Yorkshire Wolds Ultra course preview
We ran the Yorkshire Wolds Ultra in it’s entirely on 17th July 2022. We chose to run it in summer so that the photos are a true representation of the beauty you’ll see on the day.
This is a route we put together ourselves. We wanted the route to go through some of the less trodden trails. Those places where the Way’s don’t take you. If you thought you knew the Wolds, think again. You’ll climb up hidden valleys that reward you with incredible views. You’ll run through wild grass meadows. You’ll visit those hidden gems. This 50 km course is packed with ascend to keep it interesting from start to finish.
If you are looking at this event as a first time ultra, we’ve made the cut-off extra generous with 12 hours to complete, so that you don’t have to worry about time. And because it’s summer, you’ll finish in daylight.
“If you want to really appreciate the Wolds, this is the way”
Start to Bishop Wilton
We will lead you to the start, a short 10 minute climb from registration. Immediately after the start you are in countryside. Let the wheat run through your fingers as you climb up the slight hill in to the woods. You’ll then wind through grass carpeted fields in to Great Givendale. You’ve got a vista of patchworked fields on your way down to Bishop Wilton. There will be other opportunities to enjoy that view from different perspectives throughout the day.
(Click the images to enlarge)
The hidden valley
In the far right of the village there’s a walkway, tucked away in the corner. This is the gateway to the hidden valley. You’ll climb the rugged hills and witness sheep basking in the sunshine. After a long climb you’ll be able to recover by winding down a gravel path through some trees. The incredible hidden valley awaits you at the bottom. It’s a steep climb up the side, followed by a gentle descend all the way to the Wayrham picnic area off the A166, the scene for checkpoint 1. Normally, Spencer at Keio’s Cuisine food truck is parked up, so you might see him on the day if you fancy an alternative hot or cold drink.
Wild grass meadows
After crossing the road you’ll immediately drop down in to another valley and in to some woods. The tall trees will provide you with some shade for a couple of minutes. The ground then opens up to wild grass meadows where you’ll share the narrow path with butterflies and grasshoppers. You’ll wind your way through the valleys to what we call “waymark junction”. You are going left towards Kirby Underdale.
Kirby Underdale
This is our favourite village, our escape from the outside world, where we come regularly. After climbing the hill from “Waymark junction”, you’ll have a lovely downhill run in to the village, via a lake. You’ll go through a gorgeous churchyard and will wind yourself through grassy fields.
An abrupt right past a gate is the start of the biggest climb on the course. You’ll be pleased to know that when you reach the country road, it’s all downhill in to Thixendale, where the quaint village hall will host the indoor checkpoint with toilet and drop-bag facilities.
Fridaythorpe
After leaving Thixendale Village Hall you’ve got a lovely journey to Fridaythorpe. You’ll see “waymark junction” again so you might get to say hello to runners coming the other way, but what ever you do, don’t let them follow you left up the steep hill! There’s a couple of large climbs until you reach Fridaythorpe. Here, you might want to reward yourself with ice-cream like we did, in the Petrol Station.
The best way home
Almost immediately after leaving Fridaythorpe it’s an unexpected right to take you down a farm track through Wold House Farm, straight to the last checkpoint. From there, it’s those familiar, glorious trails around Millington, except for a detour in to Nettle Dale so that you can enjoy unbroken views behind you.
Join us
We really hope you can make it for the Yorkshire Wolds Ultra. Be part of something truly special.