Re start time: I set off at 6:20 last year and arrived Hill Top Fm at 9:14 which puts pace at 14.5 m/m (ie. working on 12m) - it's more uphill to the Blue Bank crossing, so slower then but I reckon on around 10pm at Grosmont. So to make sure better set off at 6.00pm this year... chances of getting food at Station maybe pint and bed.. though slim - hence Priory Farm.
I think it's fair to say every man for himself through the lakes Dave... the shop in Patterdale is useful for me and new shed. puts me there (if I can bl**dy well stick to it!) at around 8.30 on day 4 (predicted pace - based on experience - just 2mph by now lol)
If that pitch is where I think it is it's not long after you join the Cleveland Way on way to Round Hill - I've noted a flat peaty area there down off the track...
I can imagine the horror of those steps - similar to my experience with Fleswick Bay - tame by daylight lol!
You must be getting quite excited now mate!
Got your ammended time for last attempt btw cheers

Cheers Mick,
That pitch going E - W IS just before Round Hill summit on your left, but not in a lower peaty area. If you look you will a small dug out pit, water filled, with a lot of its spoil piles up level more or less with the track and just before the water. I pitched on that spoil heap. It shows the water, if you look carefully and enlarge on some maps.
I am using Compeed cream twice a day on my feet to keep them moisturised and supple, I think it was Oldun that recommended it.
Dave.

LWM - the map also shows the lower/lower route just south of the River Swale.
This is accessed by crossing the bridge at Gunnerside, then following the river all the way to the suspension footbridge just before Reeth. This was my route on my first crossing but probably nothing Slogger would be interested in doing instead of the normal lower route. If someone had already walked the other two routes, this might be of interest. There is just a little tarmac involved and is quite scenic.

Thanks Gregg - I see that - looks like there could be fewer stiles too. From looking at the two routes highlighted on there I just noticed that my routes to date have used Skelgate Lane (from the Sch, f/path) but passing to the north of Riddings.
cheers
lwm

Booked in the Bay Hotel on Thursday night 21st April, for an early getaway Good Friday morning.
Long range weather forecast not too encouraging. Temps taking a dive and winds gathering. Looks like average daytime temps all the way across will be between 4 and 6 degrees, with wind chill, so may not bother taking shorts.
I'm not booking anymore work in for April, so I will have an extra two days if I want and need them, but want to be back home for the evening of Thursday 28th, at the latest.
There are a number of fell Runners doing it around the same time, E -w and W - E, one going for 4 days, two others for 5 days and a young Lady for 9 days, so I hope to bump into some of them en route.
Dave.

Good luck Dave,
Will look forward to seeing your progress on twitter.
Tom

Dave, on 28 April I will be passing Black Sail hut around 11 am on my way up Scarth Pass. You will probably have passed already but I will look for you anyway.
Best of luck to you.

Thanks guys,
Gregg, I will most likely already be home by then but you never know. My route takes me over Scarth Gap from Haystacks.
Take your woolies.
Dave.

got your tweet test this afternoon Dave - we're all going to be routing for you mate,
cheers
mick

Cheers Mick,
The temps I got from that website appear to be wrong, I thought they were well down. Looks the average daytime temp will be around 15 deg, so short might go afterall.
Taking my 28 Ltr Osprey instead, it just feels miles better than the OMM and I can almost get the same amount of gear in, but I am taking the OMMs short back pad sleep mat. Struggling to get below 18lbs inc 1 litre water.
Dave.