"Keswick does have one unquestionable advantage over its rivals: the miraculous ring of mountains that encircles it. Steep, rough, green and large, these are generally acknowledged as classic fell-running hills. And the most spectacular of them all, with the biggest bottom-to-top ascent, is Skiddaw." - Richard Askwith, Feet in the Clouds
Fell running is one of the most exhilarating ways to explore the Lakes. It is also surprisingly easy.
As long as you are capable of running for a few miles, then you will find fell running very accessible. Although it is extremely good training for flat running, the real joy is the sheer excitement of running on the hills. It is guaranteed to bring a new sense of purpose to repetitive training runs on the pavements and tarmac of towns and cities. If you are new to fell running and find the hill ascents challenging, then there is an easy solution when it gets too steep: just walk.
If you like running in groups, then get in touch with the local and welcoming running club, Keswick Athletic Club.
For more hardy fell runners, there are regular races in the area shown on the Fell Runners' Association website. The Keswick half-marathon, with its incredibly scenic route around Derwentwater, is in May 2008 and the Derwentwater trail race is in September.
If you prefer running on your own, then the fells are your oyster.
As with any sport on the mountainside, it is always sensible to let somebody know where you are intending to go, and to take appropriate equipment.
Borrowdale House is also equipped with two essential pieces of equipment for fell runners: a washing machine and a hot shower!
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Borrowdale House, Keswick - self-catering holiday cottage accommodation for up to eight people in the Lake District