FKT: Anna-Marie Watson - Limestone Link (UK) - 2020-07-26

Route variation
one-way
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Female
Style
Supported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
6h 29m 35s
GPS track(s)
Report

The Limestone Link FKT has been another delightful project enabling me to explore the English countryside on my doorstep. In the month preceding the FKT I recced the route with friends breaking the route into 15-20 km 'chunks' which meant I was familiar with the majority of the terrain. It's far more runnable than my usual Alpine mountain playground though the path varies from overgrown, paved roads to gravel tracks along the Kennet & Avon Valley canal. The weather was typical English summer which equates to overcast grey clouds & the odd passing shower. There had been a substantial amount of rain the day before (Saturday 25th July 2020) so the ground was slippy underfoot with mud. There was also a south westerly wind which meant I was running into a head wind for the majority of the day; except for when the terrain gave shelter. The route is downhill & pancake flat until the first climb up towards Monkton Combe which makes it tricky to pace & hold back reserves for the remainder of the route. The path winds past old disused overgrown canals & railway lines which is interesting to see the local history of the area. The route is sporadically marked with dedicated 'Limestone Link' signs though it can be easy to loose your way particularly in the vicinity of Compton Martin. I was supported by my partner & his friend who ran & cycled with me for the majority of the route & handed out refreshments along the way (Active Root, Veloforte bars, cinnamon bun, coffee, nuts & dried fruit).