On the 25th June 2016, the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association are holding a fund-raising event, the Three Peaks Challenge.
The Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue team are again running their Wharfedale Three Peaks Challenge fundraising event . This year’s challenge takes place on Saturday 25th June 2016.
The first year was billed as a challenge but with many wanting to improve their times and recognising they had 100 runners taking part, the team also have created a dedicated timing and results service . The event has gained recognition by the Long Distance Walkers Association.
Nigel Easton from UWFRA explains: ‘’We have three events all across Upper Wharfedale . They are all beautiful routes. The Three Peaks is 22 miles taking in Birks Fell, Buckden Pike and Great Whernside, The Two Peaks Buckden Pike and Great Whernside which is 13.5 miles and finally the Valley Walk along the Dalesway and Paradise Walk. All the events start and finish in Kettlewell’’
Entry charges are £15 per person on the two longer routes (£17 on the day) and £12 per person on the community walk or £20 per family up to 4 maximum . The fee includes car parking, refreshments en route and a hot meal at the finish.
Adds Nigel: ‘’The hot meal has really added to this great day out, the participants are no doubt spurred on to get to the finish and they all enjoy relaxing and swopping their experiences with us and fellow walkers and runners over the pie and peas. Now into its third year it has helped our negotiating skills at the local butchers when ordering 500 pork pies – not to mention all those buckets of peas.’’
The inaugural event attracted 419 entrants, last year 438 and the target is 500 for this year
Some entrants obtained sponsorship and all this support brought in over £8,000 – a major contribution to their annual running costs of £45,000 and especially this year where the team are fundraising for a major extension to their headquarters.
There are three options to choose from – all starting and ending in Kettlewell Village.
The Three and Two Peak routes are open to walkers and runners and offer spectacular views over Upper Wharfedale and surrounding Yorkshire Dales towards the well known Yorkshire Three Peaks in Ribblesdale.
The 4.5 mile Valley walk suitable for families and those wanting an easier day follows the dalesway path up the River Wharfe to the village of Starbotton and returns to Kettlewell at a slightly higher elevation (Paradise walk) offering views over the Upper Wharfedale valley.
The UWFRA team will be hosting the event. When deciding on a route, consider that you have the required physical strength and stamina for the event that you apply for.
22 miles Three Peaks – Birks Fell, Buckden Pike, Great Whernside.
Registration from 0645 – starts at 0800
13.5 miles Two Peaks – Buckden Pike, Great Whernside.
Registration from 0745 – starts at 0845
4.5 miles – Valley Walk
Registration from 0900 – starts at 1015
For more details and to enter online, go here
The Darkness Below team says: “Have a great day out and raise money for a really worthwhile cause at the same time! And if you do go along, send us some photos.”
Correspondent: David Dennis, Upper Wharefdale Fell Rescue Association
