Rombalds Stride, Saturday 7th February
Five members of the club recently ventured over the Pennines to explore the nether regions of Yorkshire. A bit of "bah tat" and mud attracted us to Ilkely Moor. We were off to run and walk the Rombalds Stride – a Long Distance Walkers event of 22 miles – which allows runners to sneak in. We set off from the back of Argos to the sound of a ringing hand bell and headed off into the woods. Those with time to linger would have seen the home of Emmerdale Farm (Esholt). A road stretch took us over to Baildon and up on to the Baildon moor. At this stage we cantered past Harvey Smith's training ground – no horses in sight. Now it was getting serious with several miles across Ilkey Moor with bogs and bogs of mud. From the summit it was paved – a great relief and we speeded up again. The turning point was a very welcome sight as now it was a run/ jog/ walk back on good paths and tracks, but with tired legs 10 miles seems a long way!. Once clear of Ilkey we were soon on the edge of the moor admiring the views across the valley in the afternoon sunshine – this is the best bit of trail and hill running in my opinion. The sting in the tale to the event is a very stiff climb of the Chevin hill before a rapid run to the finish.
A free meal and lots of tea for all finishers rounded off a great day on the hills
Provisional Results
Ian Smallwood 3 hours 31 mins
Andy Watts 3 hours 34 mins
Jon Bale 3 hours 40 mins
Belinda Carp 6 hours 1 min
Gavin Mendham 6 hours 5 mins
The winner finished in about 2 hours 35 mins and the final walkers took about 9 hours to complete the distance.
Ian
And we thought we where the only Cheshire folk there ! 🙂 Agree,a fantastic event. Phil, Jo, Judith, and Sara from Congleton Harriers