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Bob Graham Round & Other fell challenges
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I failed BTW - but learnt a lot from it...
And even if I did it on my own I would still need 'helpers'.
I should add to my previous post that I didn't gate-crash the other attempt - they did invite me, with the caveats that I mentioned (ie I had to keep up). I think it would be bad form to just latch on to someone elses bid uninvited.
Fellrunner re dogs and sheep: Personally I'm not a "dogs on leads" type, so a well controlled dog, off the lead, wouldn't worry me - however I can't speak for my erstwhile colleagues who have been known to be somewhat less understanding. The only thing I'd say is that ewes can get a bit aggressive if you (or your dog) get between them and their lamb(s). One of mine found this out the hard way earlier this year (and bear in mind this was a working dog) and had about six weeks off with a broken foot.
Mind you - his sister didn't half bite the sheep's ars* - turned into quite a free for all...
Re GPR, just have a personal thing about them, to me fellrunning is about the freedom & personal responsibility for yourself you choose to take when you're in the outdoors and using satellite navigation just doesn't sit well with that idea. I would far rather be confident & competent with a map & compass together with using my eyes and knowledge of the geography rather than fall back on small box which produces the magic numbers. (same reason I virtually never carry a mobile 'phone). It all conspires to interfere with a sense of adventure. It's a personal view I know!
Re the BGR realistically I would be better doing all the legs & long fell races next year in preparation for an attempt the year after, it's just I'm feeling impatient.
it would be an absolute pleasure mate.
imean surely one persons logistics could very easily be doubled up to cover for two people if they were working and sticking together.
Nothing wrong with a GPS, but they can break, and its as well to be able to fall back on something a bit more basic.
In the end its down to personal choice, and I hold my hands up to being an old fart :-))
I'm planning a crack at the South Wales Traverse solo next year (76 miles with 31 peaks over 2,000ft). Not as much climb as BGR, but quite tusocky in places. The record is similar to the record for the BGR, but I'll be happy with 23:59!
Going to see how much of it I can do in 8hrs this November with fitness from KIMM training.
As for GPS - found a great use for it the other day when the batteries ran out on my headtorch - it's a waterproof spare battery holder!
Are the route details available on the web or in a book?
The route is basically from the west end of the Brecon Beacons, right across to Llanthony at the East of the Black Mountains.
I used the SWT Record as my source to work out a reasonable schedule.
There are a few reports of attempts you can find if you search for "South Wales Traverse" on the web.
You'll have to time your run so that strange pub in Llanthony is open when you finish!
Seriously, its another one on my list - all I need to do is get fit (hmmm.. slight problem there!)
I was a bit cocky - and came very unstuck. I'd like to have another stab at it.
If anyone wants a copy of my write up of the day then just contact me.
Paddy Buckley hopefully next, but that will have to be by luck and GPS as I simply dont have the free time to suss out first!
Sportsboy, that sounds like a great challenge, look forward to hearing about it. Love living in the Lakes but Wales comes a close second as a favourite.
That sounds like an awesome time Julian.
I'm planning to reccy the BG legs over the winter as part of long runs, then see how next spring goes...
Never had the battery fail in my compass.
Thanks for the alternative direction idea. However, I've tried the Black Mountains at night and found it didn't knock much speed off, and I really don't fancy the ankle breaking tussocks of Mynydd Du in the dark!
I know most of the route quite well as I run up there most weekends. The only bit I don't know at all is the long bridging section between the Pen y Fan group and the start of the Black Mountains - the bit you described as harder nav!
BoyWonder - What's this about the giblets????
ScarRunner - I'm jealous of you living in the Lakes! I spent the first 20yrs of my life not far away and spent lots of great weekends up there. 2 weeks in Keswick running up and down mountains this summer made me want to move house - just got to find a job! While on holiday we stumbled out of a pub on the night of Saturday 20 Aug and nearly got mowed down by 3 wild-eyed fellrunners. My girlfriend chased them to the Moot Hall and asked them had they just done BGR - yes 21hrs 40ish I seem to remember. As a result she's now totally inspired to do it in a couple of years time - at least that means plenty of weekends in the Lakes!