Wuthering Hike

Wuthering Hike                                12^th March 2011

2.45 am and I wake up, 2 more hours sleep, good. But did I sleep? Not much. Up just before 5 am. Dress, breakfast, pick up my bag. Meticulously packed the night before to avoid delay. Perfect timing as Craig arrives to pick me up. We collect Mick and Steve and are soon approaching Haworth.

After registration and the usual deliberations about what to wear (worse than a Saturday night) we are just about the first to arrive at the start and chat idly to cover the nerves and anticipation of what is to come. All too soon we are off running up the cobbled streets and out onto the moor. The others are off into the distance but Steve and myself, competing as a team, set a steady pace. We queue at the early gates and stiles then climb to Top Withins. The deserted building reputedly the inspiration for Wuthering Heights.

Checkpoint one at Widdop Reservoir, 7 miles gone. A piece of broken biscuit and we press on. There is a man with a camera ahead. We decide to run! Over the moor and down. Someone looks to have taken a tumble and is getting a bit of first aid. It’s Tim! We stop to see what has happened and then run with him for while; he slowly pulls away from us. A bit of adrenaline perhaps. If you want the full gory details then speak to Tim.

We run and chat and are soon at checkpoint two, 13 miles, and more biscuits. I supplement this with my own food, fruit cake, as we hit a short road section. On through mud, bog and farm yards to checkpoint three, 15 miles. We are offered hot dogs. For some reason I quite fancy one but decide against it as the consequences might not be too pleasant. We press on along and down walled tracks and paths to Todmorden. There is potential to go wrong here but I remember it OK from two years ago. Just before the end of the lane there is a rather innocent looking rounded rock in the middle of the path. Do not be fooled. Two years ago I did not see it and twisted my ankle badly, ending my race there and then. Needless to say this year I avoided it. I was now into new territory as the climb to Stoodley Pile approached.

At Mankinholes, checkpoint four, 18.5 miles, we are offered whiskey. I decline but Steve has a wee nip. I cannot however resist the jam doughnuts. As we climb to the pike we spot Tim about a minute ahead. Now the long descent to Hebden Bridge begins. The pounding hurts my feet. Hamstrings tighten and knees wobble. No sooner down than we are into the climb to Heptonstall. 24 miles. The first part is up some steep steps. Thankfully there is a handrail! We pass an award wining pie shop but have to make do with a jam sandwich. I remember the way through Heptonstall from the Calderdale Way but this does not prevent a small detour to someone’s back yard.

Checkpoint five, 25 miles, at Horse Bridge. Straight through and into a seemingly  endless gradual climb. We run and jog but the distance is beginning to tell. Passing farm buildings with ankle deep mud and cow ****. I am glad to run through puddles and streams I would normally avoid. A pleasant down hill brings us to checkpoint six, 28 miles, and only the last section over ‘Top o’t Stairs’ remains. Happy to keep our own pace we press on. There are a few words of encouragement from spectators as we make the last descent. A horrible rocky track at the best of times, but after 31 miles a painful experience. Somehow we pass a few runners who are suffering more than us if that was possible! The last section over Penistone Hill and through Haworth to the finish is tricky but we manage to get a good route, brain still working if legs not. And it’s all over. Two pints of Landlord and the world is a better place. Thanks to Craig for driving. Steve for putting up with me and well done to all Helm Hillers.

Never again! Till next year.

Russell