R*n 166: Alston

Run 166 began from the Youth Hostel at 11am and began towards the South Tyne where the first check gave an option of going down river to Slaggyford or up river towards Garrigill. The Septic pull of Garrigill was so strong that we ran half way to Garrigill along the river bank, stopping mid-way at a footbridge next to a huge fallen tree, then back along the other bank with a few false trails up into the woods all around. Nobody wanted to go to Slaggyford for some reason!

The day began fine and dry for a change so the run was a first class cure for hangovers and an incentive to return to Alston in a warmer season.

After the run and a few more down downs we sadly left Alston to return home over the snow covered passes, with Cross Fell still hiding its head in the cloud.