Silva Dales Traverse

Dales Traverse

The Dales Traverse is a 55 km ultra on Sunday 4th April 2027 that follows Wainwright’s coast to coast route from Kirkby Stephen to Richmond. The event emphasises self-sufficiency and an adventurous ethos while passing through protected landscapes.

The route traverses the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, crosses the Nine Standards, enters the Yorkshire Dales National Park and weaves through Swaledale to a finish below Richmond Castle. The headline distance is 55 km and the estimated total ascent is 1,400 m; both distance and height gain can vary year to year because route sections change with landowner permissions.

Participants are provided with an official waterproof race map at registration, a digital map and a downloadable GPX file. The route is not fully waymarked; it is usually straightforward to follow and more sections are being waymarked each year.

Aid Stations are positioned along the course, including Nine Standards Rigg, Tan Hill Road Crossing, Hard Level Gill, Dales Bike Centre and the Richmond finish. Medics are commonly present at aid stations and retiring is only possible at those locations. The Dales Bike Centre aid station offers indoor and outdoor shelter, hot food and toilet facilities.

Registration and the start are at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School Sports Hall. The finish is at Richmond Town Football Club; there is no parking at the finish and spectators must use nearby public car parks. A coach transfer service from Richmond to Kirkby Stephen is arranged for participants.

Mandatory kit is checked at registration and a survival bag is required. A Finishers Drop Bag (maximum 5 kg) is transported from start to finish but is not accessible during the race. Event meals include gluten-free and vegan options. Key rules include displaying race numbers, not wearing headphones on road sections and attending the compulsory race briefing. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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