The best laid plans....

For more years than I can remember, so long it is now almost a tradition, brother Ed and myself have enjoyed a run from the Old Dungeon Ghyll hotel in Langdale to Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England, on the morning of Easter Saturday.

It all began so we could dash back to Horwich do the Pike race and then have the satisfaction of having done two Pikes in one day. It was a silly idea in the first place and after several years it has become a harder challenge each time and times have slowed -- but a tradition is a tradition and to break it might make old age a little nearer.

It was an achievement we kept much to ourselves for some time, but eventually word got out and more and more people have come to question our sanity.

Making the round trip to the Lakes and back in time for the 3 o'clock race has become increasingly hectic and our start times have had to come forward to accommodate our schedule.

And so, following an early alarm call, a meeting at the Hob Inn followed by a dash up the motorway, we were on our way to Rossett Ghyll by 8.15.

All was straightforward until just past Angle Tarn where we entered low cloud and visibility of less than 50 yards. A couple of early walkers were encountered who said they were heading for Scafell Pike and after consulting their map said they were on the right path. Alarm bells were soon ringing; the path was not right. By the time we had established our true position an already tight schedule demanding a steady pace was in disarray and at Esk Hause we had to admit that the first Pike of the day was not going to be achieved.

Heading back to the Dungeon Ghyll we passed the usual Easter hordes making their way up into the clouds. Hopefully they had better success than we did.

A quick dash back down the M6 and we were back at Horwich with minutes to spare. And from then on it was off with the gloves and sibling rivalry was back on the menu. Ed was off to a good start and was ahead until just past the school where he lost ground taking a short cut. I could hear his voice not far behind as we climbed to the tower and was waiting for him to come storming past on the descent. This he did as we exited the last field and he stayed ahead until we hit the road.

Once I had my nose in front the result was not in doubt and I stayed ahead to win by eight seconds.

So the day was only a partial success and probably means we have no option but to try again next year (and no doubt the year after).