Exciting changes for the 2023 SILVA Lakes Traverse and SILVA Northern Traverse Announced
We are gearing up for the next edition of the epic SILVA Lakes Traverse and SILVA Northern Traverse in April 2023, which will include some exciting changes to make the event even better!
From changes to start times, more flexibility for registration and camping options, we’ve summarised the changes below:
Leave the picturesque St Bees behind as you begin your journey ©No Limits Photography
Earlier start times
Following feedback from the previous edition, we are delighted to announce that the SILVA Lakes Traverse and SILVA Northern Traverse will now have earlier start times.
The SILVA Lakes Traverse will now begin at 07:30, giving participants more time out on course. This has changed from 09:30 at the 2022 event, giving participants extra time to complete the course, making the event even more accessible.
The SILVA Northern Traverse participants will then set off on their journey an hour later at 08:30. This is a change from the 2022 event, when participants set off at 10:30, and we anticipate this will enhance the experience for all.
This means all participants in both events will be able to make the most of daylight hours to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Lake District. They will also have more time to complete the trickier sections, such as Easedale and Grisedale, before night sets in.
There have also been some small adjustments to cut off times and course closure times, most notably, the course closure time in Robin Hood’s Bay will now be at 23:59 on the Wednesday night.
The new start times mean more daylight hours for SILVA Lakes Traverse participants ©No Limits Photography
CAMPING OPTIONS
We are excited to announce that there will now be camping available at the school in St Bees on the Friday night. We are aware that accommodation in St Bees is limited, so we are delighted to be able to offer this. More details on this will be shared soon.
Camping on our sister event the Great Lakeland 3Day ©Steve Ashworth
MORE PARK AND RIDE, REGISTRATION AND BAG DROP OPTIONS
For 2023, there will be even more flexibility for participants for registration and bag drop.
SILVA Lakes Traverse participants opting for the park and ride will be able to park in Shap and take the bus to St Bees on either the Friday evening or the Saturday morning. They will then be able to register and drop their bag on Friday evening or Saturday morning.
SILVA Northern Traverse participants also have the option to register on Friday night or Saturday morning, with the park and ride option leaving from Robin Hood’s Bay on the Friday afternoon.
New for 2023, there is also now an option for bag drop at the start line for both events, making things easier for those choosing to stay overnight, as participants won’t have to walk back to the school to drop off their bag.
We anticipate this increased flexibility will improve the registration experience for participants. You can drop your bag off when it suits you – if you would rather be rid of the heavy luggage, you can drop it off at registration on the Friday night or Saturday morning, or if it’s easier to bring it to the start line (perhaps if you need it overnight), it can be dropped off there instead.
We will get in touch with participants ahead of the event to find out whether they would prefer to register on the Friday evening or Saturday morning.
It’s shaping up to be an amazing event ©No Limits Photography
changed Support point for the SILVA northern Traverse
For the 2023 SILVA Northern Traverse, the Support Point at the Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge will be replaced with a Support Point at Lord Stones. This new venue is in a less exposed location, making it easier for participants to get some much-needed rest before the final push to the finish line in Robin Hood’s Bay. There will be delicious hot food on offer at this Support Point to make sure you can stay well fuelled.
There have also been some amendments to cut-off times at the Support Points. You can read about these on the route page:
The Lord Stones will be the final Support Point whilst tackling the breathtaking North York Moors ©No Limits Photography
There is still time to enter!
These changes are designed to improve the participant experience, which means this is looking to be the best edition of the event yet.
If you are looking for a true sense of adventure on a continuous journey through the Lake District, or think you can cross the entire width of England on Britain’s most iconic long distance trail, there are still some limited places left:
Watch the film from the 2022 event