We kick off the celebrations to mark our 40th anniversary year on Saturday 31st August 2024. We have decided that a challenge most fitting of our club’s name is to run from the source of the River Nidd in the environs of Great Whernside back to Knaresborough Castle taking in some favourite NVRR spots along the way. We had a similar great day in 2009 for our 25 th Anniversary.
How will it work?
This isn’t a relay but a SNOWBALL run tracing the forty miles down our namesake valley. Those with the longest legs will be starting near Great Whernside which is the watershed twixt Wharfedale and Nidderdale at Nidd Heads, the source of the River Nidd. Folk are encouraged to join (or dip out) at points along the way which suits them. We’ll stick as close as possible to a predetermined timetable swelling the numbers as we go along – cunningly a snowball effect. So you can choose how far you think you can manage. The pace will be as inclusive as possible – IT IS NOT A RACE but a fun day out.
How long will it take?
The whole journey is 40 miles, basically down-hill with a few “ups” included for fun. We will start at 7am. The whole route will be planned to take approximately 11 hours which is 4 miles per hour, landing back in Knaresborough Castle by the “Favourite View in Yorkshire” at 6pm.
Who can join in?
Anyone at all connected to the club. Members, families and former members alike are all invited.
PLEASE DO PARTICPATE AT SOME POINT ALONG THE WAY ON WHAT SHOULD BE A SUPER RUN OUT IN OUR SPIRITUAL HOME OF NIDDERDALE
The Route
There will be Leg Leaders who will carry a Tracker which will act as a baton so you can see the gathering Snowball. In summary:
| Start | End | Miles | Miles to end | |
| 40 | ||||
| Leg 1 | Little Hunters Sleet | Lofthouse | 12 | 28 |
| Leg 2 | Lofthouse | Pateley Bridge | 6 | 22 |
| Leg 3 | Pateley Bridge | Summerbridge | 6 | 16 |
| Leg 4 | Summerbridge | Birstwith | 5 | 11 |
| Leg 5 | Birstwith | Ripley Castle | 3 | 8 |
| Leg 6 | Ripley Castle | Knox Bridge | 2 | 6 |
| Leg 7 | Knox Bridge | High Bridge, Knaresborough | 5 | 1 |
| Leg 8 | High Bridge, Knaresborough | Knaresborough Castle | 1 | 0 |
| 40 |
Getting There
Please do make your own transport arrangements and be prepared to carry all the food and drink suitable for your time out and clothing suitable for whatever weather Nidderdale throws at us.
The Number 24 Bus leaves Harrogate Bus station “occasionally” heading up the dale to Pateley Bridge via Knox Lane End, Hampsthwaite, Birstwith and Summerbridge.
Full timetable here: https://www.dalesbus.org/uploads/1/1/3/9/113919127/24.pdf
The Whole Hog
Those who are intending going the whole hog (or cheering at the start or just the spiritual taking of the water at the source at Nidd Head) will need to be at Little Hunters Sleet near Kettlewell on the road between Wharfedale and Coverdale ready to go at 7am.
Please let Fell Running Phil know if you intend heading out from the start.
You could camp over in Kettlewell on the night of Friday 30th or travel on the Saturday morning.
What do you need?
Please wear NVRR club colours, vest/T-shirt etc.
Be prepared to carry all the food and drink suitable for your time out and clothing suitable for whatever weather Nidderdale throws at us.
ABOVE ALL, ENJOY THE WEEKEND AND CROSS FINGERS FOR GOOD WEATHER
