FKT: Lucy Starbuck Braidley - Lambourn Valley Way - 2022-10-01

Route variation
Standard route
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Female
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
4h 22m 20s
GPS track(s)
Photos
Report

The run went well from the start and according to my plan.

I carried my nutrition and hydration with me in my pack - as it was a relatively short run (in FKT terms!). I did pack a filter bottle in case I needed further hydration from the river itself on route but it was an overcast day, so the liquid I carried was sufficient. I used veloforte and precision hydration fuel which worked well.

The first stretch over the lambourn downs was quite windy but the views made the going easy and enjoyable. This route does not seem to be well used as I only saw a few other people on the trails during the attempt.Some aprts were quite overgrown with stinging nettles, but passable.

Although quite short in length the route is varied, at times travelling over downland, race horse gallops, through villages, alongside woodland and, at one point as you near Newbury, alongside a vineyard. At time you run alongside the river lambourn, which was dry in parts after droughts in the summer.

The final stretch from Speen down into Newbury I started to tire but new I was on the home run, I ran past the Speen Ladywell, where local people leave offerings, down through a beautiful church yard and finally onto the tow path of the kennet and avon canal, which I followed into Newbury and the end of the trail.