Darrens Dash 2013 - Sunday 16th June, course update.

The ponies were out in force when I did a trial run earlier today.  Due to the cold, wet winter the bracken's not nearly as dense as in previous years so there will be less bracken basking for me to do this year. Yippee!

The event HQ is Longtown Community Primary School, Herefordshire.  12 miles from Abergavenny, 15 miles from Hay-on-Wye and 18 miles from Hereford.

For those who like to navigate using landscape features a few notes about the route:

The race starts and finishes in the shadow of Longtown's Norman Castle and after a short downhill section and a crossing of the Olchon Brook, the climbing begins.  Steadily at first through fields to gain Open Country above the Turnant Farm.  After a short traverse northwards on a broad trail, the tough climbing begins to the top of the Black Darrens crags where a helpful Longtown Mountain Rescue volunteer will point you in the right direction.

A short run across the moorland towards the distant summit of Pen y Gadair Fawr brings you to Hatterall Ridge.  Turn south here and follow the undulating Offa's Dyke National Trail which first aligns with the Monnow Valley and then swings west to align with Skirrid Fawr ('The Skirrid').  Pass the trig point, descend to the col between Longtown and Llanthony, take the sharp left turn and then follow the runnable descent trail to the field boundaries above Cayo Farm.  Run steeply down through the fields in the direction of Longtown Castle, through the farm, across the brook and a short sting in the tail uphill finish!

It has got to be done.

See you in a fortnight,

Mike Fawcett
Race organiser