Monday, October 8, 2012

David Hawcrofts trip to Kielder


Recently did a marathon distance trail race in the UK (The Kielder Water Marathon) and I highly recommend it as a real challenge but a great event to do. It uses fine gravel, sand and pine needle off-road tracks around a huge reservoir in the National Park near Newcastle, UK. Fairly hard going since it is relentlessly up/down over mini-hills (and some not so mini), with a few stiff switch-backs for 'walkies'. The average time of the first five finishers was 2hr 52 which indicates the terrain. The event was made by good weather but also by fabulous scenery; regular views across a huge glittering lake, trails through mature conifer, beach and birch forests, buzzards, herons, the lot - magic. They also have a 10K and a duathlon the day before, and the course is ideal for mountain biking so it would make a great family break; and Newcastle itself is well worth a visit.

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