From Hilda Coulsey…
The North Leeds Fell Runners Ilkley Skyline route is available as a gpx file or on OS maps starting and finishing from the Hermit in Burley in Wharfedale , 35km, 900m elevation, circuiting the valley via all of the high points. Many Harriers have run the route, with Tom Adams having the fastest time recorded of 2 hours 17.
I’ve thought over the years that I really ought to undertake this challenge. That thought strengthened to became that I’d like to see if I could. I knew I would struggle with the distance combined with the elevation, the rough, narrow, stony and usually boggy tracks as well as the navigation. I also knew I would be slow, slower than anyone I knew and hence wouldn’t ask anyone to run with me.
I discovered recently the route was being used by Great Owl Running for a relatively new fell race so I signed up. They offered support at Addingham and Askwith with a friendly face, water and food and looking out for me as I returned at the finish.
As expected I was slower than other entrants. I was last from the start and lost sight of any other runner beyond Whetstone Gate. I did meet the penultimate runner on the way into Addingham, he had taken his first of several wrong turns and, although he was much faster than me for three quarters of it, he was struggling towards the end with both stamina and navigation so that I ended up leading and we finished together which was lovely. The Hermit on a warm summer’s afternoon is an excellent finish line.
I’d rather walk on the narrow stony sheep tracks which make up a significant portion of the route. However, I didn’t make any nav errors, the bogs were pretty much dry and I had enough hydration and calories. So with much walking because of the terrain rather than tiredness I was very pleased to complete.
Nathan Edmonson won with 2:32, I was joint last of the 31 participants doing the 35km full round. 8 ran the half route 21 km from Addingham to the Hermit. In conclusion, this is a friendly, low key and supported way to do this local round.