The Fellsman is a high level traverse covering more than 60 miles over very hard rugged moorland. The event climbs over 11,000 feet in its path from Ingleton to Threshfield in the Yorkshire Dales. Most of the route is over privately owned land, the use of which is secured by the organisers for the weekend only. This being the case, the route does not follow well defined footpaths, so the entrants’ navigational skills with a map and compass are tested as well as their physical fitness. Because of this, only fit and experienced walkers or runners should enter.
That’s what the website says about the event, but it’s much more than that and especially in 2024 as it’s the 60th running of the event. The event was devised by Don Thompson and the Brighouse District (Brigantes) Rover Crew and the first hike was held in 1962, with the route running in the opposite direction from the present one.
The route includes Ingleborough, Whernside, Gragareth, Great Coum, Dent, Blea Moor, Great Knoutberry, Snaizeholme, Dodd Fell, Fleet Moss, Middle Tongue, Cray, Buckden Pike, Great Whernside before finishing in Threshfield. During the course of the race, participants will climb over 11,000 feet (3,400 m) and will cover some very testing terrain, some of which is off waymarked paths so navigational skills and experience with a map and compass are a necessity. Much of the course is on private land with secured access from the land-owners for the race period only.
With a great history behind the race and with a change to the format as they’ve moved away from grouping and using trackers for walkers and runners. there’s of course no reason why you couldn’t still group up. Why not look into the Fellsman race for next year, you won’t regret completing this classic long distance race.
Link to website here.
Author: OneStopUltra
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