Countrystride #64: JOSS NAYLOR

…in which we head to Wasdale in the company of farmer, fell runner and Lakeland royalty Joss Naylor to discuss his legendary 1983 ‘Lakes, Meres and Waters’ run. In a wander onto the slopes of Buckbarrow – a patch of ground Joss has nurtured over decades – we discuss his 105-mile ‘day of magic’ run from Loweswater to Over Water whose time has never been bettered; we talk about the Iron Man's lifelong love of Wasdale; we recall a childhood of perilous school commutes and terrifying operations; we consider the healing properties of Guinness; we take a crash-course in Herdwick contraception... and we learn why a love of Lakeland solitude is key to his achievements as a long-distance runner.

• 'Joss Naylor's Lakes, Meres and Waters of the Lake District' is published by Cicerone. You can find it here. It comes highly recommended.

• Thanks to co-author Viv Crow for walking and talking with us on the podcast. Viv can be found on Twitter at https://twitter.com/viviennecrow

Joss at one of the many folds he has restored.

King of the Hills: Joss Naylor in front of his one-time retirement home in Greendale.

Joss and Viv Crow - co-author of the book - beside Greendale Beck..

Shepherds' fold on the slopes of Buckbarrow.

Dave, Joss and one of Joss's rowans.

Low Greendale. Where Joss's grandparents once lived. The walls have been heightened by Joss.

Clearing the brackens.

Joss, Mark, Viv.