Carry on Camping

It was a weekend where the weather forecast would not have left Noah and his Ark out of place. With biblical levels of wind and rain predicted for Friday and Sunday, and only a brief window of dry weather for Saturday, a gang of brave and intrepid Good Gymers, plus special guests and two furry friends ventured west to the English alps, aka Wasdale, Cumbria.

In true British style, Friday's barbecue was attended in drizzle but spirits were not dampened. With more cake than even the Good Gymers could eat, everyone ate their fill and retired to bed, happily sated.

Saturday dawned to pouring rain and despite Egg’s best efforts to command an early bird fell trot, the team remained in bed. Finally rising to join carriages, two by two of course; Noah wouldn't have it any other way, the team headed to Muncaster Castle park run. A stunning circuit three times around the castle with the mountains as backdrop made it easy to ignore the slightly undulating course.

A swift brekkie at the Ravenglass steam railway cafe, then with one team returning to camp for a hike and another venturing out on a big hill run to help Nikki in her training for her ultra in a month's time.

As if by magic, the clouds parted and, even though the wind was strong, a fine day was had by all. The hike turned out to be a little more exciting than expected and Matt’s attempts at turning the hill run into a pub crawl was thwarted by… well, a lack of pubs. However, the Wasdale Head Inn did provide a welcome pint and a nice bowl of chips.

The previous evening's heavy rain had left some sporting rivers where rivers should not have been. Washing the hill run mud from our legs and sweat from our eyes in the fresh mountain water was super refreshing!

An early dinner at the Strands Inn & Brewery in Nether Wasdale was enjoyed by all. Pie, both veggie and non-veggie, appeared to be the highlights. Plus a delightful cheese and ale dipping starter - novel and truly delicious!

And as the rain once again set in it was simple to decide. “Oh, go on then… Just one more pint until the rain stops! “

Sunday's heavy rain and high winds meant a retreat back to York for many. Difficult muddy vehicle exits for the camper vans made for some sliding fun leaving the camping field.

Of course, a Good Gym weekend wouldn't be complete without at least one good deed. A quick scour of the site for any litter ensued, followed by breakfast at the Sawmill cafe. This breakfast might well be worth Michelin stars, if nothing else but for its setting inside an old, still functioning, watermill… this weekend with a lot of water!

A brief attempt at a clifftop run at St Bees turned out to be too much. But that gave a good excuse to head inland to the fleecy outdoor kit dens of Keswick and a run along the old railway lines.

All in all, a fantastic weekend that not even the weather could ruin. Good outdoors fun, great food and wonderful company. Roll on January and our next Lakeland trip to Helvellyn…