NAV4 LiAD Recce - Ambleside to Cartmel

LiAD Recces

NAV4 provide the official Lakes in a Day (LiAD) recce programme and the Mountain Safety Team for the event. The programme runs across seven dates through the year and is arranged in a logical progression based on distance, height gain and likely weather. Participants can attend single days or multiple days to prepare for the event in October.

Key sections with distances:

• 21 March Ambleside to Cartmel - about 22 miles
• 16 May Caldbeck to Threlkeld - about 12 miles
• 11 July Helvellyn to Ambleside - about 15 miles

The Ambleside to Cartmel day covers the final section of the course on relatively flatter trail terrain; navigation is generally easy but can be prone to small mistakes. Caldbeck to Threlkeld crosses rough, remote grassy trods with large areas of free route choice, river fording and sections that include the ascent of Blencathra and the Hallsfell Ridge descent, with about 4,000 feet of ascent. The Helvellyn to Ambleside day covers the central high section including Helvellyn, Nethermost, Dollywagon Pike, the Grisedale Tarn descent and the steep Fairfield ascent, with access to the range via Sticks Pass.

Skills on The Dodds is a circular recce and skills day from Threlkeld focusing on Clough Head and Great Dodd and navigation towards Sticks Pass. Caldbeck to Threlkeld is offered on a second date. Hallsfell Skills Sessions are half day morning or afternoon sessions based in Threlkeld.

Each recce is guided by two or more experienced recce leaders with a maximum guide to participant ratio of 1:8. Groups split by natural pace. Free minibus transport is provided from finish to start on the Ambleside to Cartmel and Caldbeck to Threlkeld recce days and the Helvellyn to Ambleside day uses a public bus service. Recce days include practical advice on clothing, footwear, kit carriage, food and drink, navigation, route choice and event strategy. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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