Bob Graham Challenges
When training for events such as the Bob Graham or other events it is customary to undertake long days out on the hills. There are a number of local challenges that have been traditional used. Knowledge of many of these challenges has been passed on verbally with only sporadic recording. The following is a list of some popular challenges with some details.
Kinder Dozen
The Kinder Dozen was initiated by Ken Jones in 1997/8 who produced a splendid A5 booklet describing the run. It involves 12 climbs and descents of the Kinder Plateau involving 10,000ft of ascent and totals 24 miles (the measure was made long before GPS so please do not correct). The set time limit is 12 hours but 8 hours is a more realistic challenge and more in line with a BG pace. The traditional start was from Edale village but as it is a long drive and has difficult/expencive parking, a start from Rowlee Bridge or Snake Inn is often used (note if starting here you do not traditional have to go to the Old Nags Head. Staying within access land at the bottom of Golden Clough is OK).
Kinder Killer
A variation of the Dozen Link
Kinder Stones
Another of Ken Jones's. The long version is to visit all the Stones in the Peak district from the top of the A57 back to the Sportsman. The short version only back to the Ladybower.
15 Trigs Link
A classic old route visiting the 15 trig points original included on the Harvey Mountain Map - Peak District - Northern half. As used in the Karrimor International Mountain Marathon 1984. To be complete in 15 hours starting at the Sportsman but has been started 'on the other side of the Pennines'. The trigs are Rod Moor, Emlin, Back Tor, Margery Hill, Outer Edge, Alport, Shelf Moor, Cock Hill, Harry Hut, Sandy Heys, Kinder Low, Brown Knoll, Blackden, Win Hill, High Neb. Was a very competitive event at one time and certificates given for early completions. Andy Harmer still holding the record of 10hr 04min since 1987.
11 Trigs
A variation of the 15 this time all the White Peak trigs shown on the Harvey Mountain Map - Peak District - Southern Half but not included above. Big Moor, High Rake, Wardlow Hay Cop, Edgerake Mine Wheston, Bole Hill, Townend Farm Buxton, Cop Mine, Man Tor, Durham Edge, Sir William Hill, Stanedge Edge South. This time in 11 hours. Needs more planning as water and access can be troublesome.
25 Trigs
This has been done but only maybe once by Pete Simpson in 1991. A challenge there if there ever was one?
The Bradfield Boundary
This is a long standing run that has taken place every year since its initiation in 1994 to celebrate the 100 years anniversary of Bradfield Parish Council. Medals were even given by the Parish Council on the first year. It was run initially on the last day of the year but now moved to its usual position on the third day of Christmas unless this falls on a Sunday when access problems cause a days delay. Starting at Loxley School at 6.00am and the schedule is to complete the round in 12 hours. Not run as a race.
Dark Peak County Tops Link
Traditional start in Hayfield but maybe not. High Stones/Margery Hill, Black Hill, Black, Chew Head and Kinder Scout each in a separate county 40 miles plus all in 24hrs.
Loxley 5 Trigs
A local training run but one that has seen some competiotion over the years. Tom Westgate holds the 2hr 59min record since before records began. It can start anywhere and can be run in either direction so long as start and finish at the same point. The trigs are Rod Moor, Back Tor, Emlin, Onesmoor and Loxley. No spesific route but road sections are to be kept to a minimum. Local knowledge useful.
The Dambuster
A days outing round Derwent Valley for connoisseurs created by Tom Westgate. Starting at The Derwent Dam wall visiting Pike Low, John Field Howden, Back Tor, Low Tor, Berristers Tor, Gravy Clough Cabin, Wet Stone, Howden Dam, Cold Side Crags, Bull Stones, Rocking Stones, Horse Stone, Barrow Stones, Grinah Stones, Black Clough, Alport Trig, Fagney Clough, Green Clough, 483 point at Rowlee, Gores Heights (top of land slipped crags) and back. Maybe only completed by four or five people so far.
More to follow.