Would-be fell runners who found taking up the sport daunting have found a home on the hills thanks to beginner-friendly sessions.

Cumberland Fell Runners member Lisa Spratling, who lives in St Bees, launched the Get Friendly in the Fells sessions to provide a gentle introduction for runners who wanted to tackle the area’s sprawling countryside but found the idea of climbing a mountain and competing with more seasoned athletes intimidating.

The sessions offer a casual route into fell running – which doesn’t require a CFR membership – and also encourages people to turn runs into a social event with a view to helping people who are feeling lonely.

The runs are also dog friendly and runners are encouraged to bring along their pooches, while car sharing is also recommended to ease congestion on the roads and keep the environment in mind.

“When I moved to Cumbria five years ago I realised there was a bit of a stigma around fell running which can scare people off,” Lisa said.

“I thought there was a need to just put six to seven weeks on so that we can get people out there and realising that fell running isn’t all about running right up big mountains.

“I was expecting maybe 15 people at the first meet if we were lucky but we had 29, then 40 the week after and then 44.

“At the weekend we had 32 despite the absolutely horrendous weather conditions.”

Runners took on the Blencathra Loop at the weekend before enjoying refreshments and a catch-up in the Blencathra Field Centre at Threlkeld.

And on Sunday they will head to Flat Fell and Dent before running Sale Fell on February 9 in the build-up to the group’s first race in Jarrett’s Jaunt on February 15.

By gradually increasing the challenge, Lisa hopes runners will be able to develop at their own pace and build their confidence before trying their luck at a competitive run if they wish.

“The whole point is to build up people’s confidence and self-esteem,” Lisa added.

“It’s a step up every week and we’re hoping that at the end of the seven weeks we can link it in with the CFR runners at Jarrett’s Jaunt.

“We’ve got people coming from Penrith, Bothel, all over West Cumbria.

“We’re trying to cater to everybody by moving around and introducing them hopefully to different, lesser known areas which might not be was well-trodden but are just as beautiful and enjoyable.

“It’s just getting people to realise that it starts once you get out the front door.”

For more information about the CFR Get Friendly in the Fells sessions or to find out details about future runs, visit the club’s website at www.c-f-r.org.uk or find the club on Facebook.