We ran the Chalkland Way Ultra in it’s entirely on 19th June 2022. Whilst the colours may change with the seasons, what doesn’t change is how beautiful the route is. You really can escape it all and submerge yourself in your surroundings. It passes some of our favourite places and you’ll soon discover why we love the wolds so much.

“This route surprises you from start to finish. The great thing is that the area is so peaceful and you can lose yourself in the beautiful surroundings.”

— Mel

Start

We will lead you to the start, a short 10 minute climb from registration. The view from there gives you a sneak preview of the beauty that beholds. On the whistle, you almost immediately enter woods, then skirt the edge of the golf course, before a downhill run towards a small road crossing. Some friendly marshals will help you cross the road. That’s is probably the last time you’ll be reminded we live in a 21st century modern world for a couple of hours.

(Click the images to enlarge)

Givendale

Every time we go to this village we admire this view. To the left, outside of shot, there’s a really cute little church. On event day you’ll go left through the village. Look out for the bench memorial at the end of the village and read what is written. Beyond this point you’ll have incredible views towards Bishop Wilton. You will probably say “wow” out loud.

Bishop Wilton

At the gate above Bishop Wilton, stop for a few minutes and see what landmarks you can spot in the distance; you can see for miles. After winding down the hill, you’ll get to the lovely village of Bishop Wilton. There’s a quaint community shop here that you can use if you’ve forgotten any essentials.

After leaving Bishop Wilton, you can stretch your legs for a few miles on a very runnable stretch. You’ll be running parallel to Garrowby Hill; that huge natural monument you would have driven up that morning if you were travelling north from York. You’ll be glad to know that you’ll only ever have to admire it from afar!

If you do recce this part before the event, you’ll enjoy Awnhams Meadow, an expansive wildflower field that has been established for over 200 years.

Deep Dale

“Deep Dale is what the Chalkland Way Ultra will be remembered for. It always takes my breath away.”

— Grant

After running past Bugthorpe and Kirby Underdale you’ll reach Deep Dale. This is our favourite place in the Wolds; we absolutely love this dale. After going over the second style from the road, just stop for a second. This is our favourite view in the Wolds; perspective colliding with natural beauty and tranquility for the perfect shot.

After running downhill and going through the little bridge, you’ll run through the bottom of the valley before getting to a fence that runs up the side. Yes, you are climbing up the side of that valley! You’ll be glad to know it is short-lived and the views are worth it when you get to the top. They’ll be a checkpoint about 10 minutes after this climb as a reward for your efforts.

Thixendale

After the checkpoint you’ve got about 2 miles of running gently downhill that leads you down Milham Dale and Thixen Dale, a grassed valley escalator, in to the back of Thixendale. You’ll make your way through the village, then turn left at the pub towards the end. If you took part in the Wold Rangers Way Ultra then then you are following the same route from this point, to Fimber.

You’ll run along the top of Raisthorpe Manor, then turn off and enjoy a couple of miles downhill on a quite country road in to Fimber, the village that will host the indoor checkpoint with toilet and drop-bag facilities. The chalk cliffs you can see on that road are spectacular!

Wetwang

After leaving Fimber checkpoint, you’ll have a new lease of life. There’s an immediate climb diagonally through the first two fields. Turn around and admire the view. It feels like you are on top of the wolds!

You’ll run through more fields until the green lane at the end. You’ll almost immediately turn off and head towards Wetwang. When you get there you’ll have the tantalising choice whether or not to utilise the Deep Blue Fish & Chip shop at the other end of the village. We won’t penalise you if you go slightly off course to enjoy this treat, as long as you come back on yourself back on course.

Huggate and Millington

The stunning valleys and scenery through Huggate and Millington will make you realise how beautiful and remote the wolds really are. If you are a slower runner then it might be dark at this point. However, you’ll be able to find beauty in the curvature of the valley, zip zag trails and human made lights from Millington village and beyond.

After a few last remaining climbs, it’s all downhill towards Pocklington, back to registration for the finish where we’ll reward you for your success.