News en route
Step Repairs on Ilkley Moor
The knee crunching descent from Ilkley Moor has just got a
lot easier for walkers on A Dales High Way,
thanks to volunteers from the Friends of Ilkley Moor (FoIM).
The rough, steep stone steps, known locally as "Jacob's
Ladder" which lead from the rim of Ilkley Moor down to
White Wells have finally received the makeover they've been
waiting for, probably since Victorian times.
Owen Wells, chair of the Friends, said " This is probably the
most difficult task our volunteers have tackled. The steps will
remain a tribute to their resourcefulness and determination for
years to come."
Richard Perham of Bradford Council's Countryside Service
provided the materials - mainly wood for the timber rises and 3
tons of hardcore - and a team of volunteers from the FoIM did
the hard work. Between 10 and 15 volunteers worked on the
upgrade for 8 consecutive Tuesdays, starting in mid-June –
reckoned to be around 250 hours of labour in total.
Richard Perham, said "It’s been great working with the
volunteers on this project. It was planned and designed by
them and has been a catalyst to get the steps repaired. It
looked like a daunting task, but the skill and hard work of the
group has created a much safer and easier-to-use flight of steps
on this right of way across the moor."
18 Aug 2024
Last Dales High Way Ultra?
Ultra marathon organisers Punk Panther have said that the
Dales High Way event, run on the 6th and 7th July this year, will
be the last time they organise this "stunningly brutal" race.
"The course is tough and gruelling and not to be
underestimated, but the views are superb. If you ever get the
chance to do the Dales High Way I can fully recommend it. Sadly
due to numbers and the logistics required we will not be holding
it again" said organiser Ryk Downes.
"There were only 7 finishers from the 21 starters which just
shows how tough it was as there was a lot of experienced runners
on the course. I always think getting to the finish and then
having to go out again to do 14 miles with over 2000 feet of
climb is a massive mind game considering that you have already
completed the Dales High Way."
Winner of the Dales High Way 90-mile race was Sophie Clarke
in a time of 22 hours 36 minutes. Mark Denby won the extended
104-mile course, taking in High Cup Nick, in a time of 24 hours
29 minutes.
The race was first held in May 2021, when Daniel Hendriksen
came in first in just 20 hours 56 minutes.
Top photo: Mark Denby, winner of 104 mile extended course;
bottom photo: Dales High Way winner Sophie Clarke collects her
trophy.
25 July 2024
Saltaire - 1916
Walkers setting off on A Dales High Way may be forgiven for
finding themselves transported to WW1 Saltaire in the last
few weeks.
The historic Unesco world heritage site has been transformed
for a new film "The Choral", written by legendary playwright
Alan Bennett.
The film will star Ralph Fiennes, Jim Broadbent, and Simon
Russell Beale and be directed by Nicholas Hytner (The History
Boys; The Lady in the Van, The Crucible, The Madness of King
George).
A synopsis says: "A choral society's male members enlist in
World War I, leaving the demanding Dr. Guthrie (Fiennes) to
recruit teenagers.
"Together, they experience the joy of singing while the young
boys grapple with their impending conscription into the army."
They have been filming since May, with the latest action
focussed on "the Institute" - Victoria Hall.
Saltaire has become a popular set for films in recent years,
including episodes of "Gentleman Jack" with Surrane Jones.
2 July 2024
90 miles across the glorious high country of the Yorkshire Dales
