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Afternoon all, still wickedly underprepared for this, thanks for the information on route choice etc, I'm going to make notes and keep close to hand (I don't know the area at all and have had no chance to recce).
Weather looking ok, cold start, warming up to about 10c. Cloud breaking up and chance of rain. Could be a lot worse
Anyone got any advice re stansfield moor vs Dukes cut track - I was going to opt for up and over the moor but any advice would be appreciated...
Up and over? I don't know the area well enough to know short cuts....but I do know enough about the area to know that a "slightly further on decent tracks" could save BIG time against an "up and over getting stuck in boggy, tussocky ground" :-)Quote:
Originally Posted by Will
Funnily enough, I looked at that bit last night on the map and picked a series of paths that lead to Dukes Cut.
i also had a look at stansfield moor from Dukes track and if the bit leading up to four gates end is anything to go by, its going to be v rough ground. However, it was snowing/sleeting at that point last week!
Thanks - perhaps I'd be best seeing on the day which looks the better option. I've tried to get a route pencilled in beforehand (kind of included either option) - I want to stick to my route plan as far as possible. I imagine its easy to end up following other people and coming way off the 'planned' route...
Rombald> Your map looks right for Luddendenfoot Car Park. That's where I'll be looking for the checkpoint (point marked "here?").
Stansfield Moor looks like a nightmare when you're there (and a Google Earth recce didn't show any hopeful terrain or paths). Based on last year's run and described relative to the 1:25000 map, I think the best way over Heptonstall Moor is:
- path by Clegg Clough to path junction at 930298.
- diagonal on bearing of approx 160 degrees to Pad Laithe
- straight path to Four Gates End (sheepfold) at 939286
- along Dukes Track to Sportsmans checkpoint
I'd avoid Cross Clough like the plague (unless you really, really like big tussocks). I'm hoping the straight path to Four Gates End is better terrain.
Thanks for that Zlod. I'll check again later but I think your suggestion is roughly what I came up with looking at the map last night. Now all I have to do is translate that on the ground!Quote:
Originally Posted by Zlod
Looking at my route notes again, the one area where I wasn't certain what the best way might be was from the Lee Lane CP to Top Withins CP. Anyone got any tips for me?
And I am right in thinking that Walshaw Hamlet is NOT a CP on the long route aren't I?
What a mental thing to want to do on a cold, weekend in April! :eek:
All the best to you all - ideal PPP prep! :p
Correct, Walshaw hamlet is not on the long route.
You can either cross the first dam and run on the right side of the second reservoir, or stay on the left and cross the second dam. I've always stayed on the left, but might try the right-hand route this year (which most others do anyway). It looks to be more runnable, even if it might be a few yards longer.
Regarding the moor just prior to the Sportsman's Arms, the first path to the right, up the clough then alongside the fence, is not there on the ground. It would be ankle-twisting tussocks a la Rhayader Mountain Trail. Take second right instead (at stile), where at least there's some sort of path to follow to the right turn onto the nice runnable track.
After Delf End, do exactly as Chris said - climb to the ridge path, turn right, bear left across the heather to the first ventilation shaft where you pick up a nice path to the next shaft. Bear right along waterlogged boggy path up the rise, heading for Emley Moor mast in far distance.
Thanks Nick. I was up on that part of the route a couple of weeks ago so, like you in the past, was planning to stay on the left all the way to the bottom dam. Is it ok to cross the first dam at the moment? There was lots of construction traffic up there, and they seemed to be digging at the side of the dam.Quote:
Originally Posted by BritNick
Thanks for that.Quote:
Originally Posted by BritNick
Ok, thanks, will look out for that. Another look at the map later methinks.Quote:
Originally Posted by BritNick
Ouch.
That is all.
(I will have more to add later!)
The ground was wet today (with some paths being indistinguishable from streams), and the weather was very variable, with both snow and sunshine making an appearance.
There was loads of route choice, and the field separated even before the first checkpoint, so it was difficult to keep track of positions. I took a fast route on the roads after Jerusalem Farm that allowed me to overtake Mark Hartell, though he caught me again later on.
Between Ogden Reservoir and Delf Hill I made a bit of a navigational error on a section that I’d recced twice - it looked different today with snow on the ground! - but realised quite quickly so didn’t lose much time. Having the walkers to catch added some interest as well.
I was getting pretty tired by Widdop Reservoir, and was not very amused that we were only halfway round the course. I reached there in 2:52 but was obviously going to slow down quite a lot in the second half.
Between Widdop Reservoir and Reaps Water I took what was probably the longest deliberate route of anyone – back down the road to Clough Foot, on the Pennine Bridleway and then the good track on the north side of Gorple Lower Reservoir: 2.1 miles compared with the direct line of one mile. It would probably have been quicker to do the suggested route of the path by the Clough Head Stones, but I’d not been on there and I knew that going wrong and getting off the paths in that area could make for some horrendous terrain.
Reaps Water to the Noah Dale stream crossing (935 290) was as bad as expected, but once Four Gates End was reached, the worst ground of the route was behind us. It took me fifty minutes to do the 3.6 miles to the Sportmans Arms, where my time was 4:01.
I plodded down the road to Great Rock on my own, but there met Chris Davies and we did the rest of the route together which I think kept me going slightly quicker than I would have done on my own. I didn’t have any more problems finding the route, but between Delf End and Crow Hill took a safe rather than short route, partly along the Calderdale Way but cutting off the loop out to the old quarries.
We found the Luddendenfoot checkpoint with no problem (thanks Zlod!) and after a steady trudge up Styes Lane I timed myself back at the finish in 6:27 (maybe 6:29 officially).
How did everyone else get on?
I think it was won in 5:50. Was that you, Matt the Brum?
Found it very tough going today running with my friend David. The changeable weather and sections of rough sodden ground made keeping going difficult. Course is great, with sections of many familiar events/races from Giant's Tooth and Beefy's Nab to Haworth Hobble and the Hebden. However, that stretch from Widdop Res to Sportsman is soul destroying. Good to see the Master, Mrs C and Mr1470! We finished in 9hrs 8mins
Was that you I was running with over Midgely Moor DT?
I found it hard going - shorts were a bit of a mistake. The road combined with deep bogs also made shoe choice difficult - my flyrocks do jar the joints on the road sections. eventually trundled in at around 9.20 then had to drive straight back to Leek staffs - told the babysitter id be done by 3pm!!! wishful thinking there ...add another 3 hrs.
Good fun though... here comes the Fellsman!
By the way did anyone find a tallycard after great Rock checkpoint - mine came undone...
This was the furthest distance i've ever done and probably the most challeging course ever done. I did quite a bit of recceing this but this was the worst i'd seen - paths had turned in streams adn what was previously runnable was think deap mud. I hid a bad time after Widdop, thinking overy one knew better than me (why do i always fall for this?), i took a "short cut"!! - crossed bogs, streams, tussocks to Reap Water Cp (big mistake), and this continued. After the sportsman; wind behind, down hill, sun out with jacket off and my own, my mood picked up and had a good run (bit of a high between you and me) all the way to New Bridge cp, adn to my surprise i was there before a few that had passed me previousy! Although was disapointed in the amount i was able to run, the was well organised - what an adventure!Quote:
Originally Posted by Will
I did 7hrs 56
How did everyone i sent maps to???
Is that the last of the snow this year ? Not mentioned on the forecast on Fri night ,but got a right coating on Ogden Moor . Went wrong on the way to Jerusalem Farm - I should know better by now. Lets hear it for all the checkpointers and helpers who gave of their time . I did 6.50 and Mrs D got the trophy for the first lady walker (short route) again ,we'll have to suffer looking at it for another year -or hide it in a cupboard.:p
great race really enjoyed this one, furthest i have ever gone and we managed to win the oldfield trophy (fastest team) which was an excellent surprise at the finish!
Thanks to checkpoint volunteers and organisors you all did a brilliant job.:)
Hey up Will! Yes, it was me and Dave. Hope no problems with missing tally and you get your 'runfurther' points!Quote:
Originally Posted by Will
Good to see you as well Derby Tup.Quote:
Originally Posted by Derby Tup
You're right, it was tough, with a capital T! Did it with Helen from my club and agreed that we'd stay together, me having limited local knowledge and her having never been there before in her life!!:)
So boggy in places, you just couldn't get any running rhythm going. Walshaw reservoirs to Reaps Water I'd amazingly done only a couple of weeks ago when out for trot, so I managed to show some people the route across there!! Difficult in other places, and we probably lost some time taking "easy" options. Finished about 15mins after Derby Tup.
Great event, and like others have said, a special thanks to the CP folk, who were fantastic spending hours out in some fairly "testing" conditions!!
Is anyone able to get and post the results?
I have to agree with the consensus that this was tough and not helped by recent rain/snow. Lovely by the afternoon though (not enough to dry the boggy moorland paths - though path seems too strong a word for some). At least for the first half there was always people to follow and managed without looking at map till Walshaw Dean Middle Resovoir, where we nearly followed short route path to Walshaw Hamlet and had a 10min stop to get map photocopies in order, get some gloves out and open a pack of Jellybabies. Quite surprised that faollowed route I'd mapped totally till this point.
I was stiffening up a bit by Widdop and a few extra biscuits gave me the boost I needed to get thorugh the mudbath that was Heptonstall/Hoar Side moor. Got submerged up to my shorts in one muddy bit, glad I had company to help pull me out!
Road section from Sportsmans to great rock was a pleasent change. Tried a shortcut through small river valley to near High gate, saved some distance but not time. Followed popular route through to Slack, New Bridge, Delf End. Took moor route past 2 'Shafts' heading towards Midgley moor, slow going but did catch a few people who followed part of long calderdale way route. Bloody hurting by now and glad that spire of sowerby church was in sight. Glad to finish in 9:06.
Great event, much appreciation to organisers and checkpoint staff, jacket potatoe at end didn't touch sides. :D
I don't know the full results, but the top 4 were:Quote:
Originally Posted by chris brown
Matt Giles : 5h24m
Steve Birkinshaw: 5h50m
Mark Hartell: 5h51m
Martin Beale: 5h53m
I think David Waide was fifth in about 6h15m and Andy Davies was just behind him.
These results are just from my recollection of what happened and aren't official.
Matt clearly had a good run!
It was a well run event over a good course. It was a bit wetter than I'd expected: running through meltwater wasn't part of my gameplan! Last year was too hot: this year wasn't!
Coming off the motorway and driving through 2 inches of snow on Saturday morning came as a bit of a surprise.
Thought it was a great day out and a well organised event. Course had a bit of everything and found the majority quite runable. Feet got very cold from Reaps Water to Sportsman. Climb up to Delf End hurt but felt good once up by the Shafts knowing it was all nearly over. The last climb into Sowerby is a bit of a killer.
Well done everyone.
:eek: Matt, you are truly superhuman!!! Helen and myself remarked several times on the way back how the hardest thing about it was that you just couldn't get into a running rhythm because of the bogs and the tussocks.Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt the Brum
Your finishing time was awesome!! One more good race and the series is yours!! How come you didn't make it across to the Manx? Nowhere near as tough as Saturday, in my opinion.
Appallingly. Maps were great, thanks Chris, shame I couldn't manage to stick to them. Went hideously off track on Hoar Side Moor, sick of trudging through the bog I decided to cut the corner to Pad Laithe but missed the path and continued along the wall until I hit Hoar Side farm. Thought I could probably cut across but there was no way across the river so had to loop back and because of the ground this cost me over a hour. :mad: Another couple of navigational faux pas and too many play it safe routes cost probably another hour or more. Coupled with popping Ibuprofen because of my buggered knee after the Manx and twisting my ankle trying to get past a train of walkers on the decent to Walshaw Dean Res I had a real nightmare of a day. Thought I might have had to break out the head torch on the way back up from the last CP.Quote:
Originally Posted by chris brown
Blummin ridiculous! That must have been off the scale when I enquired about the winning time!Quote:
Originally Posted by Zlod
Great run Matt - are you planning on running the Fellsman this year?
Despite running well for me enjoying myself so much that I spent 10hrs composing a letter to the organisers in my head praising the them for a superb route and support -- I and 2 blokes were "compulsorily retired" at Scotland Quarries (2.5 miles from the end) at 7pm (sundown is 8:15) the reason given that was getting dark and it was too late to go down the canal. Despite my assertion that it was a point to point race and I would happily run down the road as I was feeling great my tally was removed and I was told I had been disqualified. I had made the chop time at New bridge with plently of time to spare and had run the last 5 miles in under 1hr I am totally miffed at having been robbed of finishing my race as far as I am concerned as a result of the rules being changed/made up on the spot. I would be interested to hear from the 2 blokes who were also retired and seemed totally gobsmacked on the miserable 2.5 mile Sowerby. Also anybody else who has experienced inconsitent application of the rules in this or any other event and what they did about it. I have already checked that the Fellsman publishes its chop times and have my fingers crossed that I finish that as I need it for my TMB entry now.
Sorry to hear that - I can imagine that must've smarted after a long day out.
I lost my tally along the course but found the organisers very helpful and wasn't disqualified as i'd initially thought I might've been. Definately do it again.
Hi 24hrsooze, I guess it was you I passed on my way back up from the Sportsmans, and ran with down to New Bridge after my detour round slack. I missed the turning out out of New Bridge and caught you up at Delf End. When I got to the Quarries there seemed to be several of the organisers there and we had a bit of a joke as I emptied the water from my shoes. They said that they would let me carry on to Luddenden Foot but I would have to wait there for "the others" and the "sweeper" as it wasn't safe to run along the canal on my own in the dark. I though fair enough, and thought that the "sweeper" would take the group back to the finish. It was only after pretty much sprinting to Luddenden Foot that I was told that I had to stop as the "body wagon" was there. I got the radio guy to argue the fact that it wasn't dark and that as far as I was concerned there was no problem in getting to the finish safely. I was then told I could continue if I went via the road (which is what I was going to do anyway). So what's the issue with the dark? If you're not allowed to run in the dark why do you have to carry a torch, spare bulb and spare batteries???:confused:Quote:
Originally Posted by 24hrsooze
Any advances on results?!?!?
How did you get on DT? Recovering nicely? :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Derby Tup
It was a hard day jodg! Managed a 4ml walk day after but not run since. Feel okay now and got club run tonight from Haworth followed by pint or two of Tim Taylors
I bet! How long did it take you then? :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Derby Tup
Nothing so exotic for me tonight - running around Ravenstones in the dark. :eek: And definitley no pints of Landlord.... :(
I thought you would be going to Herods farm tonight Jan?Quote:
Originally Posted by jodg
Hello Ian! Whatcha been up to this weekend then? You off to Heron tonight?Quote:
Originally Posted by IanDarkpeak
No, a few of us *try* to have a regular fell night once a week and Wed night is it! There'll be two of us around Dovestones somewhere in the dark.... A couple more medium runs to do before some rest up to PPP.
Did you ever do a Mickelden recce with Egor? :confused:
30TH CALDERDALE HIKE SATURDAY 12TH APRIL 2008
TROPHY WINNERS
NAME TIME
37 MILE ROUTE
Fastest Walker Stephen Cotterill 10:07
(The Stoodley Pike)
Fastest Runner Matt Giles 05:24
(The Thieveley Pike)
Fastest Lady Walker Pam Baird 11:23
(South Pennines Trophy)
Fastest Lady Runner Clare Kenny 07:17
(The Ryburn Trophy)
Fastest Veteran Walker Richard Baker 10:31
Fastest Team of 4 Walkers Geoff Holburt 10:14
(The Withens Trophy) Rob Lowe 10:14
Bill Pritchard 10:08
Keith Rodely 10:14
Team Time 40:50
====
Fastest Team of 4 Runners Nick Hart 06:59
(The Oldfield Trophy) Kerry Jenkin 06:59
Charlie Johnson 07:00
Will Stiegler 06:59
Team Time 27:57
====
30TH CALDERDALE HIKE SATURDAY 12TH APRIL 2008
TROPHY WINNERS
NAME TIME
28 MILE ROUTE
Fastest Runner Adam Breaks 04:14
(Raynet Cup)
Fastest Walker Robert Clunas 07:19
(The Clayhouse Shield)
Fastest Lady Walker Jan Hill 08:49
(The Calderdale Shield)
Fastest Veteran Walker Philip Whitaker 07:18
(The Heggars Trophy)
Fastest Team of 4 Walkers Chris Howarth 08:56
(The Bernard Hynes Trophy) Barry Speake 08:56
Rod Sutcliffe 08:56
Cath Whitaker 08:56
Team Time 35:44
====
Fastest Junior Team of 4 Walkers Not won
(The Teddy Farrar Trophy)
30TH CALDERDALE HIKE SATURDAY 12TH APRIL 2008
37 MILE RUNNERS
PLACE NAME TOWN TIME
01 Matt Giles Stourbridge 05:24
02 Steve Burkinshaw Northumberland 05:50
03 Mark Hartell Macclesfield 05:51
04 Martin Beale Bristol 05:53
05 David Waide Libbery 06:15
06 Andy Davies Church Stretton 06:17
07 John Preston Oakworth 06:28
08 Edward Davies Guiseley 06:29
09 Chris Davies Oldham 06:30
10 Martin O’Reilly Rochdale 06:41
11 Ian Hill Bingley 06:50
11 Ian Hodgson Ingleby Barwick 06:50
13 Nick Hart (T10) Pudsey 06:59
13 Phil Hodgson Hebden Bridge 06:59
13 Jim Rogers Willerby 06:59
13 Kerry Jenkin (T10) Leeds 06:59
13 Will Steigler (T10) Luddenden Foot 06:59
18 Nigel Aston Leicester 07:00
18 Richic Cunningham Ballingry 07:00
18 Charlie Johnson Halifax 07:00
18 Ozzy Kershaw Oldham 07:00
18 Christopher Mawdsley Halifax 07:00
23 Julian Brown High Peak 07:17
23 Clare Kenny (F) Rossendale 07:17
23 Les Hill Dunfries 07:17
26 Johnnie Watson Halifax 07:18
26 Eddie Winslow Ilkley 07:18
28 Colin Hutt Moray 07:19
29 David Chippett York 07:21
29 Adrian Donnelly Butesbury 07:21
29 Colin McCoy Horncastle 07:21
32 Christine Preston (F) Oakworth 07:26
32 Jonathan Whitehead West Linton 07:26
34 Yiannis Tridimas Liverpool 07:27
35 Martin Dietrich Great Ayton 07:28
36 Adrian Dixon Harrogate 07:37
36 Tim Laney Bath 07:37
36 Jess Palmer Haworth 07:37
36 Carl Whitehead Oxon 07:37
40 Pip Fitzpatrick (F) Rossendale 07:49
41 Richard Clarke Manchester 07:50
42 Wendy Dodds (F) Milnthorpe 07:50
43 Anne Wade (F) Coventry 07:52
43 Vaughan Wade Coventry 07:52
45 Chris Brown Guiseley 07:57
45 Henry Cochrane Sheffield 07:57
47 Steve Wathall Newark 07:58
48 Rachel Lawrence (F) Macclesfield 08:04
49 Mark Rawlinson Leicester 08:06
50 Ian Hodge Warrington 08:07
50 Andy Smith Saltburn 08:07
52 Mick Kenyan Halifax 08:11
52 Yvette Lewis (F) Ditton Priors 08:11
54 Mandy Calvert (F) Macclesfield 08:24
55 George Bate Manchester 08:29
56 Malcolm Coles Leeds 08:31
57 Gerry Dewhurst Bacup 08:32
57 Neil Smith Ilkley 08:32
59 Stephen Adamski Nottingham 08:42
59 Ted Adamski North Allerton 08:42
61 John Bushby Gillow Heath 08:43
62 Nick Ham Stockport 08:46
63 Denise Broom (F) Stoke on Trent 08:50
63 Dale Colclough Stoke on Trent 08:50
65 Dominic Fletcher Nottingham 09:03
65 Robin Price Dewsbury 09:03
67 Daniel Aldus North Ferriby 09:08
67 David Claxton Skipton 09:08
67 Mark Dalton Ripon 09:08
67 Andrew Kitts Ilkley 09:08
71 Patrick Day Bridlington 09:09
72 Ian Barnes Ambleside 09:14
73 Mick Bull Littleborough 09:15
73 Tracy Lawless Rochdale 09:15
73 Ginny Willey Rochdale 09:15
76 Will Meredith Leek 09:24
76 Richard Gilbert Longdon on Tern 09:24
78 Helen MacDonald Jones (F) Stafford 09:26
78 Angela Leonard (F) Stockport 09:26
80 Steven Whitford Wilsford 09:37
81 Keith Harris Southampton 09:40
81 Matt Kowalski-Hicks Edgeley 09:40
82 Alex Langdon (F) Over Haddon 09:41
83 Karen McDonald (F) Macclesfield 09:41
85 Nigel Bowler Gainsborough 09:56
86 Mandy Goth (F) Hebden Bridge 09:59
86 David Terner-Swift Whitworth 09:59
88 Dave Nichols Church Stretton 10:00
89 Stuart Walker Stokesley 10:43
90 Daniel Barber Stockport 10:53
90 Chris Webb Stockport 10:53
92 Jim Alcock Mold 11:34
93 Roy Bainbridge Osmotherley 11:49
30TH CALDERDALE HIKE SATURDAY 12TH APRIL 200828 MILE RUNNERS
PLACE NAME TOWN TIME
01 Adam Breaks Elland 04:14
02 Jenny Wyles (F) Chorley 05:44
03 Maureen Pool (F) Ripponden 05:49
03 Roger Pool Ripponden 05:49
05 Luca Moretti Keighley 06:07
05 Jackie Scarf (F) Hebden Bridge 06:07
07 Barbara Lonsdale (F) Oxenhope 06:10
08 Steve James Luddenden Foot 06:11
08 Dennis Lucas Rochdale 06:11
10 Nick Harris Rossendale 06:16
11 Ken Wyles Chorley 06:18
12 Alastair Haigh Edinburgh 06:28
13 Chris Johnson Manchester 06:54
14 Loraine Porter (F) Kinoolton 07:36
15 Andrew Blackford Cropston 07:41
16 Rachel Lockley (F) Hebden Bridge 07:56
16 Elise Milnes (F) Hebden Bridge 07:56
18 Ian Manners Oldham 07:57
19 Kerry Allison (F) Pontesbury 09:28
19 Clare Donnelly (F) Pontesbury 09:28
19 Joe Donnelly Pontesbury 09:28
Many thanks Matt.
So, err, a question - have you got webbed feet??!!