13.6.2009

EVENT DETAILS & RULES

This is the fifth year for this 100Km. (62 miles) Challenge Walk for those who wish to complete all three Rings (in order 1,2,3). In addition we are offering each Ring individually and three walks of two Rings:

Ring    1              18 miles
Ring    2              24 miles
Ring    3              20 miles
Rings  1 & 2        42 miles
Rings  1 & 3        38 miles
Rings  3 & 2        44 miles

(N.B. We reserve the right to withdraw any options that are insufficiently supported.)

Please note that each Ring will only have ONE manned checkpoint at approximately half distance and will just provide cold drinks and simple food. More substantial fare will be on offer at Event HQ throughout the event. Be prepared to carry your own supplies of food & drink if you want to supplement this provision. Remember to bring a MUG as we are not providing them.

Walk HQ – SHAP Memorial Hall (NY 564 151). This is also the Start/Finish and site of intermediate checkpoints. Personal effects can be left here during the event. We hope to be able to offer showers again this year, if desired – albeit at the swimming club across the playing field. There is a public Car Park next to the Hall but additional facilities are planned on the day – please park as instructed.
The Hall is sited centrally in Shap, which is just 2 miles from Junction 39 of the M6.
The nearest rail station is 10 miles away at Penrith with a bus link from Penrith bus station to Shap, currently at 07.30.(traveline 0870 6082608,  www.traveline.org.uk). There are several pubs and B&B’s in Shap (www.shapcumbria.co.uk  or Penrith TIC 01768 867466, www.eden.gov.uk).

Some floor space for sleeping at the Hall the night before the Event is available for a charge of £5 which includes a simple breakfast – please complete Entry Form appropriately and contact the Event Secretary if you require this.

SAE's are NOT required !

All entries will be confirmed and results will be sent to all entrants based on Rings entered or completed. Route Descriptions and Final Details will be sent 3-4 weeks before the Event date.

Check in from 07.00
Provisional Start Times 08.00 – 09.30.
Further information will be supplied with the Final Details.

SHAP adjoins the Lake District National Park and is on the route of both the Coast-to-Coast Walk and the Westmorland Way. This Event utilises the fine and varied countryside available to the full.

RING 1 - MOSEDALE 18 miles (29Km), approx. 900 m. ascent.
Checkpoints - Branstree (478 099) unmanned self-clip
Truss Gap (515 132)
Travelling west from Shap this ring passes above the aptly named Wet Sleddale reservoir to reach remote Mosedale Cottage via quiet and secluded moorland. It then ascends two of Haweswater’s “Wainwrights”, Branstree and Selside Pike, offering superb views of High Street and Eastern Lakeland. Descending to the hidden valley of Swindale with its magnificent waterfalls and the Truss Gap checkpoint the route returns to Shap through the hamlets of Rosgill and Keld passing historic Shap Abbey on the way.

RING 2 - LYVENNET, LEITH & LOWTHER 24 miles (39Km), approx. 700m. ascent
Checkpoints - ‘The White Stuff’ Barn (573 252)
Road Junction (517 194) unmanned self-clip, drinks only
A fine low-level journey through farm and parkland visiting the quiet Westmorland villages of Reagill, Morland, Hackthorpe & Bampton Grange etc. providing an intimate view of the three eponymous and little known rivers. Even on its own this walk is no pushover. This year there will again be an additional drinks station before the first checkpoint.

RING 3 – GREAT ASBY 20 MILES (32Km), approx. 750m. ascent.
Checkpoint - Field (668 117)
In complete contrast this ring follows Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast route out of Shap for several miles before leaving it to explore the National Nature Reserve of Great Asby Scar in classic limestone country. It returns from the checkpoint near Great Asby, now on the Westmorland Way, passing through Crosby Ravensworth and Oddendale on the way back to Shap.

Our sponsors NEW BALANCEhave a factory shop opposite the Event HQ, which sells sports clothing and footwear. We hope they will have a display inside the Hall and they have kindly offered to donate a selection of goods and vouchers. We plan to have a Prize Draw based on your Entry number and a Raffle for those who wish to participate.

EVENT RULES

1. Entry Fees are as follows - £14 for 2-3 Rings, £9 for 1 Ring (includes badge & certificate). Entry on the Day may be possible for a £2 supplement if the Event is not oversubscribed. It is advisable to contact the Event Secretary beforehand to avoid disappointment.
N.B. LDWA members are entitled to £1 discount on the above fees.
2. The Three Rings of Shap is open to any person over 18 on the day.
Those under 18 may enter if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
3. All entrants must wear or carry appropriate clothing, waterproofs and footwear for an event of this nature.
4. All entrants must carry and follow the relevant route description and OS maps (Explorer 1:25000 OL5 & OL19 or Landranger 1:50000 90 & 91) or suitable alternative, plus compass, whistle & mug.
5. Any sections through private farmland must be strictly adhered to.
6. A suitable working torch must be carried for any night section. Spot checks may be made.
7. Please observe the Country Code.
8. We regret that dogs are not allowed.
9. There is a Time Limit of 26 hours in which to complete all three Rings. Entrants must also retire if requested to do so by any official or marshal if, in their opinion, the entrant would be unable to complete the course within the time limit, cannot pass through a checkpoint before it is due to close or is unfit to continue.
10. It is each entrant’s responsibility to be recorded appropriately at all checkpoints.
11. Entrants should retire only at a checkpoint if possible and ensure that any retirement is reported to an official or marshal.

EVENT SECRETARY

TONY DEALL
7,FAIRHILL CLOSE
PENRITH
CUMBRIA
CA11 8RD
01768 862848
tonydeall@btinternet.com
post or e-mail for entry forms
also at   www.ldwa.org.uk/cumbria
and        www.ThreeRingsOfShap.org.uk