Tour de Scafell Massif Race 2012 |
"Tour de Scafell" 25K Race - Saturday 24th November 2012.
This is a new race and goes through some of the most impressive scenery in the Lake District. It is inspired by Joe Faulkner's ultra "Tour de Helvellyn".
The route travels through one of the remotest areas in the Lakes on tracks, bridleways, rough footpaths and sheeptrods sometimes indistinct, with some fast grass tracks through Upper Eskdale and Burnmoor. The terrain is tough and mountainous, so fell running and navigational skills are essential. Entries are limited and strictly limited to experienced and competent entrants.
The route starts from Wasdale Head and goes clockwise around the Scafell Massif on tracks, bridleways, footpaths and sheeptrods. It climbs over Esk Hause (Lakelands highest pass 756m) then down the remote Upper Eskdale valley, Woolpack Inn and back via Burnmoor tarn, 1100m of ascent and 25K distance (approx).
This is a serious undertaking at this time of year. Controls are positioned to give a degree of 'route choice' in complex, mountainous and remote terrain which will require good navigation skills, experience and self reliance.
The event is 'low key' with minimal support and all participants will need to be suitably experienced and well equipped.
Please use Rights of Way through all fields/farmland and use crossing points where indicated.
Entries.
Entry Forms and Details are available by e-mail, Richard@carolclimb.co.uk Entry is £15 per person.
It is a condition of entry that you are suitably experienced and have the skills necessary to look after yourself in very challenging terrain and conditions.
The Route 25K (approx) 1100m ascent.
Controls are positioned to give a degree of 'route choice' it is unmarked so you will need to navigate.
Start / Finish Wasdale Green
GR 186084 Wasdale Green.
Track to Burnthwaite Farm left in yard PATH sign, choice of good bridleways to Esk Hause Shelter
1. GR 234082 Esk Hause Shelter. Manned Control.
Indistinct path over Esk Hause (Open fell, Good nav skills needed, especially in bad weather), The path into Upper Eskdale (500m) is steep and rocky! there are Grassy alternatives both sides (a prior inspection could be helpful and/or check your O.S. map). Various route choices on paths and tracks lead to the path junc. at Wha House.
Beware of:- Great Moss this is a very boggy place. River Esk and its tributaries can be very fast, deep and uncrossable after rain, especially down river from Sampsons Stones. If in doubt do not cross, there are bridges at Lingcove Beck 227036, Brotherilkeld 212015, Scales Gill 213024
Please use 'Rights of Way', gates and stiles through fields and farmland!! Do not climb over walls!!
2. GR 200009 Footpath/ Road junc. (car park) opposite Wha House. Manned Control.
Minor road (1K) to bridleway just west of Woolpack Inn (Post Box).
3. GR 190009 Woolpack Inn. (Post Box)
Paths and Bridleways
4. GR 183040 Burnmoor Lodge.
Paths and Bridleways
5. GR 186084 Wasdale Green.
Registration.
We are using 'O' type punch's and punch cards, please pick up your punch card at registration. Fill in Name and Car Reg on both punchcard and stub. ( Bring both complete to start ).
20.00hrs - 22.00hrs Friday evening Wasdale Head Inn, public bar, the 'Ritsons Bar'.
08.00hrs - 09.30hrs Saturday morning. Wasdale Green.
You may choose a start time between 09.00hrs - 10.00hrs. N.B. Leave enough time for a kit check at start!!!
Starts every minute, max 4 Persons per minute.
Start 09.00hrs - 10.00hrs.
Kit Check!!. ( No check no go )
Box system:-
-2 Minute. Assemble. Punch card check
-1 Minute. Ready to go.
Start time. Go
Pre/Post Race Accommodation
The Wasdale Head Inn are offering free camping Friday, Saturday on their small site next to the Inn, 25 - 30 small tents these are on a first come basis and cannot be prebooked.
Other Accomodations (arranged in distance order)
Wasdale Head Inn GR 186087
Lingmell House BB GR 187085
Burnthwaite Farm BB GR 192090
N.T. Wasdale Campsite, GR 182075
Wastwater YHA, GR 144044
Murt Bunkbarn, GR 130044
Strands Hotel, Nether Wasdale GR 124040
Low Wood Hotel, Nether Wasdale GR 122041
Kit List
We do not want to 'DNS' you, or cancel due to poor weather. You really need to be equipped to enjoy and survive your run, this is a remote location, and so it's not wise to skimp on anything at this time of year. It can be a very wet and windy place and 'Windchill' could be a serious factor, also it would not be unusual to have snow cover on the tops!!
Kit will be checked at the start;
Waterproof Jacket (with hood), Waterproof Over trousers, long sleeved thermal ‘base layer’ shirt and additional long sleeved fleece or insulated jacket.
Long thermal leg wear – shorts may be worn if conditions and personal preference allow – but long leg wear must be carried, in addition to over trousers. Threequarter length tights are OK, in fair weather and when combined with good waterproof overtrousers.
Hat and gloves (and may be spare ones too. Spare 'inners' inside water resistant shell mitts are a very good idea)
Headtorch – even for the fastest, even if it is just a small emergency light.
Food / drink – and plenty of it for this winter run.
Compass, whistle, survival bag and emergency food.
A map suitable to navigate you around the route - we advise O.S. 1:25,000 this shows outcrops and crags (unlike Harveys) and will allow you to navigate safely down Eskdale.
Mug and/or drinks bottle.
Entries.
Entry Forms and Details are available by e-mail, Richard@carolclimb.co.uk Entry is £15 per person.It is a condition of entry that you are suitably experienced and have the skills necessary to look after yourself in very challenging terrain and conditions.
Hope to see you in November.
Cheers Ric Sagar and Carol Emmons.