Knowledge base

Paul Abbott outlines key info you need to know about the LCC and X-Lakes 2026 If you are taking part in the LCC and X-Lakes 2026, please join the Telegram group - follow the link in the email you've received from Paul. This is a general briefing for the LCC and X-Lakes 2026. It covers: Admin instructions Flying in the Grasmere valley Landing Zones and hazards Campsite rules The field at Grasmere Sports this year is open to camp from lunchtime on Wednesday 17 June. Registratio

This is the fourth and last video in a series, called FOLLOWING TOM. It is a series of "reconnaissance" or training videos for the 2026 X-Lakes, based on trying to repeat the most tricky sections of Tom Hodgkin's run & fly Bob Graham round in June 2024. In this video, I learn about the "Scafell to Yewbarrow" section, focused on finding a takeoff in the rocky scramble of Scafell summit and then flying over the back to the 4km glide to Yewbarrow. The terrain here is technical a

This video is the third in a series, called FOLLOWING TOM. It is a series of "reconnaissance" or training videos for the 2026 X-Lakes, based on trying to repeat the most tricky sections of Tom Hodgkin's run & fly Bob Graham round in June 2024. In this video, I try to repeat the "Northern Fells" section, focused on getting over the back to the quagmire of Great Calva, via Skiddaw and Blencathra. The conditions were strange. Nil wind walking up Jenkin (Skiddaw) which suddenly b

This video is the second in a series, called FOLLOWING TOM. It is a series of "reconnaissance" or training videos for the 2026 X-Lakes, based on trying to repeat the most tricky sections of Tom Hodgkin's run & fly Bob Graham round in June 2024. In this video, I try to repeat the Grisedale Tarn section: Dollywaggon Pike Fairfield Seat Sandal Steel Fell The wind was light NW: not ideal. I'm flying a secondhand Phi SOLA GT, and an Advance Easiness 3. As ever there was huge sink

This video is the first in a series, called FOLLOWING TOM. It is a series of "reconnaissance" or training videos for the 2026 X-Lakes, based on trying to repeat the most difficult sections of Tom Hodgkin's run & fly Bob Graham round in June 2024. For the 2026 X-Lakes, race director John Westall has said that the 2-day event will be based broadly on the Bob Graham round, as a race to goal. We don't know the exact rules yet, or the turn points that John will set. These details

Wainwright-bagging around the "skyline" of Grasmere valley For the hike & flyers out there, here is a short video about Wainwright-bagging around the "skyline" of Grasmere valley. This task is always different. There are almost infinite variations on this easy route, depending on the weather.

Jocky Sanderson on flying the Lake District. A deep dive on topography, sea breeze vs convergence, and tactics that will help XC pilots in the Lakes who are aiming for long distances