Event
Report
2021 Dales Trail 12 September
Report by Richard Culmer photographs
Julie Swales/Martin Vinson
Having been thwarted by the dreaded Covid in 2020 the Dales Trail once
again took place this year. Our chosen charity (held over from 2020) was
St Theresa’s Hospice, who had cared for one of our members Jim Hadfield.
The route had been planned by Dennis and Lucy Wheatley, ably assisted by
Martin Vinson. The weather was cool but most importantly dry, with
occasional warm sunny spells, so soft tops down was the order of the
day.
We met at Romanby Golf Club at 1000hrs for coffee and biscuits and
general social chat, plus the all-important buying of raffle tickets,
before setting off at 1030. 27 cars left the golf club, including
several from our friends and neighbours Tees Valley. It was fortunate
that our chairman Dave “no brakes” Simpson was staying at Romanby and
not taking part in the run; he might otherwise have had an “interesting”
drive! After a pub lunch he came out to find that his car had lost all
its brake fluid, so had to go home very carefully and switch cars.
The 100 mile route was a great blend of low level country lanes and more
elevated moorland sections, taking us out west. Briefly – Moulton,
Middleton Tyas, Melsonby, Barnard Castle (no eye tests!), Brough, Tan
Hill, Reeth, and return. The road from Hury across to Brough was superb;
great views and just what an MGB (other sports cars are available) was
made for. We had been told that the road was closed but that
arrangements had been made for us to be escorted through. Everyone duly
gathered at the appointed spot but guess what – the contractors were not
working that day so the road was open anyway! Selset and Grassholme
reservoirs reflected the general lack of rain recently; the levels were
very low. After the delay on this road the loos entering Brough were a
very popular stopping off point!
There were also superb views on the road up to Tan Hill and heading down
to Reeth. It’s very bleak up here and windy around Tan Hill itself but
quite a few hardy souls from our run were having picnics along the way.
“We’re British” springs to mind! At least it wasn’t raining!
 
We arrived back at Romanby around 1430 for tea and biscuits and the
all-important presentation to St Theresa’s. With the Dales Trail
entrance fees plus proceeds from the raffle and generous donations we
were able to present St Theresa’s with a cheque for £800 – a brilliant
result. Here’s to the Dales Trail 2022 – can we top £1000?
With thanks to Dennis, Lucy, Martin, Romanby Golf Club and anyone else
I’ve forgotten to mention (apologies!).
Richard Culmer.
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