Rombalds Stride

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Originally Posted by jopari

who holds the record for this race? I guess it could be under threat with the much easier ground with the trod now?

I've got my entry in. It's a birthday treat for me. ;o)

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Don't know what the record is, but someone will know. It's a possibility, but it's only 500m or so of slabs they've added - I suspect that the record going is going to be far more dependent on the conditions on the climb up Ikley moor from Weecher.

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Originally Posted by fozzy

I think that's a bit of an overreaction! - It's only 500m (out of 35km) or so of slabs (and some of them were there anyway) - just from the Trig point to Whetstone Gate. If you really want to run through the bogs on either side of it, then you can still do so. The road section from Bleach Mill through Menston is far longer! As is the run down from Yorkgate to the finish and the bit through Esholt...

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Yeah you're right. I take it back ! It was a grumpy "first day back at work" posting !

Ok, after my recce yesterday, I've been having a bit of a think and a look at the maps - at the end of Rocky Valley, which route do people take?

I usually go immediately right up the hill, then round and down to the conduit/stream where it's walled, jump over that then straight up and on to the Pancake stone, but you could also drop down as far as the stream on the main path from Rocky Valley, then go right immediately after crossing - according to the Orienteering map there's a small path that comes back up straight to the Pancake stone. Climb is very similar on both routes.

Before anyone says anything, the route instructions on this section are very vague and I know some people drop all the way down to Cow and Calf Rocks before climbing back up to the path around the edge (this route is far longer and has a lot more climb).

Just wondered what people thought the best option was?

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Originally Posted by jopari

who holds the record for this race?

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Graham Pearce has the fastest time on the current course (2:37:55 in 2011).

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Originally Posted by fozzy

Ok, after my recce yesterday, I've been having a bit of a think and a look at the maps - at the end of Rocky Valley, which route do people take?

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I don't think there's a huge amount in it, I normally go down towards cow and calf but stay high as much as possible (ie don't go all the way to cow and calf) and head back up towards the pancake stone up the trod. I'm going to try a few different routes though and see what seems better before the day this time.

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Originally Posted by Rob Furness

I don't think there's a huge amount in it, I normally go down towards cow and calf but stay high as much as possible (ie don't go all the way to cow and calf) and head back up towards the pancake stone up the trod. I'm going to try a few different routes though and see what seems better before the day this time.

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Yep, I agree with Rob. People were comparing ascent/descent 2 years ago, in the fog, & there were some big differences. And it seems that this is the point at which they occured. Like Rob says, stay as high as possible. We had a group of about 6 walkers 2 years ago who tried to send us in the wrong direction & thought it hilarious !

You need to save your climbing legs for the assault up The Chevin !

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Originally Posted by fozzy

but you could also drop down as far as the stream on the main path from Rocky Valley, then go right immediately after crossing - according to the Orienteering map there's a small path that comes back up straight to the Pancake stone.

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I believe that something very close to what you describe here is the fastest line.

Immediately after the stream crossing, head up right and then swing left on a small path. This climbs gently for a short while, passes close to a huge boulder then dips down to cross a cart track, climbs out of the dip and takes you across to Pancake.

Can I bring Harry my border collie along to this? I've searched on the internet and the LDWA site but it doesn't say

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Originally Posted by Stolly

Can I bring Harry my border collie along to this? I've searched on the internet and the LDWA site but it doesn't say

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There's nothing on the final details sheet either Stolly. I'm sure someone who's done it before will know (my first time this year:thumbup:).

For anyone not entered yet it does however reiterate that there are NO entries on the day for this event.

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Originally Posted by fozzy

Ok, after my recce yesterday, I've been having a bit of a think and a look at the maps - at the end of Rocky Valley, which route do people take?

I usually go immediately right up the hill, then round and down to the conduit/stream where it's walled, jump over that then straight up and on to the Pancake stone, but you could also drop down as far as the stream on the main path from Rocky Valley, then go right immediately after crossing - according to the Orienteering map there's a small path that comes back up straight to the Pancake stone. Climb is very similar on both routes.

Before anyone says anything, the route instructions on this section are very vague and I know some people drop all the way down to Cow and Calf Rocks before climbing back up to the path around the edge (this route is far longer and has a lot more climb).

Just wondered what people thought the best option was?

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fozzy, your first route is the one I've settled on for the past few years, having tried your second route and other alternatives.