My Most Memorable Adventures of 2023

I started 2023 by moving up to the Lake District so I guess it's no surprise that it has been an adventure heavy year! I feel mega lucky to have spent a lot of time outside this year, from wading through Lakeland bogs on the weekends and discovering new fave spots on my doorstep, to a van tour of Scotland and a trip to the Dolomites in search of bigger hills. It's been a mix of solo adventures and braving type 2 fun with some of my favourite people. A big improvement on 2022 which was full of injuries and just generally not my best year. 😅

Choosing my most memorable adventures of 2023 has been tough but I've finally narrowed it down my top 6…

My best run of the year: Plätzwiese and Dürrenstein

This Tour takes the top spot for my best day out of the year. It was a glorious day in the Dolomites, I got to discover Plätzwiese, a high Alpine meadow, and climb Dürrenstein AND meet my Dad for schnitzel and strudel and a beer mid-way through: THE DREAM! Had to abort the final part because the scree was too sketchy. But hey, is it really an adventure if you don't end up resorting to your plan B, C or D?

The perfect day: Longsleddale valley and Mardale Skyline in the Lakes

I mashed together a couple of routes from the Peak Bagging Wainwrights book to create this Tour, with the aim of getting a long run in while training for an ultra. It was Easter Saturday and it really did feel like spring was springing on my first trip to the Longsleddale valley. Great weather, insane views, a new fave place.

The Tour I’ve done the most: Cunswick Scar and Scout Scar near Kendal

Have a scroll through my profile and you'll see I've done variations on this tour a LOT this year. Although it's amazing having so many bigger fells just a short journey away from Kendal, I love being able to do this route from my doorstep. I’ve got so many happy memories plodding around Cunswick Scar and Scout Scar in rain and shine. I remember this one in particular, as it was basically the first time it had stopped raining for about a month.

The one that ended with a macaroni cheese pie: Cairn Toul and Braeriach traverse

I love Scotland for many reasons but the main one is that you can go for a big run and then eat a macaroni cheese pie. And this was a *BIG* run: nearly a marathon in length, 6,500 feet (2000 m) of ascent, multiple Munros ticked off and barely another soul seen all day. It felt somewhat remote at times, the sort of run that makes you realise how small you are. A cracking day out with four seasons in a day.

The most type 2 fun: Edale Skyline (minus Win Hill)

Torrential rain, strong winds and thick clag from start to finish on the Edale Skyline route. It wouldn't have been a fair representation of the year to only include the sunny days. A great morning out with Dad, even if we bailed on the final hill of the day to head down and go and get some delicious brunch from the Grasshopper Cafe in Hope. Zero regrets.

Going back in time: Windermere to Penrith via High Street

I wanted to do this route for ages and luckily got to tick it off in September with Kirsty. We followed the route of the old Roman road over High Street, all the way from Windermere to Penrith. Lots of history, great views and actually pretty runnable. 10/10 baked potato in Penrith at the end too.

What are your most memorable adventures of 2023? Share them with the hashtag #bestof2023komoot