24/08/2026
Today I completed the Gowbarrow Challenge.
The challenge:
Start at the Royal Dockray Hotel, climb Gowbarrow Fell taking in the views over Ullswater with Hellvelyn ridge in the distance (what’s not to like), take a selfie at the trig point for proof and posterity (what’s not to like), return to the hotel all whilst recording your time.
For this you receive a free pint (whats not to like) and the hotel donate £1 to the Patterdale Mountain Rescue team (what’s not to like).
The fastest time so far is 17 minutes 57 seconds! Mine - 1 hour 13 minutes and 34 seconds.
I don’t drink pints so will donate to anyone who makes a reasonable donation to The Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team.
The Royal Dockray Hotel https://royaldockray.co.uk/ is my favourite pub/ hotel in the lakes. The staff are friendly, wonderful and the chef excellent. It’s set in a tiny hamlet only 15 minutes from junction 40 of the M6 and has 12 spacious comfortable rooms so very quiet.
M xx