The first Cumbrian Galoppen event of the new year took place at Hawsw End on the west shore of Derwent Water on Sunday. Despite less than ideal weather there were nearly 200 participants, including 25 Border Liners. Early starters had the best (or may be that should be least bad) of it, but around 11:00 the intermittent drizzle turned to continuous rain with hints of sleet. Fortunately with the majority of the area being woodland there was some protection. The cake stall/tent at the end (raising funds for a junior trip to Norway) was much appreciated both for the hot drinks and the shelter it provided.
For an area never more than 600 m wide Hawse End is surprisingly challenging, both navigationally and physically. The planner did a good job, managing to fit it a Brown course of 9km which never felt repetitive. Shorter courses all produced correct winning times though there were also some very long times as competitors struggled with the very slippery slopes, muddy paths and generally sodden terrain
The event was organised by WCOC, but BL had involvement too with Isabel as the Controller and John printing the maps. It’s nice to be on good terms with our neighbours!
BL top 20% results came from:
Natalie Hawkrigg, 3rd on Green
Christine Goulding, 6th on Green
David Mainwaring, 19th on Green
Thomas Hartley, 3rd on Orange
For a bit of nostalgia, here is a video from an event at Hawse End in 2011 featuring a few BL members. It maybe 15 years old but it gives an excellent idea of what conditions were like last weekend.
The next Cumbrian Galoppen event is on 12th April at Silver Howe near Grasmere; it’s an excellent area of complex open fell and in April the bracken will be at it’s least annoying,
Border Liners Orienteering Club 