The subtle art of fellrunning in 31-degree heat: plan a route as a dot-to-dot of tarns. One summit, three swims, dozens of dragonflies.
Norman Hadley
@normanhadley.bsky.social
Fell runner, wild camper, writer.
You might not think you need a history of fisticuffs among early 19th Century Nottinghamshire weavers, but this is an utterly electrifying listen. open.spotify.com/episode/3kXK...
The Luddites – Rage Against the Machine
Origin Story · Episode
open.spotify.com
Just been out for a walk on the softly-lit towpath with my wife, and thoughts turned inevitably to this miniature masterpiece.
@muirneag.bsky.social · last yr.'July Evening' by Scottish poet Norman MacCaig Published in 'The Poems of Norman MacCaig', ed. Ewen MacCaig (Polygon, 2011)
Ultralighting on Yr Wyddfa and the Glyderau. A good teeter over the Crib Goch pinnacles in a feisty crosswind and a camp high on Glyder Fawr conjured from the 5L race vest.
Sweltering run today, up Mill Gill, a quick dook in Stickle Tarn, then up Jack's Rake for Pavey Ark and Harrison Stickle, descending via Dungeon Ghyll. Humidity was so bad that even the wet tee shirt trick didn't work - I just ended up running while soaked in water from a reasonably hot bath.
The word "unforgivable" exists in our vocabulary precisely for situations like this. What a permanent stain of shame on every single person who advocated or voted for this folly.
Farrukh@implausibleblog.bsky.social · last mo.10 years ago, after narrowly winning the referendum, Boris Johnson confessed, "We didn't have a plan for what to do next" "We didn't think it was our job to have a plan" 10 years later, Brexit continues to be a disaster
can’t believe a narcissist is being so publicly humiliated by a reflecting pool
How to pack a *lot* into 26 Lakeland kilometres, without even visiting any summits. www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/in...
I've been venturing into the Dales as an alternative to the Lakes, finding some real gems. www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/des...
Unsung Yorkshire Dales: 11 Obscure Fells You Should Climb
There's far more to Yorkshire hillwalking than the cliches of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent. Norman Hadley ventures east of the M6 and far from the Three Peak crowds to seek out some...
ukhillwalking.com
Who's been writing about the Lakes again? *points at self with thumbs* www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/in...
ROUTECARD: The Lakeland Passes - Central Fells
To cross the Central Fells is to pass between worlds. Between the glittering, coniferous waters of Thirlmere and the nibbled swards of Borrowdale lie wild acres of tussocky moorland, waiting to be...
ukhillwalking.com
I completely agree with Marjorie Taylor Greene is a sentence I never thought I would ever write.
Given space to enthuse about a hill that has meant a great deal to me for nearly half a century. And counting. www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/des...
Serial Summits - Helvellyn, A Lifelong Love Affair
Having first teetered across Striding Edge aged just nine, Norman Hadley has made regular ascents of Helvellyn ever since. Whether running, walking, mountaineering, bivvying or biking, it's a...
ukhillwalking.com
An attempt to manifest Summer with a tour of a Cumbrian plateau scattered with butterflies. 🦋 🦋 🦋 www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/in...
ROUTECARD: Orton Scar
This high limestone plateau separates the upper Lune valley from the headwaters of the Lyvennet, a tributary of the Eden. You won't find any one outstanding summit to focus the eye here, but...
ukhillwalking.com
If you ask why I love mountains, I might randomly drop the word chiaroscuro: the contrast of light and shade. Here are two moments from this afternoon, just an hour apart.
Epic battles of nature, part 2354. Driving across a Lancashire moor, a tumbling mass of feathers resolves itself into a kestrel and barn owl, talons locked, arguing over prey. They land in the heather, with much yickering and the owl eventually yields.
Gnarly conditions on the Kentmere fells, with snow deep enough to stand the bike up in. Pretty blooming marvellous.
St Peter is going to have some fascinating conversations with Trump voters at the Pearly Gates. "So, it took you over a decade to realise this guy was an asshole? Interesting. Go through that side door and my colleague Nick will greet you. See how long it takes you to judge *his* character."
Sir Ian McKellen performing a monologue from Shakespeare’s Sir Thomas More on the Stephen Colbert show. Never have I heard this monologue performed with such a keen sense of prescience. Nor have I ever been in this exact historical moment.TY Sir Ian, for reaching us once again. #Pinks #ProudBlue
I've been route-setting in them thar hills again. www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/in...
ROUTECARD: Ullscarf, High Tove and Armboth Fell from Thirlmere
On a dry or hard-frozen day the central ridge of Lakeland is a delight, with easy miles of turf, and panoramic views across pretty much the whole district. Rather than just treating Ullscarf as a...
ukhillwalking.com
Sometimes, I love the internet. In the right forum, you can raise an incredibly niche mystery, and get all sorts of knowledgeable folk chipping in, linking Gàidhlig, French, Bengali and stonemasonry. www.ukhillwalking.com/forums/hill_...
UKH Forums - Why would there be a Gaelic monastery in Lancashire?
ukhillwalking.com
When you're out running solo on the fells, wondering if the Savage Beast that took this animal is still around. Size 10 Mudtalons for scale.
