R*n 253: Staveley

On arrival at the Eagle and Child, it was very clear that we were going to be in the minority. 100 gathered - young, fit, male and female athletes pondering over their plans for the evening - while we 7 struggled to bend over to tie our laces and affix our torches. The Kukri Sportswear conference being held at the pub for the whole week seemed to think we were an orienteering club of some sort – which I guess we are! Anyway while they were still pondering – we were off... setting a fine example by at least all running in the same direction to start with.

We were soon off road – and into Craggy Wood – torches definitely required (despite Feels on Wheels’ initial doubts!). Good team work and lots of shouting kept us all together and safe from the trip hazards underfoot. It was immediately obvious that this r*n will be worth repeating in the daylight. We made our way to the top of the hill – only to find that we should not have been there – but had to keep Tarty Totty company. Trail was eventually picked up down a steep embankment.. and we arrived at the Orange stop – as we are not Asian we ate them instead of throwing them in the river – as is traditional on the final day of Chinese New Year.

Bubbles – fit to bust on Jammy dodgers- led the way – up the track back on to the fell for the next section – by this time Harry had picked up the scent of the hare and was faultless in his choice of direction – note to Bubbles – give the dog the torch next time! The newly weds ran over a double arrow right turn, through an estate and Railway hotel and on inn.

Short DD session – Highway and Tarty Totty, as the pub beckoned.

Several pints and 40 quiz questions later we left the convivial atmosphere of the Eagle and Child – promising some of the regulars to return and help with their quiz in the future and to buy the map of Lakeland Pub Stops on sale in this fine establishment.