Читать книгу Trail and Fell Running in the Lake District. 40 runs in the National Park including classic routes онлайн

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Passing the intake wall on High Pike (Route 3)

Mountain environment

The fells of the Lake District might seem hardy and able to weather the test of time, but the landscape is exceptionally fragile and prone to damage. Path erosion often leaves huge scars across the mountains, visible from afar, and the upland plants and wildlife exist in a tough and marginal ecozone, where any impact is magnified. In many ways runners are the mountain user group that uses the fells with the lowest impact, carrying the least and wearing the most lightweight footwear. Having said this, fell running often strays from the pitched paths and obvious trails, so we must be careful to try and ‘leave nothing but our stud marks’ on the summits.

When setting out on a mountain run, pack your bag carefully so that no litter can fall out. Ensure that any trash is stashed in a pocket, to be put in litter bins down in the valley floor. There’s nothing more infuriating than seeing used gels or bar wrappers in the fells, as it is obvious which community left them. Having said this, on the whole mountain runners are a most diligent and caring mountain user group, and it’s no bad thing to set the best example. Shut gates, do not climb over dry stone walls, and follow the countryside code (www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code).