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Joss Naylor's Lakes, Meres and Waters of the Lake District

Loweswater to Over Water: 105 miles in the footsteps of a legend

In 1983, the legendary Joss Naylor completed the little-known 105-mile Lakes, Meres and Waters route in a staggering 19hr 14min. This book interweaves tales of past and present as Naylor regales his 1983 epic on a re-walk 37 years later. Sure to inspire, it includes practical information for those looking to complete the route themselves.

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.
ISBN
9781786310873
Availability
Published
Published
7 Sept 2021
Reprinted
23 Nov 2021
Edition
First
Pages
160
Size
24.00 x 22.00 x 1.25cm
Weight
710g
Overview

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.

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Vivienne Crow Cicerone author CROW

By Vivienne Crow

Vivienne is an award-winning freelance writer and photographer specialising in travel and the outdoors. A journalist since 1990, she abandoned the constraints of a desk job on regional newspapers in 2001 to go travelling. On her return to the UK, she decided to focus on the activities she loves the most - hill-walking, writing, travelling and photography. Based in north Cumbria, she has put her intimate knowledge of northern England to good use, writing more than a dozen popular walking guidebooks. She also contributes to a number of regional and national magazines, including several regular walking columns. Vivienne is a member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild. 

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By Joss Naylor

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