From Rachel Carter…
Two friends and I took on the 12 mile Ingleborough Challenge organised as the main annual fund raiser by the Cave Rescue Organisation based in Clapham. Around 200 entrants took part in a 12 or 26 mile walk or run in beautiful sunny conditions that showed the Dales off to their best on Saturday. The 12 mile route climbs out of Clapham on Long Lane and the limestone tracks beyond before heading East towards Horton and then cutting back down through fields and walled paths towards Austwick. Having got most of the climb out of the way in the first few miles, there was a slight sting in the tail at mile 10 involving a climb towards the Norber Erratics before dropping back down into Clapham. We finished in 2hr 25 min and then headed home via the Tearooms at Feizor for tea and cake!
Highly recommended as a low key, well organised event supporting a great cause. Next year’s event is on Sat 18th May if you fancy it!
From Adrian Hall…
Having met Rachel and friends at the very sunny start line I began to question why I had entered the full 26 mile challenge event. The longer route heads out on the same track as the 12 mile event, before separating at Sulber and heading up Ingleborough. The views from the top were fantastic, however the descent towards Chapel-le-Dale was made very challenging due to the constant stream of 3 Peaks walkers heading up from the Hill Inn. Eventually, the course leaves the 3 Peaks route near Douk Gill and heads around the northern flanks of Ingleborough to Colt Park before continuing past Selside to Gill Garth and the 13 mile checkpoint. From there it follows pleasant footpaths to head northwest to the Ribble Way and Pennine Way before descending down to Horton-in-Ribblesdale and the 19 mile checkpoint. From there an unwelcome climb heads back up towards Ingleborough but at Sulber joins the 12 mile route to eventually descend into Crummackdale passing Wharf on the way to Austwick and a very welcome finish back at Clapham. On a hot day, I finished second (of 40 entrants) completing the 26 miles and 1200 m ascent in 4 hr 38 mins, 45 minutes behind the first runner. This is an excellent event taking in areas of the Dales not often visited and was well organised with plenty of friendly marshals. For those interested in supporting our local fell rescue team, the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association challenge event takes place on Saturday 24 June 2023 from Kettlewell with 4.5, 13.5 and 18 mile courses and can be entered here
.