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Due to the serious decline in the numbers of walkers completing the Lyke Wake Walk over the past ten year it was reluctantly agreed to close the club at it's Golden Jubilee. This however does not mean the closure of the walk, it is accepted that it will be walked for many years to come, to a lesser extent. There is now no need for walkers to send reports in about their crossings, badges etc are still available from the Lyke Wake Company Limited and the company will continue to organise the annual race. The company will continue to work with landowners and the National Park Authority to emphasise the sensitive nature of this moorland area, bearing in mind any possible conflict of interests through the implementation of the CROW Act.
The Lyke Wake Walk is the forty two mile crossing of the North York Moors from Scarth Wood Moor, Osmotherley to the Raven Hall Hotel on the coast at Ravenscar, which had to be completed within twenty-four hours for membership of the Lyke Wake Club. Cycle and horse crossings are not allowed, and twenty-four hours of daylight is allowed for ski crossings. For all practical purposes the walk starts from Sheepwash car park at the eastern end of the reservoir (SE468993) and finishes at Beacon Howe (NZ969012) or vice versa. As we are no longer keeping statistics it's up to you about the 24hrs !
The book "Lyke Wake Walk--The Official Guide" (ISBN 185568191-9) is available from the company, £3.50 including postage, currently out of stock at bookshops, we have a few hundred.
The Shepherd's Round, forty miles from Sheepwash to Blowath, Bransdale, Fangdale Beck, Hawnby, and the Drove Road back to Shepwash. We don't get many reports from people about this route, a few dozen a year do it, and there's nothing to suggest any problems on the route. A leaflet of detailed instructions with sketch map is available from the company, 25p + s.a.e. A badge is available.
The Hambleton Hobble, thirty two miles around Black Hambleton, Osmotherley, Arden, Scawton, Boltby and Silton. Again, we are getting few reports, but people are completing it either as one circuit or by the two lesser circuits, using the Kepwick to Arden unsurfaced road as a link. A leaflet of detailed instructions with sketch map is available from the company, 25p + s.a.e. A badge is available.
Remember always to have a central 'phone number for people and support groups that get lost to report to. Mobile 'phones are of little use in hilly areas. In winter go with experienced and well equipped walkers, the local rescue teams have wasted much time and money looking for people who were foolish.
We are co-operating with the National Park Authority in asking parties to be kept reasonably small, less than 25 if possible. This also applies to the Shepherd's Round & Hambleton Hobble walks.
Please do not make any noise near dwelling houses, or deposit litter on the moor, and make sure your support parties are aware of this.
There is no longer any need to send reports of your crossing but we will continue to issue Cards of Condolence (completion certificates) for as long as they last, 50p per person with a s.a.e. We also will issue cards to double crossers, both ways in 48 hours, past double crossers may apply, 50p with s.a.e.
Cafes and hotels find difficulty coping with large parties of walkers (except mysteriously in winter when trade is poor!) large rucksacs, muddy boots, etc. Be warned and be considerate. Camping and accommodation is generally available, most inns supply food, and Ravenscar Village Hall is available to rent, contact Mrs Val Russell 01723-870801. Full details of the numerous B & B accommodation and camp sites are available from the local tourism offices.
There are reports from the Land Agent and 'keeper that walkers are still crossing Flat Howe, we have been trying to prevent this for thirty years, please continue on the railway track to the back of the Lion Inn, this is possibly the only contentious section on the whole route. The CROW act will not alter the situation, the landowner has the legal powers to close the moor to suit his needs, nesting, shooting, fire risk etc. Therefore please comply to ensure long term good relationships.
There is a continuing problem of people sending incorrect money for merchandise, due to looking at unofficial websites, we did for a time send the goods with a note about the sum owing--most never paid. Therefore incorrect money, no sales! The same apples to no stamped addressed envelopes.
Contrary to the original intention of the founder, and contrary to the wishes of his widow & family, a group of people have formed another more formal organisation purporting to be the Lyke Wake Club (our registered tradename !!) the limited company are strongly opposed to this action.
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