The “alternative” run took place from Fairholmes and in true warting fashion, went straight up the bank through the brambles etc. up to a firebreak above Lockerbrook and into Alport Grain. It was about this time that we realised that we had a nice runner, who was probably a brilliant road runner but hadn’t expected the typical Westgatian/Berzins line up the hills!(I stand corrected at the pub last night, that it was actually Clive Last who devised this obscure route but it still had all the hallmarks of the aforesaid TW and BB!) Ah well at least he’ll know what to expect next time (let’s hope there is a next time!). From here up to Alport Castles and down a bowel-clenching drop to the pond, which at this time of year is just dilute cow shite. However, this didn’t deter two foolish people, namely Ben and Dave McG, who stripped off and swam through the ordure. They were duly shunned for the rest of the run (what has four legs and flies? Answer: Dave and Ben!). An interesting contour line which most had not done before and then back up to the edge. The usual split in opinions and lines occurred here, with the heartier souls opting for the direct line and the more sensible runners opting for a a good blast downhill. As we all arrived back at roughly the same time, we can safely say that there was “nowt in it”.
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