Ambleside café owner breaks Lake District running record

Gavin Dale, who runs the Force Café, regained his title on Tuesday for the 23 Before Tea fell running challenge, which is organised by the Elterwater Independent Hostel.

Gavin, who runs for Ambleside AC, flew round the route on a solo, unsupported run in five hours and 47 minutes, beating the previous fastest time set by Mark Burley just over a month ago.

He said: "It's a real pleasure to come back to the 23 Before Tea, almost a year since I first ran it.

"On Tuesday, I was fortunate to have the best conditions you could ask for, and it was just a fantastic day out in the fells."

The route includes some of the Lake District's most stunning vistas (Image: Cumbria PR)

Read more: Lake District café thanks community for promising first year 

The route for the challenge is not prescribed - runners just have to ensure they complete 23 tops that are in the Wainwrights guide.

Over the last couple of years, the round has been tackled by some of the top long-distance runners, with the record tumbling regularly.

Mark Burley's time of six hours and 34 minutes was set on October 18, which had shaved off eight minutes from the established record.

Having actually followed the same path as his predecessor, Gavin added: "I'm really happy to have got in under six hours following the now well-established route.

"Ground conditions were spot on, bit of snow on Fairfield but mostly it was the best you could ask for."

The distance was 46.43 km with 2,896 metres of climbing.

The route Gavin followed included Silver How, Blea Rigg, Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle,  Loft Crag, Pike of Stickle, Thunacar Knott, High Raise, and Sergeant Man.

This was followed by Tarn Crag, Calf Crag, Gibson Knott, Helm Crag, Nab Scar, Heron Pike,  Stone Arthur, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike,  Low Pike and Loughrigg.