Lake District legend Joss Naylor MBE led 'home' by fell runners

Known as 'King of the Fells', the record-breaking veteran athlete died last month at the age of 88.

Ahead of the Naylor family, fell runners, donned in club colours, led "Joss home" at the front of the funeral cortege at Wasdale Head on Friday,  July 19. 

The service took place at England's smallest parish church, St Olaf's, near Scafell Pike, where Joss still holds the record for the fastest ascent and descent, at 47 minutes.

Runners lead the procession to St Olaf's Church (Image: Adrian Strand/Camera Club)

He was commemorated by the crowds with a Wasdale-adapted rendition of 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'. 

In a tribute to the great Cumbrian runner and sheep farmer on social media, Lake District filmmaker Terry Abraham said: "Joss’ send off to the heavens above the mountains of Cumbria proved to be not just a sad day but a celebration too.

READ MORE: Fell-running legend Joss Naylor,: 'It's a story of beauty. That's the simplest way of describing it'

"In my view, Joss will be forever remembered in Cumbrian history along with the likes of Wordsworth, Ruskin, Potter and Wainwright." 

Recounting his journey to Wasdale, Terry said: "Every 10 minutes or so I encountered friends and admirers all making the same journey for Joss’ send-off.

Funeral heading towards St Olaf's church (Image: Terry Abraham)

"The day became in many ways a huge social gathering of so many folks I know from Cumbria.

"Myself and others smiled in a bittersweet way as Joss’ coffin was carried out with a can of his beloved Guinness on top. 

"You touched and inspired many lives in so many ways."

Joss Naylor MBE pictured in 2019 (Image: Brathay)

Among his many merits, in 1983, the fell-runner completed an epic 105-mile Lakeland route in 19 hours and 14 minutes.

In 1976, he was made an MBE for his services to sport and charity. 

e runners turn out for Joss Naylor funeral (Image: Black Combe Runners)