Goyt Valley Striders

Tag: Away runs

  • Eyam Away Run: 13th June 2023

    Run Leader: Luke Cafferty
    Report: Roy Whittle

    We assembled on a very hot and dry evening in Eyam at the start line of the Eyam Half Marathon (for those that know) and the majority of us had car shared in some form or another however, Sam won extra sustainable transport kudos points by cycling the 17 miles there & back!

    17 of us set off downhill towards Middleton Dale along the narrow and well shaded trail, we were warned of some very steep drops ahead and to take our time, this trail scenery was fantastic, a sheer 100ft sheer rock face to one side and steep drops on the other, along with some great views across the valley. We gathered in an open clearing to check numbers- nobody missing yet! Luke popped out of a hole in the ground that turned out to be a well-known cave entrance, it turns out the dale is full of them so it’s a popular caving spot.

    Next followed a long, calf achingly steep but suitably tree-shaded climb back across flat (in comparison) open fields towards the village centre and past some of the grade II listed plague graves (Lydgate graves) before heading up Water lane, up through the steep woods, past random bible quotes wedged into gateposts and on towards Sir William Hill trig point where we took a moment to appreciate the fantastic 360 degree view.

    All that was left was a speedy descent down through the fields, following the trod then a sweaty, gravelly climb up Sir William hill road (more of a gravel track than a metalled road) before a beautiful descent down past Mompesson’s well (another Plague monument) and more shaded woodland tracks ending at the Miners Arms pub for much needed rehydration!

    Route Details

  • Running Away – Rainow

    By Pete Fotheringham

    It’s the second Tuesday of the month, around 7pm, the clocks have gone forward, so it must be time for an away run. Twenty-odd Striders are hanging around in the car park of the Robin Hood in Rainow, wondering whether to put on that extra layer, because there is a bit of a nip in that wind.

    Yoga Paul might have something to say about this

    On the dot of 7:15, we set off. A bit of downhill to start with, through the village, and down the fields to the brook below Kerridge Hill. The haul uphill to the ridge was steep enough to walk wth a clear conscience, unless you are going to be challenging for the club championships, in which case it was an opportunity for hill sprints. The ridge itself was very runnable, up to the trig point for the obligatory nearly-yoga photo, then some lovely downhill back to the Macc road at Kerridge End.

    Are we there yet Mum?

    The next 3k of fairly gentle uphill on minor roads, tracks and paths across fields, afforded some great views of a fantastic sunset, which was much more impressive that it looks in the pictures. At the high point near Windyway House, the light was beginning to go, and views of lights going on in Macc, over the Cheshire Plain, and north to Manchester and beyond.

    The sunset was more impressive than this…
    … but you had to be there!

    Headtorches on, as we dropped down over fields, across the Cat and Fiddle road, and into the valley of the young River Dane. Another walk uphill in the dark, an impromptu extra lap of a field for the championship contenders, and back onto the Macc road and a final gentle jog to the pub. All twenty or so starters made it back, which is good for the club’s mortality statistics, and most made it into the bar for beverages – alcoholic and otherwise – and cheesy, salty snacks.

    The spectators were impressed!

    All in all, a grand run: not a lot of road, not a lot of walking, some great, fast fields, and plenty of gates and stiles for catching up, getting your breath back, chatting about the wind and the views. Thanks Sal for organising and leading. If you’ve not tried a GVS away run, look out for the next one, probably on Tuesday May 14th, at a venue to be decided. Or if you fancy leading an away way run, please contact Sal. See you there!

    Facts, figures and links
    Distance: 8.75km / 5.44 mile
    Elevation gain: 363m / 1,191 ft
    Route: https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/3197003/GVS-Away-Run-Rainow-20190409
    On Relive: https://www.relive.cc/view/g32805759269