Dark Peak News November 2009 page 3 DARK PEAK NEWS November 2009

l Pig Rock mystery solved – we reveal all

l Local history lesson – why Burbage is pockmarked with bullets

l Club Champs – the final briefing

l Killer question - how does John Boyle wash his socks?

WIN A

BOTTLEJURA OF In this edition»

est. 1976 www.dpfr.org.uk  CAPTION COMPETITION President: Eric Mitchell The task this time is to find words to describe the ever- Chairman Secretary athletic John Gunnee as Paul Sanderson, Rob Moore he warms down after the 27 Milden Road, 2 Kerwen Close, Dungworth race. Wadsley Dore, Sheffield Sheffield Page 10» S6 4AT S17 3DF 0114 2206353 07766 520741 [email protected] [email protected]  PIG ROCK Treasurer Membership Lynn Bland, Gavin Williams Arundale, Evans and Mackey lay claim to the beer 51 Hurlfield Ave 41 Frickley Road, after stumbling aross the iconic rock on a routine Gleadless, Sheffield training run. Sheffield, S11 7EX Page 11» S12 2TL 0114 2309227 0114 2646409 [email protected] [email protected]  BURBAGE UNDER FIRE Discover the secret of some of the strange holes and Clothing and Eqpt. Men’s Captain pockmarks in the valley, as we launch a new feature Richard Hakes Lloyd Taggart, looking into the history of the places where we run. 454A Loxley Road 47 Brown Edge Road, Features, page 14» Loxley Buxton, Sheffield SK17 7AG  CLUB CHAMPS S6 6RS 07747 610150 0114 2339912 [email protected] Gavin Williams reveals how we negotiated exclusive [email protected] access to the Westend Valley, and reveals what lies in store this weekend - you lucky people! Women’s Captain Website Page 16» Kirsty Bryan-Jones John Dalton 2, Sunnybank Cottages, 1, Cannon Fields,  PADDY BUCKLEY IN THE FAST LANE Jaggers Lane, Hathersage, Hathersage, Ian Fitzpatrick presses the accelerator to complete the S32 1AZ S32 1AG round in just over 22 hours. 01433 650213 01433 659523 Been there, done that, page 22» [email protected] [email protected]

Dark Peak News David Holmes 615, Loxley Road, Loxley, Sheffield, S6 6RR 0114 2344186 [email protected] Dark Peak News November 2009 page 3

The bit at the front

Will the new club champion please step forward IF THINGS go to plan and we haven't been shafted by a postal strike, this magazine will reach you just a couple of days before we trek out to the Westend Valley for what should be a magnificent club championship race. Gavin Williams has come up with a really challenging course following some delicate negotiations which he details on page 16. They will be too modest to say it themselves, but I think Gavin and Paul should be congratulated for achieving such a positive outcome from discussions that began with us on the defensive over the Cakes of Bread race. I suppose I will have to give the club championship trophy one last loving polish before I hand it back to be passed on to this year's winner at Bradfield Village Hall. I had been hoping that my recent history of serious injury would win me at least a neutral handicap, but Roy Small had a malicious glint when I broached the subject in The Sportsman a couple of weeks ago. I confidently expect to be handicapped into oblivion this time round. If you fancy a run but have not yet entered, it's not too late to give Roy a ring, but do please remember that we cannot receive entries on the day because it makes a mess of the handicapping. And do also remember that you will be disqualified from the championship if you have not yet paid your subs! Boyle in the hot seat You'll find a new feature in this edition. 'The Questionnaire' gives us a random insight into the life of a fellow Dark Peaker. John Boyle goes first, having been selected by a 'random number generator' online. I took the number of club members, typed it into a box, then counted down the membership list until I reached the number the computer had thrown out. Thanks to John for being game and going first. I hope you will go along with it if your number comes out next. And if you have any suggestions for additional questions, I'm all ears. Looking ahead Thanks again to 'production editor' Tim Mackey for busting a gut to turn this edition round against a very tight deadline. Making everything fit and keeping track of the material is a tough task. Unfortunately, for reasons of space, we have had to hold some material over, so you will have to wait until next time to read the blow-by-blow reports from this year's BG. The next edition will also feature some thoughts from 'senior Warts' on night running safety as we hit the riskiest time of year, plus, I hope, some reflections and insights from those who achieved this year's magnificent relay wins. And surely one of the Silva addicts will want to hit back at the case I have made for l.e.d. torches? How soon it comes out is down to you. The more you write, and the more pictures you send, the sooner we can turn it round. I'm setting the challenge of a "Christmas special" to reach you by mid December. Over to you... Dave Dark Peak News November 2009 page 4

News

FRA Relay successes JUST one minute and thirty seconds stood between Dark Peak and a clean sweep at the FRA Relays in Ennerdale. That was the margin between us and the winning Borrowdale team in the open men's category, despite us recording the fastest times on legs three (John Rocke and Neil Northrop) and four (Matt Speake). Meanwhile our women's team stormed home in first place, with Lizzie Adams leading the way on leg one, handing over to Liz Batt and Pippa Wilkie, then Kirsty Bryan Jones and Rachel Elder, and Karen Davison bringing the team home. We are also men's V40 champions, thanks to Mike Nolan, Mike Robinson, Dave Taylor, Simon Patton, John Boyle and John Hunt. The vets beat all but four of the younger teams, finishing fifth overall in the event. Congratulations too to the men's V50 team, who finished third in their category. Can any other fell running club boast such strength in depth? ...and the Ian Hodgsons too JUST a couple of weeks earlier we recorded a virtually identical success story on the opposite side of the Lakes in the Ian Hodgson Relays at Brotherswater. The women's team beat their previous record by one minute, with Karen Davison and Janet McIver overtaking Ilkley on the final leg to come home five minutes clear of the field - no mean feat as they set off on the leg five minutes behind the Ilkley pair! The men's Vets team again won their category, finishing sixth overall, just twenty five minutes behind the winning Borrowdale team, and about fifteen minutes behind our own open men's team, who finished third. Now for the Calderdale Way next month. Can the women and the vets chalk up a grand slam? (and would anyone bet money against our vets team beating our own "youngsters"?) ...and the Lakeland Classics TIME WAS when club officials would use these pages to bemoan Dark Peak's unwillingness to venture beyond its comfort zone. So it's a pleasure to record that we finished first team in the Lakeland Classics series this year. We are still waiting for the final results table from the Langdale race, but the event organiser has told us unofficially that we are home and dry after the other five. Mike Robinson, Jon Coe, Matt Hulley and Nick Kirk were all in the top twenty after the fifth race, the Three Shires, with Nicky Spinks looking well placed as first V40 woman. This series is made up of the Duddon Valley, the Ennerdale, the Wasdale, the Borrowdale, plus the two already mentioned, surely making it one of the most challenging tests in the fell running calendar. How times have changed since Rick Ansell lined up with just 33 other runners at the start of the Ennerdale in 1989, (see page 32). British and English championships THE SUCCESSES in the relays should not eclipse some impressive performances by Dark Peak members in the English and British open championships. We recorded top three placings in the British men's V50 (Mike Egner), V60 (Dave Tait) and U23 (Will Spain Dark Peak News November 2009 page 5 and Neill Barton) categories, and our team strength was reflected in second placings in the English team championships in the Men's Open, Men's Vets V40 and Men's Vets V50 categories. In the V50's, we were just one point behind the winners, Clayton le Moors. Lloyd Taggart finished fifth equal in the English Men's Open Championship, in his last season as a non-vet. Lizzie Adams was our best-performing woman, coming third in the English Women's U23 Championship. Curiously, our outstanding performances in the women's relays are not matched in the championships. With the exception of Lizzie, we had no women placing in the top fifteen of any of the open championships, and no placings in the women's team championships. For the full list of results, have a shufty at the Autumn edition of The Fellrunner, or visit the FRA website at http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/ championships.htm Bourne Supremacy ANDY HARMER'S longstanding record for the Fifteen Trigs has finally bitten the dust after twenty two years. It was back in 1987 that Andy visited all the trig points on the Harvey's Dark Peak map in ten hours and four minutes, thus narrowly missing the offer of a gallon of ale for the first Dark Peak member to go under ten hours. Step forward Simon Bourne, who took advantage of this summer's dry conditions to shave another six minutes off and finally break the ten hour mark in late September. We hope to have a detailed report in the next edition, once Simon has recovered sufficiently to put pen to paper. Beer custodian Alan Yates has ruled that Simon doesn't get the ale, since he switched his membership to Calderdale two years ago. Rumour has it that the gallon has already been divvied up amongst a random Wednesday night gathering in The Sportsman. But some people did get the ale THEY DID IT by staying in Dark Peak and winning the Kinder Beer Barrel Challenge for the third successive year. Our team of Oli Johnson, Rob Little, Neil Northrop, Rob Baker, Richard Guillaume, Peter Hodges, Tom Edwards and Matt Speake carried a full nine-gallon barrel over Kinder from the Snake Inn to the Nag's Head in just 47'08", eighteen seconds behind their previous record. Dark Peak News race reporter Mike Browell said the team used a cunning plan, (so cunning that it stays secret), to gain about 30 seconds before the climb and then 'displayed a total regard for personal safety' on the descent. "After delivery from the Snake Inn to , the 72 pints of beer was summarily despatched to reduce the risk of post race dehydration," said Mike. Rob Davison's much abused racing ladder suffered its annual battering with stoic determination. Commisserations to Rob himself, who was dragooned into a rival Fat Boys team, and then found himself overtaken by his own ladder on the descent into Grindsbrook Roy becomes Burbage supremo IT'S ALL change at the helm for the Burbage Race from next year. Andy Moore has decided to stand down after several very successful years as race organiser, and Roy Gibson has kindly agreed to step up and take on the role. This is Dark Peak's second "official" race, alongside the Edale Skyline, and under Andy's stewardship it has earned a reputation for a distinctive, challenging course and impeccable organisation. Roy is of course keen to continue this, but it goes without saying that he will only succeed with the help and support of the whole club. This is Roy's first crack at race organisation, so I am sure he would appreciate it if he got firm offers of help good and early. Andy has also decided to Dark Peak News November 2009 page 6

step down from his role as organiser of the Robin Hood fell race, which starts and finishes at Baslow, taking in the local gritstone edges. This is not a DPFR-backed race, but is quite a distinctive local event that could fold without an organiser. If you are interested in taking it on, please contact Andy directly. Alison wins international medal WE HAVEN'T seen much of Alison Shepherd on the fells recently and now we know why. She’s been focusing on triathlon for the past 18 months and managed to beat the other Brits in the V50 European Championships in Holland, getting the silver medal. There seems to be a bit of an affinity between fell running and triathlon, with several DPFR members doing it and Britain’s great hope for a medal in 2012 being an FRA member, (Al Brownlee from Leeds, who also got silver in the open event at the European Championships). Alison is now off to Brisbane for the World Championships but then it’s back on the fells for a crack at the Joss Naylor next year. Jane needs new fitness regime JANE CROWSON has been in touch with the sad news that she has been diagnosed with mild osteoarthritis in her knee, at the age of 47. She has been told to greatly reduce her running and is now wondering how to maintain fitness. "I would love to be able to do two or three races over the summer season – the flatter, easier ones, across fields. I would welcome your thoughts and suggestions about how best to train if I am limiting myself to perhaps seven mpw running, one or two cycle rides per week and perhaps a trip to the gym. I will be extremely grateful for any advice and this you could email to me, or speak to Phil on a Wednesday run, ( perhaps a slightly unreliable messenger), or talk to me at the club dinner. Finally – I am in need of a few cycling buddies for a weekend ride and perhaps a Wednesday during the day if anyone is interested.I look forward to hearing from some of you and thanks." Ron Hill diversifies MICK POULTER returned from an east European holiday bearing the unlikely news that Ron Hill appears to have moved into cigarette manufacture. An unlikely approach to endurance training perhaps, but it might help thin the numbers in some of the big international races. Maybe they'll revive the old Consulate motto, "Fresh as a mountain stream". Dark Peak News November 2009 page 7

From the Chairman

The great thing about fell running is that we don't really have a race season. Training and races are year-round, and to some of us the added challenge of inclement or even severe weather enhances rather than detracts from our sport. As our seasonal journey continues towards the winter solstice and beyond, apart from the long nights and short days there is always the possibility even with global warming of some proper winter weather. To my mind running to Kinder Downfall in full snow with only the white mountain hare for company is one of the best days out you could have in fell shoes. But it is important to realise that as a club we have a broad spectrum of abilities. Some of our newer members may not have the knowledge and mountain craft that allows them to feel comfortable with running in such enjoyable but challenging conditions. We have in the past run training courses aimed at club members, and we were instrumental in establishing the FRA navigational courses, running one from Edale Youth Hostel for several years. (see Adventures in Time, page 32, Ed.) Recently we have also tried to establish a safety first culture and encouraged personal responsibility during winterWarts runs. with all the skills and knowledge we have to offer, we should consider staging a short navigational training course open to all members. I would be very interested to gauge if there is any appetite for this both from willing volunteers and participants alike. If you are interested then please get in touch with me or any of the committee members. Since the club was founded in 1976 there has been a view that Dark Peak did not need an official junior section. There was always tacit acceptance that the sons and daughters of current members could become informal members and wear a club vest but we did tend to advise any budding young runners to head off in the direction of Hallamshire Harriers. Recently however there has been limited but growing enthusiasm for the possibility of formally establishing a junior section. Matt Flinders has helpfully taken a lead, and sets out his thinking on page 16. To do this will not only necessitate a fair degree of paperwork; it will also require the full commitment of the whole club. Personally I see this as a very positive step in investing in the future of both Dark Peak as a club and our sport as a whole, and I hope we will see tangible developments in the coming year. Looking forward, our annual celebrations that are the club championships and dinner are now just days away. Following a meeting with the Peak Park I attended earlier in the year, we have been granted access to the Westend Valley, and consequently we can hold the club champs in this wonderful wilderness area for the first time in many years. There is also a new venue for the dinner which is moving to the fine surroundings of Bradfield Village Hall. This should give us plenty of room to enjoy some energetic dancing. One of the highlights of the evening will of course be the awarding of the Pertex Trophy to the club member who over the last year has clearly demonstrated true incompetence on the fells. You can't always rely on potential recipients to shout about their shortcomings, so I am sure the current holder, Matt Hulley would be delighted to hear from you if you want to drop one of your friends in the ****. Of one thing I think we can be sure: there will be no shortage of people who truly deserve it! Paul Dark Peak News November 2009 page 8

Events calendar

Club runs: Every Wednesday from the Sportsman, Lodge Moor, Sheffield at 18:30 or at an “away” venue (usually at 18:45 but check below). People run at different speeds but there are usually two or three stops to re-group. The weather can be bad on the moors, even in the spring and summer. So please be aware of the risk of exposure, and come prepared. Warts runs are in the dark - head torches, whisky and safety gear obligatory.

“Local races” are open events, usually entry-on-the-day with an entry fee and a few prizes. Full details can usually be found in the FRA Calendar.

“DPFR races” are informal events for Dark Peak club members, usually with no entry fee and no prizes. People running in “DPFR events” accept total responsibility for their own safety.

Nov

Sun 8 10.30 Local race Roaches. £3.50 on the day GR SJ987608 15m/3700ft

Sun 8 11.30 Local race Leg It Round Lathkil. £4 on the day GR SK207665 7.1m/950ft

Wed 11 6.30 Club run Sportsman. Club Champs briefings

Club Championships. Pre-entry only; email Roy Small on [email protected]; £1 payable on day; chasing starts between 10am and 11.15am; to quote the organiser Sat 14 10.00 DPFR race 8.5m/2100ft " in November can be, well, bleak, so Full Kit is required" viz. cag, overtrousers, hat, gloves, map, compass, whistle and food. Ladybower Inn afterwards GR SK154927

7:30 Club dinner. Bradfield Village Hall. See weblink for further Sat 14 Other am details.

Wed 18 6.30 Club run Sportsman

Wed 18 6.45 Warts run Royal Dungworth. GR SK282899

Wed 25 6.30 Club run Sportsman.

Warts' Revenge. Meet at the stile on Ringinglow for 10.30 start. Jim advises that both electrical prizes and clag are Sun 29 10.30 DPFR race more and less guaranteed. Prize-giving post-race at the Sportsman. GR SK278835 Dark Peak News November 2009 page 9

Dec

Wed 2 6:30 Club run Sportsman

Wed 2 6:45 Warts run Snake Inn. GR SK113906

Dark & White MM 2. Venue tba, 3hr navigational score Sun 6 9:00 Local race event, solo/pairs

Sun 6 9:00 Local race Tanky's Trog. £10 pre-entry only. GR SE050114 21.5m/3750ft

Sun 6 11:00 Local race Gravy Pud. £4 pre-entry or on the day. GR SK024973 5m/1000ft

Wed 9 6:30 Club run Sportsman

Wed 16 6:30 Club run Sportsman

Wed 16 6:45 Warts run Strines Inn. GR SK222907

Crookstone and beyond. Details to follow. Winning time in Sun 20 10:00 DPFR race about 70 mins.

Wed 23 6:30 Club run Sportsman. Carols at Headstone

Peak 'O' Trial. Orienteering event from Drovers Arms, Glossop. Also 4m/1000ft alternative. £5 pre-entry by Dec Sun 27 10:00 Local race 19th (use FRA entry form) to Des Gibbons, 68 Charlestown 8m/2000ft Road, Glossop, SK13 8JN. Tel: 07792 924511. Email: [email protected] GR SK033929 Bradfield Boundary Run. A social 12-hour run round Mon 6:00 Club run 's longest parish boundary. Contact Dave Holmes 48m/5600ft 28th am for further details. GR SK311900

Wed 30 6:30 Club run Sportsman

Please remember that the published calendar takes a great deal of time and effort to compile and is designed to give members advanced notice of events. If you intend to stage events, it is helpful to let us know as soon as you can. Please e-mail Dark Peak News with details: [email protected] Unavoidable late additions or changes will be publicised on the website news pages. Dark Peak News November 2009 page 10

Caption competition

You certainly seemed to like the picture of Kev Saville adjusting his underpants. It prompted 20 postings on the website, most of them of a very high standard, and choosing a winner was quite a task. If the award had gone to the crudest, Alan Yates would probably have won with: "Does any of you three want a fun-size Mars bar?". But the bottle of Jura goes to Dave McGuinness, who drew inspiration from the clag-bound surroundings to come up with: "If I rub it, it points north." Congratulations Dave. Runner up, Rich Bradbury: “Those young lasses at checkpoint seven...” The task this time is to find words to describe the ever-athletic John Gunnee as he warms down after the Dungworth race. You can either post your entries online or e-mail them to the editor: [email protected]

John Gunnee does his stretches after the Dungworth race Dark Peak News November 2009 page 11

Pig Rock: mystery solved On one of those great summer days we had this year, three of us went on a half Skyline run (Mam Nick onwards). After the top of Crowden I took a different line and got separated, only to be frantically called back by Mike Arundale and Mark Evans. My first thoughts were bugger they've lost the car keys and bugger I've got to run back another 200 yards. Anyway, there it was in all its porcine glory - Pig Rock. We had been idly chatting about the whereabouts of the afore mentioned, and my conviction was that it must be on the less frequented northern edge of Kinder, for no other reason that I would have spotted it by now. But there it was on Kinder's very own M1, the stretch between the top of Crowden and the top of Grindsbrook Clough. Mark managed to persuade a couple to photograph it with a mobile phone and send it to him, that failed, so Mike went up the next day with his missus and verified the deed. Four bottles of beer please, thank you! The rock looks like a pig from whatever angle, so I went up again to photograph it from the northern side, the women on the top weren't too amused when I told them what they were sitting on. I barely escaped with my life. Tim Mackey Above: Pig Rock from the north and south

Left: Pig Rock with Mike Arundale, who discovered it with Mark Evans

Grid reference 102872 Dark Peak News November 2009 page 12

The questionnaire

John Boyle How old are you? 40 at the end of June

How did you start fell running? I started running through the Sheffield parks as a way of using up excess energy whilst trying to recover from a climbing injury. One thing led to another and with starting my own business and a family, running fitted in much better with my erratic schedule.

When did you join Dark Peak? In 2001. I was running around Nether Edge one Wednesday night, saw a group of runners and thought I’d see if I could keep pace. I was made immediately welcome and ended up running with them to the Sportsman.

Why did you join Dark Peak? The week following my initial meeting with Dark Peak, Gavin had organised a race through Bingham Park (foot & mouth year). I won a pork pie for my efforts which pretty much sealed the deal; subscription fees were duly paid.

How many miles a week do you run? 10 – 30 miles.

Admit it, what’s your current weight? 11st 10lbs.

What’s your top training tip? There is no substitute to racing.

What’s your favourite race? As a child I BMX raced and it’s the feeling of running full pelt through a twisting, turning and undulating course that I enjoy the most. Leg 5 of Calderdale stands out, as does the triple crossing - the section through the groughs across Kinder Plateau. If I had to choose one race though, it would be Jura. As a family we try to make a week of it, so it’s the cycling, the island, the cakes and of course the route. It has been a great honour to take home a team prize and sub 4 hr tumbler on a few occasions.

What’s been your best moment in fell running so far? Winning the Chevy Chase (Northumberland) in 2005. My father’s life had been running for as long as I can remember and I’d spent a lot of my youth hanging around finish lines, including the Chevy Chase. So being a Geordie, it was great to win the race with my family there.

And the worst? When I’m not running due to re-curring injury. Being laid up at home with a back injury on the day of Borrowdale springs to mind.

What shoes do you use? Walsh PB trainer. I have two pairs on the go at any one time. One racing pair and a pair on a re- sole for training.

And how do you get your socks clean? Buy black ones, they always look pretty clean though the aroma may tell a different story. Dark Peak News November 2009 page 13

The questionnaire Features

and weekly training like some clubs do. John Boyle Towards a junior It would be really helpful if people could How old are you? 40 at the end of June give me their views. Is this an idea you section? would like to get involved with? Comments How did you start fell running? I started running through the Sheffield parks as a way of using The last edition of Dark Peak News please!! My intention is to try to circulate a up excess energy whilst trying to recover from a climbing injury. One thing led to another and with short paper setting out the pros and cons by starting my own business and a family, running fitted in much better with my erratic schedule. included the first ever page devoted to junior members of the club. This generated the end of December so that we can have an informed debate leading up to the AGM. When did you join Dark Peak? In 2001. I was running around Nether Edge one Wednesday a very positive response from club members night, saw a group of runners and thought I’d see if I could keep pace. I was made immediately old and new. It seems that not only do a lot welcome and ended up running with them to the Sportsman. of Brown Vests have children who would Dark Peak Junior Success like to try junior fell running but a lot also A demonstration of the latent junior talent Why did you join Dark Peak? The week following my initial meeting with Dark Peak, Gavin had organised a race through Bingham Park (foot & mouth year). I won a pork pie for my efforts which think that a leading club should nurture we already have: eagle-eyed Brown Vests pretty much sealed the deal; subscription fees were duly paid. the future through some form of junior might have noticed an article in the latest engagement policy, however limited. So Fellrunner about Jake Steade who won the How many miles a week do you run? 10 – 30 miles. far I have about a dozen kids (aged 10-16) Under 10 Hellifield Village Gala Race. Jake who would be keen to join a junior section runs under the auspices of Dark Peak and Admit it, what’s your current weight? 11st 10lbs. should we decide to have one. regularly competes in the Sheffield cross What’s your top training tip? There is no substitute to racing. After chatting through the idea with country series. It also appears that Jake has several people, I decided to do some a mature sense of humour for such a young What’s your favourite race? As a child I BMX raced and it’s the feeling of running full pelt informal research into what exactly the club Brown Vest - he lists a certain Andy Moore through a twisting, turning and undulating course that I enjoy the most. Leg 5 of Calderdale would have to do in terms of child safety as one of those who inspire him to run!!! stands out, as does the triple crossing - the section through the groughs across Kinder Plateau. If and provision. We would need to have a I had to choose one race though, it would be Jura. As a family we try to make a week of it, so it’s nominated and qualified junior section the cycling, the island, the cakes and of course the route. It has been a great honour to take home FRA Junior Champs 2010 coach. Luckily we already have someone a team prize and sub 4 hr tumbler on a few occasions. The races for the next Junior Champs are – with exactly the right qualifications in Anniversary Wa! Stuart Hale, and he has agreed to coach a What’s been your best moment in fell running so far? Winning the Chevy Chase Coiners (Northumberland) in 2005. My father’s life had been running for as long as I can remember and junior section if we start one. Stuart is a I’d spent a lot of my youth hanging around finish lines, including very experienced and highly-qualified coach Clougha Pike the Chevy Chase. So being a Geordie, it was great to win the across several endurance events and ages, race with my family there. Arnison Crag Uphill Only (you might also know him as the owner of Darwen And the worst? When I’m not running due to re-curring Accelerate, the running and adventure gear shop in Attercliffe.) injury. Being laid up at home with a back injury on the day of Four races out of the six to count. Races at Borrowdale springs to mind. At the moment I am just trying to get a the events are U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and grip of all the options. One is clearly that we U18. These are divided into races for boys What shoes do you use? Walsh PB trainer. I have two pairs don’t bother and simply continue to focus on the go at any one time. One racing pair and a pair on a re- and girls and there is always a friendly and on adult fell running. A more modest option sole for training. positive atmosphere. Check out the FRA might be to create a small junior section (no website for further details. more than 15 kids) with limited ambitions And how do you get your socks The FRA is also planning to put on a clean? Buy black ones, they in terms of training sessions – possibly number of other junior events including a always look pretty clean though once a month on a Wednesday night or Junior Training Weekend and the annual the aroma may tell a different Sunday morning from The Sportsman. The story. Junior ‘Do’ (scheduled for 11 September role of the section would probably be more 2010). about providing a link with the club and [email protected] promoting the FRA’s junior activities and Matt Flinders opportunities rather than providing intense Dark Peak News November 2009 page 14

A brief history of some things we run past - part 1

A historian I most certainly am not, having them in Normandy. dropped history at school age 14 in favour There are also at least four foxholes - of biology. Fifteen years later I started square pits with earthen embankments running in the Peak District and have on three sides dug as defensive positions, carried on for a quarter century plus, but including three in an approximate line only recently have I started to wonder about (267815) that face north-east towards those piles of millstones, or what this track boulders covered with bullet and mortar was originally for, or what that building was scars. An outcrop just south of Upper once used for. It’s probably because I’m not Burbage Bridge was also the scene of a bothered about bagging PBs anymore and ferocious practice assault. look around too much. To the north east, Houndkirk Moor was Others will have spotted these historical the site of one of a series of bomber decoys vestiges as they speed, or in my case breeze, designed to lure Luftwaffe bombers away past and maybe a few share my casual from the strategically very important curiosity. Let’s start with Burbage Valley. steelworks of Sheffield. In 1940 ditches My interest here was stimulated by my were dug to resemble railway marshalling daughter’s chance meeting with a Radio 4 yards from the air. Fires and theatre lights crew recording a programme at Fox House were used to represent open steel furnaces about what went on nearby during WW2. and simulate the effects of incendiary If you run up to the green drive from the bombs already dropped. The effort seems to packhorse bridge facing you is a large rock have been wasted as apparently no bombs (266813) often swarming with bouldering were dropped in the area. types. It is peppered with bullet holes with Houndkirk decoy was decommissioned others nearby similarly scarred. There is at in December 1945. Some of the remaining least one rock somewhere with an elliptical evidence was disturbed or destroyed when mark made by an exploding mortar shell the north-sea gas pipeline was installed in (anyone know where this is?). the 1970’s. The valley was used to train troops to For more information see Ian Turnett. prepare them for the D-Day landings in Mike Arundale Normandy 1944 and subsequent anti Hitler action. Troops, probably Canadian, fired heavy guns north from Toad’s Mouth during 1943. The British 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade fired mortars west from towards an area south of Carl Wark in 1941. The bullet marks in the photo indicate the direction of fire was uphill and probably made by smaller guns while troops trained for the beach assaults which awaited Dark Peak News November 2009 page 15

The mother of all bonks

Kev Saville takes a sightless Phil Cox by the arm to lead him along the west edge of Kinder in this year's High Peak Marathon. Phil's energy levels had fallen so low that he became temporarily blind, and later had to be driven back to Edale by the mountain rescue team. Thankfully he returned to normal with no lasting damage once his blood sugars sorted themselves out. Dark Peak News November 2009 page 16

Dark Peak Fell Runners Club Championship Fell Race Saturday 14 November Venue: Westend, Upper Derwent Valley SK154927

START: Bridge over River Westend (one mile up the track) SK146936 CP1: Grinah Stones summit SK131962 CP2: Top corner of forestry to west of Alport River SK127922 CP3: Stile on the footpath up to SK144910 FINISH: Foot of Westend Valley, by the parking area SK154927

Route statistics: About 8½ miles, with 2,100 feet of ascent. Estimated winning time about 85 minutes.

Entries: Chasing starts between 10am and 11.15am. Contact Roy Small. [email protected] 0114 2367549. No entry on the day, since this cocks-up the handicap.

There are only a few car parks close to the Dark Peak moors where one can easily park forty odd cars on a Saturday morning, even in November. Woodhead, Crowden, Old Glossop, Hayfield, Edale and King's Tree have all been used over recent years as venues for the club champs. Two years ago, following an introduction from Dave Moseley, Roy Cooper at Highfield Farm, Upper Booth agreed to let us use one of his fields.This gave us direct access to some superb new terrain including the delights of and the south-western corner of Kinder. This year we have once again secured a new venue at the foot of the Westend Valley. This valley is a favourite amongst Dark Peakers, since it gives direct access to the very heart of Darkness. It has previously been dismissed as a race venue because of the lack of parking, but following the discussions described below this problem has, for one day only, been solved. Back in the spring, Bob Berzins and Paul Sanderson met with the Peak Park access officer and Fairholmes ranger to discuss our club running activities in the Derwent Valley. The primary purpose was to minimise conflict over our running of the Cakes of Bread race, but a secondary consequence was the idea of arranging access to the hard standing area inside the locked gate at Westend. This required us to make an application to the Upper Derwent Valley Partnership, who represent the landowners, (National Trust, Forestry Commission, Severn Trent Water and Peak National Park). We thought long and hard about attempting to formalise the arrangements for the club champs this year, since it has already been established that this is not strictly necessary under the Right to Roam legislation. But the prospect of building a better relationship with the landowners and securing a new race venue made it worth a try. Mid-November is a quiet time for wildlife, (unless the grouse shooters are about), so we felt confident that we would be successful and indeed we were, subject to keeping out of the Alport Castles SSSI, (Site of Special Scientific Interest). We will soon see if the course provides good sport! Gavin Williams Dark Peak News November 2009 page 17 Dark Peak News November 2009 page 18 The piccy in the middle

History man: Dark Peak’s Lloyd Taggart takes one small step away from the summit of after becoming the first person to visit it on the new Hope Wakes fell race route. The piccy in the middle Dark Peak News November 2009 page 19 Dark Peak News November 2009 page 20

Mellow Fruitfulness: The Royal Dungworth , 26 September 2009

Report from the ‘Organiser’ Contents of the historic Brasso tin more entitlement to Hiro’s Fan, (on the or less corresponded to the record entry background to the trophy, see the report of 51 participants for the 25th running of attached to results for 1990, 1991, 1993, DPFR’s celebration of autumn’s arrival. etc). Andy Howie arrived from Hayfield as Untypical wall-to-wall sunshine enhanced firm favourite to scoop the award for a third the anniversary party. The usual grateful consecutive time and thus to keep it. He acknowledgements are due to: all at managed to stay out of trouble, though, and the Royal Hotel for their support and side-stepped the conspiracy to fit him out hospitality; Mrs Harper for gracing the post- with life-time possession of the grotesque race ceremonies with her presence; David simulacrum. His relief at this must have Sanderson of Woodside Farm for granting been much magnified by his joy at returning access to the flanks of Ughill Heights; home as number one Knott Fell Runners Bradfield Parish Council, especially Eric man for 2009, (the Royal Dungworth who lovingly tends the tracks and paths; Sue being their club championship race). Eoin Buckle who did sterling work at the finish Connaughton’s conventional ‘reverse (ably supported by memory-man Mick Ughill Brook with tuck’ could have ensured Stenton) having ensured on the Friday that success for him. The fact that he was not there was tape every five yards around the present at the award and speech-making bent-tennis-racket shaped course. Finally, ceremony in the Royal Hotel aroused thanks to everybody who turned up to make suspicions among some of the old lags, it, again, a very happy occasion. however, and an intense forensic discussion The reputation of the Royal Dungworth is ensued concerning the erratic behaviour of spreading into high realms, as is evidenced Tom Webb and Simon Bacsich. A strong by the Valley Hill contingent from case was made for the fan to go to Tom for Chapeltown and the appearance of first lady his lurch off towards Stannington in the Natasha Poole, representing the Oxford final mile, an aberration on which Mick University Cross Country Club. The ‘moose Stenton might have capitalised if he’d gone head’ should make a nice talking point in down on all fours in Ringwood Lane. Simon Oxford common rooms. was charged with doing some diversionary Tom Webb is to be congratulated footwork of such subtlety that nobody really for notching his third win, to have his understood what it was. A three-way draw mantelpiece graced again by the coveted was eventually declared and Simon, (being Granville Harper memorial trophy. the only one of the three contenders in the These two were undisputed and worthy pub), went home with the trophy, to be winners of their respective categories, passed to Eoin and then to Tom. while many others put in commendable A date for next year’s diaries: the Royal individual efforts. The most spectacular Dungworth will take place on Saturday, of these was V60 Dick Pasley’s mustering September 27, 2010, usual place/usual time. of superhuman powers to hold off young Alan Yates Andrew Carr in a thrilling sprint finish. Controversy, however, surrounded Dark Peak News November 2009 page 21

Result Club (unless DPFR) Time 1 Tom Webb 35.28 2 Mick Stenton (V45) 36.12 3 John Slate HH 36.42 4 Damien Kilpin Penistone FPR 36.57 5 Ron Fawcett (V50) 37.20 6 George Yates 37.36 7 Gavin Williams (V45) 37.58 8 Nick Kirk (V40) 37.59 9 Simon Bacsich 38.44 10 Andy Moore (V50) 38.53 11 Russell Beresford (V45) 39.05 12 Michael Carr U/A 39.10 13 Dave Allen (V50) 39.15 14 Lewis Carr U/A 39.48 15 Natasha Poole (F) OUCCC 40.04 16 Jon 40.11 17 Greg Rimmer 40.13 18 Tim Spencer 41.13 19 Andy Howie Knott FR 41.23 20 Nick Morris Penistone FPR 41.36 21 Tom Westgate (V45) 41.45 22 Dave Holmes (V50) 42.05 23 Mick Cochrane (V60) 42.20 24 Martin Goodwin (V50) 42.42 25 David Hakes 43.30 26 Michael Bourne (V45) 43.31 27 Chris Barber (V55) 44.24 28 Graham Berry (V60) 44.26 29 Phil Morris Valley Hill Runners 45.33 30 Ken Turner (V45) 45.02 31 Roger Slater (V50) 45.43 32 Andy Maiden U/A 45.56 33 Tim Morris Valley Hill Runners 46.00 34 Paul Sanderson (V45) 46.58 35 Dick Pasley (V60) 47.31 36 Andrew Carr U/A 47.32 37 Nigel Carr (V55) 47.57 38 John Snowden (V40) 48.15 39 Scott Mills U/A 48.16 40 Alan Willoner U/A 49.24 41 Nick Whittingham (V??) Penistone FPR 49.42 42 Jim Fulton (V55) 50.28 43 Richard Hakes (V??) 50.40 44 Joan Waller (F50) 50.54 45 Simon O’Shea U/A 51.02 46 Colin Lago (V60) 51.12 47 Dave Markham (V50) 51.29 48 Brian Greaves (V50) 52.25 49 George Cooke U/A 52.25 50 John Gunnee (V45) 52.44 Retired: Eoin Connaughton Dark Peak News November 2009 page 22

Been there, done that...

Report of PBR completion 29 and 30 May 2009

start with the road as I’d always found it quite tiring after reccying and didn’t want to face it at the end of the round. We were running late and I thought that I may be behind schedule before I’d even started! Helen and I stood next to the corner fence post which was my start and finish line and Martyn took a picture. I looked at my watch, saw that it was18:01, and started running - after all that was what I was here to do. Helen and Martyn jumped in the van and went to park at Nantmor, leaving me on my own on the road section. Time for a bit of mental focussing during the steady trot along the road. It was hot in the shade which was a bit worrying as the forecast was for blue skies and high temperatures. We made good progress from the start, gaining 13 minutes on the first two summits until I realised I was going a bit quick and reined it in for the next couple of hours. The views over to the coast were stunning, complemented by unbelievable colours as the sun began to set. Martyn set off for the car before the last peak to make sure he The start of this was so different from had things ready when I arrived. I was keen the Dark Peak BG weekend it could have for this, as on my BG I seemed to drop my been a different sport. Last year there were supporters on the final descent of each leg. about 40 people at the Moot Hall waving I got in to the change-over 17 minutes up us off in a group of 11 contenders and nine and feeling good. Nicky Spinks and Rick supporters! This time round it was just me Houghton were to support me on the next on a Welsh back road. leg. Bob Berzins was there too but I didn’t We had collected Martyn Goodwin recognise him with his glasses on having from the Pont Caer Gors car park, where only met him about five hours before! We he had left my kit boxes in his car. We continued to eat away at the schedule during had then driven to my starting point at the night with Nicky holding me back at Bwlchgwernog, which is where the track times; the lights were on in the new summit from Cnicht meets the road. I decided to café, a great looking building, just in the Dark Peak News November 2009 page 23

progress up the inclines. Tom Westgate had counselled Roy and I that things like the Paddy were not just about the running. How true this turned out to be. Don Jenkins had got a head start and was waiting at the end of the first incline. Don is a vastly experienced mountain man and has done 24 hour mountain bike races in the past but is very new to fell running. I knew he would cope with what was in store though. We got to the start of the open hillside and I realised I was feeling a bit grotty. A quick look at the altimeter told me we had been climbing at 22 metres a minute! I had a quick sit down and a gel and set off a bit slower! On top of Elidir Fawr we noticed the incredible red and yellow colour spreading across the horizon, more like what you would see on high desert plains rather than Snowdonia. I felt a bit low for the next few peaks, just my body reminding me that I shouldn’t be wrong place. It turned midnight on the long awake between 3 and 5am. The dawn came descent from Crib y Ddysgl and Rick was properly on the climb to Glyder Fawr and the first to wish me happy birthday! I spent we pushed on taking a new and fairly quick most the leg in a short sleeved top as the diagonal line up Tryfan. We descended to night was clear and warm. The moon was Ogwen to see Nicky and Bob waiting there. a perfect yellow crescent and the sight of I tried to eat some pizza but quickly realised it reflected on the sea made me wish I had that it wasn’t going to happen! Sam Smith, brought a camera. We realised towards the a young doctor living in Bangor, had cycled end of the leg that I was 50 minutes up so over to support this leg; he’d had a sparsely made some phone calls to Roy Gibson and supported attempt with a few friends about Don Jenkins who were on the next leg. As a month before that hadn’t quite worked we ran through Llanberis someone shouted out. Ian Winterburn, or should we call him “Get a life” from a passing car; presumably Rigby, was on this leg too. So with a legend their interpretation of having a life involves of ultra distance fell running, a mountain heavy drinking in car parks until the small rescue volunteer and a doctor on this leg I hours. I was quite happy to settle for the was in good hands. life I was living as they disappeared into the We made up another few minutes on the distance. big climb up Pen Yr Ole Wen and Bob I was pleased to see Roy, but aware reminded me that I’d done just over half that he and I had been planning to do the the distance but much more than half the round together two weeks previously. We’d ascent. The sun was well up now and it was cancelled it due to the appalling weather starting to get warm, but the breeze kept it forecast, and Roy had since been waylaid from being too hot. I wasn’t feeling great with a cold that had left feeling too weak to but was still gaining a minute or more on set off with me this time. We’d had some each summit. This leg passed in a bit of a fantastic trips to Wales in all weathers and blur. Sam got us down Pen Llithrg Y Wrach it was like old times as we made good on a good trod that I’d not used before, Dark Peak News November 2009 page 24

and before we knew it we were on the A5 this she was worried about keeping up! again. Roy was there and led us to the van On the descent of Moel Siabod my right which was cheekily parked in the Plas Y knee started to be noticeably painful, but I Brenin car park. Helen had my noodles wasn’t about to stop so I just shut up and ready and Debs Smith was ready with the got on with it, (a good mantra to live by, I biggest rucsac of the day! Apparently Debs always find!). We progressed well through had asked one of the PyB instructors if this leg, keeping to the schedule. After a they could park there for 30 minutes and discussion with Debs about who was the explained why; he not only agreed, he also best supporter, Ian (Rigby) Winterburn left asked if the canoes he was loading would be us here to run back to Ogwen via the miners in my way! track. It became obvious that Sam knew this I sat on the van step for a few minutes leg incredibly well and he took us on some rest and put on some sunscreen as it was lines that were even better than Nicky’s – really heating up now. Just before I set and yes I know that’s some statement to off Bob told me I had plenty of time, make! If only I could remember them… but to remember that it was going to get We got down to the quarries via a small hard from now on. This was just what I stream which I sat in for a minute. Very needed, (rather than wanted), to hear and refreshing! Helen and Martyn were waiting worked its way through my head on the by the old buildings. I had a few minutes climb of Moel Siabod. I gave most of the longer than scheduled here and then we supporters the slip by taking the stream bed were off again, led again by Sam. By Moel short cut, but they soon caught up. Debs yr Hydd we were over an hour up again, kept giving me water and some awesome gaining more time to Moelwyn Bach. caffeinated sweets! I made a real effort to Descending was becoming very painful eat over the next couple of hours and began now, with that knee and both quads telling to feel stronger again. When I told Debs me they’d had enough. I guess that if you’re going to run for 24 hours then the pain is a certainty - but the suffering is just a state of mind. It’s up to you how you react to stimuli. We lose a bit more time on the climb of Craigysgafn as I need to stop to eat a banana and finish those noodles, and a gel, and some water. These really hit the spot and we’re off again. We stop for a group photo on . From here you can see Cnicht – the last top! There are Dark Peak News November 2009 page 25

nearly two hours in the schedule from here actually it will! I push as hard as I can on to the finish and I’m an hour up. I really the descent but the pain in my knee and push the pace on the descent and my tired, legs is so overwhelming that it makes me sore legs really don’t like it. But they don’t yelp out loud and I have tears in my eyes. really have a say in it! Sam takes us on an We do this for fun? I know there are only amazing line from the bottom of Moelwyn a couple of miles left so just keep pushing. Mawr, (I can remember this one!), and soon When I get to the final gate that Sam has enough we are at the dam under Cnicht. opened for me I am pushing as hard as I I had a great line sussed up here so take can, really focussing on my form, and I over the lead. I hear everyone’s breathing reckon I am only running nine minute miles. getting heavier behind me and realise I have given everything, but there are only that I’m going fairly quick. We get to the a hundred more metres to go. I touch the summit ridge to be met by Roy and Debs fence post and hit the stop watch button. It who have had a nap in the sun and nearly says 22:15:25! I’ve done the last two hours missed us. Debs gives me a bottle of water of the round in 1:16! Rick and Sally are which I pore over my head and we set off just arriving with Don. I lie down on an for the summit lump. It’s folklore that the incredibly comfy rocky track and look up sun always comes out when you get to the at the sun-dappled leaves swaying in the summit of Cnicht – I’ve experienced this breeze. It feels good to not be moving. myself on three occasions, but as there Sally and Rick give me a birthday present: wasn’t a cloud in the sky this unheralded some new running socks. This is just as meteorological phenomenon couldn’t well. The ones I’ve had on for the last dazzle us today. I set off down the final 22:15:25 are not in great condition! descent, thinking of Dave Tait’s advice Ian Fitzpatrick to “give it some stick”. I probably have already but a bit more won’t hurt. Well Dark Peak News November 2009 page 26

Great Lakeland Three Day

A few wise old mountain marathon friends three days. A small band of mostly regulars had suggested that the GL3D, or ‘Great and a few novices like me were mixed in Lakeland Three Day’ was a must-do among the campers using the Lanefoot event. The thought of completing around campsite at Thornthwaite on Friday night 26 mountain miles per day over three in May. You supply your own map and consecutive days seemed a bit extreme, checkpoints are handed out well before you since I can hardly walk after completing depart, so there’s none of that marking up half this distance on a normal ‘twi day’ on the run. MM. So using the type of logic possessed Day one started from the campsite, by most fell runners, I entered. over Hopegill Head, round Buttermere, The event is very informal and over High Crag via Hen Comb, Steeple then to the past 12 years has been run by a small Netherbeck bridge via the mighty Seatallan. team of volunteers headed by Joe Faulkner The weather was cool and clear, near perfect of Nav4. It’s a solo event based around running weather. Little groups formed the MM ethos and limited to around 50 and disbanded during the day. High Crag people. At the start of each day you are to Steeple was the crux of the day and a given a small number of checkpoints to surprising number of different routes were visit - these are often well spaced so route taken. The afternoon was spent comparing choice is key. Each checkpoint has a pin notes and catching up with friends over punch, if some do-gooder hasn’t already some high quality beer. removed it. You are also told the location Day two saw us visit Yewbarrow, Pillar, of the next overnight camp. Everyone sets Great End, Glaramara, Ullscarf and Steel off within an hour of each other, whenever Fell before descending to Thirlmere. This they want, and there are no classes or included the climbers’ traverse around prizes as the emphasis is on great days on Gable and The Band up onto Great End. the hill. However, this doesn’t mean that Dropping down Woof Gill off Glaramara it’s not competitive, especially at the sharp and climbing up to the broad summit of end which always sees a few elite runners Ullscarf near the end of the day was by far setting times that the rest off us can only the toughest section. Again the weather dream of. was excellent and everyone enjoyed a great The big difference between this and most day out on the hill, although the climbers’ other mountain marathons is that Joe and traverse round Gable slowed the whippets his merry band of supporters will move one down a bit. Another excellent campsite, beer bag per competitor between the various and sunshine. However, we were a long way campsites. So you only need to carry from the finish and with no clear route back, enough food and equipment for each day. In speculation about the final day’s route was keeping with the ethos there is a 12kg limit, rife. Furthermore, the weather was forecast so no family tents. But for regular MM folk, to change, wet and windy. 12kg is five-star and allows for comfortable All was revealed with the issuing of the camping with plenty of food. In addition, day three checkpoints. First Helvellyn then beer, bread and milk are provided free at Robinson via Brund Fell. The last section each camp-site. over Newlands Hause and Outerside would After last year’s 100 mile special event, be tricky in the mist, then home! A note at the event revered to three marathons over the start stated no grizzling (complaining) Dark Peak News November 2009 page 27 allowed and dropping out due to a little bad different directions. This was the third time weather was not acceptable! we had taken different routes and ended Helvellyn was cold and no place to linger. up back together so we decided to stick Thirlmere was a problem. It would have together, which was handy since the control been quickest to swim across but no-one on top of Outerside had gone walkabout had brought their costumes so we all ran so we could both confirm we were on the round the north end. Joe’s aim to take us correct top and headed for the finish. to lesser known parts of the Lakes saw us This was in a barn up some cruelly placed visiting High Tove on the way to Robinson. steep stairs, but at the top lay a venerable There was a strong cross-wind and very feast of home cooked food and drink. We poor visibility as we climbed out of Tongue all relaxed in front of a warm fire and it Gill, although not quite as windy as when was generally agreed that this had been an we crossed Dale Head during the OMM! excellent event with a great route round My compass was in full use as I crossed The Lakes. The distance was around 80 Buttermere Moss in low visibility, miles with lots of climb, the overall time especially since I wanted to avoid going taken varied from 16hrs to 34hrs; and I directly down Moss Force. As competitors was pleased to achieve my target time of reached Newlands Hause they were greeted a sub 24hr. The informal nature means by marshals in a van (the checkpoint), its all very relaxed, no panics associated offering jelly babies and encouragement, with start times, uncomfortable nights or but not the option of retiring! The section disqualifications due to missing punches. to Outerside via Sail Pass was tricky in the You push as hard as you want since at the mist; but at least the wind was at our backs end of the day its all about having a great now. few days out in the hills with like-minded I went along Knott Rigg, what looks like people, ably supported by Joe and his team to be a highly recommended route in good of supporters. This low-key event benefits weather, and another competitor cut off from staying below the radar and long may early for the big contour. We both arrived it remain that way. at The Saddle within seconds of each Stephen Martin other, appearing out of the thick mist from

Photo alert As you can see this is an example of where a couple of photos would really add to the story. We realise this not always possible, but when it is they are often not of high enough resolution. Please keep sending them in to the editor and the webmaster, but take the following advice into account.

When taking photos on a digital camera, could you please make sure that it is set to the 3 megapixel setting at minimum. Avoid VGA as this is only suitable for on-screen viewing.

Thanks Tim Dark Peak News November 2009 page 28

A Day in the Lakes Triathlon - Pooley Bridge Sunday 28th June

This was serious stuff - for me anyway. physical and so we moved onto the best leg Likely to be the longest, toughest event I’d – the run. ever attempted and way past my three-hour Which got off to a dreadful start when 30 boredom threshold for run-only events. ‘vehicles’ the likes of which only Fulton, Strangely no pre-event nerves - was it the Ray and Browell could rave about, chose very relaxing night we spent courtesy of the moment to crest the hill towards us on Phil & Helen in their cottage bang next door the first ascent. Just what you need - legs to a wonderful pub in Stainton, or was it the tight after the cycle, the 80 degree sun new go-faster wetsuit I’d bought to give me beating down, a steep climb and diesel/ an edge in my weakest event? chip fat fumes filling the air. All this was Thankfully Ullswater was a tad warmer soon forgotten as a lady from one of the than Derwent Water the month previous teams drew up alongside me in a polka dot at a balmy 13 degrees centigrade, because bikini and stayed there several pleasurable even with the new suit, the 1.2 mile swim hundred yards for a chat and all was right was going to take over half an hour. Exactly again with the world as we traversed how much over I’ll never know due to Barton Fell. Things got a bit more daunting a failure in the chip timing, but the suit when a long line of runners climbing was a godsend and for the first time in my Fusedale toward Gowk Hill appeared triathlon history I actually enjoyed myself. around the bend, and after a glucose tablet/ The bike was to be the real challenge. jelly baby re-fuel it was overtaking time, I’ve never cycled 58 miles in my life, even even more so on the eyeballs out descent pootling round the Peaks, but this was an round Brownthwaite Crag into Martindale anticlockwise loop taking in Kirkstone and Howtown. There is something really Pass and Shap Summit. The start towards pleasing when a fellow athlete utters 'spot Glenridding was horrendous – the worst the fell runner' as you crash past them. road surface I have ever cycled on bar none There then followed the most boring time – even worse than Sheffield and that’s going I have ever spent in my racing life as we some. With 100 psi in the tyres, both water endured three miles of flat tarmac to the bottles were always on the verge of being finish. I decided I’d allow for a pessimistic bounced out onto the tarmac, but once we 10-minute mile pace to ensure the finish got to the foot of the Pass the resurfaced came sooner than I thought, but after the road helped with the long grind up to the first look at my watch after 15 mins, further summit, the cheers for the leopard skins glances happened with increasing regularity, helped even more. I’m not too keen on steep until thankfully the first chav with a can descents and couldn’t help shaking my of Foster’s in his hand waddled into sight head in awe/amazement as this idiot hurtled which meant that the finish at Park Foot passed me, only for me to find him and his campsite was near. Job done – yes it was the bike broken against a wall after the next hardest thing I’ve ever attempted, but boy bend. An earlier idiot was lying in front of a did the beer taste good afterwards – sod the car coming up the road. The rest of the bike milkshakes. ride was uneventful. The climb up to Shap Andy Moore Summit was mental endurance rather than Dark Peak News November 2009 page 29

Results Swim Bike Run Total 1st Martin Cain 28.00 2.37.00 1.42.00 4.50.0 80th Andrew Moore 35.00 3.22.00 2.02.00 6.01.00 300 Raced

Keswick Mountain Festival Triathlon Saturday May 16th 2009

After a day of canoeing and ‘gill few places passing several fatter athletes scrambling’ – jumping /diving /sliding who always have an edge in the swim. The forwards and backwards into freezing cold route took you south east then north round deep pools in a torrent called Stoneycroft High Rigg and through St Johns in the Vale, Gill off Causey Pike near Stair it was down then west to Portinscale, south to Grange, to the serious business of the race. then north round Derwent back to Keswick. Disappointingly no Julia Bradbury to The run was what I was waiting for – not lust after at the start this year, but James the usual boring 10k road race so often Cracknell was competing and I had him in experienced in triathlons – this was a six my sights, (or would have liked to have). mile 1200ft of climb fell race up to Waller The swim was a 750m thrash in Derwent Cragg, where I am always determined never Water which wasn’t that pleasant as the to get overtaken. And so it proved - the water was shallow, murky and just above one bloke who had the audacity to overtake 10 degrees centigrade. As there were only me on the lakeside as we wound up for the two waves, flailing arms and legs were climb, got taken out on the descent, and I aplenty, as Shaun Walker from Penistone’s got a rather admiring ‘spot the fell runner’ wife bore testament to at the end, sporting a as I blasted down through Castle Rigg back magnificent fat lip – at least Shaun claimed to the finish. it happened in the swim. A good day for DPFR. Tom got The transition is never my strongest considerably nearer to James Cracknell than aspect – getting the leopard skins onto wet I did, I got 3rd V50 and Helen an excellent legs is always a struggle, but worth it for 10th lady and 5th V40. Notable that Mandy the rapturous cheers as you leave transition got no decent photos of Dark Peakers, but and regularly round the bike course which is the one of James Cracknell stripped to the an undulating 24 miles round the Newlands waist came out rather well! valley. There aren’t any hills steep enough Andy Moore to give me an advantage, but I made up a Results Swim Bike Run Total 1st Mark Laithwaite 12.53 1.05.20 44.29 2.02.42 18th James Cracknell 12.56 1.10.16 51.25 2.14.37 22nd Thomas Webb 18.15 1.10.52 47.07 2.16.14 56th Andrew Moore 15.03 1.17.13 52.25 2.24.42 154th Helen Barnett 15.51 1.21.53 1.05.17 2.43.01 179th Trev Milner 15.55 1.26.54 1.04.12 2.48.01 280 Raced Dark Peak News November 2009 page 30

The Virdak Hill Race, Shetland

Shetland lies 200 miles north of Aberdeen in the North Atlantic (about the same distance from Norway) comprising over 100 islands. The total area is about half the size of Lancashire with a population of just 22,000. We went up for the Fiddle Festival this summer and took the bikes and boots to explore the islands. Shetland is not a mountainous region - there are 19 Marilyns with the highest being Ronas Hill at 1476ft. But we had some brilliant days in the hills, never more than three miles from the coast. We were in the pub in the village of Twatt in 9:39, with Jamie Fulton from Sheffield when we saw a flyer for Cunningsburgh England second, David Malcomson third Agricultural Show later in the week so we and Katie Bristow fourth in 12:50.” decided to have a day over there. Yes, there are some fine hills, but it It was a traditional country show with the seems hill running is not a popular sport in biggest and best of everything, (animals, Shetland hence the ten minute dash up and veg, crafts, tractors, jumpers), and sports down Virdak Hill, the nearest heather clad thrown in too. Hilary spotted that there slope. The lad that won and his sister are the was a hill race later, and suggested I should Shetland Cross Country champions and I enter, claiming wrong footwear prevented don’t know who was more surprised at the her from joining me. old giffer who came in 2nd - them or me! There were some fine hills around, so I We had a great day out, enjoyed the food, thought I would give it a go and entered. music and the beer tent, then took the bus Later in the afternoon as I lined up with home to celebrate around 30 younger runners, we were warned Jim Fulton “It’s every man frae himself oot there” then we were off. Above: Tired of waiting for the bus, Modesty prevents me from reporting Jim and Hilary move in the result so I will let The Shetland Times Below: Jim achieves his full potential August 21st take over: “Then the punishing Virdak hill race was to begin, and with a stiff headwind uphill it was not going to be easy. Finishing first for the men was Bobby Bristow Dark Peak News November 2009 page 31

Tried and tested Little v. Large, part one: the Petzl Myo XP RRP: £55.00 Appearance  Value for money  Performance  OVERALL RATING  If you’re one of the many new Dark Peak you could use to convert the beam to a wide members who have gone straight into Warting, angle bath of light. Useful for lighting a tent; you may be wondering what is the best type extremely useless for night running. I pulled of torch to use? You’ve probably noticed that the flap down and found I immediately had there seem to be two Warts’ camps: those a sharp narrow beam of light cutting into the who lug heavyweight floodlights around, and night for at least 50 metres. Since then I have those who prefer the lighter, and considerably never looked back. cheaper, l.e.d. approach. I’ll nail my colours Once you’ve mastered the beam controls, to the mast as an l.e.d. addict, and kick off the this is a stunningly good piece of kit. It has 'Little v. Large' debate with a review of the three beam intensities, plus a flashing option, Petzl Myo XP. I’m sure one of the bigger-is- (good for showing off when ahead of the better group will want to reply next time with group at a Warts rendezvous point), plus the the case for the rival Silva. diffuser. It runs on three AA batteries and Petzl There was a time when we all opted for the reckon you’ll get up to 180 hours out of them. old Petzl Zoom, which had a big bulb unit on Maybe so at low beam, but on full beam I the front, and a bulky flat battery holder on the reckon you are looking at more like ten. Not back of the headtorch unit. It was the Model a problem though if you use rechargeables. T Ford of headtorches: cumbersome and I now top mine up from a solar panel so I expensive to run, but functional and reliable. can also feel I’m doing my (little) bit for the Eventually the headband rubber would perish, planet. The headband comes with an extra and the wiring would go. It was after my strip that you can clip to the top to create a full second Zoom finally packed in that I first came cradle, giving a really snug and secure fit. The across the new Myo. I was highly sceptical great beauty of the Myo is that it is so small when the salesman tried to persuade me that and light at just 175g including batteries. It fits this tiny l.e.d. lens would generate more light easily in a bumbag or pocket, or in your hand than my halogen bulb, particularly as it was when the clag is down. It’s also weatherproof, twice the price. Only after comparing the two and clever enough to flash a warning when the in a darkened stockroom did I concede he batteries run low. Like most outdoor types, might be right. I am usually quite critical of my gear. But I bought it, but was ready to bin it after I can honestly say that this is faultless. An a couple of miles. It threw out just a dim, immaculate piece of engineering that, to my ghost-like light that cast a glow around me mind, leads lightweight night running into a but did nothing to the darkness ahead. After new era. And good for the planet too. a few swear words and some angry fiddling, Dave Holmes I realised there was a little diffuser flap that Dark Peak News November 2009 page 32

10 years ago... Phil Crowson boosted his reputation as an eccentric navigator by doing a unique about-turn in the Crookstone Crashout. He climbed Kinder south edge from Edale Youth Hostel, but then managed, without realising it, to make a 180 degree error while looking for the trig on the plateau. He revisited the south edge, naturally thought it was the north edge, and descended right down Grindsbrook before realising his error. Roy Small and Hugh Cotton were taking stock of their plans to renovate the club hut after an inspection revealed it was beset by serious structural problems. Members had reverted to changing in The Sportsman car park in the meantime. Jo Smith had recovered from a stress fracture to the pelvis to come back stronger and fitter than ever. She was outright winner of the Broomhead Chase, beating first man Dave Tait by thirty one seconds. Rick Ansell wrote a reflective piece after being one of just 34 runners to take part in the Ennerdale Race. He said lining up at the start was "one of the saddest sights I have seen in fell running". He wondered if the days of the long mountain race were numbered, and suggested the FRA might be partly to blame "with its world cup events, its British squads and elite training weekends that focus on athletic performance over mountain experience". 20 years ago... Tim Tett, aka Eddie Torr, stood down after six years as Dark Peak News editor, to be replaced by Mike Pedley, who told readers that he wanted to contribute more to the club than "just my good looks, wit and running ability". FRA Secretary Selwyn Wright wrote to the club offering offering his thanks and congratulations for a superbly organised Navigation, Training and Safety Course at Edale Youth Hostel. The event had been organised by FRA committee member Chez DeMengel and included a lecture on training from club chairman Tony Trowbridge and one on navigation from then England captain Malcolm Patterson. Participants were then sent to test themselves on a course over Kinder, set by Malcolm, Jacky Smith and Mike Hayes. The club champs was to be run on a new course, following a decision by the AGM to rest the traditional triple crossing every other year. Secretary Andy Harmer told the meeting the course was becoming a crocodile and we needed something more challenging, starting and finishing at the same place.Andy had devised the first "alternative route", visiting controls at Grindslow pond, GR 862111, a path/stream junction in Crowden Brook, 863102, and a broken wall in Blackden Brook, 889129. Surprise, surprise, there were no paths on the route. Dark Peak News November 2009 page 33

The Dog’s Diary

hear that Tim Austin and Jon Morgan put in I an exceptional performance on day one of this year's Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon, coming in to the Duddon Valley campsite nearly an hour faster than their nearest rivals. This left them the only team in the chasing start on Sunday morning, and surely well placed for an easy win. What folly, then, to drop their guard and to allow Tim to pick up the second day control descriptions and to read out the grid references. Faithful as a well trained border collie, Jon marked the map in accordance with Tim's instructions and the two then duly ground their way to the first control, a rough kilometre to the east and 285m up the side of Walna Scar. Only when they arrived there did they find that they had muddled up their "B's" and that Tim had, in fact, picked up the instructions for the Bedafell course. Forty-five minutes after setting off they were back where they started and plotting their course to a picturesque little crag about a mile to the north-west in the valley bottom, where they should have been all along. The sickening thing is that they still managed to win. We mere mortals and dogs can only watch and wonder. Before you ask, yes, that was the same Jon Morgan who had such a blinding run in the Exterminator, finishing just three minutes behind the winner. And who started the race four minutes late! News reaches me from a well placed source who was helping Simon Bacsich get his preparations right for the Bob Graham. And I can't help wondering what would have happened if he'd been left to his own devices without such expert assistance. Apparently Simon was playing around, schoolboy chemist-style, with his own recipe for a rehydration drink to replenish his fluids and electrolytes on the way round. A simple trawl on the internet reveals any number of recipes for such drinks, and suggests that a spoonful of salt is a vital ingredient. That's a teaspoon of salt, Simon, not a tablespoon! One of the great things about being a dog is that you don't have to find a pair of shoes every time you want to go out on the hills. I can imagine it must be quite stressful, particularly if the race is just a matter of minutes away and it looks as though someone may have wandered off with them by mistake. So I can quite understand the menacing tone in Jon Coe's voice as he shouted across the hall before the Sedbergh race, asking if anyone had picked up a pair of size X shoes. He then toured the hall, (it was p***ing it down outside), confronting the owners of similar shoes and asking them if they were absolutely sure they were wearing the correct pair. Plenty of replies, but no success. Only as a last resort did he think of checking his own kit bag. You guessed it... Wuff Dark Peak News November 2009 page 34

The kit page

MOST DOCTORS agree that hanging around in the cold with no clothes on is not good for you. It slows the circulation and can make you grimace. My advice would be to buy lots of Dark Peak gear and wrap up warm for winter. For more details, contact Equipment Officer Richard Hakes: 0114 2339912; kit@ dpfr.org.uk Price list

Vests £13 Aluminium sleeping bags £16.00 Sizes small, medium, large, extra large. As recommended by Dark Peak safety officer Mark Harvey. Now you can Shorts £14 get lost in comfort on the hills. Pop in a teddy bear and hot water bottle, Sizes medium and large. switch on your mobile phone, and Metallic green cycling then just curl up and wait for the type. Self assembly mountain rescue. Velcro attachments available to cover knobbly knees. Club badge t-shirts £10 In mustard yellow with club badge on Tracksters £18 chest. Sizes L, M, S. Navy blue. Available in medium, large and Black t-shirts £8 extra large. Doctor Bob With "DARK PEAK FELL recommends these for varicose RUNNERS" in white cartoon veins. lettering across the front. Sizes XL, L, M, S. Polo shirts £15 DPFR long sleeve polo in navy Whistles £1 blue with running man logo. Orange. Plastic. Loud. Available in the following sizes: XL L M Fleece pullovers £18 Navy blue or black. With half- Neoprene socks £13 length chest zip and club badge For keeping your tootsies warm on on chest. Sizes XL, L, M. As those cold winter nights. modelled by Chris Barber, (David Beckham wasn't 30-year t-shirts £5 available). In a full range of sizes, from XL to VVVVS. Dark Peak News November 2009 page 35

Made in the Dark Peak

...being the page where we showcase notable Dark Peak artefacts, oddities and curios... No. 4 The Dick Pasley Memorial Trophy This magnificent trophy was conceived as a lasting tribute to Dark Peak's most famous postman, and was reputedly awarded to a category winner in the 1999 Warts' Revenge. Race organiser/sponsor Jim Fulton fashioned the masterpiece by using an old fire alarm bell as a plinth, carefully thrusting the alarm's machine screw up the rectum of a Postman Pat bendy doll. Pat expressed his delight by kicking out in joy and raising his outstretched arms aloft. Sadly, he also become so excited that his nose fell off. The bendy beau is now staying at a safe house in the north of Sheffield to keep him from the clutches of eager trophy collectors. Like his namesake though, he may yet venture out to astonish his admirers by putting in a star performance at a Dark Peak race some day.

New members The following people have so far chosen to take the Order of the Brown Vest in 2009: Martin Stocks, Jose Garcia, Glen Irving, Fliss Milner, Shaun Dimelow, Warrick Newton, David Slater, Ed Richardson, David Sugden, Naomi Baynes, Gerry Lax, John Garnet, Paul Keen, Helen Elmore, Becky Harper, Carl Egdell, Daniel Morton, Joan Waller, Richard Hunt, Dave Aucott, Dave Archer, Es Tresidder, Thomas Bullock, Tim Clarke, John Raho, Jim Paxman, Callum Gilhooley, Sarah Broadhurst, Graeme Schofield, Martin Evans, Rob Atcheson, Martin Bullock, Lewis Ashton, Chris Bateson, Jack Foxall, Matt Long, Victoria Chico, Matt Harmston, Rachel Lee, Robert Cole. Dark Peak News November 2009 page 2

Cover spread: Dave Lockwood and supporters on his successful Joss Naylor attempt November 2009