A near perfect event, and a prime example of why I'm still prepared to drive 200 miles for what, on paper, is just a sub-marathon distance walk. The Dales were as lovely as ever, with the early morning views across Semer Water to the golden Autumn leaves and snow-capped peaks beyond a joy to behold. Of course, the fact the we were blessed with sunshine for practically the whole walk didn't hurt, and neither did the excellent organisation.

The need to not just cross waterlogged fields but also ford icy mountain streams in full flow was an bracing change from the relatively tame conditions down South. A "chilling" preview of the course for next year's hundred, too, from the rumours I've heard.

Oh yes, the snow - there were a couple of inches on the stuff on top of Stake Fell! Not bad for November these days .....