Yorkshire Trod
Saturday saw the Yorkshire Trod 100. This is a brand new 100km, 24 hour challenge event based in the Yorkshire Dales starting and finishing in the village of Grassington. There was also be a 50km option with an 18 hour time limit.
Promoted as a self-navigated, low-key event with no way markers and few marshals so map reading, navigation skills and experience on the fells is a requirement. A ‘suggested route map’ was shown but how you get to each check point is your decision as long as you do not cross private land. The route has been planned around public footpaths and open access land so no one has any reason to trespass.
The route takes you through Threshfield to Weets Top at Malham, along the shore of Malham Tarn before heading across the moor descending into Arncliffe. From Arncliffe you go through the villages of Litton, Buckden, Starbotton and Kettlewell (the 100 will climb Bucken Pike) before returning to Grassington where the 50km will finish. For the 100 you continue to Burnsall. The route heads towards Trollers Gill dropping down to Parceval Hall before the climb of Simons Seat. Eventually you will cross near Barden Tower / Strid Wood climbing to Barden/Embsay moor for Cracoe War Memorial.
Paul Walker represented Ripon on the start line but sensibly pulled up at 36.5 miles after not feeling 100%. Paul said it was a great route but the conditions were demanding with a lot of ground water, mud and bogs, into which he fell several times!