King of the Fells. Iron man. Lake District fell running legend. Joss Naylor is all of these things and more. His achievements are astounding, his records stand the test of time. In 1983 he completed the 105-mile Lakes, Meres and Waters (LMW) route in a staggering 19hr 14min and to this day, describes it as one of the best routes he ever ran. High praise indeed and yet, so few know of it.

Part guidebook, part inspirational regaling, this book interweaves tales of past and present as Naylor reflects on his 1983 epic on a re-walk 37 years later. In the company of award-winning author, Vivienne Crow, Naylor recalls that magical day, sharing stories and anecdotes from, not just his run, but the 1980s fell running scene, his working life and growing up in the Wasdale Valley.

Naylor's tales, together with breathtaking photography, are accompanied by basic guide notes for the LMW route, sticking as closely to his 1983 run as possible. These notes divide the route into ten stages (ranging from 9 to 14 miles), allowing runners and walkers to follow in the footsteps of the King of the Fells, albeit on a more relaxed schedule. From Loweswater to Over Water, visiting 27 of the Lake District's largest bodies of water, the LMW route guarantees vistas of unparalleled beauty and an unforgettable experience in true fell country.

Map Key

Overview map

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION

Chapter 1 Loweswater to Ennerdale

Chapter 2 Ennerdale to Eskdale Green

Chapter 3 Eskdale Green to Dunnerdale

Chapter 4 Dunnerdale to Coniston

Chapter 5 Coniston to Skelwith Bridge

Chapter 6 Skelwith Bridge to Troutbeck

Chapter 7 Troutbeck to Haweswater

Chapter 8 Haweswater to Glenridding

Chapter 9 Glenridding to Keswick

Chapter 10 Keswick to Over Water

Appendix A Marshals and split times for Joss’s 1983 LMW

Appendix B Glossary of dialect terms and topographical features

Appendix C The 27 lakes, meres and waters

Appendix D Route summary table

Appendix E Some of Joss’s challenge runs

Seasons

Joss completed the route in June. Walkers and runners should be able to follow in his footsteps all year round, but be prepared for snow and ice in winter.

Centres

Route: Loweswater - Buttermere - Ennerdale - Wasdale - Eskdale Green - Seathwaite (Dunnerdale) - Coniston - Skelwith Bridge - Ambleside - Troutbeck - Kentmere - Haweswater - Hartsop - Glenridding - Keswick - Over Water

Difficulty

The route covers a range of terrain, including valley paths, high passes and some rough, pathless fell sections. It also visits a couple of summits. No special equipment is needed, although map and compass skills are essential. Sections range from 9 miles (14.5km) to 13.9 miles (22.4km).

Must See

The Lake District's 27 lakes, meres and waters - Loweswater, Crummock Water, Buttermere, Ennerdale Water, Wastwater, Devoke Water, Goat's Water, Low Water, Levers Water, Coniston Water, Esthwaite Water, Elter Water, Grasmere, Rydal Water, Windermere, Skeggles Water, Kentmere Reservoir, Small Water, Blea Water, Haweswater, Hayeswater, Brothers Water, Ullswater, Thirlmere, Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake and Over Water.

We do not yet have any updates available for this book

We are always grateful to readers for information about any discrepancies between a guidebook and the facts on the ground. If you would like to send some information to us then please use our contact form. They will be published here following review by the author(s).

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.