We have just heard from ultra runner Jacob Snochowski that he has run the Dales Way in an awesome 12 hours 27 minutes, a new course record. Jacob ran the route as a solo run with support from friends earlier this year. Well done Jacob!
If you’d like to listen to Jacob talking about his run you can hear his interview with Utra Runner Magazine at: https://www.ultrarunnermagazine.co.uk/jacob-snochowski-dales-way
Did you know you can now take out a Life Membership of the Dales Way Association? Instead of renewing every year supporters of the Association can now make a single payment of £120 (£180 for a family) and know that your membership will be ongoing. In return you will get newsletters sent by email and access to the members’ area of the website.
More importantly you will know that your money is being used to make improvements to the Dales Way. We regularly donate money from our membership income to help repair stiles and gates, mend bridges and resurface the path.
To join the DWA either as an Annual or Life Member please go to http://www.dalesway.org/membersubscribe.html
Over 40 intrepid souls set off from Bowness this morning to run 82 miles along the Dales Way to Ilkley. This is the 3rd annual Dales Way Endurance Event organised by Punk Panthers, ultra marathon specialists.
With 30 degree temperatures expected this afternoon runners have had lots of advice about covering up and staying hydrated. The run is well supported by medics and there are regular checkpoints where food and drinks are available.
Organiser Bev Downes said, “Stay safe everyone. Wear plenty of sunscreen and cover your head and the back of your neck.”
Lead runner Chin Yong clearly took her advice.
The 2nd ever Dales Way Ultra Marathon took place over the weekend of 14th and 15th August. Chris Grogan, Dales Way Association secretary, went to the end to congratulate the runners. Here she is with Steve Dillon, the only runner to complete the 2019 and 2021 Dales Way races AND the brutal Dales High Way Challenge.
‘I’m in awe of their fitness and stamina,’ she said. ‘Most people walk the 82 mile Dales Way in a week. These runners did it in a day or less.’ Winner Greg Judges arrived home in just 17 hours 11 minutes and is pictured here accepting his medal from Ryk Downes, event organiser and DWA committee member.
It’s been a busy week for Dales Way Association secretary Chris Grogan. Read all about it in her blog http://www.highwaychris.blogspot.co.uk
Fresh from her recent tv appearances, Clare Balding is a familiar face to many, so it’s not surprising that she was instantly recognised as she walked the Dales Way this week. She’s been recording her experiences for a her BBC Radio 4 programme “Ramblings” which will be broadcast this autumn.
Clare walked and talked with a number of people including Dales Way creator and Chairman of the Dales Way Association Colin Speakman and DWA committee members Kath Doyle and Chris Grogan. Here she is with Colin and his wife Fleur on the Dales Way seat at the end of the walk,
and with Chris and Kath nearing the end of the section from Dent to Sedbergh with the Howgill Fells in the background.
Renowned broadcaster Clare Balding is planning to walk the Dales Way for her BBC Radio 4 programme “Ramblings”.
She’ll be recording the programme between August 10th and 13th and the producers would love to hear from anyone who’d like to walk with her. So if you’re planning to be on the route that week, if you have happy, or sad or remarkable memories of walking the Dales Way that you’d like to share with the nation or if you have any special knowledge of the trail please contact the producer Lucy Lunt at lucy.lunt@bbc.co.uk
Is anybody planning to start walking the Dales Way on Sunday August 10th, preferably in the afternoon? BBC Radio 4 are planning to make a Ramblings programme that day and Clare Balding would love to walk and talk with someone just setting off.
If you’re interested email us at info@dalesway.org and we’ll pass your details on.
In a couple of weeks Lady Jane Naylor is leading a fundraising walk along the Dales Way on behalf of the charity SafeHands for Mothers. SafeHands was set up to ensure that no woman, anywhere in the world, dies in pregnancy or childbirth and the Dales Way walk celebrates its 10th year of fundraising and campaigning.
The walk starts in Ilkley on June 8th and ends in Bowness on june 14th. Walkers are expected to raise sponsorship for the cause but will be provided with food, accommodation and transport to and from the route every day.
More details can be found at http://www.safehands.org/about-us/get-involved/dales-way-walk including how you can donate to this worthwhile charity.
Yorkshire Dales coach company, A S Coaches are well known locally for their walks programme. Walkers can enjoy a day’s guided walking with the benefits of transport to and from the trail.
Amanda Burton, co-owner of the company and walk leader told us,” Many people who join my walks have become regulars and friends too – how wonderful walking is”.
Last year Amanda led a series of day walks along the Dales Way and she’s repeating the idea this spring, this time along sister route A Dales High Way.
“Following the great success we had walking the Dales Way as a series of day walks last year we’ve decided to tackle A Dales High Way,” said Amanda.
A Dales High Way is a tougher route than the Dales Way but Amanda assures walkers that the pace will be leisurely and the atmosphere friendly.
The walks are starting on Saturday May 3rd with the 8 mile section from Saltaire to Ilkley. Further dates booked so far are:
Each day costs £15 including coach travel from the Pateley Bridge area, Grassington and Skipton. A S Coaches are flexible about pick ups so do get in touch with them.
So if you fancy walking A Dales High Way this spring or you’d like more information give Amanda a ring on 01423 711252 or email info@ascoaches.co.uk
Dales Way News 