the legs are still strong and I can clog on a bit. Four ladies in front with a slow tailender. This tailender beat me to the top and i was in such a state of exhaustion, one of them gave me a Banana and another a small bag of Jelly Babies. I got going again amd overtook them.
On the descent to Honister I met Paul and his daughter. We had a good chat and a laugh but I wasn't playing anything down Paul, I really was exhausted and thought I had no chance and was very concerned that I may be able to make Grasmere that day. Anyway somehow I did make Grasmere, but it really was over my legs were completely empty of strengh, weak in fact. It was 9.30pm, I walked straight into the Little Inn Hotel and enquired about accomodation. They only had a double left at 85 pounds, I couldn't say @yes@, quick enough. I phoned my wife and a pal to tell them I was finished.
Day 2. Grasmere to Smardale Bridge.
Good nighst sleep after little the previous three nights, I awoke to a sunny day. I decided to carry on at whatever pace my legs would allow and just see how far I could get rather than rushing home.
The ascents up to Grisedale Tarn, out of Patterdale, around the Knott were extremely slow and painful. I visited Kidsty Pike but decided on the alternative scenic route by High and Low Raise to Measand Beck and down to rejoin the lower path. Has a meal in Shap and off again, determined to claw back some of the lost 5 hours from yesterday. By the time I reached Smardale bridge I had recovered almost of them and camped on the little flat area next to the bridge.
Day 3. Smardale Bridge to Reeth.
Slow again on the steeper bits but flying along the other parts, however it was far too hot and I was awash with sweat. Caught up with three younger guys who had lost their schedule due to carrying 20kg packs. Over 9 Standards Rigg with no problem, into Ravenseat where I met Clivve the farmer on the telly. Had a laugh with him, he thought me mad (like they do). Stopped in Keld cafe, then on through Gunnerside, another stop there for two milk shakes. Reeth reached, but i needed to divert slightly to Grinton as i badly needed a shower as salt from sweat and rubbing had caused blisters on my shoulder and It needed sorting. B&B at the Bridge Inn.
Day 4 . Reeth to Ingleby Cross.
Left the Bridge Inn at around 3.30am and made my way to Richmond where I found a Costa and had breakfast. Through the vale of Mowbrey my feet began feeling the sore due to much tarmac walking. Met a few groups at the White Swan, Danby Wiske. We left together for a short while before I pressed on th Ingleby Cross and the Blue Bell, where I pitched my tent. I had a good meal there two pints of guinness and retired to get a few hours sleep before setting off on the final push to RHB.
Day 5. Ingleby Cross to RHB.
Set off actually end of day4 around 10.45pm. I had forgotten how long and steep that ascent through the woods was, but head down, keep going I emerged at the top and ready for the Cleveland Hills. I was at Carlton Bank summit for 3am. Ascents painful as too were the descents now, but knew it was in the bag and estimated an 8pm finish, without rushing too much. I stopped at the Lion Inn for gorgeous breakfast of mostly fruit and cereal, another stop at Glaisdale shop where i purchased three ice lollies. Then again another stop at the cafe in Gromont for two milk shakes, an ice  cream, fruit drink, Apple Pie and custard, pot of tea, and another three ice lollies.
Went a bit wrong coming out of Little Beck but got back on it. Seemed a long way to Hawsker but once on the clifftop path, I felt really strong, pain in legs gone and I managed to get a good stride and pace going all the way to RHB. The weather had turned and was becoming very windy with driving drizzle. My b&b being at the top part of time I called there first. I was warned that I only had around 45 minutes for a local mealin nearby pubs. With this I decided to get showered  and changed fIrst, then out for my meal a couple ogf pints of Guinness, then walk down to the Bay Hotel.
I reached RHB 4 days 15 hours and 43 minutes after leaving St. Bees.
Is this the way/method I recomend - certainly not! However if you do ever wonder how fast you could do certain routes, then be warned they are not easy, they can be painful, they are the oppositte of a walking holiday. So why do we do them like this - Ive no idea, just in the blood I guess, but I know many, many people with the same mind set - I just happen to be the oldest!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: pdstsp on 18:32:56, 04/09/18
Great story Slogger - and I know you weren't playing it down - there's no disguising cramp!  I think it's a great achievement, but also an inspiration to others to get out and do things.  My daughter, Lauren who was with me when we met you, is a teacher and she has told her class about meeting this amazing man who has walked over all the mountains and set a new record!  She said the kids loved it.  She may have embellished her part in encouraging you to keep going  ;D


Enjoy your rest - if you're having one.


Paul


PS You didn't mean it when you said this was your last challenge did you?  You got me through last weekend when I had to work instead of play, watching that dot.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: sussamb on 19:10:47, 04/09/18
Not just well done on the walk but amazed you've been able to put a TR together so quickly  O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: lostme1 on 19:40:48, 04/09/18
Well done. A great achievement. Dot watching has been very entertaining the last few days :)
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: Islandplodder on 19:59:58, 04/09/18
As a lifelong plodder, I'm full of admiration!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: dav on 20:06:21, 04/09/18
Great story Slogger - and I know you weren't playing it down - there's no disguising cramp!  I think it's a great achievement, but also an inspiration to others to get out and do things.  My daughter, Lauren who was with me when we met you, is a teacher and she has told her class about meeting this amazing man who has walked over all the mountains and set a new record!  She said the kids loved it.  She may have embellished her part in encouraging you to keep going  ;D


Enjoy your rest - if you're having one.


Paul


PS You didn't mean it when you said this was your last challenge did you?  You got me through last weekend when I had to work instead of play, watching that dot.
Quote

Paul, I meant it......when I said it however....................
I love it that your daughter told the kids and that they listened, even maybe just one of them felt something, gave them a thought, a hope, a wonder.....
Great meeting you both, and I did think about you both reading that I'd retired and in a way that contributed to me carrying on.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: dav on 20:07:41, 04/09/18
Not just well done on the walk but amazed you've been able to put a TR together so quickly  O0

While I can still remember!
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: dav on 20:09:00, 04/09/18
Well done. A great achievement. Dot watching has been very entertaining the last few days :)

Many thanks, maybe I will be watching your dot sometime!?
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: jontea on 21:18:01, 04/09/18
Well done Slogger, much respect to you  O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: dav on 18:03:29, 19/09/18
I posted a link to my tracker in a facebook C2C group before I did my walk. On finishing I saw that there was much support and interest from members. I made a total of 8 postd about my walk from starting, along the way and after finishing, plus two other postd about the low level route and a link to the northern Traverse ultra. I have posted links etc on other facebook groups like PW walkers etc without issue.I was shocked to recieve an arrogent and rude message from the admin, a lady who multi admins a few long distance path facebook groups.Basically she accused me of over posting about my walk, even though many others make far more posts than I did. A group on the route at the time had posted 8 times before they were even halfway. My first reaction was to appologise, but thinking and reading her message several times over the following few days had me unable to not message her with my honest thoughts about what she said.She told me not to keep reverting to my walk ( something I hadn't done since finishing and to stick with encouraging others going at the 'usual' rate.Clearly she had an issue with the speed of my walk, even though members posts showed that the interest was there.She didn't like my honest but to the point reply so blocked me.My friend, another member messaged her to ccomplain and ask why I had been blocked, she replied that my response was inapropiatte. I had pointed out that in all her objections, the facts were wrong, accusing me of finally comparing with other routes, something I hadn't done. it was clear that she didn't like the fact that I  was doing the route in so short a time and had been monitoring  the posts, although obviosly not reading through them, well enough.She blocked my friend too!Clearly doesn't want other members knowing, so shutting us off very quickly.She made a final message to my friend saying that she didn't believe that the group founder wanted it to be an endurance forum!Well that has never happenned to other walking groups that allow all forms and ways of doing the routes and allowing members to post about their experiences.I posted about this to an ultra race group, the response was one of disbelief to distgust.Although I heartily think she is over reacting and actually quite wrong in keeping such things from the group, if she had just messaged me giving her reasons for not wanting people posting re fast paced crossings, I would have reluctantly accepted that, but the manner of her message was unacceptable and I told her.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: gunwharfman on 18:20:07, 19/09/18
As one gets older you find that there is always someone out there trying to stop other people from achieving and/or enjoying themselves.

I could not walk the C2C in 5 days but I admire people who want to try.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: rural roamer on 18:44:00, 19/09/18
Well that’s just ridiculous! Maybe she could also ban people who want to walk it in 20 days because they’re too slow!  ;D  Many people join those forums and groups not just because they want advice, but also it’s good to know of others that might be walking at the same time as them. Wouldn’t it be boring if we were all walking at the same speed? When we did it (15 days) it was great to meet different people each night, some moving faster than us, some slower. And don’t we change as we get older? We got faster doing our LDWs as we became more experienced but now I’m probably slowing up a bit as I’m getting older ( though I wasn’t young when I started!) Maybe she should rename the group “Slow-going C2C”
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: bricam2096 on 18:45:44, 19/09/18
It just sounds to me like a bit of jealousy on her part.

One good thing I like about this forum is the mix, there are no slow or fast walkers.....just walkers. I read your post and like many on here followed your progress and because I've done the walk 3 times before I could picture where you were and the good or bad bits ahead for you.

When I was reading the progress it did made me wonder if I could do the same thing, and maybe I'll give it a try one day (or 5) so you inspire people, not the opposite and that can't be a bad thing.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: sussamb on 18:56:59, 19/09/18
Her loss our gain, as posted at least here we encourage all walkers, even those who bang on at times about nothing to do with the thread  ;)


You've long been supported here Dave and I can't see that changing  O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: April on 22:05:26, 19/09/18
What a shame, the facebook page is poorer without you on it slogger. We were all glued to your dot moving from west to east, full of awe and admiration of your amazing achievement  O0 I could not to what you did in 15 days never mind 5.  Echoing bricam, you have inspired a lot of people to try a LDW  O0
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 23:47:54, 19/09/18
 Perhaps you need to send her a copy of Harry Griffin's Long Days in the Hills.It might help to educate her and make her realise that walkers have always taken on these type of challenges.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: rural roamer on 08:02:00, 20/09/18
Isn’t one of the joys of walking that anyone can do it? We can take it to the extreme like Slogger or just have a stroll in the park, or anywhere in between! And I love reading about others exploits.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: dav on 11:02:57, 21/09/18
It's surprising, the narrow mindedness of some people isn't it. I've never said or believed that the way I do my walks is better than the way anyone else does theirs, and along the way I only mention what I'm what I'm doing if asked. In fact I hesitate to tell due to some strange reactions in the past.Along the forest track in Ennerdale I rapidly caught up with a very slow, petite larger lady. She had come over from the States with her husband to do the route over 21 days. Her husband being a faster walker had forged on ahead as he does every day, leaving her to go at her own pace. He was waiting for her at black Sail hut where they were staying the night. I admired the fact that even though her pace was slow and it would take 3 weeks for them to reach RHB, she was out there doing it and clearly enjoying herself.Then there was the small cafe owner in Gunnerside, he didn't call me mad as others often do, but insisted that the way i was doing was all wrong. "You should amble along through the countryside, if you want to go on a route march, you should do that around town".I didn't argue there would be no point, I just left to his own tiny mind.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: One F on 13:14:28, 21/09/18

 so you inspire people, not the opposite and that can't be a bad thing.


Agree with that as Sloggers exploits have inspired me to push the boundaries a little, as have the exploits of others on the Forum. Love to read about people's adventures whatever speed they go about them, but as I push on past 70 am very mindful that there are a lot of challenges out there which I may be capable of - won't know of course unless I give them a go and being inspired by others boosts the confidence to at least get to the starting line.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: dav on 11:23:05, 23/09/18
Update. Guess what after contacting the groups American founder and sending him copies of all messages between myself and his UK admin, he has overulred her decision and invited me to re-join, saying that he will reconsider my pal Mikes unblocking if i remind him in a few weeks. I replied that as Mike supported me, I don't feel i could rejoin while he is unable to do so.Of course i don't know that I would re-join anyway, but now feel that, that admin may at least think twice before making ridiculous hasty decisions in the future.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: tonyk on 11:31:30, 23/09/18
Update. Guess what after contacting the groups American founder and sending him copies of all messages between myself and his UK admin, he has overulred her decision and invited me to re-join, saying that he will reconsider my pal Mikes unblocking if i remind him in a few weeks. I replied that as Mike supported me, I don't feel i could rejoin while he is unable to do so.Of course i don't know that I would re-join anyway, but now feel that, that admin may at least think twice before making ridiculous hasty decisions in the future.
Is it really worth the effort? At the end of the day its only a Facebook page and you were doing ultra distance runs and walks long before the net,let alone Facebook, even existed.These forums and net pages have a purpose in allowing people with similar interests to communicate with each other but also allow those with issues to use them for an off loading purpose.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: dav on 17:02:58, 23/09/18
If it was any effort Tony, I wouldn't bother, but it isn't. As you say it's only a facebook group, but I felt that the admkin was out of order and out of touch with the wishes of the rest of members. There is another similar group re the C2C who encourage posts from every type and method of making the crossing.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: Doddy on 15:04:50, 02/10/18

Well Done Slogger.
 I`d be interested to know how/where the walking in the dark with a headlamp went. My excursions with that have been by mistake and in woodland and every tree tump looked like a bear (US). I have done the C-C.
How did you navigate at night.Was in moonlit.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 14:04:37, 03/10/18
I posted a link to my tracker in a facebook C2C group before I did my walk. On finishing I saw that there was much support and interest from members. I made a total of 8 postd about my walk from starting, along the way and after finishing, plus two other postd about the low level route and a link to the northern Traverse ultra. I have posted links etc on other facebook groups like PW walkers etc without issue.I was shocked to recieve an arrogent and rude message from the admin, a lady who multi admins a few long distance path facebook groups.Basically she accused me of over posting about my walk, even though many others make far more posts than I did. A group on the route at the time had posted 8 times before they were even halfway. My first reaction was to appologise, but thinking and reading her message several times over the following few days had me unable to not message her with my honest thoughts about what she said.She told me not to keep reverting to my walk ( something I hadn't done since finishing and to stick with encouraging others going at the 'usual' rate.Clearly she had an issue with the speed of my walk, even though members posts showed that the interest was there.She didn't like my honest but to the point reply so blocked me.My friend, another member messaged her to ccomplain and ask why I had been blocked, she replied that my response was inapropiatte. I had pointed out that in all her objections, the facts were wrong, accusing me of finally comparing with other routes, something I hadn't done. it was clear that she didn't like the fact that I  was doing the route in so short a time and had been monitoring  the posts, although obviosly not reading through them, well enough.She blocked my friend too!Clearly doesn't want other members knowing, so shutting us off very quickly.She made a final message to my friend saying that she didn't believe that the group founder wanted it to be an endurance forum!Well that has never happenned to other walking groups that allow all forms and ways of doing the routes and allowing members to post about their experiences.I posted about this to an ultra race group, the response was one of disbelief to distgust.Although I heartily think she is over reacting and actually quite wrong in keeping such things from the group, if she had just messaged me giving her reasons for not wanting people posting re fast paced crossings, I would have reluctantly accepted that, but the manner of her message was unacceptable and I told her.


There are too many parochial [censored] like this who seem to be 'lord of their domain' and police it for no good reason.  I for one enjoy your posts, find many of them inspirational and whilst the idea of running very long distances may not be for me, it's hard to understand why reading about others' experience is a bad thing.


All of these overbearing, fragile minded control freaks who decree what is 'inappropriate' based entirely on their mood that day can [censored] off as far as I'm concerned. 
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: dav on 15:19:38, 05/10/18
Well Done Slogger.
 I`d be interested to know how/where the walking in the dark with a headlamp went. My excursions with that have been by mistake and in woodland and every tree tump looked like a bear (US). I have done the C-C.
How did you navigate at night.Was in moonlit.
I have a couple of good head torches and one exceptionaly good one. Suprabeam V3R.Navigation is easy enough along paths, it's simply a matter of making mental npotes beforehand for important turnings etc.
It can and often does get a bit tricky when crossing terrain with no discerable path and it is best to take a compass bearing between known entrance and exit points. Bearing off is very useful in these circumstances.ie: If going through a gate in a wall or fence with no visible path in front, and say the exit point across the land in between (On the C2C it will usually be a big field) if you just walk in the approximate direction in the total darness aided by your headtorch, you will arrive at the other end, let's say a wall. You look along either side but you can't see the gate. it could be to the left or right. The only way you are going to find it is by walking one way then/or the other.However if when entering the field in the first place you took a compass bearing and intentionaly set it to say the left of your exit point by around 100 metres. When you hit the wall you will know that you need to follow the wall to the right to find the gate. You can this with any linear feature. With a stream or river to get to a footbridge, set the compass to a point upstream of your target, then follow the river downstream to the target.
Title: Re: Slogger's 5 day C2C attempt.
Post by: Doddy on 19:20:44, 06/10/18

Thanks Slogger that is useful information. I did know about aiming off but have never used it.
I recall meeting, and for a spell joined up with a group of walkers being lead by one guy. At every boundary and feature he checked his map with his compass; we came to a field with an obvious diagonal field path but he still checked it. I was interested and asked him about it. He said he was ex military and that is how it should be done; which clearly it is.