DARK PEAK NEWS Spring 2015 Editorial Notes Readers will have noticed immediately a bit of a different Chairman’s Report – April 2015 look to DPN. After eight years of dedication Dave Holmes is standing down as editor-in-chief. On behalf all the DPFR members, appreciation is placed on record here of his Dark Peak works because individually we all enjoy, and are focused on, what we do, and because hard work and dedication, his sterling service to the Club. socially we enjoy the trip. There are many strands in terms of what is on offer and long may this We have got used to DPN being a publication meeting the continue. To a degree and perhaps increasingly we do need administration and people to stand up to highest professional standards, with a quality of content est. 1976 make things work. Dave Holmes has propped up the ‘men in blazers’ during his distant long stint as www.dpfr.org.uk and presentation which has done the club proud (and of which bigger and better-resourced organisations would Chairman, on the committee for many years and producing a pretty sharp Dark Peak News. Dave President: Eric Mitchell have been envious). has stepped back from that a wee bit but hopefully will remain to feed in. Rest in peace Chase. Dave A new team has assumed responsibility for putting deserves recognition and gratitude for consistently putting his head above the parapet and helping us DPN together this time, Ann Watmore and Tim Tett, aided Chairman Secretary and abetted by Alan Yates, have been joint co-ordinators, all to enjoy our running. Regarding the magazine, Tim Tett, Ann Watmore and Alan Yates, with Tim Tom Westgate Rob Moore continuing to rely on the publishing expertise of Tim Mackey continuing his crucial desk-top publishing bit, have stepped into the breach. The magazine 95 Stumperlowe Hall Rd 2 Kerwen Close Sheffield Dore Mackey. The change has inevitably affected the look of will morph, given time to settle, into something different, and different is good in my eyes – so S10 3QT Sheffield our magazine, making it perhaps more like the Newsletter thanks to all. 0114 263 0632 S17 3DF of yore and more informal than the quality product we’ve [email protected] 07766 520741 been used to for the last eight years. Our hope is that it Gavin stepped up to organise the Skyline this year. This is fresh in our minds as conditions [email protected] will be on doormats in time to be read before the AGM were poor, to say the least, and it was good to have his intellect and gravitas as a steady hand on where any discussion of its future direction or offers of the tiller. Again the Skyline works because we have time-served folk doing the same thing year in, Treasurer Membership organisational help will be welcomed. This initial number year out. As I know, this can be tedious depending what your task is, but, for the organizer, being Tim Hawley Ann Watmore in the new series is a kind of prototype, miscellaneous Jasmine Cottage 26 Robertson Drive and for now ‘experimental’. We expect it to settle into a able to delegate specific tasks to competent folk is reassuring and makes sense.There are many club Main Road Sheffield regular pattern as things evolve, and future developments members like Kevin ‘kitchen’ Saville and his team who would love to be out on the hill but who Dungworth S6 5DY Sheffield 0114 233 8383 will depend on members’ willingness to supply copy. come back to do the same job year in, year out. Great thanks to all the volunteers. Thanks also to S6 6HF [email protected] We are grateful to the members who have contributed Dave Taylor for coordinating the marshals, and to the club members and friends who shepherded 0114 285 1633 reports on their adventures and race experiences and [email protected] we have included a smattering of results and some new runners off the hill. The mountain rescue and ambulance teams also had their work cut out to stay on top of things, and we are most grateful for all they did on the day. As it turned out we were short Clothing and Eqpt Men’s Captain items. Some of the features we have come to expect are Richard Hakes Rob Little absent this time but will no doubt resurface as occasional of folk at the finish, because there were quite a number of victims of the extreme conditions. It also 454A Loxley Road 9, Bridgeholme Mill elements in the future. seems evident that when things get tough we do need more people on hand on race day. Loxley Charley Lane If sufficient material comes in, three numbers a year Sheffield Chinley could be produced. What is needed are reports on races, Looking at the Skyline and recent experience in general, hypothermia has been a recurrent big S6 6RS High Peak challenges/adventures and other doings; contributions issue. Whenever we go out on a long run we need to focus clearly on what the weather prospects are 0114 233 9912 SK23 6DX [email protected] 07791 283861 to ongoing debates about fell-running in general; and, specifically, to prepare for the possibility of ‘wind chill’. Wet and windy conditions combined [email protected] reminiscences; book and kit reviews; photos, cartoons with near zero temperatures rapidly create penetrating, critical effects, and we all need to carry and captions; jokes, quizzes, etc; in fact anything at all Women’s Captain Website relevant to our activities and ethos. Short and snappy adequate kit to manage whatever the weather throws at us or our fellow runner. Helen Elmore John Dalton contributions will be as welcome as more substantial ones It is perhaps ironic that I am talking of people ‘standing up’ because I am standing down as 117, Millhouses Lane, 1, Cannon Fields Sheffield, Hathersage (with optimal length of under 1,200 words – which is 2-3 Chairman after May’s AGM. I have done my bit and I have enjoyed involving many of you in the S7 2HD Derbyshire pages). discussions. On occasion there have been contentious matters and important decisions to make, 0114 237 6609 S32 1AG So, please get writing and send stuff initially to Tim [email protected] 01433 659523 Tett via [email protected]. Don’t worry about but they have been shared, and I am happy with the way in which each and every major issue has [email protected] presentation or formal correctness. The experienced team been resolved. The club should be aware that many of the committee work of editors, working with Tim Mackey, will knock items into consistently and outside their brief: you know who you are, and so I pass on Dark Peak News shape, consulting with authors as necessary. my wholehearted thanks. On my ‘coronation’ as club Chairman I was handed a David Holmes It has been a challenge but Tim Mackey has been 615, Loxley Road, leather-bound copy of Ten Years of DPFR (1986) –‘10 Years on the Bog’, as it Loxley, able to keep things in perspective for us and reduce the Sheffield, apparent enormity of what we had taken on. The sense of is affectionately known– kindly donated by Will McLewin. In many ways the S6 6RR satisfaction (or do we mean relief?) as it nears completion book enshrines the spirit of our club, and as such I will be handing it on to my 0114 234 4186 is immeasurable. We hope you enjoy it. [email protected] successor. Thanks again to all. TW The Eds Cheers

2 3 News from England Athletics and from Dark Peak Safety Committee meeting South Yorks County Athletics Association At the club AGM held in the Maynard weather, so we now have an address list of No, not good news I am afraid. England Athletics have once again put their individual Arms in Grindleford last year a request regular runners with their car registration registration fee up from £10 to £12. This means unfortunately that a small number of you was made by our Chairman, Tom Westgate, and mobile phone numbers with the signing who helpfully pay for your registration via your standing order will have to contact your for volunteers to form a safety advisory in sheets. Tom has bound some of these bank to change it for 2016. You can do this now to save me having to remind you later in committee. He was rightly concerned that simplified signing in sheets together with the year – please. If there is a positive side it is that in 2013 EA were set to increase the fee with more new members turning up on our phone and car information in the back. This from £5 at the time to £20 at the same time reducing the number if disciplines covered by that Wednesday night runs we needed a better means that regular runners only have to sign fee. There was a bit of an outcry at the time preventing them from doing so but it seems they way of accounting for who was on what run. in and not spend ages writing down numbers, are gradually hiking it up now, apparently to make up for lost income from grants from the On a typical summer Wednesday night these only needing to be completed by newer government etc. What became of the Olympic legacy I wonder? and sometimes on winter Wart’s nights, members. More EA related news from the South Yorkshire County Athletics Association - no, not all runners set off together. Invariably this The signing in book is left under the good but it only affects a few. They have decreed that all runners in the South Yorks cross- breaks into small or even large sub-groups, windscreen wiper in a waterproof map country league must now be EA registered. Those of you who have registration from other depending on speed, ability on rough terrain case on a prominent member’s car so early clubs are ok as are those few who have individual registration through me but sadly the or simply due to some just wanting a short returning runners or race competitors can delights of 3- 5 laps on muddy parkland on a wet Sunday morning are no longer available to steady sociable run. sign in and disappear off to the pub. most of us. Whilst our Chairman is very keen on A simple addition to the signing in sheet individual personal responsibility on the fell has been to put a ‘Time’ column on the end Dark Peak conquers High Peak as in fact are the volunteers to the committee, for members to fill in their ‘self time’ on club it was felt that some sort of guidelines should races. Those having an early start just mark it The High Peak Marathon, a 67k overnight jaunt around the Derwent Watershed, has always be adopted for both Wednesday night runs by their name. This is a great help to the race attracted a good number of Dark Peak masochists and this year was no exception. You will find and any ‘members-only’ Dark Peak races. organiser. references to our successes elsewhere in the newsletter but here are the five teams wholly or This in particular would be of help to the race As most people come out as small groups partly Dark Peak that shone in their categories. Not a bad night’s work! organiser. in shared cars, it was suggested that each Position Overall Team 1 2 3 4 Time Three volunteers rushed forward to offer car takes responsibility for seeing that all in class Position their services, namely Gavin Williams, Willy its passengers have safely returned. If any 1st 1 Flipper’s Stephen Jon Morgan Jez Bragg Stephen 08:25:44 Kitchen and Maurice Musson. Eventually the who get back earlier choose to leave with overall & Gang Pyke Watts meeting took place at the Greystones Public another driver to the pub, then as long as 1st Vet House in S11 on Monday 22nd September they sign in that they have safely returned the 1st Mixed 4 Return of Simon Nicky John Hunt Mike Nolan 09:11:15 2014. race organiser or run convener can proceed Vet the Dark Patton Spinks It was decided that although a simple knowing no one is left on the fell. Side number count was adequate most of the time Although, each individual needs to sign 1st 8 Does My Sally Judith Caitlin Heather- 10:11:12 it did not always work. For example there on a separate line on a race sheet, it is not so Female Bum Look Fawcett Jepson Rice Catherine would be a problem if one or two decided to important on an ordinary run provided one Big in Marshall cut off early, having been lagging behind, and car member signs in the car and names of Mist? then to disappear off home without a word to people in it, i.e. Moz’s car with John, Moz, 2nd 10 Mahogany Steve Sarah Kev Saville Matt Rigby 11:22:31 anyone. Penny and Sarah. Mixed Ridge Fell Matthews Broadhurst So it was suggested that everybody should If somebody has not appeared at the end of Vet Runners sign in and also put down a mobile phone a run or race we will wait up to half an hour 1st 12 Ladies Kirsty Bryan- Rachel Julia Nicola 11:38:17 number (although not necessarily carry the after the last person who has returned. We Female from the Jones Horn Nolan Parkin phone on the fell) and their car registration will phone a mobile number, if we can get Vet Dark Side number. Although this information is a signal. We will then go to the agreed pub important it is too much to complete every to see if the missing party is there. We will evening we have a run, especially in poor phone the missing person’s home number

4 5 if we have it. If we still have a lost runner and, with the upgrades detailed, it has become we will then alert the appropriate Mountain second nature to many of us. Eleven and a half years on the bog Rescue Service. Let common sense rule. Look out for your The purpose of this etiquette is to remind self and others on the fell. Or Dark Peak, I gave you all the best years of runners of their own safety responsibilities As Brian O’Hanrahan said during the and their shared responsibilities to other Falklands War of 1982referring to Harrier my life runners. None of us like paperwork or Jets on a bombing mission, “ I counted them form filling, but this system has been used out and counted them in”. My first encounter with Dark Peak Fell hours after the great man. On my third or successfully in practice now for some months Moz Runners went something like this… Here fourth run, I seem to remember Mike Hayes I was running in the dark with a bunch of leading us into the middle of a patch of the Dark Peak in FRA calendar races. They must sweaty men (and a few unsweaty ladies) purple heather, stripping naked (ok,I might Junior runners be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or when one unseen club member engaged me have made that bit up) and then running at other responsible adult with parental consent in conversation: “You look quite useful,” he high speed around an ancient stone circle, in Dark Peak? confirmed using the FRA junior consent form. said, to which I responded by launching into a claiming that this would appease the god The club would circulate information about list of my achievements to date. “Never mind of fell running. And then there were the But Dark Peak thrives on minimal junior races open to such members. Junior all that stuff. Did you say your name was nights when Gentleman John (Edwards), and organisation I hear you cry, and where there members would not be allowed to participate Patterson? Are you the b*****d who ran off assorted others, would return to the club hut, are youngsters there has to be organisation. in other club running activities.’ with my wife?” drop their shorts, and pretend to see who had Well, read on and you will see what has been A couple of other keen older teenaged It was clearly a unique club that I was the most lead shot embedded in their hairy happening on this front and prepare yourself runners had approached the club at this time about to join. If this encounter didn’t put backsides following the glorious Trespass… to air your views at the forthcoming AGM in and were told of the above proposal. Dave me off, then doing the 1981 Club Champs Then there were the early (and I mean order to help the club make a proper decision Taylor agreed to take 16-18 year olds on almost did. I grimly pursued Rob Pearson and early) Sunday morning runs, beloved of and if necessary a proper plan. Tuesday evenings if they were interested, as Tony Farnell on the directissimo route back the married section of the club – something For a few years now it has been suggested he was a qualified coach with the necessary from Kinder Downfall but by the time I got of a mystery to me but whom I joined on that a small group of young runners paperwork. However to actually create a new back to Edale, clarted in mud but alive, I was occasion for some classic routes. The main successfully coached by Keith Holmes category of membership requires a change in hooked… aim of these runs, I concluded, was to do at Bradfield School might somehow be our new and proper constitution which cannot It’s hard for me to sum up the experiences them sufficiently early and fast that you could incorporated into the club simply because be made by the committee or directors, but I had in the next eleven years, until I left arrive home before your spouse was out of a ‘school only’ team is not permissible in must have the support of the membership. Sheffield and sadly never ran for the club bed. I remember one of the married telling me FRA championship races. Last autumn Keith So the whole idea is now open to debate. Is again, but let me try and give you a flavour. how his wife had greeted him with a bowl of approached the committee again and much a junior section a good idea for DPFR? Are Eccentric, iconoclastic, diverse, not letting porridge and a form of words which cannot effort was put into coming up with an idea club members keen for their children to join? anyone get too big headed (I can’t think of be repeated in this family magazine. to accommodate Keith and his team without Is there a demand for junior membership of the adjective to describe that): these are some Oh, and those classic club races. I involving the club jumping through any child DP outside Bradfield School? Will juniors of the characteristics that (endeared me to the remember doing Rob Pearson’s Headstone care related hoops. Keith did not envisage his be future seniors? Or will they disappear club.?) Headache for the first time and leading my group having any other connection with the from the area for university or work? Should So let’s start with the club runs. On only friend and international orienteer Chris Hirst club. The conclusion was briefly displayed on we have a junior membership if we are not my second run after the vengeful husband into the middle of a thicket somewhere in the website as follows: providing them with anything but a name for incident, I was introduced to the Worsell. Rivelin. Furious that I’d lost us the race, ‘We suggest that we create a new category racing? Is anyone prepared to take on junior That’s not just the towering presence which Chris told me to stick my orienteering career of junior membership, open to all young coaching with all it entails? was the mighty Chris himself, but the noun where the sun don’t shine and concentrate people between the ages of 10-18. Junior Please come along to the AGM and give or verb used to designate a manoeuvre which on fell running! The rest is history, as members would be eligible to compete for your views abandoned anyone cocky enough to think that they say. Then in something like 1984 they had a better route, thus exposing them other races began to appear, such as Andy to the shameful experience of trailing home Harmer’s hugely enjoyable Cakes of Bread;

6 7 the Crookstone Crashout − another AH Anyway, back to the races. There was the production; Pete and Trish Kohn’s Back Tor glory of breaking a Kenny Stuart record at What’s occurring on Burbage? and Back; Tim Tett’s lovely Alport race; the the Blisco Dash, although I ended up second Burbage Baffler which always had me, well, to fellrunner of the year Jack Maitland. baffled; and my own personal favourite, Mike Another second place at the mighty Hayes’ s Kinder Springs and its iconic route Snowdon International, and then again in the If, like me, you have spent happy hours watching helicopters working back and forth over the plateau. English Championship in 1987. Successive the plantation or carting stone across the moors, or tripped over fencing And then of course, the classic club race international vests in the World Trophies in to end all classics – the triple crossing of 1986-9, plus a last hurrah in 1991. I say with materials in Houndkirk Moor, or bumped into the docile cattle, then Kinder, a.k.a the Club Champs. After my some feeling that Dark Peak took me from perhaps you are wondering what these changes to the landscape are all first epiphany back in ’81, I then had four wallowing in the mud of Kinder Scout to about. The following press release from the National Trust in February this memorable but failed attempts to get the eighth in the World... year may go some way to explaining. course record before my finest hour (well my There were iconic club events that I sadly finest 1.08.46 to be precise) in purple, gold missed. Like Alan Yates’s Dungworth Gala The Burbage Moors are an area of upland moorland to the West of Sheffield, and lie within the and brown in the 1988 Championship. This for example. Or the annual pilgrimage to Peak District National Park. They are owned by Sheffield City Council, but currently managed was followed by the Club Dinner, where I the Lake District in midsummer for the Bob on a short-term basis by the National Trust. gave the worst after-dinner speech on record. Graham round attempt, where all the vast I recall thanking all the other runners for experience of the club stalwarts would be ‘Moor trees for Burbage’ source for birds, especially Burbage’s ring finishing behind me, a remark met with well- brought to bear on getting as many folk as ouzel population before their migration south deserved hoots of derision from Messrs Yates, possible into that illustrious sub-24 society This is an exciting time on the Burbage for the winter. The upper Burbage valley is a Harmer et al. Yet all those years of excessive −just one of the activities that defined what Moors and the surrounding area for woodland stronghold for this rare upland bird. stone by stone recceing, and those secret Dark Peak was all about. creation. Upland woodland has become an Surprise View woodland is also being missions to place markers out on the route, One final story. It was after the Sierre- increasingly rare habitat, and this decline has managed for woodland birds, with areas of whilst of course removing the markers placed Zinal race one year that I found myself, had devastating effects on woodland bird silver birch thinned out to give flight lines, by my rivals, had eventually paid dividends. with a bunch of clubmates, in Chamonix at populations. We’re hoping to redress this and individual trees being winched over to It wasn’t long after that when the club the base of Europe’s highest mountain. And balance and positively influence the habitat provide nesting sites. (wisely) decided that enough was enough and then I remember my delight and huge sense structure of our uplands. These fences are for livestock, to give the we should vary the route of the club champs of achievement in eventually reaching the Along with the large-scale woodland trees a chance of getting established. Stiles from year to year. summit of Mont Blanc, after two days of restoration project in the Burbage Plantation, will be placed at 200m intervals on all new I was fortunate to achieve a good deal on climbing under the expert guidance of Dave led by Sheffield City Council, we are fence lines to ensure public access is not the fells during those eleven years: victories Sant, only to have that particular bubble burst establishing around eight hectares of native restricted. Once established, trees within at races such as Kentmere, Ben Lomond, when greeted on the summit by a grinning broadleaf woodland on the Burbage Moors, fenced off areas will be a valuable resource Pendle, Marsden to Edale, Kinder Downfall. Will McLewin: “What kept you so long, “equivalent to eight full size football pitches”. for both wildlife and people to enjoy. When [Malcolm tactfully omits to mention another guys?” The Houndkirk Woodland Clough the trees are big enough not to be damaged by local race he won in the mid-1980s where So there you have it. My attempt to put Restoration project is the largest of these livestock, fences will be removed. the organiser privately handed him a scruffy into words what Dark Peak means to me. woodland creation plots (6.75h hectares). The Burbage Moors are a SSSI (Site banknote, a prize which was nervously and May you live long and prosper, and thanks Areas of veteran alders, rowans and willows of Special Scientific Interest) and also very rapidly converted into ale for the whole for the memories. will be joined by younger trees to form a lie within the South Pennine Moors SPA brown-vest troupe.Ed.] Incidentally I think it “Dark Peak (seeing as I couldn’t do rock dynamic woodland structure, capable of (Special Protection Area) for its upland bird was after getting lost on the way to Pendle, and roll) supporting more wildlife. species. All fences form part of Higher Level and sending my poor late mum to get my I gave you all the best years of my life; We are also creating just over 1 hectare Stewardship (HLS), and English Woodland race number for me after I’d started, that the All the dreamy sunny Sundays; of woodland in the Burbage Valley, beneath Grant Scheme conservation contracts club bestowed on me the nickname ‘Bodger’ All the moonlit summer nights…” Burbage Rocks, allowing dwarf shrubs such funded by Natural England, and the Forestry as bilberry and trees such as Rowan and Oak Commission. – a person who makes something badly or Malcolm Patterson clumsily! to return. This will provide a valuable food HLS and Dark Peak Nature Improvement

8 9 Area funding has enabled us to carry out laid stone flags on a boggy footpath at Upper other conservation projects on Burbage. Burbage. Introducing cattle grazing to create a diverse It’s lambing and nesting time soon, vegetation structure, updated surveys for we’ve already seen moorland birds that archaeology on Carl Wark, Toad’s Mouth have returned to nest on the moors this year, and Nell Croft, and moorland restoration a flock of golden plovers and curlew. You on Burbage Moor, where 250 small dams can help to look after this special place by will be put into erosion gullies, to stop peat keeping your dog on a lead, and closing any soil washing away, and allow bog plants to gates you pass through – even if they were recolonize areas of bare peat. We’ve also open! resurfaced 1.5km of Houndkirk Road, and

10 11 Dark Peak achievements 2014 Other notable team Autumn Relays wins Ian Hodgson Relay: Langdale 1st Senior Women’s team and 1st MV40 1st, 6th overall; Senior Men’s team, 1st Senior Man - Rhys Women 2nd; Also notable: Oli Johnson 3rd at Ennerdale English F-R (though slightly lower route due to weather) Senior Men 3rd. overall Championships and Rhys 6th Ennerdale Jura Yes, men’s team 1st FRA Relay Championship: Rhys Findlay-Robinson 4th overall (with Yorkshire 3 Peaks 1st Open and V40 male Senior Men 1st retaining the trophy! team best individual Lakeland Classics Women 8th. result of 4th at OMM Neil Northrop and Oli Johnson 2nd on Men’s B team 17th overall, (2nd B team Kentmere) Series elite course behind Calder Valley, just behind Pennine A Oli Johson 8th. 1st Men Team Long distance and beating our vets). Stephen Pyke 3rd MV45 (7th 17 people completed the required three races, MV40 3rd (20th overall); overall in V40s) Rounds the most we have ever managed. Rhys won MV50 1st (excellent 30th overall) Joe Blackett 3rd MV50 the Three Shires and Langdale, John Hunt BG completions Mens C team 65th overall – great to have so and Joe Blackett were 5th and 6th at Wasdale Women’s w/e (May) Denise Mathers Tom Saville 3rd U23. many teams out, and to include some new and Tom Brunt 8th at Borrowdale. (N Ireland) and Lucy Wiegand, plus a valiant Judith Jepson 3rd LV40 faces (young and old)! 1st LV45 Overall positions: 25+ hour round by Ruth Batty; Teams John Hunt 5th and 2nd V40 Also in May Ralph Skrimshire (21:22) Other achievements Senior Men 1st (again!) Tom Brunt 6th and 3rd V40 Club w/e (June) Shaun Hogton (Barnsley), “3 Peaks Gavin Williams style” Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours using MV40 2nd Joe Blackett 7th and 1st V50 David Lund, Dave McGuinness, George Yates; public transport and a bike! See page 22 for MV50 2nd Stephen Pyke 12th By Willy’s reckoning, that makes a total of details Senior Women 3rd Richard Guillaume 16th 169 DP members of the Bob Graham club. Lakes in a day (approx 50 mile ultra) Stuart Thanks to Richard Hakes for pulling the LV40 1st Dave Sykes 25th Walker 2nd DPFR attempt together Matt Hulley 27th Highland Fling Sally Fawcett 2nd woman British Nicky Spinks 31st, 2nd Woman Paddy Buckley completions Ultra Tour of Peak District Sally Fawcett Championships and 1st LV40 Glen Borrell, Laurence Piercy, Tim Rippon, 1st Woman respectively, with a new record Dave Taylor Neil Northrop 7th senior Richard Hunt 35th time Keith Holmes 2nd MV60 Judith Jepson 36th, 3rd Woman Ramsey Round Munro completion – Bob Marsden Teams and 2nd Lv40 Nicky Spinks completes her hat trick of Martin Payne’s antidote to fell running David Lund 38th record women’s rounds in 19:39. Of people - 97 miles in 24 hours walking laps of an Senior Men 2nd completing all three big UK rounds (BG, athletics track somewhere down south (Grand Ashley Kay 53rd MV40 2nd Ramsey, Paddy) I think Nicky has the 2nd Master Cutler Fulton can fill you in on the MV50 1st Adam Clarke 62nd fastest cumulative time! You probably need details should you so desire) Lewis Ashton 90th to check that with her though may need stop Result of the year: Neil Northrop 3rd at press item here AW Donnard race (Though even he’ll admit Fiona Fulwood 94th clag and his navigational ability did help his Joss Naylor Challenge cause!) Lynn Bland 12:57 Kev Saville sub 12hour, Gavin Williams 12hour plus

12 13 starting in the town of Annecy, ascending Semnoz (1685m), Col de la Colchette Team captains’ reports (1320m), Col de la Forclaz (1129m), Roc Lancrenaz (1632m) and finally Mont Baron (1268m). It’s a cumulative ascent Women’s captain’s bit • Championships - more medals with Dark of 5300m over the 86k!.” Can’t wait for a Peak Ladies winning the V40 English team report on this one. She is also doing great Sometimes life gets in the way of running championship for an amazing 4th time in on the fells winning Heptonstall fell race and even in the way of captain’s reports, so a row and claiming bronze medals in the just the other week. In doing so she pulled here are just a few snippets from a Dark Peak Open competition. Jude was V45 champion ahead of ex Dark Peaker Jo Buckley ladies perspective since the last publication of again and 3rd in the V40 category. (Smith) after running with her for 8 miles. Dark Peak News • It’s great to be able to report on some of Sally later graciously donated her prize to • Relays - the highlight of the relay season our younger runners doing some amazing Jo - a picture of a scene local to Jo’s home was an unexpected 2nd in the Ian Hodgson things as well. Sally Fawcett is an up and in Heptonstall. Relay. Other teams (i.e. Keswick!) might coming Dark Peak star recently selected • High Peak Marathon news – yet again have had the faster runners on paper for the GB trail running team and will great performances from Dark Peak but the clag was down and Dark Peak be competing in Annecy in the summer. Ladies in various teams with Nicky navigators came into their own. Nicky I asked for a bit more detail on this and Spinks’ mixed vet team coming in 4th Spinks and Pippa Wilkie pulled off the she told me “I am one of 12 GB team over all in a cracking time of 9:11, Jude, fastest last leg and appeared out of the members, six male and six female. I’m not Heather Marshall, Caitlin (Glossopdale) mist much to the delight of the other team sure how many competitors are involved and Sally were first ladies, and ‘Ladies members Debs Smith, Nicky Parkin, Jude in the race but they have said there are 78 from the Dark Side’ consisting of Kirsty, Jepson, Lynn Bland and Kirsty Bryan- nationalities compet-ing. The race is 86k Nicky P, Julia Nolan and Rachel Horn Jones and me. Martha and baby were first vet ladies. Most of these have • Finally Martha hasn’t contributed to any Sally and Jo racing each other enjoyed (or endured) the HPM experience race results recently but more importantly at Heptonstall, photo courtesy of many times but newcomer and long time she has contributed a very lovely picture woodentops.com vegetarian Nicky P was so overwhelmed of baby Billy. So congratulations to by the experience she was eating sausages Martha and Pete and welcome to another at the Snake check point. Penny Collier Dark Peak junior. and Sarah Broadhurst also showed how Helen well their BG training is going in their respective mixed teams.

Men’s captain’s bit racing also at another cold Tigger Tor trundle round Burbage with Tom Brunt moving New year, new challenges! Or the same ones, away from Neil down Long Line, and Neil just faster? himself keeping just ahead of Dave Taylor. As it’s early season I don’t have too many More snowy fun (or type 2 frozen feet!) was races to report on. However, there have been had over in Hayfield for the annual Kinder some great runs already this year in the first Trial nav event, with Tom Brunt taking the few local races. Neil, ‘I know Kinder like win. Plenty of other Dark Peakers at this the back of my hand’, Northrop certainly did one; well done all. As a club we were also as he pulled away through the groughs for particularly successful at the HPM (ably an excellent win on the Trigger. It was close organised by Rich Bradbury and team) with

14 15 Stephen Pyke again in the winning team Guillaume, John Hunt, Gareth Briggs, John also with Jon Morgan (I think the 1st time Boyle, Keith Holmes and Dave Tait. Sorry if Not The Nationals Jon has been in the winning team, perhaps I’ve missed anyone out. Official confirmation surprisingly). The leading ‘all DPFR’ team of team results is that V40s were 3rd and (resurrected series) 2015 of Glen Borrell, Laurence Piercy, Dave V50s 2nd. Lund and Richard Hunt were an excellent This all means the rest of the season For the second year running, Gavin Williams is the official, 3rd, apparently running very strongly over should be very interesting. There’s going to undisputed Dark Peak Fell Runners Cross Country Champion. Bleaklow. The leading mixed prize was also be a lot of close competitive racing, and if we Initially, what looked to be a field of 1 increased claimed by Dark Peak, with apparently Nicky want to be a successful club we need to be exponentially just before the race started: in the end there were Spinks’ and John Hunt’s experience in long participating. Entries for many of the champs 4 competitors, all finding their way to the field and the legendary events getting late callup Mike Nolan round. races have already closed, which does seem ‘tree’ by a variety of routes (clearly, the start of the race is Also, well run to Jon Pemberton having a a touch outrageous for events in the summer, something of a navigational checkpoint). successful night out with Penniners to finish but you can still enter Duddon and possibly Weather conditions were good - sunny, and not cold enough to 6th team. Hopefully more stories elsewhere Stretton. No GB champs races have been have seen ice or frost - and the course was impeccably marked (thanks in the mag. held yet, Moelwyn is the first next month, but Alan and Sue). The ground underfoot was typically muddy, and it was The first English championship race of entries for Durisdeer in June and a seemingly pleasing to see the route maintain last year’s resurrection of the little the season has just been run, Flower Scar epic 7 Mourne mountains in August are being climb through the meadow by the river. in Todmorden. Definitely a fast blast to accepted. As a club we could do really well in The race quickly split into two groups - the race convener at the get started with! Indeed it was all a very these, especially if we get plenty of runners back, looking like he was doing a health-and-safety backsweep but runnable route, with a mix of mud, trails and support out on the longs. The usual actually pursuing with all of his might, and then the rest of them. At and some more open grassy moorland. Big suspects are keen, though it would be good the start of the race, Paul set a blistering pace, whilst Gavin sat tactically congratulations to Rhys Findlay-Robinson to see some newer faces too. Dark Peak has towards the rear- that’s all I saw, so can’t say any more! who finished 4th just a few seconds behind an amazing range of runners, and I appreciate Animals and passers-by seemed good-natured. Morgan Donnelly, his best result in a short the greatest enjoyment for many of you is Gavin Williams 44.09 1st V50 champs race to date. Stuart Bond had a good a bash across some Kinder bog, but I’ve Paul Walwyn 45.50 1st Male Jethro Tull wannabe Nick Charlton 47.44 1st V40 Gavin demonstrates run for 17th place, and then the DPFR charge always thought some new challenges further his prowess came with myself in 33rd, Oli Johnson 34th afield are exciting. Don’t worry if you think Simon Bacsich 6.22 1st Organiser (sorry about the sprint finish OJ!) and Pete champs races are just for fast people, there is Hodges in 38th. Tom Saville was 43rd, in fact of range of abilities. Long races have 2nd Under 23 runner and importantly U23 previously been a strength for Dark Peak’s Yorkshire champion. Calder Valley had a very winning teams so we’d certainly welcome Companion Stones: know what strong day with nine runners in the first 25 anyone along who likes the long distance overall. The senior men were 3rd team, just 1 stuff, even if you consider 20 miles to ‘just’ they are? love ‘em? hate ‘em? point behind Helm Hill. Every second counts be short! Send your views to newsletter@ chaps! This was the case despite Tom, Tom If anyone needs to know when events are, dpfr.org.uk for the next edition Brunt and Will Boothman all beating Helms or how to enter feel free to contact me (details 5th runner. So if we’d drawn, we would’ve in membership list, or if using website form been placed higher on count back to 5th please leave a reply address as this isn’t runner. Top Vet run of the event probably automatically seen by me). goes to Dave Taylor finishing 1st in his new Good luck with whatever you are doing. class of V50 (is he really that old?). Thanks Enjoy your efforts. to everyone else for racing including Rich Rob

16 17 Club champs results 2014 pos name time cat Bleaklow Stones, living up to its name 1 Neil Northrop 01:39:21 M Handicap pos: 6 2 Simon Patton 01:43:22 MV45 Handicap pos: 7 3 Tim Tett 01:46:28 MV50 Handicap pos: 1 4 John Boyle 01:47:00 MV45 Handicap pos: 3 in the finest Club Champs tradition 5 Gavin Williams 01:49:59 MV50 Handicap pos: 2 6 Richard Patton 02:03:05 MV45 Handicap pos: 29 7 Kevin Saville 02:06:07 MV50 Handicap pos: 4 8 Helen Elmore 02:06:30 LV40 Handicap pos: 5 9 Mike Nolan 02:08:38 MV45 Handicap pos: 18 10 Dave Sykes 02:13:21 MV40 Handicap pos: 9 11 Ralph Skrimshire 02:14:24 M Handicap pos: 31 12 Rob Little 02:14:41 M Handicap pos: 47 13 Charlie Elliot 02:17:29 MV40 Handicap pos: 12 14 Matt Rigby 02:17:40 MV45 Handicap pos: 13 15 Kirsty Bryan-Jones 02:17:45 LV40 Handicap pos: 8 16 Richard Bradbury 02:18:24 MV40 Handicap pos: 17 17 Jon Coe 02:18:40 M Handicap pos: 41 18 Kristian Groom 02:19:19 M Handicap pos: 11 19 Robert Moore 02:21:18 MV45 Handicap pos: 10 20 Phil Crowson 02:23:34 MV50 Handicap pos: 42 21 Ian Winterburn 02:24:52 MV45 Handicap pos: 20 22 Tim Hawley 02:27:52 MV55 Handicap pos: 14 23 Nicola Parkin 02:28:07 LV45 Handicap pos: 22 24 Judith Jepson 02:29:15 LV45 Handicap pos: 33 25 John Webber 02:30:21 MV55 Handicap pos: 34 26 Loxley Crawshaw 02:31:12 MV40 Handicap pos: 23 27 Peter Gorvett 02:33:01 MV65 Handicap pos: 15 28 Tim Rutter 02:33:03 M Handicap pos: 32 29 Mick Cochrane 02:33:55 MV65 Handicap pos: 21 30 Bob Berzins 02:36:07 MV50 Handicap pos: 16 31 Donna Claridge 02:36:38 LV45 Handicap pos: 27 32 David Lund 02:37:20 M Handicap pos: 48 33 Tom Westgate 02:37:26 MV50 Handicap pos: 24 34 Roy Small 02:38:32 MV60 Handicap pos: 25 35 Lewis Ashton 02:42:04 MV45 Handicap pos: 37 36 Jim Paxman 02:42:16 MV55 Handicap pos: 30 37 Graham Berry 02:42:34 MV65 Handicap pos: 26 38 Eoin Connaughton 02:44:18 MV50 Handicap pos: 39 39 Victoria King 02:46:58 L Handicap pos: 44 40 Richard Hakes 02:47:08 MV55 Handicap pos: 28 41 Sarah Broadhurst 02:50:42 LV45 Handicap pos: 36 42 Penny Collier 02:51:40 LV45 Handicap pos: 35 43 Robert Marsden 03:00:56 MV65 Handicap pos: 19 44 Maurice Musson 03:07:02 MV60 Handicap pos: 45 45 Chris Bateson 03:07:55 MV45 Handicap pos: 52 46 Andy Harmer 03:08:11 MV65 Handicap pos: 46 47 Clive Last 03:08:18 MV65 Handicap pos: 43 48 Tim Ray 03:10:25 MV40 Handicap pos: 51 49 Dave Arundale 03:14:17 MV60 Handicap pos: 38 50 Michael Arundale 03:16:39 MV60 Handicap pos: 40 51 Michael Bourne 03:21:49 MV45 Handicap pos: 53 52 Ashley Kay 03:24:04 MV55 Handicap pos: 55 53 Paul Walwyn 03:29:59 M Handicap pos: 54 54 Adrian Davis 03:31:06 M Handicap pos: 56 55 Stewart Kemp 03:31:48 MV60 Handicap pos: 57 56 Mike Browell 03:39:04 MV60 Handicap pos: 49 57 Mick Poulter 03:41:36 MV60 Handicap pos: 50 58 Jim Fulton 04:08:00 MV60 Handicap pos: 58 59 Stephen Martin 04:13:00 MV50 Handicap pos: 59 60 Simon Bacsich 04:10:12 M Handicap pos: 60 - 20 min penalty 61 Roger Baumeister 05:01:00 MV70 Handicap pos: 59

18 19 2500 meters, this went up to 3300. Towards go wrong. I reach a check point as dusk Been there, done that the top it was climb 10 steps and stop. Over approaches, and although fatigued convince the col was the narrowest of paths traversed myself I can continue to the next life station as a cliff face, steep enough that the only way it is only a 3000ft climb, so just like nipping to traverse the loose path underneath was to over Scafell. I set off into the night confident adopt a steady jog, compounding the exposure. of achieving my goal. Now enters my first Heart in mouth I had to get off this hill. There experience of the much fabled hallucinations Tor des Geants was a 6000ft descent down to the next life that long distance runners get. I had heard of base at Cogne, which pretty much finished my these but had no first-hand experience until ability to run downhill. now. Trees turned into people standing up and Set off on day three just after 2am up and looking at me, boulders turned into figures over a modest col, then steady descent to the sitting down, and the rocky path underfoot ‘bottom’ of the course at the third life station became an assortment of strange creatures. I at Donnas which was encountered at lunch tried to rationalise what was happening: lack allowing just a quick refreshment stop. The of carbs, lack of salt, not drinking enough, problem with the lowest point of the course drinking too much, lack of sleep. I had no is that it is pretty much up from there, my answer but I did have a gnarly long descent target was Rifugio Coda, ascending 8000ft, on a switch back path to tackle. I experienced arriving just at dusk, now really tired having a genuine out of body experience and spent been on the go for 16 hours. After plenty of the whole time conversing with myself in the The Tor des Geants is a 205 mile trail race as just a steep climb up the side of the valley food I reported to get some sleep. I was rudely second person instructing myself what to do, in the Italian Alps, based in the Aosta valley, ended up as a ridge scramble on loose rocks awoken at 23:30 by the marshal. No this can’t as I had no fear, no emotion at all. I reached and starting from Courmayeur. There is an using handily placed chains with exposure be right, my watch says 2230. Oh that’s the final life station at Olloment before midnight. incredible 24 000 meters (80 000 feet) of both sides. Just on the far side of the high point altimeter. And so thrown out onto the hill at The final day was fairly uneventful with climbing, with the route passing over 25 peaks, was the reassuring memorial to last year’s midnight. the end in sight, and despite managing the highest of which is the Col du Loson unfortunate competitor, who had fallen and This really was the low point. The little more than a stagger all day, I ran like at 3300M. The race is well supported with died here with a head injury. First challenge next section was very rocky and the path a man possessed down the final 3000ft to 6 ‘life bases’ that offer good facilities and over, and now the endless descent to the Valley awkward. I was fatigued. The Crenna du Courmayeur. That’s it, the finish, job done. access to a drop bag, and multiple checkpoints floor and the first life base at Valgrisenche Leui nearly became my epitaph. This col was After the race I met up with a couple of between, which offer food and the opportunity to eat to the point of vomiting and grab four attacked after a long steep scramble in those the Brits who also reported the hallucination to sleep; but only for two hours! The race hours sleep. worst hours for fatigue around 4am. On the phenomena. The prize must go to a guy from starts on a Sunday at 10am, with a time limit Back on the trail at 3:45 and gain the Col dramatically exposed descent I managed to Northern Ireland who had had a few hours of 150 hours. The race is continuous giving Fenetre at first light. The Col was formed by a clip my toe on a protruding iron pin and launch fully deluded thinking he was President the competitor the choice of when to rest and gully cutting into the far side of the ridge. The myself forward in to the dark. This was heart Obama and the guy running with him was a sleep. result was a 1000ft descent on a consistent but stopping. After a few frantic foot strikes I spy. This mind bending episode was brought The fifth edition of the Tor des Geant extremely steep slope on a path that zig zags managed to regain balance and stop, and some to an abrupt end by him falling, wrenching started with appropriate pomp and excitement. across about 50ft or so hemmed in by rock Anglo Saxon words filled the Italian night. his knee and being medi-evacuated from the Is was a fine alpine day and 660 competitors faces on either side. The path was narrow and The next life station at Gressoney was attained course by helicopter. snaked their way out of Courmayeur, along a consisted of loose stones, and was buttock by lunchtime, and I pressed on to Saint Jeacq, Of the 700 or so starters about two thirds switch back path through the wooded valley clenching each time the turn forced a moment but that was it. Twenty hours on the go had finished and I was midway in this group with sides, up to Alpine meadows to the first Col of direct descent. The third climb of the day taken its toll. Eat to the point of vomiting and a time of 129 hours. The winner, astonishly of the day, the Col d’Arp at 2600 Meters. was the big one: the Col Loson. Five and a then the luxury of two hours sleep before being completed in less than 72 hours the equivalent Runners were greeted with cheering crowds half thousand feet of continuous ascent from told to get up and get out. of a triple Bob Graham round in less than three and the sound of cowbells. The third ascent a baking valley floor. Can’t train for this in The fifth stage was beautiful mountain days. Humbling. of the day up to Lac du Fond. What started Derbyshire. I suffer from breathlessness from scenery and all was good, nothing could Greg Crowley

20 21 lunch in the Booths café at Windermere Crewe a. 0647 National Three Peaks sans car and a freshly cooked take-away pizza in St Crewe d. 0709 George’s Square, Glasgow. In fact, the entire Oxenholme a. 0821 27-28 May 2014 escapade was achieved without recourse to mint cake, gels or special energy drinks Oxenholme d. 0827 (unless you count IrnBru – the traditional Windermere a. 0846 accompaniment to Italian street food north of Windermere d. 0856 Climbing the national three peaks is a popular the border). Langdale 0955 mountain challenge, with thousands of folk I feel sure that folk will have done this doing it each year for a myriad of charities or journey in the past, though extensive research SCAFELL PIKE 1120 simply for the hell of it. The record for this (ten minutes on Google) failed to find any Langdale 1230 enchaînment is a sizzling 11h 56m - achieved mention. In fact the jaunt might have been Windermere a. 1322 by Joss back in 1971 with help from a three easier pre-Google and pre-Beeching, when Windermere d. 1458 litre Ford Capri and, I suspect, scant regard there were branch lines to Llanberis and Oxenholme a. 1517 for speed limits. Nowadays the established Keswick. Further refinements remain, for target is a sub-24 hour time. This is eminently instance touching the sea at start and finish, Oxenholme d. 1522 possible for fit, and even not so fit walkers, but I’m happy with my day out. I’m sure that Glasgow C. a. 1737 but only by spending at least ten hours you would be too, DMU willing. Glasgow Q.S. d. 1821 cooped up in a car or minibus. In an attempt to complete the challenge in a modern fell A good hand for solitaire? As well as the actual Schedule Fort William a. 2206 train tickets, I had seat and bicycle reservations for running idiom I recently managed to link each leg of the trip – a total of 14 pieces of paper. Llanberis d. 0143 Glen Nevis d. 2220 Snowdon, Scafell Pike and the Ben in less SNOWDEN 0238 BEN NEVIS 0000 than 24 hours without recourse to a car; recently, though this time it was a solo Glen Nevis a. 0107 instead I used my bicycle to link into the rail venture. By which I mean I couldn’t find Llanberis a. 0323 network. anyone barmy enough to come with me. Bangor a. 0420 Elapsed 2336 It would have been nice to have been able Happily on this occasion all the trains ran to Bangor d. 0514 Gavin Williams to use the overnight sleeper service up to schedule and I completed my own variation Scotland, but it crawls along at too slow a on the three peaks challenge in 23h 36m (see pace. Instead, following considerable scrutiny schedule). None of the hill legs were run at of the timetables, the only sub-24h schedule breakneck speed (Snowdon: 1h 40m; Scafell Chew. For those of you who may not know that I could devise involved climbing Pike: 2h 35m; Ben Nevis: 2h 47m) and they Biting off more this race it is an orienteering event starting Snowdon very early, then catching the first didn’t need to be. I had the best part of an from Dovestones reservoir situated between train out of Bangor, and, after a detour to the hour in hand at both Bangor and Windermere. than I could Holmfirth and Greenfield near Oldham that Lake District, reaching Glasgow in time to The weather was kind and there was enough covers some tough and boggy terrain. board the evening train to Fort William. Mick of a glow in the sky to allow the snows of the Chew After the usual preparation I set off with Stenton and I attempted this hair-brained plan Ben summit plateau to be traversed without map in hand. I head south east to Chew in 2010, but were thwarted by a slow running resorting to a torch. The cycling was also by Some of the Warts may have heard me Plantation, running along Chew Brook, up DMU into Crewe (for the benefit of any non- necessity fairly sedate, since I had camping mention a plan to do the New Chew race in to Dish Stone Rocks and the Chew reservoir, anoraks, DMU = Diesel Multiple Unit). We gear with me; though I did deposit some of February. And and wondered what happened, then a boggy trudge to Laddow. From here continued our journey northwards at a more it at Lakeside Taxis for the out and back to as my race results did not appear. I thought it it’s a rocky down and up to Bareholme Moss. leisurely pace and were able to do all the Langdale. would make a good story... Some rough running to Meadow Cclough individual stages within my predicted splits. Eating can be a chore on 24-hour On an overcast but clear and dry day and a gentle climb towards the Castles. At The trouble was that it took us the best part of challenges, but not for this one! I had the I drive over to the Chew Valley, with my this point it starts to snow. After a period of 48 hours rather than 24. chance to sample breakfast at Bangor station usual car share partner Rich, for the New confusion trying to find a checkpoint I begin A second opportunity presented itself (to my delight the buffet opens at 4.30am); making my way up the Pennine Way towards

22 23 Black Hill, running through tussocks and me, and I know they’ll stop. A nice young snow to collect a couple more checkpoints. police officer asks, what am I up to? After Three views of High Cup Nick The weather now changes dramatically explaining and telling him my plan he tells to blizzards. After adding another layer of me I look like I know what I am doing, I’m Category: BM, Distance: 15k, Climb: 460m clothes I begin running along the icy flags to dressed appropriately and I have a map and Black Hill, seeing only one other runner at compass but he would feel a lot happier if I this point (who looked quite underdressed in got in the car and he’d drive me somewhere comparison to me). I get to Black Hill and go safe. After some debating I realise he has A report from Clare Oliffe temperature dropped dramatically, the wind north west sticking to my original race plan made his mind up and really this offer is picked up and was against me, and but a After hearing Ian Winterburn’s description of but wondering now if this is possible given too good to pass up, and I get in. I make the great runnable descent opened up in front of the impressive scenery and terrain at the High the driving blizzard and snow drifts forming necessary call to the race organiser and let me down the Pennine Way. I suddenly found Cup Nick race, I thought I’d go and see for underfoot. It gets hard to look west as the them know I’m retiring. The police officer some energy from somewhere, or perhaps myself. As we arrived the hills were covered blizzard hurts my eyes, which is the only part then tells me he can’t take me back to race I just discovered the effects of gravity. I in clag and I doubted I would see anything. of me exposed now. There’s not much point start as there’s a bus stuck in the road. bounded down the thoroughly enjoyable The race started in the little village of Dufton looking anywhere other than my compass Thankfully my Mum lives in Meltham, (not descent, and was now overtaking people and, after a short road section, we quickly as visibility is very poornow. For what far from Holmfirth,) so off we go. rather than being overtaken. I barrelled joined the Pennine Way before turning onto seems a long time I persevere through tough As we drive down the hill the weather towards the finish on the village green muddy tracks across fields. On rounding a conditions, and eventually get fed up! changes to heavy rain, as if the driving and after some encouragement from Ian small hill (Harthwaite?) the clag had cleared For what seems a long time blizzard was a figment of my and Loxley, mustered a little sprint finish and the stunning valley suddenly opened up I persevere through tough imagination!! my Mum is out and (hopefully) a smile for the camera. A Once in front of me with views all the way up to conditions, and eventually so I have to go to the local great race which lived up to expectations – High Cup Nick. I imagined the valley being get fed up! Changing again due supermarket where I’m kindly stunning scenery, mix of terrain and all quite created by a huge ancient ocean liner crashing direction, I go north given a pot of tea and slice runnable – and one I’d definitely one to do to terrain and into the hillside, although I’m told its hull wanting to get near to of toast. Sitting As I sit again. On returning to the car park after the like shape is far more likely to have been civilisation, the Holmfirth there white and shivering a race there were further unexpected sights … weather my plan is created by a glacier. After splashing through Road. (Never thought thoughtful Melthamite (with Rhys stood there in his Wales pants. Ian and High Cupgill Beck I began the boggy slog I would hear myself say thwarted a gold prosthetic eye!) offers to Loxley shielded my eyes. along the valley bottom. The gradient is very that!) My plan is to get to the help, by trying numerous ways to gradual so despite feeling quite rubbish at this Clare Oliffe road, run along the moors near to warm me up. Errrrr...ahh… my Mum point, there was no excuse to stop running. the road and pick a descent clough back to arrives, am I glad to see her! The climb up towards the tip of the valley is …and some information on Dovestones. Once again due to terrain and A warm shower, more toast and we quite rocky, made considerably worse by me the geology of High Cup Nick weather my plan is thwarted. Now I just drive back to Dovestones. With some local blindly following the runners in front of on a from Clare’s Dad- Geology want to get back to the race start so I decide knowledge we get there fine. Then a drive bad line. These rocks are also very slippery, to go onto the out-of-bounds road, essentially back to Sheffield, slightly disappointed but The geology of the area, for those who are which I found out the hard way with a very disqualifying myself from the race. I realise safe and with a tale to tell. interested enough to read further, is quite ungraceful fall almost into the arms of the straight away that running along a reasonably On reflection I realise it wasn’t a great fascinating. What you were running on was a guy behind me. There’s a short scramble up busy, snowy and untreated road is probably idea to run to the highest point in a blizzard, rock called dolerite, which is an a very hard to High Cup Nick and this was made all the not a good idea! as the weather would probably be worse type of intrusive igneous rock hence that more interesting by the wind whipping up the Now a police car, which passed me earlier there. Seems simple now. I’m sure I’ll learn was once molten. It was intruded squeezed water into my face. (Ian preferred to accuse when I was off the road, comes towards something new at next year’s New Chew too. up under most of northeast England about Roy Gibson of peeing into the wind, which 295 million years ago and is known as an was met with giggles from nearby runners. intrusive igneous rock. The host rock in the I was too far back to witness this, lack of area at that time would have been limestone winter training showing). Then the moment covered by shale and gritstone and the molten I reached the top, everything changed. The rock would have forced itself between their

24 25 horizontal layers creating a predominantly fell race, take a second look at those horrible the race briefing, which was basically “the noted the time, 55 minutes, I’ve still got 4 horizontal feature. The intrusion is now called slippery rocks! rocks are slippery and it’s going to rain” then miles to do and Ricky will be finishing in 6 the Great Whin Sill. “GO”. We were off. The pace in the middle minutes! I decided I wasn’t going to catch him The Sill was a result of major activity in ..and now Loxley Crawshaw of the pack was pretty fast for me but I didn’t up so I might as well just enjoy it. I started the earth’s crust to the south where Africa by Clare’s Dad feel like I was overcooking it. By the first long along the plateau but felt cheated by the wind, was moving north and colliding with Europe The first time I’d heard of this race was in stretch of green road I could see that Ricky I was working just as hard as I had on the and North America (this was before the the Nags Head after Moz’s annual ‘make me Lightfoot was already way out in front. I climb and this bit was supposed to be flat. The Atlantic existed so they were joined back feel unfit race’, which just happens to coincide thought “I’ll catch him up later” and I just got wind was freezing the rocks were treacherous then). Whilst this was happening the earth’s with his birthday. We were chatting about my head down and carried on. but I had now started to take a few scalps, I crust in northern England was being stretched who’d got in to the High Peak Marathon. My The first 3 miles of the race gradually even started to feel like a proper fell runner allowing molten rock to rise from very deep team hadn’t and neither had Ian Winterburn’s. climbs out of the village and into rolling green whizzing past the others. I was soon taken down. It is has a thickness of 80metres or Ian then suggested we do this little race up in fields, in ankle deep mud at times but still very down a peg or two when a couple of Keswick more and extends eastward even under the the North Pennines; he waxed lyrical about a runnable. It’s a while before you actually see runners literally flew past me. How do you run North Sea. When it was first intruded created big technical climb, an eyeballs-out descent where you are going but once you do, you’re that fast on greased rock? Then the descent hit there would have been at least two to three and views to die for. I thought surely he’s got in the V shaped valley that leads up to the the Pennine Way, a well trodden path with lots kilometres of rock above it that has since this race mixed up some Scottish or Lakeland Nick. Here the terrain gets steeper and more of grassy bits, this time I felt like I was flying, eroded and exposed the Sill in many areas, classic. Anyway, the race was called High technical but doesn’t warrant a walk until you my quads were beginning to burn but it was High Cup being one. (Part of Hadrian’s Wall Cup Nick and like the HPM it had the word hit the boulder field so I thought I’d use this downhill all the way home now. I just had to is built on the Whin Sill). High in the title so I was in (that’s all it takes to my own advantage. For the last couple of keep going. I got to the village feeling pretty The valley itself was carved out by sometimes). I wrote ‘HCN?’ in my calendar miles I’d been having a bit of a good and managed a strong run in. glacial action in geological times when this and forgot about it. battle with an older runner in My time was 1hr 28min; a good part of the world was ice-covered. (part of Fast forward about eight weeks and Ian a brown vest (Hunter Bog 26 minutes slower than Ricky Hadrian’s Wall is built on the Whin Sill). It was volunteering to drive up to Dufton and I Trotters, I think). He had I managed to but just about what I thought has a thickness of about 80 metres, a little was thinking maybe I should check this race a lot of fight in him and lose my new-found I’d get during my intensive more in places. The more resistant rock of the out, look at the route etc... I did this research we kept sharing the lead research the night before. Ian Sill is clearly visible round the edge of High in about 5 minutes, the night before the race, until we hit the unfeasibly nemesis had finished 6 minutes before Cup Nick as it forms the cliff-like feature whilst drinking wine and eating pizza. I feel slippery boulders. If Inov8 and we cheered Clare in not far particularly obvious at the pointed end of it’s important to be well prepared for these ever were to invent the Rock claw, I’d behind. Back at the car, Miss Oliffe was the valley, which was carved out by glacial things. buy them. They might stop us looking like feeling flush in more ways than one when action. Dufton on first impression looked like newborn giraffes on these northern rocks. Ian she spotted Rhys in his Welsh underwear. The Sill was a result of major tectonic any typical country village. It had a green, a thinks there is a path through these boulders She probably didn’t notice two of Dark Peaks activity to the south where Africa was moving couple of pubs and a village hall. We went but if there was the pack I ignored it. Maybe a finest (Ian and I before anyone asks) had north and colliding with Europe and North to register and being at least an hour early, recce of this section would gain you a couple both been in our undies just moments before. America (this was before the Atlantic existed we got big mugs of tea and sat down to chat. of minutes, if you’ve still got some run in you, They’re fickle these young uns... so they were joined back then). During this Then the runners started to turn up. Oh look, that is. All in all it was a good day out with good period the earth’s crust in northern England there’s Ricky Lightfoot, oh and that’s Steve I managed to lose my new-found nemesis company and in a part of the UK I had never was being stretched allowing molten rock to Birkinshaw! It started to look like it was going just in time for the steep climb. It was hands been to – somewhere you drive past to get to rise from very deep down. As it was being to be a strong field. All the big Lakeland clubs on knees stuff for a few minutes but nothing the Lakes. The route was great, with fantastic intruded it would have metamorphosed any were there. Then fellow DP’er Rhys F-R too strenuous, so I took the time to have a gel. views and the field was strong. It was well rock that it came into contact with due to walked in, who wasn’t running but at least After a bit of a rock scramble up a waterfall, worth the visit and could perhaps be a race the heat. Limestone would have turned into swelled our numbers in the Village hall. On I was at the top. I remembered Ian had said to for the Carshare league (?) Also, with a youth marble, sandstone into quartzite and shale our way out, I said to Clare that they all looked turn round and look at the view at this stage. hostel right at the finish, it could be a good into hornfels. This effect ranged up to 40m really fit and good runners and started to fear I did, and it was spectacular but I also spotted choice for a Dark Peak away day\overnighter. above and below the Sill. I’d be quite far back in this race! the grimacing Bog Trotter climbing over the So, if you do go and do High Cup Nick On the start line Morgan Donnelly gave top too. “I’d better get going” I thought. I

26 27 more bars, gels, and some Clif Shots from the make the most of the loose downhill track. At station. Fifteen miles down. Now I can start the foot of the next climb, two more runners Yes, I can run 60 miles! racing. finally come into view. I walk much of this The Ultra Tour of the Peak District: a personal account from As I leave the feeding station, I see a climb, but I’m still powering on and closing new member Andrew Chester couple of runners ahead and push on steadily in. I catch a lady first and she’s flagging, up the climb, gradually closing the gap. Onto says she’s been unwell and is dropping out at the easier but undulating top of Derwent Edge Win Hill. I wish her well. 30 MILES - 5 hrs the plan. But I still count the runners ahead and the views are spectacular. Now I begin 37mins (average 11:14/mile) at the first bend and I’m about 40th. I’m to pick up places, passing 3 or 4 runners. My I keep pushing steadily on the steep above my target heart rate but decide to trust heart rate is up to the mid-150s. 20 MILES – downhill road section to Yorkshire Bridge. how I feel and factor in the adrenalin. I’m 3 hrs 40mins (average 11:00/mile). I’m 17th coming into checkpoint 10, just running easy at 145-150bpm, tweaking the At the summit of Lost Lad, the marshal behind a guy in a white top. More water, pace to stay below 150. Twenty minutes in, tells me I’m in 21st position, another big more food from drop bag 2 and more Body my watch vibrates. Time for my first cereal boost. The marshal is Amy Freeman; injured Glide for my thighs - no chaffing yet, lets bar. As we climb Porter Clough, I relax and and unable to race she’s come all the way keep it that way. chat to a couple of people, walking a few from Preston to marshal! A third done and I head out 30 seconds behind White Top steep sections and letting others go by. As I’m feeling strong. I know the next long Guy. In this heat, Parkin Clough is like a they pass, it helps to say to myself I’ll see you downhill section will be a good one for me tropical rainforest. With 900ft of ascent, later. and spot two targets in the distance. I soon feeling almost vertical in places, the next mile I expect to regain a couple of places on the pass both but they stick close behind me so I is 26 minutes of sweaty, leg sapping torture flat across Houndkirk Moor but don’t. Five push a little harder down the steepest section. but I finally catch him at the summit of Win miles in and I’m already racing in my mind. At checkpoint 7, they’re only just coming Hill. He discusses the route with the marshal. Stick to the plan, boy! in as I’m leaving with full water bottles. My I head straight through and into 16th place. This is how good it felt to stand still At the first water point, at Fiddler’s Elbow, feet have started to feel hot on the descent But he’s right behind me and sticks with runners ahead of me seem uncertain of the at the end - and this is how I got and I realise I’ve not laced my shoes tightly me even though I’m kicking on down the route and head towards Higger Tor. A more enough. Deal with little problems now before favourable gradient. In an effort to shake him there… direct line towards Stanage gains me 6 or 7 they become big problems later, I tell myself. off, I veer right off the path, through a gap in After months of anticipation, race day places. I settle down and take it easier across On the steep climb back up to Derwent Edge the wall, and follow a grassy track instead; finally arrives. I wake before the 5.30am Stanage and on the steep descent to Redmires I stop and retie them. a rough but more direct line. This seems to alarm; have a bowl of Shreddies and kit up, I’m still holding back, thinking save these I’m now in 19th place. As I start the throw him, and I pull away on the climb up to remembering to plaster myself with Body legs for later. 10 MILES – 1 hr 48mins descent to Moscar I see the next target in the Kinder Scout. Glide and sunscreen. It’s going to be warm, (average 10:48/mile). distance and push harder on the technical I can see a runner in a Totley vest ahead, sunny and humid. Alongside the reservoir, I chat to Andy but spongy downhill. Back at Moscar the looking strong and running sections I need On the start line, the adrenalin is pumping. Bragg and we run together for the next 5 girls are still there and run to meet me. Their to walk. I’m thirsty and slowing down. I Just standing still my heart rate is 90 bpm. miles or so, pushing on a bit along the gentler excitement is better than any caffeine shot. suddenly realise that I didn’t drink enough My mind is racing. Can I do this? Has my downhill of Wyming Brook. After a while my What a welcome! I’ve now completed a at the last checkpoint in my haste to make training done enough to get me through? heart goes above my target zone, so I drop the marathon and it feels great. I’m buzzing. time on White Top Guy. I’ve already drained What will my body and my head be doing pace again and concentrate on steady running. I pick up more water and Clif Shots and most of my bottles and there’s still another 11 or 12 hours from now? The ten-minute Coming into the first feed station at head straight out. The runner in front is now 5 miles to Edale. Feeling like this, the countdown takes forever. It’s going to be a Moscar is fantastic. Unexpectedly, mum, dad, only about 200 metres ahead. Steady work technical descent below Ringing Roger is a long, long day. Amelie and Scarlett are already there and the closes the gap and by the time we hit to top of trial. My co-ordination is a bit ropey and I Then we’re off. I start near the back and girls are screaming at the tops of their voices, Stanage again I pass him, quickly opening up have to pick my way carefully. My head is take the first climb very steadily. Position is giving me a massive boost as I run down the a healthy lead, 18th. At checkpoint 9 they tell ropey too. In Edale I’m somehow confused irrelevant at this stage I tell myself. I’m not hill towards them. They help refill my bottles me I’m 4 minutes behind the next runner so I about where the checkpoint is, and end up going to race for the first 15 miles. That’s while I find my drop bag and load up with really kick on down Long Causeway trying to walking between the Nag’s Head and the

28 29 still run at a fair pace downhill. This is a big to all of you for your support all day. It improvement. I had to walk this downhill in made an amazing difference. You made me the 30-mile race last year. 50 MILES – 10 hrs feel so good at the end! 60 MILES – 12 hrs 24mins (average 12:28/mile) 49(average 12:49/ mile). 16th Place overall. The next section along the river is flatter 6th Vet 40 Runner. but it’s a struggle to keep going. I’m really I’m really, happy with what I achieved flagging now. The undulating terrain keeps in this race. I set myself a tough target and I inviting me to stop and walk. Running in a wasn’t too far away pair really helps though. We take it in turns What’s next? running in front and keep nudging each other on - this bit’s runnable, come on, ready? I LEARNING? also remember an image that helps and start • I can run 60 miles and there is plenty of imagining I’m a ball bearing rolling along a evidence that the endurance is there and groove, unstoppable, despite the twists and building, although perhaps pacing needs turns of the riverside track. attention. The climb over Carl Wark is tough at this • If I hadn’t run out of water I would have stage but we’ve now just 5 or 6 miles left and been stronger and may have stayed in the we save a little energy because I know a route race longer. I lost momentum, let Ben My pacing crew at Moscar. avoiding the climb through Winyard’s Nick. catch me, and soon stopped fighting for We’ve slowed; the average pace on my watch places. – which is also our ETA in hours and minutes • With 18 miles to go I thought that the Ramblers’ Inn wondering if I’ve missed tiring. The conversation really helps, as Cave – keeps drifting upwards. I will finish in less 15-min gap was too big to break down. it. After all that hard work to break away, Dale seems to go on forever today. than 13 hours. I will. We get our heads down That’s garbage. It was too easy to just White Top Guy catches me and we reach the Dropping down steeply into Bradwell, and keep going. We start talking of the finish defend my existing position. Next time checkpoint together. I down 4 or 5 cups of my quads are finally starting to hurt. I slow and I suggest rock-paper-scissors to decide prepare for this mindset and say it’s a race water, fill my bottles and head out before him, to a walk but it’s still painful. I remember who should dib in first. Ben generously insists all the way to the line. trying to open up the gap again on the steep something I’ve read and quote it to Ben – If it should be me because my route knowledge • The jury is out on the benefits of teaming climb up to Hope Cross. 40 MILES – 7 hrs it hurts to run and it hurts to walk, run. I start has saved him so much time. up with another runner towards the end 53mins(average 11:49/mile). running again and don’t stop until we reach One last obstacle greets us at the head of a race. It may have kept me going on But in Castleton he’s still on my heels and the final feed station. The Totley runner and of the Limb Valley – cows right across the a number of occasions when my head passes me when I stop for more water from two others are still there, but we’re both in path – the herd which hospitalised a runner was telling me to walk but may also mum and dad at the roadside. The girls yell at need of a breather after that descent and don’t in a Totley race a couple of weeks ago. We have contributed to the mindset shift just me to get after him. He stays hot on my heels rush to chase them out. I sit on the steps for a clamber painfully over the barbed wire fence described on the way into Castleton. minute to eat, drink, and restock my pack for to avoid them. Vaulting is not an option after • I had my own food but also ate and As I set off again I can see him walking the final section. I even use a real toilet – and 58 miles. collected extra bits. I was too mentally through the village. I push to catch him the output tells me my hydration is ok. I leave Keep going. The beautiful, wooded Limb fatigued to take a proper stock-take so before Cave Dale. We hit the steep climb the head torch in my drop bag, as there’s still Valley is my home territory. All downhill ended up carrying nearly 300g of food together and introduce ourselves. He is at least four hours of daylight left. Let’s keep except for a little kicker back up to the farm. unnecessarily for the last 13 miles, only Ben, from Manchester. By now, we’re both the weight down. I hear the girls before I can see them. Come finding it when I emptied my pack 2 days aware that the gap is about 15 minutes in Just a half marathon to go, we tell each on, dad! Come on, dad! Come on dad! later. front and behind us and after duelling for the other as we set off again, walking and eating Suddenly there’s some juice left in these • In summary on the day I need to ask last 10 miles we seem to reach an unspoken for a short way before we pick up again on legs and I accelerate up the hill and into the myself – or be asked – have you drunk agreement to work together as a pair. I know the flat through the village. The steep climb farmyard. Done it. I’ve just run 60 miles. enough? How much food are you the route inside out. In return, Ben’s presence to Bradwell Edge is a killer at this stage in the There’s a fantastic welcome from Amelie, carrying? And to tell myself – or be told – keeps me pushing on despite the fact that I’m day but eventually we’re up and over and can Scarlett, Cal, mum and dad. Massive thanks the race is all the way to the line.

30 31 cramming too much in (e.g. running the Dark Peak triumph in High Peak 40 the day before, or the Stanage Struggle on the same day!). Whatever the reason, we decided on a two-team format this Sheffield Way Relay year - an Open and a Mixed team, to compete more effectively in each category. And so on that bright Sunday morning of 21st September the first pairs from our Open team (Pippa Wilkie and Charlie Elliot) and Mixed team (John Snowden and Ruth Batty) set off eastwards from Don Valley alongside pairs from 12 other teams, including no less than five teams from Steel City Striders – Pippa, John and Ruth but it was Sheffield Running Club Ladies who were first in at the changeover near errant canine had abandoned its owner some Oughtibridge and the start of leg 2, setting a time ago to chase down the Sheffield Running Ladies’ leg 1 record. Nevertheless it was soon Club pair, believing that their baton was a our turn to break records and Neil Northrop stick. The chase lasted for four miles. and Will Boothman did exactly that on leg Meanwhile Simon Mills and I were 2 for the Open team. The Mixed team pair waiting patiently at Ridgeway for the arrival Dave Holmes and Charlotte Coleman also of Tony(?) Woodard and Paul Elliot. (In fact had a solid performance. we were following their progress as Paul was So fast were Neil and Will that they sending out a GPS signal via insta-mapper). arrived at the Wyming Brook changeover Sheffield Running Club had gained the to find that Glen Borrell and Jon Pemberton lead by the start of leg 5, no doubt helped had (allegedly) decided to kill some time by by having to outpace the pursuing dog, and strolling up to the dam to admire the view. Simon and I set out in second. As everyone Nonetheless, having eventually taken custody had, we gave it our all on that last leg of the baton and without realising that the (Simon’s heart averaging 178bpm), overtook Dark Peak Open team were now in first SRC and were very, very proud to come in position, they gave it everything on familiar first in a time of 6:12:04. For the first time ground over Stanage and Burbage, the most Dark Peak won the race. More success was fell-like of all the legs. The leg 3 Mixed team to follow. Kenny Turner and Mike Bourne pair were having the odd issue of their own brought the Mixed team home in a time of with Willy and Loxley taking the opportunity 6:58:34 (40 minutes faster than last year), Paul getting trophy to add three minutes to their time with an crowning them as the first Mixed Team of the to teach them a thing or two about running. additional switchback on Stanage. competition! As described in the Summer 2014 edition of Only this hasn’t quite been the case. We Happily, the Mixed team’s fortunes were As usual the day was wrapped up with a Dark Peak News, the Sheffield Way Relay is finished 6th last year- behind Kimberworth reversed on leg 4 when Richard Bembridge convivial reception and prize-giving at Nether a 50 mile anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Ladies; a marginal improvement on 2012 and Sally Fawcett ran the second fastest leg 4 Edge Bowling Club. Thanks to all the Dark Sheffield city limits, split into five legs and when a record breaking 5th leg from Smiley of the day; Sally’s injury clearly not impeding Peak runners for making it a great success, run in pairs. Organised by Steel City Striders Paces (including Sally Fawcett) saw us finish progress. Moreover, they were interrupted and to Striders for putting on such a fantastic since 1997, the race is open to local clubs in 7th place. Could this really be down to mid-route by a local asking if they had seen event. I very much expect that we will be only and is a great opportunity not only to the fell-runner’s innate aversion to the firmer his doberman. It later transpired that the looking to defend the title in 2015. meet up with our roadie counterparts, but also stuff? Perhaps too many of us have been

32 33 so far. The fit is significantly closer than my In summary then my first impressions of Harriers and at the moment I would think the these shoes are very good. They are light, Tried and tested T00v2 would be more for shorter runs and grippy, and comfortable, and can handle races than for the long distance stuff. I have a range of conditions. T00v2s sit neatly not spent more than 2 hours in them so they between trail orientated shoes and the more NEW BALANCE T00v2 may be OK for longer haul outings but I like aggressively styled studded fell shoes. They respect to Stateside trail runners but British the cushioning and toe bumper protection should be capable of handling most running There’s nothing else to do on a rainy afforded by the Harriers for this sort of thing conditions perfectly adequately. Anyone who afternoon in Shap but visit the New fell-running shoes have never had much of a heel stack on them and the RX certainly didn’t. as well as a little toe space which you don’t liked RX should probably consider these as Balance Factory Outlet. No, really. What you get is a modern take on the RX get with the T00v2. You might see what a very similar prospect although the price – So that’s exactly where I was when the that does indeed have a pretty aggressive looks like a toe bumper on the T00v2 in the about £60 – is a bit more than the RX which helpful lady in the shop apologised that the outsole, with lugs rather than studs, and is a photos, but this is just a thin rubbery coating if I remember correctly were about £35. ‘new fell running shoe’ hadn’t made it to the lot lighter. Just for comparison my old RX’s on the underlying fabric and not a lipped The only note of caution is really about the outlet yet. (size 10) are 345g versus 341g for Harriers extension to the sole as the bumper is on the longevity. The light build and thin materials Now I’m no Ianmelda Marcos of and 278g for the T00v2 (size 10’s – NB say Harriers. The grip of the T00v2 on wet mud inevitably raise the question of how long fellrunning shoes – I tend to stick with what I 239g which must be a smaller size). That’s and leaves is better than the Harriers and at they will last. Perhaps there is a trend in the know which is mainly Mizuno Harriers – but a pretty substantial saving and compares least equal on wet rock. They are certainly industry – post Nike Mayfly – of building the only reason I’m in Mizunos is because favourably with, for example, INOV8’s better all round than the RX they are inspired shoes to last for shorter periods? However it New Balance stopped making the legendary Roclite at 295g. by; in particular the RX had a stiff heel cup would be inappropriate to make a judgement RX Terrains. The RX Terrains looked a lot First impressions are that the shoes are which could edge into your foot if it didn’t on this for the T00v2 at this point as I’ve only like a Walsh-inspired shoe but at about half built very light, which explains the figures have quite the same shape as the cup. This is had them a couple of weeks. Maybe they will the cost, and as a result it was very popular, above. The material is thin, there’s not much thankfully absent from the T00v2. still be going strong this time next year. I will particularly amongst mid-pack plodders of rock protection and the weight difference A quick wade in the Sheaf demonstrated be happy to update anyone on progress in the limited means like me, up until about the mid vs the Harriers is largely down to the latter that the shoes shed water quickly through the meantime! 2000’s when they stopped making it. having a thicker sole and a substantial toe mesh panels but retained a bit in the spongy Steve Matthews Scrabbling around on the internet bumper which the T00v2 doesn’t have. All insoles as mentioned above. produced some images of the T00v2 looking this leads me to think that the shoes might a lot like the RX Terrains but at £60… wear out quickly, but I can’t level this as a couldn’t help myself, happy memories of criticism as I just don’t know yet. The insole RX Terrains kicked in and two days later the is made of open cell sponge foam which is a T00v2 turned up. Scrabbling around in the bit irritating as it soaks up water and holds it. darker recesses of my garage I came across a I think I’ll be replacing this with a semi rigid knackered but intact pair of RX and the stage insole fairly soon. The laces were too short was set for a full-on review. Here it is. on my size 10’s to get a good granny knot The blurb says that the T00v2 reintroduces in. The shoes are a close fit (I don’t think I’ll the concept of a zero-drop shoe in a not so be using neoprene socks with these) but are minimal package. Eh? It also refers to old- a proper hourglass foot shape as opposed to school design elements and a super-aggressive the lozenge form of the RX (and several other outsole which has 7mm lug outsole made from fell shoes) which always seemed to cramp my sticky rubber. Fair enough – it sounds like a toes a bit whilst leaving too much space for somewhat belated apology for abandoning the the mid-foot to move around. RX faithful, whilst shamelessly jumping on Running in the T00v2, including different the latest ‘minimalist’ running shoe fad, and types of conditions from trails, mud, rock yes, the word ‘minimus’ is on the shoe. All due and short road sections, has been no problem

34 35 A brief history of things we run past - part 11

OLD ROUTES traffic. Two still exist. One at Barncliff Stoop The Dog’s Diary on Redmires Road which probably dates back The last ‘brief history’ offering mentioned the to the 16C, the other east of Wyming Brook packhorse tracks up on Stanage Edge. The farm is normally under upper Redmires track up to Stanedge Pole across to Stanage It is with sadness that I report the death earlier this year of our much-loved Diarist Chase. Reservoir but was visible during recent repair Edge and down to Dennis Knoll was part of He will be missed by all. Always an ear cocked for titbits of derogatory news, he produced work while the reservoir was drained. the Sheffield to Hathersage ‘Long Causeway’. for many of us the highlight of the magazine, whilst others neared the penultimate page with After 1760 a route to the Hope Valley It follows part of an old Roman road trepidation lest Chase’s team of spies had got wind of some gross act of incompetence or through Ringinglow was opened which led originally linking forts at Templeborough stupidity on their part. to the decline of the Stanage route. This near Rotherham and Brough-on-Noe (Navio) This issue of the newsletter is marked by a turnover of staff. Our new trainee Rusty, left Sheffield up Sharrow Lane to Banner between Hathersage and Hope. has large paws to fill and with his help we hope normal service will be resumed as soon as Cross, up to Ringinglow through Bents From Sheffield the Long Causeway route possible. Green, over Houndkirk to Fox House, then climbed up through the present Sheffield In his own wuffs… “Chase’s shoes will be hard to fill but I am really looking forward to across past Toad’s Mouth to the Surprise and University area and crossed the top of the the challenge, that is when the master stops dragging me out on hill runs in unfeasible weather down to Hathersage. This route is as well Crookes Valley, on up Lydgate Lane to what (well you think about it, 2ft of snow and 18inch legs – I ask you!) and settles down to teach me served today with pubs today as it was then. was then open moorland at present day to read and write” The Houndkirk Road reputedly had huge Crosspool. It then followed what are now millstone sets 4’ 8.5” apart – the standard Sandygate Road and Redmires Road, crossing gauge for Roman chariots so this might be what was to be the location of the Redmires why locals sometimes call it “The Roman Reservoirs before tackling the steepest ascent Road” as they do the Long Causeway. up to Stanedge Pole. Later on a new alternative route went up It then began its descent, across to Stanage Ecclesall Road by way of Hunters Bar which Edge before dropping more steeply passing was less arduous. The tollgate posts are still Dennis Knoll to enter Hathersage from the evident on the roundabout. The Round House North. Some stretches are still paved with the at Ringinglow was a tollbooth; the one at original stones, noticeably so just either side Banner Cross was demolished in the 1900s. of the Pole. In 1893, when Totley Tunnel was opened, Evidence exists that the original Roman rail travel began to supersede these turnpike route followed the present day track to routes. Now Stanedge Lodge and descended the Edge half walkers, runners a mile north of the present route on a steeper and cyclists narrower path. (hopefully not Traders in the Middle Ages used the route with an engine) to bring salt to Sheffield from Cheshire frequent the mines, originally by packhorse. By the 18C tracks for leisure carts were being used to transport more purposes. diverse goods such as oil, tar, treacle, glue, Mike lead and small grinding stones. Arundale A 1758 law required milestones on turnpike roads. Although Long Causeway wasn’t a turnpike milestones were added in the 1730s because of the high volume of

36 37 The kit page Made in the Dark Peak

The modern brown synthetic vest was introduced in 1998 after the debacle of the white ...being the page where we showcase notable Dark Peak vest. There were a few early iterations involving bits of brown cotton and printed stripes before the more recognizable version was created when they actually managed to get artefacts, oddities and curios... Brown Aertex (type) material manufactured. The price of the first synthetic vests was £16:00 but reduced to £13:00 in 2001. However I have just had to make another order and this time they are going to cost the club more than £13:00 to buy so I am having to put the No 13 The origin of running man price up to £15:00 in the hope that I do not need to keep on changing it. Wear your vest with pride like the youthful Richard seen here topping out at Jura in the aforementioned Countless cakes in Dark Peak livery 1990’s white abberation. Wear your vest with pride like the youthful Richard seen must have appeared over the years. here topping out at Jura in the aforementioned 1990’s white abberation. Full details for To mention but two there was the ordering and payment, and some very nifty illustrations, on the Kit page at www.dpfr.org. purple mountain with brown and uk . As ever, if you are going to order anything it is as well to check with Richard first on 0114 2339912 or [email protected] gold interior confected by Sue for Alan Yates’ 3 score years and 10, The sharp eyed amongst you will have noticed that there has been a stock clearance. and the Dark Peak Vest chocolate This is in readiness for some new “40th Anniversary” T-shirts and maybe hoodies or cake supplied by Olwyn Paxman sweatshirts which should be on the catwalk at the club champs/dinner. for the Edale Skyline which was made with mashed potato, if you Vests £15 (now logo free) The “Will McLewin” polo shirt can believe it. Somehow the Vest Sizes small, medium, large, extra large. £15 cake was overlooked on Skyline Women’s also available in XS If ever the word ‘iconic’ were to be used day but scoffed appreciatively Shorts £16 appropriately, it would be to describe the in the Sportsman the following Dark Peak brown trig point that Will pays Wednesday. Thumbs up for One size fits all. Metallic green cycling type, homage to on the breast of this equally iconic chocolate mashed potato! Long with “DARK PEAK” in yellow down left leg. shirt. In blue, S, M, L, XL may crazy DP baking continue! Tracksters £20 Blue or green, in medium, large and extra Shown here is the bespoke carrot cake made for Lynn Bland’s birthday and triumphant large. Yellow piping and “DPFR” down leg. completion of the Joss Naylor Challenge. (see DPN Summer 2014). It was a team effort Short-sleeved T-shirt £10 – the cake that is - the glory for the run is Lynn’s. A running t-shirt, lightweight silky synthetic Concept, carrots and cooking: Ann Watmore material. In brown with purple and yellow Running man template (a rather floppy prototype requiring some R and D before it goes bars on front. XS, S, M, L, XL into commercial production!): Hannah Saville Dark Peak hoody £20 Hand finishing: Kev Saville Available in several colours, including purple and brown. Choice of design: either ‘Running But who knows whom we have to thank for the image of the running man in the first Man’ or the painted white trig. Sizes S,M,L place? but Richard advises they’re all a bit big. Personal collection preferred.

38 39 Front cover: Sally Fawcett on her way to victory at Heptonstall. photo courtesy of woodentops.com

This page: Graham Berry celebrating his 70th year. Happy birthday!

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