NORMAN’S OVERNIGHTER

START/FINISH: Vicinity of Wasdale Hall; alternately Nether Wasdale

Distance 21km/13 miles

Ascent 1466m/4809ft

Time 6-8 hours

Norman’s route formed a loose horseshoe of the Greendale, Nether Beck and Over Beck system that drains the Ennerdale watershed to the north shore of Wast Water. It’s fine, wild country, with rocky tors, deeply incised valleys and a trio of tarns bejewelling the hollows. To perhaps three generations of fell runners, this is hallowed ground, being the backyard of the legendary Joss Naylor. At a slightly less legendary pace, Norman took in six Wainwrights along the way. He could have added Middle Fell, Caw Fell, Steeple or even Pillar given more time. There is some straightforward scrambling on Yewbarrow, but otherwise the terrain is straightforward.