Endurance Adventures

This was a brand new challenge event run by the South Cave Scouts Group in East Yorkshire in memory of Bob Gunby, chairman of the Scout Group and keen walker. Bob sadly died in 2010 and so the event has been set up in his memory to raise money for the Scout Club. I was quite keen to do it as it's a part of the country I've not walked in before, plus it is a new county ticked off, so I stumbled out of bed at 5:30am and pointed the car towards Hull for the one and a half hour drive.

New events can struggle to get much interest and I have entered a few before which have been cancelled for this reason, so I wasn't sure what the turn out would be. I found the start by asking a large group of walkers for directions, and parked up in the grounds of South Cave castle as directed. I was immediately struck by all the people- loads and loads of walkers, most looking very seasoned and serious!! I walked into the Family Centre to register and the queue snaked back towards the door- I heard someone say later that they had had over 300 entrants, which is more than a lot of established events get, so I am sure that this will become an annual event.

After registering (I was given a tally card, a little wooden disc with my number on which I wasn't quite sure what was for, and the last colour photo copied map) I had just enough time to gulp down a hot coffee before we were urged outside for an 8:30am start. The chap started us off by talking about Bob, then started discussing the route until he was interrupted by a broad East Yorkshire voice from the crowd shouting 'Can't we go?'

We set off down through South Cave, and as we turned off on a track I saw a marshall holding a bowl and realised he was collecting the wooden discs. The first village was soon reached- Everthorpe- where our numbers were taken and tally cards clipped. It was very misty and grey; the gentle slopes of the Yorkshire Wolds were hidden from us in the mist. The field gradually started to spread out, and we passed through North Cave and then on a road through Hotham Park.

                                           Hotham Hall

I soon learnt that the Wolds largely consist of huge arable fields with tracks running through them, often for miles, and that when the route description instructed to 'turn left onto track towards village' the village could be quite some distance away!

The second checkpoint, offering juice and water, was next to Hotham Church with its curiously squat, square tower;

                                           Hotham Curch

The route then entered the rather muddy Houghton Woods, leaving them on a track, which became a road- which seemed to go on for ever uphill- to North Newbald and the third checkpoint. I knew I was in Yorkshire as from this point on, all the checkpoints had a large (and I mean large!) pot of tea permanently on the boil! This was the point where the longer and shorter routes split, and unusually most people seemed to be doing the 26.5 miles.

The route climbed out of the village before descending through a dale and joining the Yorkshire Wolds way. It was still very misty, rather windy and tried to rain a few times- the scenery would probably have been lovely in the sun, but at the moment it seemed a bit bleak!

                                          Walking Through The Dale

I arrived at Newbald Lodge and checkpoint 6 (I hadn't missed out a couple- I think checkpoints 4 and 5 were on the shorter route!!) One of the chaps here told us that on a clear day from a spot nearby, the Humber estuary, both power stations and York Minster could be seen... not today though unfortunately... I lingered for a bit over a hot cup of tea and found a handy spot out of the wind, next to the jam sandwiches and chocolate fingers.

There was a little confusion over which path to take after the checkpoint as the route description was rather sketchy at this point. I studied the map and set off on what I thought was the right path, letting two chaps overtake me so I could follow them! As we followed the track through more fields, and then onto a tarmac track which became a road, it started to rain, but luckily it didn't come to much and stopped just as I was on the point of debating whether to stop and put my waterproofs on. The route did a right turn at the village of Bishop Burton, heading up hill and along another track towards Walkington (quite aptly named given what we were doing!)

                                                    Celebrations At The Farm?

There was some gorgeous flapjack on offer at checkpoint 7 at Walkington, and the weather actually looked as though it was going to brighten up a bit. I am not sure if I actually followed the correct route through and out of Walkington but I managed to get on the right path, partly by looking at the map and partly by following a group of walkers who had been in the pub for a swift pint. Walking along the pavements in the villages I kept seeing odd little yellow blobs, and it was only when I stopped and peered at one more closely that I realised it was neat little stencil as a reminder for dog owners;

It was really sunny now as the route followed a roller coaster of a track through Risby Park Farm, and the Wolds were revealed in a much more flattering light- suddenly everything seemed a lot less bleak and much more picturesque. It was starting to take its toll on my legs though and I had a dull pain in the inside arch of my left foot- which I am still feeling today. I think that the Belvoir Challenge must have still been having an effect.

                                           Wolds Scenery

I must say the next part of the route was probably the worst for me. After Skidby the route followed a road for 3.5 kilometers, which became a muddy track- not only was it a little boring, but it was constantly climbing steadily uphill. I was glad to leave it and drop down to checkpoint 8 at York Grounds Farm. A lady was manning this with her two daughters, who were carrying out their tally clipping duties with great enthusiasm and generally having a whale of a time playing in the mud. I sat down for a few minutes, relishing a cup of tea and slice of swiss roll, in an attempt to refresh my weary legs for the last bit of the walk.

I reluctantly heaved myself up and set off along the track, and was rewarded with the site of the top of the Humber Bridge above the skyline in the distance- which you can't see in the photo!

There was quite a lot more muddy track, predictably going uphill, but the view over the Humber estuary from the top almost made up for it!

                                           Wolds Way

                                          The Humber Estuary

There was a very welcome steep descent (which I managed to jog) towards Brantingham and its lovely church;

                                          Brantingham Church

I followed the road out of the vale, reaching the turn off for South Cave and checkpoint 9, which was a self clip hung on the gate. My legs would have been grateful to finish at this point but there was another nasty surprise in store...
A very steep climb to Mount Airy Farm which left me panting and cursing, although I did actually overtake some people which is pretty good for me...

The last bit was an easy descent back into South Cave, walking through the village past the castle and the finish. The weather was lovely now, it was difficult to believe it was the same day as when we set out this morning! Looking out of the window now I'm glad this event was yesterday and not today!

                                          South Cave
                                          The Castle

My official time was 8 hours 16 minutes, which wasn't too bad- there was bean stew on offer which was tasty and filling, plus a good selection of cakes. In all, it was a good day, I am sure that this will become an annual event as I heard someone say it is definitely going to be run again next year.

I have a bit of a break now before the Charnwood Marathon on 24th March...

Labels: golden fleece circuit