Steve Parr Round – Solo Unsupported - 24th June 2024
Inspired initially by John Fleetwood’s tales of long solo adventures, my own 2011 BG, then a solo unsupported BG, along with other outings. A solo unsupported effort linking the 61 summits over 2500ft in the Lake District seemed a logical round, originated by Steve Parr in the 1980’s.
Despite a wet start to summer, then typically British weather ‘event’ was about to occur, with a ‘heat warning’ issued to coincide with my 0500hrs Moot Hall start. My plan was to carry bivi kit & a stove in order to get a few hours decent sleep over the 72 hours I had scheduled. Mingma Sherpa managed 69 hours 2mins in 2023 (the first solo unsupported effort), so this gave me an additional aim. Clockwise from Keswick over the northern fells and then south along the Dodds, ascending St Sunday Crag from Grisedale. It was a glorious day with a welcome breeze on the tops. Dropping off to Hartsop hamlet, the heat built and I wilted. Over those eastern fells, I turned back towards Kirkstone and bivi’d near Scandale Tarn. Hot food & brews followed by 3 hours kip and I was off well before first light. Over Fairfield, through Grasmere and the long pull up Wetherlam on what didn’t resemble much of a trod.
Coniston tops accomplished, down to Three Shires Stone and into the central fells. The ascent of High Raise followed by a direct line to Glaramara, uphill through bracken took longer than expected. Another 3 hours sleep was enjoyed near EskHause, the last spot for water, then a 2.30am start, over the Scafells, then Gables via the Corridor route. With plenty of water now been carried, over Pillar, Haycock and into the oven known as Ennerdale. Not so quick ascent of High Stile and then the torture of passing folk enjoying ice creams and scones at Buttermere café. I got in the river. A thankful breeze on the Grassmoor Fells and I was now looking forward to completing before dark. A nice run off Grisedale Pike and through Portinscale into Keswick, with a final shuffle up the main street of Keswick to the infamous Hall, 63 hours and 17 minutes since I last touched that door. Much of that time was spent considering upcoming water source locations. Foot care was a priority, so I was pleased to have no feet issues, which I think was due to them getting several hours of fresh air to properly dry out whilst sleeping.
An excellent 116 miles over the 61 summits - solo unsupported efforts come highly recommended and pack an extra dimension to any adventure.