Wensleydale Wander

Saturday 13 April

Leyburn 9 am

2 options 22 mile or 12 mile.

I originally entered the longer Wander, the 22 mile version. I completed that route last year, it’s a lovely route. But the offer came to run/hike the Yorkshire 3 Peaks on Sunday, so I asked to drop to the 12 mile. This meant I got to explore a new route and save my tired legs from The Dales Traverse, 6 days ago.

The Wensleydale Wander is organised by The Rotary Club Of Wensleydale, event HQ is Wensleydale School in Leyburn. The start is a short walk down to opposite the old police station in Leyburn.

I like these local events, they are very social and its nice to catch up with local runners and friends made through being at same events. There was quite a crowd at 8:55 runners, walkers, dogs and supporters. 

The starting pistol went off and the runners led the way uphill, racing for the narrow gates. The route along the Leyburn Shawl was less muddy than expected, which was nice. I was constantly overtaken for the first mile through the trees, as I took it steady.

It was worth taking it steady to enjoy the views and let some of the faster dogs get ahead. I like dogs but not running amongst them.

We soon headed down through the woods and fields to Preston Under Scar. Checkpoint 1. The next section being a mix of roads and fields. We crossed the Wensleydale railway. Trains don’t come this far, these days.

A few sheep fields with narrow gates on strong springs led into Redmire and another checkpoint.

I ran through, not needing to fill my bottle. My legs had woken up now. As I went to leave the village a dog appeared, following me and running in front of me. I wondered if it was one of the runners dogs that had got loose, but it wasn’t, I headed back with the dog. I tried to ring the number on the cooler but the number was worn and I probably did not dial the correct number. The dog went ito an estate, so I carried on with my day, I hope that Belle from Redmire made her way home. This next section was a mix of lanes and fields. More narrow gates separated sheep fields. There was a nice woodland lane surrounded by primroses. It was so pretty.

Further down the lane, past cow fields was a pretty stone bridge, the sand martins gave a great aerial display.

It was a lovely view back to Bolton Hall

over the bridge was the third checkpoint and the split in the long and short routes. I explained to the volunteers that i was dropping down and was directed to the tree line along the River Ure.

The route soon descended into woodland and the path was surrounded by spring flowers as it followed the river.

There were dog walkers around but no other runners. I followed the pretty woodland trail to Wensleydale Bridge. Taking care I crossed the road and continued following the river.

It was a lane at first, I could see along way ahead, and in the distance I could see some runners.

I trotted along, making up some time that I had spent photographing flowers in the woods. I caught up with the 2 runners and passed them as the route left the riverside, crossing a waterlogged field that was not too muddy. 

A lane led towards the Middleham Road, again I spotted runners, also I could see runners crossing the fields back up to Leyburn, probably a mile ahead of me.

I crossed over the lovely old bridge and headed along the road to my last checkpoint of the day. The miles had ticked by nicely.

The last few fields lead upwards to the town. There was a slight route change due to the condition of the original route, so I headed straight up, the view back over the valley was stunning. There were 2 runners ahead and I worked hard to narrow he gap.

I caught up as we crossed back over the railway and headed into town. Through town and back up to the school, where a variety of homemade soups and cakes awaited.

I was very happy to finish. I ran hard but not too hard and was pleased at how my legs reacted after the 33.5 mile race, 6 days ago.

Dropping to the shorter distance was definitely the right decision for me this year.