From Ben Sheppard…
If you like fell running and you like geological features – in particular U-shaped glaciated valleys – then this race is a must.
It is situated high on the western flanks of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty and the Pennine Way. With race HQ in the village of Dufton, the route heads out along High Cup Gill, becomes a steep climb up the Nick and takes a long runnable descent to finish on the village green.
Good weather on the day rewarded the five Harriers with wonderful views of the chasm. Meanwhile, try as I might, I was unable to stop Gavin turning a small gap at the top into a chasm between him and me by the finish, closely followed by Charles, Kate and Alison.
In the village hall we were rewarded with soup and bread and recovery cakes, while recovery drinks were successfully located in the cosy village pub.
From Alison Weston…
A few hours travel to get but this 9 mile fell race from Dufton but well worth the effort. Spectacular scenery and a bit of everything – grass, mud (lots!), boulders, steep climbs and long descents. Gavin was first harriers home followed by Ben, Charles, Kate and Alison.
(1 Tim Lamont, Helm Hill, 1:00:12)
58 Gavin Lamb 1:18:42
62 Ben Sheppard 1:19:27
148 Charles Wain 1:31:08
150 Kate Archer 1:31:12 (3rd LV40)
263 Alison Weston 1:43:42
411 finished