I left my soul on the Mynd

Conquering the Long Mynd Valleys Fell Race

Nestled in the heart of the Shropshire Hills, the Long Mynd Valleys Fell Race stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of fell runners and the breathtaking landscapes that serve as their backdrop. This iconic race, spanning 11.5 miles and a mere 4300ft of rugged terrain, in the winter months of February, weaves through the picturesque Cardingmill Valley, challenging participants with its brutal climbs and rewarding them with awe-inspiring views at every turn.

The journey begins in the serene embrace of Cardingmill Valley, where lush greenery and babbling brooks, set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. For this race I have a full compliment of essential kit, full water proofs, extra thermal top, map, compass (os maps app, and gpx) whistle, hat, gloves, spare socks, first aid kit, 6 mountain fuel gels, and 1lt of water. This is all carried in an Inov8 2in1 race pac.  I’m wearing a hat, thermal base layer, leggings, 2in1 socks, and Inov8 mudclaws.

After a kit check, race brief, and some banter in the pen (where the runners are held in a group at the start, the timer shouts ‘GO’ and we all begin our adventure.

As runners traverse the valley floor, they are greeted by the harmonious symphony of nature, a tranquil respite before the arduous ascent that lies ahead.

Mentioned in Richard Askwith's book, "Feet in the Clouds," the Long Mynd Valleys Fell Race has etched its place in fell running history. Part of a double weekend, with the short and sharp Titterson Clee fell race taking part on the Saturday for those who want to challenge themselves even further.

Askwith's vivid accounts capture the essence of the race, portraying it as a crucible of determination and a celebration of the human spirit against the backdrop of the rugged Shropshire landscape which would challenge even the best that the Lake District had to offer.

As runners embark on their journey, a few hundred meters they are immediately greeted by the formidable challenge of "The Batch," a relentless ascent that sets the tone for the grueling climbs to come. Down into Long Batch I already find myself on my backside as the wet weather from the few days before have made the ground very slippery under foot.  From there, the course winds its way through paths and rough terrain until you enter the top end of the valley which later becomes Ashes Hollow, and a leg burning climb to "Round Hill," you then traverse the rugged terrain to "Callow Hollow" and all the way to "Windy Batch”. Here its essential to fuel and take on water, depleted of energy and lactic acid in the tired legs, this terrain is unforgiving and not allowing any time to recover.  Thankfully a clear but cold day allows simple navigation, but good lines down the hills are tricky if you are not a regular on these hills. So far so good, and the volunteer marshals have been fantastic.

Before we know it, although a few hours in, and I find myself confronted with the daunting slopes of "Grindle" and a 500ft climb in the space of 1/4 km which turns in to a slog, high heart rate and legs feeling like lead!! Once at the top we then descend to "Ashes Hollow." Legs like jelly and still a bigger challenge to come.

Perhaps the most notorious of all climbs is the dreaded "Yearlet," a merciless incline that pushes runners to their limits, testing their resolve with each painstaking step. Many lines can be taken here, straight up the nose, along the right of the valley and up, or all the way to the end of the valley and a less steep but longer climb. I opt for the side of the hill, and on tired legs brings a relentless and consistent flow of lactic acid to the legs, heart and lungs.

It is in these moments of struggle that the true spirit of the race shines brightest, as runners draw upon their inner reserves of strength and determination to conquer the mountainous terrain.

As the race reaches its crescendo, runners are rewarded with the exhilarating descent of "Devilsmouth Hollow," a breathtaking and runnable finale that offers a glimpse of the finish line amidst the stunning Shropshire landscape. With gravity as their ally, runners navigate the treacherous terrain with skill and precision, fueled by the sheer exhilaration of the moment. This offers some moments of skiing in the mud as you slip and slide to the bottom of the hill, then, just as your body is done, a stream and a cheeky short climb to the finish, which even had 3rd place Jack Agnew experiencing cramp.

In Conclusion The Long Mynd Valleys Fell Race is more than a mere test of endurance; it is a journey of self-discovery amidst some of nature's most breathtaking scenery. From the tranquil beauty of Cardingmill Valley to the unforgiving climbs, exhilarating descents, navigation and fuelling, each step is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul. As runners cross the finish line, they carry with them not only the triumph of victory but also the enduring memories of a race unlike any other.

Congratulations to Daniel Connolly who came first in 1hr 39min, and Sara Willhoit in 1hr 57, but also Kevin Allerton who finished in 4hr 10min. 138 finishers, and an age range from senior to age category 70.

I myself finished in 3hrs 14, quite slow compared to previous LMV races, but on the back of a very tiring training week at work, and not been ‘fell’ fit, this was my first proper fell race in a good few years. I went into this with the mindset of it been a training run in preparation for the Malvern Hills Ultra I am running in May, and I learnt a lot about myself and my kit, more positive than negative.

A final note to Robin Bacon the race organiser, well done, you have created a new route for the LMV which is more notorious than previous, and if you do get chance to find my soul, I left it on the Mynd somewhere between Grindle and Yearlet! I’ll be back next year, thank you.