Here is the explanation for the prolonged string of headtorch lights coming off the hill above the hut through the Saturday evening hours of darkness:
The Montane Lakeland 50 & 100 is in July but several recce opportunities are staged over the winter:
https://lakeland100.wordpress.com/
“The second recce of the 2017/18 season covers the ground from Ambleside to Coniston and is relevant for both 50 and 100 mile runners. This is the final 16 miles of the 50 and 100 miles course. …………… before one final descent into Coniston and the finish. This section will be a night run, starting and finishing in darkness. ”