Unveiled: The new SILVA Dales Traverse™ 55km and SILVA Moors Traverse™ 80km Ultras are set to debut in 2024.
We are thrilled to announce the introduction of two new ultra-races, the SILVA Dales Traverse™ 55km and SILVA Moors Traverse™ 80km, scheduled for their inaugural editions on Sunday, April 7th, 2024.
Above: Participants at the 2023 SILVA Northern Traverse pass the iconic Nine Standards as they enter the Yorkshire Dales National Park. © No Limits Photography
Both the SILVA Dales Traverse™ and SILVA Moors Traverse™ will leverage the logistical backbone in place for the highly regarded SILVA Northern Traverse™. Following Alfred Wainwright’s renowned coast-to-coast route, beginning at St Bees on the west coast and concluding in Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast, the Northern Traverse™ covers 300km of iconic mountains, valleys, and moors, making it one of the most spectacular journeys in the UK.
This approach has already been proven to work exceptionally well with the SILVA Lakes Traverse™ piggybacking the first 100km of the Northern Traverse™ through the Lake District National Park.
The SILVA Dales Traverse™ spans 55km, tracing Wainwright’s coast-to-coast route from Kirkby Stephen to Richmond. Passing through the North Pennines Area of Outstanding National Beauty, navigating the iconic Nine Standards, and weaving through Swaledale into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the race concludes with a stunning finish below Richmond Castle.
The spectacular finish to the SILVA Northern Traverse™… and now the SILVA Moors Traverse, along the cliff tops before Robin Hood’s Bay. © No Limits Photography
Meanwhile, the SILVA Moors Traverse™, an 80km ultra, follows Wainwright’s coast-to-coast route from Ingleby Cross to Robin Hood’s Bay. Beginning at Ingleby Cross, the route hugs the spectacular northern edge of the North York Moors National Park before winding through eastern Yorkshire and culminating in a magnificent finish at Robin Hood’s Bay.
The Dales Traverse™ and Moors Traverse™ are designed to be achievable and visually stunning ultras, featuring generous cut-offs and following the established coast-to-coast national hiking trail. They are also ideal stepping stones for those aspiring to tackle more challenging ultras like the SILVA Lakes Traverse™.
Embracing the adventurous spirit and self-sufficiency culture fostered by the SILVA Northern Traverse™, both new races have long stretches between Support Points, allowing participants to test their endurance while embracing the experience of England’s wild and beautiful areas.
The 2024 SILVA Dales Traverse™ and SILVA Moors Traverse™ will have limited entries to test the concept and logistics. Participants in these inaugural editions should come with a test pilot approach!