Previous Years - South Pennine 24


2023 SP24

 

Results

 

By name                     SP24_2023_by_name.pdf

 

By finish time            SP24_2023_by_finish_time.pdf

 

Report                       SP24_REPORT_2023.pdf

 
 
 
 
2022 SP24
 
Results:    SP24_RESULTS_2022.pdf
 
Report: SP 24 2022 (Saturday 19th February 2022)
 
Challenging conditions again for our annual contribution to the LDWA calendar, the way we like it...
 
Due to forecasts of heavy snow in addition to wind and rain from previous days running up to the event, the sensible decision was taken to avoid the top section over Dovestones itself via Ashway Gap and climb to the first checkpoint at Chew Res' by the safe road route.
 
Challenging enough was the 3.5 miles crossover to the next checkpoint at Crowden, across exposed moorland and the awkward decent by the stream with snow for company but thankfully, not  thick & heavy as forecast.
 
Walking with me and offering excellent company where, Karen, Julia, Tom & Adrian alongside meeting several more nice people along the way.
From Crowden to the next checkpoint at Hollingworth Church 6m, we had some welcome respite from the elements in the valley of Longdendale, passing numerous reservoirs with everyone overflowing and the impressive site of the spout/fountain at Valvehouse Reservoir.
 
Arriving at Hollingworth checkpoint, just beyond half way at this point, a very timely hot drink and toilet facilities!
People seem to have trouble navigating in & out of Hollingworth each year for some reason, I must say the directions provided are clear enough to me?
 
Anyway, proceeding with the section to the penultimate checkpoint at Carrbrook 6.5 miles, we have more moorland to cross via Wild Bank Hill, over the dam of Higher Swineshaw Res' & Turf Pits moor down to Carrbrook and the cosy checkpoint in the bowling green hut, with more welcome hot drinks & snacks to consume.
 
The final leg of 3.5 miles back to the sailing club at Dovies Res' is a relatively gentle section along footpaths & lanes, with more welcoming food & drink on offer and a certificate on request, for all those completing another memorable event, weather it was your first visit or a return one, for supporting & achieving...
 
'WELL DONE & HUGE THANKS'
To our excellent team, who always step-up and contribute in so many ways, plus Oldham Mountain Rescue on hand providing essential back-up, all in all making the whole day run has smoothly as it did, a fantastic effort and great satisfaction should be felt by everyone concerned! 
 
 
Report and pictures by Pendle Pete
 
 
 
 
 
2021 SP24 Anytime Challenge from 17 April until 14 August
 
 
 
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team meet South Pennine group in a thank you for the money raise by the SP24 Anytime Challenge.
 
 
 
Covid restrictions meant it was impossible to stage the usual supported SP24 during February 2021 . I devised the SP24 Anytime Challenge to keep the event going in consecutive years & give event regulars an opportunity to get their fix at a time when most other LDWA activities were suspended . Entrants could take part at a time of their choosing between April & August as Covid restrictions were finally eased . A clock was placed in the noticeboard at the event’s HQ , Dovestone Sailing Club , which participants would photo at the start & finish to record their time . Along the route entrant’s answered questions such as recording lamppost numbers or phone numbers on signs . They would email this to the organiser for a place on the results hall of fame & receive an e certificate to record their achievement . A shop just over half way in Hollingworth meant entrants could replenish supplies.
 
As the Anytime aspect was totally unsupported a nominal entry fee was charged , with the entire net proceeds being donated to Oldham Mountain Rescue , who are headquartered close to event HQ . In total an impressive 118 entered from across the LDWA family ; a similar number to those taking part on the usual SP24 . And not just locals but completions from much further afield : from residents of Kent , Norfolk , Warwickshire & County Durham . About half recorded their completion , others I know started elsewhere along the route , perhaps to avoid the parking charge at Dovestone , and so didn’t submit a completion claim .
 
There were many positive comments from entrants , some of whom visited the South Pennines for the first time & were impressed with the highly scenic countryside . The event kept the South Pennine group (and entrants !) ticking over during the ebb & flow of changing Covid guidance and most importantly raised a significant amount of money for the local Mountain Rescue Team during a time when most of their fund raising opportunities will have been curtailed .
 
 
SP24 Anytime Challenge feedback from entrants :
 
“Thank you so much for organising this. I managed to convince a couple of non-members to do the route with me and we all thoroughly enjoyed it! The route description was really easy to follow and we only needed to refer to the backup map once! Having to find the answers to the questions also added another dimension to the walk and made it a bit of a treasure hunt. A wonderful route enjoyed by all and I think the lovely weather yesterday definitely helped!”
 
“Thank you for putting together such an excellent set of instructions. It was a beautiful walk.”
 
“Loved doing the SP24 challenge today. First time I've walked in the Peak District and it is spectacular.Thanks for a great day. I'm sure to be back. “
 
“Really love that route and the clues etc were brilliantly set up”
 
“Many thanks for putting this challenge on for us this year. It helps greatly with mental and physical fitness. I think I've kept the record going of completing all SP24s since its inception.”
 
“It was certainly a splendid route, and one which I shall re-visit myself.  I hope to do the event ‘in person’ next year.”
 
Thanks to all who entered & South Pennine LDWA look forward to seeing you on the supported SP24 in February 2022 .
 
 
Ian Hull . SP24 Anytime Challenge Event Organiser . 
 
 
 
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2020

Saturday 29 February 2020

 

Results 

 

By time - click here

Alphabetic - click here

 

Photos

A few photos from Anne - click here

 

Reports and comments

Just like to say thank you to everybody who showed up in pretty appalling conditions.
The organisers were really chuffed there were only 20% no shows. Most would have questioned their sanity showing up on such a day after recent weather. Not only the w
eather but it was a major undertaking just to get to the start with road closures and missing convoy drivers.
Organisers took a last minute decision to reroute the first 4 miles. Whilst a little disappointment, no one complained. Everyone understood why it had been done.
Weather on day better than hoped for but conditions underfoot beyond Chew Res were grim.
Congratulation to everyone who finished, commiserations to those who didn't.
See you all again next year, hopefully to do Saddleworth Edges.
Thanks to you all. You deserve a lot of credit for getting there. Hope to see you all next year
 
John Phillips.
 
I would like to echo the above sentiments from John and add also, what a wonderful effort by all our officials and kind friends!
 
Peter Smith. (Secretary)
 
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2019
 
Results
 
 
 
 
Report
 
Setting out from my home in Barrowford at 6.30am for duty with my reliable Sony Cyber-Shot Digital Camera and trusty four wheeler I headed for Dovies.
 
Anticipating a glorious day on hearing the weather forecast the previous evening.
On capturing the sunrise dropping down to Denshaw, I had a good vibes for our flagship event.
 
Chris, doing a manful job organising the Car Park, allowed me through to the Sailing Club CP, where I was just in time to see the sun hitting the top of the hills above Dovies Res’.
After checking in at the SC Clubhouse and finding everyone good to go, participants and staff where all eager to hear the Starting Bell at 8am, rung this year by Nathan, with our main organiser Anne overseeing proceedings.
A nice touch, I thought was incorporated at the start by inviting our dear friend John Phillips, to welcome everyone.
 
When approx' 120 entrants where off and on their way, I was whisked away up the bumpy 2.5m Chew Road to Checkpoint 1 at Chew Res’ and the team of, Mags, Nathan, 2 lads from Raynet and the redoubtable AW.
Always cold up here, despite the welcome sunshine.
Mags plied us all with a hot drink to fill in the time, before the leading runners started to come through.
 
Taking a few shots of the leaders and staff, I then walked back down to the Clubhouse clicking the shutter at the amazing views over and around the beautiful Dovestone Area.
Also I chatted to two people on the way with a view to signing them up possibly, it struck me we should have an advert up on the Sailing Club Notice Board for SP/LDWA and perhaps leaflets for people on the day!
Back at headquarters, I met and chatted to more lovely people and wished our amiable Chairman all the best as he continues his circumnavigation of the World, before leaving in my car this time and our 2nd Checkpoint at Crowden.
Oh, I had to include a shot of my new SP T-Shirt, so Proud to be a member!
 
I have to confess here and now, driving to Crowden gave me loads more trouble than walking there, at one point I was nearly in Barnsley/Sheffield.
Eventually, arriving at Checkpoint 2 just in time, with Nick and Hazel refreshing the last couple but one to pass through, Mark and Deborah from Leeds.
After mistaking the Raynet Guy for the Ice Cream Van Man, I shot off for the 3rd CP at Hollingworth Church, an excellent venue I thought.
On duty here where, Vera, Karen, Ian and Chris again, having a ball judging by the pleasure radiating from their faces.
By now it was lunch time and I indulged in some of the splendid goodies on offer, chatting and snapping with some of our Guests.
 
Off again, with a some more difficulty navigating my way to Carrbrook and our 4th CP, where I met on duty in fabulous sunshine, Steve, Julie and Ron.
Taking more snaps, before dragging myself away from a spot of sunbathing and drinks, I made my way back to Base.
I have to say by the evidence I saw travelling around, everyone was having a great time!
 
Arriving back at Dovies, I found the CP full and no preferential access this time.
Bin Green was full also, but I managed to squeeze in by the roadside.
Walking along the Reservoir Promenade, I could not resist another pose with the dramatic rocky outcrop of Dovestones behind.
 
Finally I caught some of our good friends from the West Yorkshire Group, Karen, Julia and Ralph with one of the many SP Peter’s, at the finish.
Inside the SC Clubhouse, there was Jane and Ken beavering away logging all the Information and Statistics, (97% completion) this was a very well prepared, presented and performed event! 
To conclude a huge vote of thanks go to the Kitchen Staff, Karen, Jean, Linda Sue, Billy and Kim, the food was wonderful, plentiful and the service excellent.
 
I would like to point out in particular, Karen and Jean who where on duty all day and along with Husband & Dad Norman Johnson’s contribution to South Pennine, we owe this family a huge debt of gratitude!
Both Norman and Dave, where operating as Sooty & Sweep, tidying up the tail for the days event.
All that remained now was, a distribution of the leftovers and a general clean/tidy-up, before we all headed home around 6.30pm
 
An end to a fantastic team effort and very memorable day!
Thank you all for contributing!
 
I have found some good people/friends here at SP 
Kind regards Peter. 
 
 
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2018
 
Results 
 

Results for the 2018 South Pennine 24 can be found here:

 

Results_2018_-_Alphabetical.pdf

 

Results_2018_-_Times.pdf

 

 
Torside Reservoir on the SP 24
Saturday 24th February 2018
 
For the third SP 24, we could not have had better conditions, it was great!  Beautiful clear sunny weather and because it had been fine all week long, good under foot.
I expect there have been some fast times recorded?
 
Starting orders where led again by Glen from the Dovestone SC at 8am and off went another fully booked contingent, to what promised to be a memorable day in the glorious hills of the South Pennines.
 
Striding purposefully along by Dovestones reservoir to the Ashway Gap turnoff and then the stiff climb up to the famous Skyline Path by the Ashway Stone clearly visible up above.
Proceeding along the top and round to C/P A at Chew Res’ with great viewing all the way and a welcome pit stop from the brave and generous volunteers, because it was bitterly cold up there.
From here the way was well marked for us with those reassuring small flags, across the moor to Laddow Rocks and the Pennine Way Trail down to Crowden, with plenty of Crag-hopping.
After C/P B below Crowden Outdoor Centre, we crossed the A628 and onto the Bridleway, following the Pennine Way through woods and descending to cross Torside Dam Reservoir and its spectacular water features. Turning right along the opposite side to the Loggendale Trail via the tunnel and continuing to the dam at Rhodeswood Res’ to eventually come onto the road and housing at Tintwistle.
Through the houses, over the A628 again and joining Wooley Lane.
Passing Thorncliffe Wood and to our main C/P C at Hollingworth CC.
 
After a fine assortment of goodies, we again set off for the final 10 miles.
Taking a Bridleway above the C/P to Lumb Farm, Gallows Gate Farm and continuing along a track to the fishook right, then left uphill to the trig point on Wild Bank Hill.
Crossing over Hollingworth Hall Moor with 360 views, coming down to the dam at Higher Swinshaw Res’.
Beyond the path of the dam we headed up the track over Turf Pitts and descended to the Pennine Bridleway.
A right turn here and where soon at C/P D in Carrbrook.
Passing by Carrbrook Country Park, we found ourselves joining the Oldham Way to Fern Lee Farm, downhill to Bradbury’s Lane and finally into the Car Park back at Dovestone SC. 
 
Thankyou to everyone involved in organising a fantastic event,
 
Kind regards Pendle Pete.      
 
Photos of the event sourced by Andrew 
 
Photos by Pete
 
 
 
 
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2017

Results 

In .pdf format:

Results_2017_-_Alphabetical.pdf

Results_2017_-_Times.pdf

 

In Excel format:

Results_2017_-_Alphabetical.xlsx

Results_2017_-_Times.xlsx

Report by Pendle Pete

 
 
 
 
 
See more photos from Pete: 
 
 
My thoughts on the 24:
 
Around 100 entrants braved the elements for the second SP 24 
On hearing the weather forecast the night before, I was expecting to be covered in mist, rain and poor visibility for the day.
But we had a good fine start with decent views up and over to Chew Reservoir, a truly dramatic Skyline all around, spectacular.
It was about 9.30am when I realised the weather was starting to close in.
Changing direction at Chew Res’ and for most of the remainder of the route, we had rain on our back, so thankful for that.
But you don’t get many sunny days in Winter/February, in the Pennines, got to be realistic and it is a LDWA Challenge Event.
We where up for it and everyone back inside the time limit, safe and sound, with very nice homemade Pie and Peas, Cakes and Hot Brews.
 
A big thankyou to everyone involved with the organisation!
 
 
Kind regards Pendle Pete from Barrowford.
 
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2016
 
Results 

The results from the running of the first (2016) South Pennine 24 event are now available:

24results16.pdf

 

Some photos from Pauline of early finshers:

Some photos in Dropbox from Julie - click here