People are being invited to run or walk to fell running legend Joss Naylor’s funeral.
His funeral is set to be held at Wasdale Head, in St Olaf’s Church – and fell runners and walkers wishing to attend are being encouraged to travel on foot into the valley.
The Fell Runners Association has said plans are also in place for coordinated groups of runners and walkers to travel to the church.
When the hearse arrives, it is the family’s wish that all attendees walk in front of the cortege to lead Joss home, with those carrying club flags at the front to form a guard of honour.
Groups will be leaving from a number of road heads over various passes into the valley. It is up to individuals to determine their own start times and also think about their return journey.
Runners and walkers are asked to wear club colours and to carry club flags where possible – as it was Joss’ wish that his funeral should be a colourful celebration of his life.
On arrival to Wasdale Head, funeralgoers should make their way to Down in the Dale Bridge to meet the funeral cortege.
Those attending should aim to be in place between 12.30pm and 12.40pm and should be mindful not to block the narrow road.
St Olaf’s is the smallest parish church in England and admission will be by invite only.
Once the hearse arrives at the church, there will be a field for attendees to gather to listen to the service, which will be broadcast via a PA system.
Coordinated runs and walks are organised so far as follows:
Those starting at Boot Eskdale can park behind the Brook House Inn, where donations can be made to Joss’ charity. This is a distance of 8km, which is a one to two hour run or a two to three hour walk. This is being coordinated by Steve Wathall and Tim Ripper.
Attendees travelling from Langdale can park at Stool End Farm, where minimum £3 donations are accepted for the Great North Air Ambulance. This is a distance of 13.5km to Wasdale Head, which is a two to three hour run or a four to five hour walk. This is being coordinated by Ambleside AC.
People wishing to travel from Honister can park at Honister Slate Mine for £5. This is a distance of 8km and around a one to two hour run or a two to three hour walk. This is being organised by Darren Fishwick.
Anyone travelling from Seathwaite, Borrowdale can park at Seathwaite Farm for £5 per car. This is a distance of 7km and around a one to two hour run or a two to three hour walk. This is being organised by Carl Bell and Keswick AC.
Those travelling from Ennerdale can park at Bleach Green or Bowness Knott car park from 8am. It is also possible to cycle up the Ennerdale Valley to Black Sail Hut. This is a distance of 14km and a two to three hour run or a four to five hour walk. People are asked to meet at the tip of Black Sail Pass at 11.30. This is being organised by Cumberland Fell runners.
There will be very limited car parking at Wasdale Head for those unable to travel on foot. A field near the church will be made available.
People are asked to car share or use public transport where possible. The nearest toilet facilities are at Brackenclose National Trust Car Park.
Donations are also being accepted and will go to the Stroke Ward at West Cumberland Hospital.
To donate, visit: https://www.arhfuneraldirectors.com/donations/
