Sunday, April 15, 2012
The Caythorpe Canter- Event Report
When I noticed that the Caythorpe Canter was being run yesterday, I couldn't resist entering it. I've done this one a few times, but not since 2008 when I did it in an amazing (for me!) 6 hours 10 minutes. As I had had a few years break and it is a fairly local event for me now, I decided to revisit it.
Caythorpe village is the other side of Grantham and around 40 minutes drive, but as the event doesn't start until 9am I didn't have to get up too early. As usual I was early and parked up in the field next to the Village Hall. I'd entered online, but when I went to register I had been given a number for the short (14 mile) route. Luckily it was soon sorted by the ladies on the 'register on the day' desk, who re-registered me on the 26.2 mile route and gave me a new number plus red wrist band as opposed to the blue ones worn by those doing the shorter route.
It was gloriously sunny as we gathered around the start- the 14 mile route was to start half an hour later. There weren't many of us doing the 26.2 mile option, and most of those who were doing it were runners. Our starter gave us a few announcements before we started, including a warning that one of the railway bridges we were to go under had quite a lot of water in it.
At 9am we were off, and heading out of the village in the wake of the runners, along a long track. This pretty much characterised the terrain most of the day- long tracks across fields, sweeping views and minor roads.
Two ladies came past who were walking incredibly fast, and I was passed by a chap who's son was running the shorter distance with a group of cadets, all in full camouflage gear and with heavy packs.
After a long stretch of track, there was a brief walk along a road before reaching a go-kart track. Our path went around the side of the track, which was hidden behind a bank of earth- the go-karts could be heard whizzing around like a bunch of angry gnats.
The first of the 14 mile runners started coming past, and I saw a steady stream of runners until the routes split. It was sunny but chilly, a perfect Spring morning for walking. I had a few short jogs as the terrain was fairly easy.
After more tracks, and an ornamental lake, I reached the village of Stubton and the first checkpoint at 6 miles.
I took advantage of the choccy bars and left the village. Shortly afterwards, the routes split- the longer route turning right up a track to eventually reach a bridge under a busy railway line. It was still flat, and I was feeling ok, so I had a jog along the track.
After the bridge, there's another long section of track and then a road walk into the village of Hougham. I remember being impressed with Hougham last time I did this- it is a pretty little village, and the route took me past the church and along land belonging to Hougham Manor via a permissive path and two foot bridges.
Hougham- View From The Foot Bridge
A short hop through another field brought me to Marston, where I tucked into a chocolate bar I had liberated from the first checkpoint. Another road and then track followed, until I rounded the sewage works (pleasant!) and came to the railway bridge we had been warned about. It was full of ankle deep water and there was no way I was going to keep my feet dry, so I just gritted my teeth and waded through- God it was cold!!
Luckily the next part of the route is rather lovely- following a meandering track through a huge field of crops, by a river initially and then turning away from it to the next checkpoint in Barkston at 14 miles.
This checkpint is delightful; it is in the village school and there were hot drinks on offer, plus peanut butter sandwiches. There was also a large tub of Celebrations, and I was persuaded to take some with me (ok I didn't need much persuading!!)
I knew there was a tough climb ahead, and it was as tough as I remembered- a very steep road uphill before levelling out and becoming a track, passing an airfield before reaching a minor road leading to the Roman Road of Ermine Street. I felt fairly strong and managed to jog most of this.
The next part of the route can be a little difficult to navigate, and although much of the route was marked with signs and red and white tape, the markers were absent on this stretch. It was quite cloudy now and the sky was becoming quite ominously dark, I fully expected to get wet at any second! After a long trudge uphill through a large field, there is a gap into the next field which is easily missed. Luckily for me, I found it- the next field was lovely, it was full of hares- one bounded along in the crops next to me, keeping pace with me for a few seconds.
Just as I reached the road, the heavens opened and it started to hail. I made myself jog- at least it was downhill! It felt like a bit of a slog- as the road was straight I could see the cross roads I was aiming for but they never seemed to get any closer!
Finally I reached it, just as it stopped raining, and after a brief climb was on a lovely path through woods, leading to the village of Ancaster and the final checkpoint.
At Ancaster there was cold rice pudding and even more Celebrations! I allowed myself the luxury of another hot coffee and took a banana with me to sustain me for the final push.
The route climbed out of Ancaster, over a level crossing and along another long track. The sky started to become threatingly dark again but luckily stayed dry- for now!
I went slightly wrong here- the route description told me to go through two hedge gaps and ahead to a track, but for some reason my mind didn't compute the 'go ahead to a track' bit and I turned right immediately after the second gap instead- there seem to be a whole network of tracks around these parts! I realised I had gone wrong when the track petered out into a huge ploughed field, instead of the junction of tracks I was expecting. After a couple of moments of quiet despair I noticed a group of cyclists at the top of the field to my left, realised my mistake and walked up to join the track. My legs and feet had had enough at this stage and I was ready to finish.
There was a water point at the point where the track meets the road- it was obviously a very quiet road, as the organisers had left a table next to the road with bottles of water, so I slipped one in my pack and was treated to the sight of some really free range chickens, wandering around quite happily.
As I was hobbling down the road a lady drove past, stopped and said that she was looking for the people still on the course- she informed me that there were 7 people behind me.
It was mostly downhill to Caythorpe, and just as I reached the village it started to rain. There was a proper finish sign so I ran under it, to the cheers of one of the organisers and a group of children, and then went into the Village Hall for lovely sandwiches and a selection of home made cakes- so nice I had to try three! The volunteers were lovely, nothing was too much trouble for them. I was even in time to watch the Grand National- I knew how those horses felt!
My time was 7 hours 10 minutes, which is very quick for me- it seems to be quite a fast route, mainly because apart from a couple of steep climbs the terrain is quite easy.
I have had an email confirming my entry for the Leaden Boot on May, so that may well be my next event.
Caythorpe village is the other side of Grantham and around 40 minutes drive, but as the event doesn't start until 9am I didn't have to get up too early. As usual I was early and parked up in the field next to the Village Hall. I'd entered online, but when I went to register I had been given a number for the short (14 mile) route. Luckily it was soon sorted by the ladies on the 'register on the day' desk, who re-registered me on the 26.2 mile route and gave me a new number plus red wrist band as opposed to the blue ones worn by those doing the shorter route.
It was gloriously sunny as we gathered around the start- the 14 mile route was to start half an hour later. There weren't many of us doing the 26.2 mile option, and most of those who were doing it were runners. Our starter gave us a few announcements before we started, including a warning that one of the railway bridges we were to go under had quite a lot of water in it.
At 9am we were off, and heading out of the village in the wake of the runners, along a long track. This pretty much characterised the terrain most of the day- long tracks across fields, sweeping views and minor roads.
After a long stretch of track, there was a brief walk along a road before reaching a go-kart track. Our path went around the side of the track, which was hidden behind a bank of earth- the go-karts could be heard whizzing around like a bunch of angry gnats.
After more tracks, and an ornamental lake, I reached the village of Stubton and the first checkpoint at 6 miles.
A short hop through another field brought me to Marston, where I tucked into a chocolate bar I had liberated from the first checkpoint. Another road and then track followed, until I rounded the sewage works (pleasant!) and came to the railway bridge we had been warned about. It was full of ankle deep water and there was no way I was going to keep my feet dry, so I just gritted my teeth and waded through- God it was cold!!
Luckily the next part of the route is rather lovely- following a meandering track through a huge field of crops, by a river initially and then turning away from it to the next checkpoint in Barkston at 14 miles.
This checkpint is delightful; it is in the village school and there were hot drinks on offer, plus peanut butter sandwiches. There was also a large tub of Celebrations, and I was persuaded to take some with me (ok I didn't need much persuading!!)
I knew there was a tough climb ahead, and it was as tough as I remembered- a very steep road uphill before levelling out and becoming a track, passing an airfield before reaching a minor road leading to the Roman Road of Ermine Street. I felt fairly strong and managed to jog most of this.
The next part of the route can be a little difficult to navigate, and although much of the route was marked with signs and red and white tape, the markers were absent on this stretch. It was quite cloudy now and the sky was becoming quite ominously dark, I fully expected to get wet at any second! After a long trudge uphill through a large field, there is a gap into the next field which is easily missed. Luckily for me, I found it- the next field was lovely, it was full of hares- one bounded along in the crops next to me, keeping pace with me for a few seconds.
Just as I reached the road, the heavens opened and it started to hail. I made myself jog- at least it was downhill! It felt like a bit of a slog- as the road was straight I could see the cross roads I was aiming for but they never seemed to get any closer!
Finally I reached it, just as it stopped raining, and after a brief climb was on a lovely path through woods, leading to the village of Ancaster and the final checkpoint.
At Ancaster there was cold rice pudding and even more Celebrations! I allowed myself the luxury of another hot coffee and took a banana with me to sustain me for the final push.
The route climbed out of Ancaster, over a level crossing and along another long track. The sky started to become threatingly dark again but luckily stayed dry- for now!
There was a water point at the point where the track meets the road- it was obviously a very quiet road, as the organisers had left a table next to the road with bottles of water, so I slipped one in my pack and was treated to the sight of some really free range chickens, wandering around quite happily.
As I was hobbling down the road a lady drove past, stopped and said that she was looking for the people still on the course- she informed me that there were 7 people behind me.
It was mostly downhill to Caythorpe, and just as I reached the village it started to rain. There was a proper finish sign so I ran under it, to the cheers of one of the organisers and a group of children, and then went into the Village Hall for lovely sandwiches and a selection of home made cakes- so nice I had to try three! The volunteers were lovely, nothing was too much trouble for them. I was even in time to watch the Grand National- I knew how those horses felt!
My time was 7 hours 10 minutes, which is very quick for me- it seems to be quite a fast route, mainly because apart from a couple of steep climbs the terrain is quite easy.
I have had an email confirming my entry for the Leaden Boot on May, so that may well be my next event.
Labels: Caythorpe Canter
Monday, April 02, 2012
The Three Shires Challenge- Event Report
This was a bit of a bonus event for me, as it was actually full when I went to enter it, but I asked whether I could be added to the waiting list and behold- a place became free at the last minute, so a huge thanks for the Staffs LDWA Group for fitting me in!
After a week of gorgeous sunshine it was a little disappointing to be heading out into mist and cloud... the journey was fairly uneventful apart from me thinking I had missed the turning to Swythamley and heading off down a country lane to be surprised by a large shape looming in front of me which turned out to be a red deer.
I found Swythamley and Heaton Village Hall and checked in, with plenty of time for a hot cuppa. I met up with Ross again and we walked together, which was great- having someone to chat to makes the miles go by much faster, especially towards the end when everything starts to ache!
We all gathered outside in the mist and drizzle and then we were on our way, walking up tracks to the first (of many!) climbs towards Gun Hill.
Looking Towards The Roaches From Gun Hill
There is a choice of 20, 22, 27 or 29 miles, and you can choose what you intend to do on the day, when you reach the 13 mile check point at Wildboarclough. I had originally entertained idle thoughts of doing the 29 mile option, but those extra 2 miles involve and ascent and descent of Shutlingsloe, which is not called the 'Cheshire Matterhorn' for nothing! The more miles we trudged, the more convinced I became that it was not a good idea... rightly so as it turned out!
After Gun Hill, we turned towards the spine of rock formations that make up the Roaches;
As we approached, the mist began to clear; although it was cloudy there were some pretty awesome views. The climb up onto the Roaches was a bit of a shock but spectacular- the lanscape consisted of oddly shaped flat stacks of rocks and huge boulders that had been dumped there by the retreating glaciers of the last ice age.
View Over Tittesworth Reservoir
Typical Roaches Scenery
After a particularly steep pull up onto the top, I suddenly felt very odd- very dizzy and 'unreal' and as though I could just pass out. I've not had that feeling very often but it was horrid and for a short time I was worried about being able to do the rest of the walk. After Ross' kindly administration of jelly babies and a few generous gulps of water the feeling went as suddenly as it came and I felt fine for the rest of the day. The runners were passing us, and we shouted hi to Rich (Desert Racer) as he ran past.
I stocked up on biscuits and jelly babies at the first checkpoint at the foot of The Roaches- it was an exposed spot and I felt rather sorry for the people manning it! The wind was really quite chilly. Fortunately we dropped down into the forest and lost the wind, following a truly lovely path through the trees towards Gradbach Youth Hostel- I had last been here when attempting the now sadly deceased Leek Moors Marathon...
After Gradbach there was more climbing, through some steep fields towards the track which leads to Three Shires Head;
We were heading into some pretty spectacular scenery now- very wild and remote. The packhorse bridge at Three Shires Head is the meeting point for Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire and this was my first visit- but I'm sure it won't be my last!
Three Shires Head
We were faced with more climbing and then a gradual descent on a rocky track towards Wildboarclough.
It was here that I got my first proper look at Shutlingsloe, which fully made up my mind not to attempt it this year... maybe next year when I am fitter!
Shutlingsloe
The 13 mile checkpoint at Wildboarclough was a very welcome sight, made even more so by the fact that their speciality is oatcakes (resembling mini pancakes) stuffed with grated cheese and then heated til the cheese melts... I can't believe how good they tasted and had to have another one just to check...
We chose to take the 7 mile Cheshire Loop option- there was obviously another event going on as we kept seeing scouts walking the other way, I think they were doing an event called the Cheshire Hike. We also saw a couple of lads doing their Duke of Edinburgh award which was great.
The scenery was still splendid, and at the top of one climb we could see for miles, even picking out the huge white disc of Jodrell Bank.
This was followed by more fields and tracks before returning to Wildboarclough for more oatcakes (wouldn't want them to have too many left over now!!)
Shutlingsloe
The last part of the route was 7 miles back to Swythamley, and we thought we were on the homeward stretch... the sun came out but I was feeling too tired to really appreciate it as we were faced with yet more climbing...
There were some stunning views towards the Roaches and it felt as though we were in the middle of nowhere. I would love to wake up to a view like this!
After reaching Gradbach for a second time, we had a long, slow climb through the forest before reaching a long, long track winding its way along the lower reaches of the Roaches.
After what seemed an age, we dropped steeply down through woods to the quaint Wincle Brewery and Trout Farm.
After what would have been a pleasant walk through meadows if my body wasn't pleading for this to just stop now please, we reached a footbridge over the weir and what the route description cheerfully referred to as a 'steep climb'. Unfortunately it wasn't lying.
I thought we must be nearly there, but we were faced with a long, long, lo-o-ong farm track with a great retrospective view;
We both felt that this section felt much longer than 7 miles... but all things must come to an end and it was a relief to see the Village Hall again and to be greeted by a fantastic array of salads, quiche and pudding- I think this must have been the best meal I have ever had after a challenge walk! Feeling pretty full, I set off for home only to realise a mile down the road that I had forgotten to pick up my certificate so had to turn back- I didn't want to leave that behind, it took some getting!
This was a tough, but fantastic, event, and one which I would love to do again... maybe the 29 mile option next year!!
After a week of gorgeous sunshine it was a little disappointing to be heading out into mist and cloud... the journey was fairly uneventful apart from me thinking I had missed the turning to Swythamley and heading off down a country lane to be surprised by a large shape looming in front of me which turned out to be a red deer.
I found Swythamley and Heaton Village Hall and checked in, with plenty of time for a hot cuppa. I met up with Ross again and we walked together, which was great- having someone to chat to makes the miles go by much faster, especially towards the end when everything starts to ache!
We all gathered outside in the mist and drizzle and then we were on our way, walking up tracks to the first (of many!) climbs towards Gun Hill.
There is a choice of 20, 22, 27 or 29 miles, and you can choose what you intend to do on the day, when you reach the 13 mile check point at Wildboarclough. I had originally entertained idle thoughts of doing the 29 mile option, but those extra 2 miles involve and ascent and descent of Shutlingsloe, which is not called the 'Cheshire Matterhorn' for nothing! The more miles we trudged, the more convinced I became that it was not a good idea... rightly so as it turned out!
After Gun Hill, we turned towards the spine of rock formations that make up the Roaches;
As we approached, the mist began to clear; although it was cloudy there were some pretty awesome views. The climb up onto the Roaches was a bit of a shock but spectacular- the lanscape consisted of oddly shaped flat stacks of rocks and huge boulders that had been dumped there by the retreating glaciers of the last ice age.
After a particularly steep pull up onto the top, I suddenly felt very odd- very dizzy and 'unreal' and as though I could just pass out. I've not had that feeling very often but it was horrid and for a short time I was worried about being able to do the rest of the walk. After Ross' kindly administration of jelly babies and a few generous gulps of water the feeling went as suddenly as it came and I felt fine for the rest of the day. The runners were passing us, and we shouted hi to Rich (Desert Racer) as he ran past.
I stocked up on biscuits and jelly babies at the first checkpoint at the foot of The Roaches- it was an exposed spot and I felt rather sorry for the people manning it! The wind was really quite chilly. Fortunately we dropped down into the forest and lost the wind, following a truly lovely path through the trees towards Gradbach Youth Hostel- I had last been here when attempting the now sadly deceased Leek Moors Marathon...
After Gradbach there was more climbing, through some steep fields towards the track which leads to Three Shires Head;
We were heading into some pretty spectacular scenery now- very wild and remote. The packhorse bridge at Three Shires Head is the meeting point for Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire and this was my first visit- but I'm sure it won't be my last!
We were faced with more climbing and then a gradual descent on a rocky track towards Wildboarclough.
It was here that I got my first proper look at Shutlingsloe, which fully made up my mind not to attempt it this year... maybe next year when I am fitter!
The 13 mile checkpoint at Wildboarclough was a very welcome sight, made even more so by the fact that their speciality is oatcakes (resembling mini pancakes) stuffed with grated cheese and then heated til the cheese melts... I can't believe how good they tasted and had to have another one just to check...
We chose to take the 7 mile Cheshire Loop option- there was obviously another event going on as we kept seeing scouts walking the other way, I think they were doing an event called the Cheshire Hike. We also saw a couple of lads doing their Duke of Edinburgh award which was great.
The scenery was still splendid, and at the top of one climb we could see for miles, even picking out the huge white disc of Jodrell Bank.
This was followed by more fields and tracks before returning to Wildboarclough for more oatcakes (wouldn't want them to have too many left over now!!)
The last part of the route was 7 miles back to Swythamley, and we thought we were on the homeward stretch... the sun came out but I was feeling too tired to really appreciate it as we were faced with yet more climbing...
After reaching Gradbach for a second time, we had a long, slow climb through the forest before reaching a long, long track winding its way along the lower reaches of the Roaches.
After what seemed an age, we dropped steeply down through woods to the quaint Wincle Brewery and Trout Farm.
After what would have been a pleasant walk through meadows if my body wasn't pleading for this to just stop now please, we reached a footbridge over the weir and what the route description cheerfully referred to as a 'steep climb'. Unfortunately it wasn't lying.
This was a tough, but fantastic, event, and one which I would love to do again... maybe the 29 mile option next year!!
Labels: Three Shires Challenge
