A Yorkshire Dales rescue team is offering walkers the chance to sample an alternative Three Peaks Challenge.
Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association’s upcoming event is a major fundraiser for the Grassington-based team, which has lost its main source of cash with the abandonment of the annual Broughton Game Show.
The show used to provide a hefty boost to the team’s £35,000 annual running costs and also helped fund the neighbouring Cave Rescue Organisation.
The Upper Wharfedale team also hops the Wharfedale Three Peaks Challenge will tempt walkers away from the crowded, better known route around Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, which attracts thousands of people each year.
The team points out its new route includes the scene of its most famous rescue of recent years, that of the emaciated dog stretchered from its position near the summit of Buckden Pike and subsequently named Wufra, an anagram of the association’s initials.
The 28 June event takes in Birks Fell, Buckden Pike and Great Whernside (not to be confused with its similarly named more westerly cousin) in a 35km (22-mile) challenge route.
For less adventurous walkers, there is a 22km (13½-mile) Two Peaks route over Buckden Pike and Great Whernside. There is also a 7km (4½-mile) family walk on offer along the Dales Way in the valley bottom.
All three routes start in the village of Kettlewell.
Entrants will receive a route description and all routes will be marshalled by the team. Prizes are on offer for various walking categories.
Organiser Jacqui Todd said: “It is a brilliant route showing off Upper Wharfedale at its best.
“On this first year we are running the event as part of the Tour de France cultural festival.
“It is exactly a week before the cycling event and there are likely to be visitors from around the world. This is an added opportunity to show off some of our spectacular Wharfedale countryside.
“We would like to have at least 200 people taking part so please come along and support us.”
More details, including entry fees and how to apply, are on the UWFRA website.
Rob Simpson
17 June 2014We used to do The Dales Traverse, a 27 miler from Buckden. Never seem to hear it mentioned nowadays, good route though!
Jean Bobker
19 June 2014It was run by Simon Townson but due to Simon's ill health, it isn't run any more.