King of the Fells. Iron man. Lake District fell running legend. Joss Naylor is all of these things and more. His achievements are astounding. His records stand the test of time. In 1983 he completed the 105-mile Lakes, Meres and Waters (LMW) route in a staggering 19hr 14min and, to this day, describes it as one of the best routes he ever ran. High praise indeed, and yet, so few know of it.
Part guidebook, part inspirational regaling, this book interweaves tales of past and present as Naylor reflects on his 1983 epic on a re-walk 37 years later. In the company of award-winning author Vivienne Crow, Naylor recalls that magical day, sharing stories and anecdotes from not just his run but the 1980s fell running scene, his working life and growing up in the Wasdale Valley.
Together with breathtaking photography, Naylor’s tales are accompanied by introductory guide notes for the LMW route, sticking as closely to his 1983 run as possible. These notes divide the route into ten stages (ranging from 9 to 14 miles), allowing runners and walkers to follow in the footsteps of the King of the Fells, albeit on a more relaxed schedule. From Loweswater to Over Water, visiting 27 of the Lake District’s largest bodies of water, the LMW route guarantees vistas of unparalleled beauty and an unforgettable experience in true fell country.
