The New Lyke Wake Club
The Great Divide: Richard Pearson
THE DAY I CROSSED THE GREAT DIVIDE OR MY LYKE WAKE WALK
Starting Time – 0630 from the LWW Stone, Cod Beck Reservoir.
Finish Time – 2123 at the LWW Stone near the Beacon Reservoir.
Total Time Taken (including Rest Stops x 4) – 14 Hours 53 minutes.
I HAVE CROSSED!!!
On Saturday August 24th 2024, with the support of Yorkie Talkies Outdoors (YTO), I can (finally) lay claim to having crossed the great divide from Osmotherley, across the North Yorkshire Moors to Ravenscar!! A journey of 40 miles or so, filled with most emotions a human being can endure. From despair and wretchedness to elation and all feelings in between!
We assembled as a group at 0600 at Cod Beck Reservoir to meet our guides and to be split into sections based on perceived abilities. For some unexplained reason, I was chosen to be in the first party to leave (as they were purported to be the “quickest”). GULP!!
I was in a group of 13 including 3 YTO Guides who, as I cannot remember all their names, shall be henceforth be collectively known as the Nameless Ghouls and we set off from the starting stone at 0630 at a cracking pace! The weather was excellent, just right for the pace we were setting and it wasn’t long until we were passing the Bill Cowley Memorial Stone.
The weather was superb for the challenge, although we did get a brief rainstorm whilst travelling along the Old Railway Line towards the Lion Inn, which was our second Checkpoint where there were refreshments aplenty!! Alas, we had lost one Nameless Ghoul due to injury and upon our departure from the Lion Inn it wasn’t long until we lost another unfortunate soul due to another injury! This challenge can be cruel!
We crossed the “boggy section” with very little trouble. The area was VERY dry, which, as my guides were telling us was a good indicator of how dry things were due to the changing climate. The whole moor had signs warning of fire risks telling people to be careful with anything combustible. It certainly was a bit of an eye opener as, having previously read about the perils of this section, was expecting to be immersed in freezing cold bog water!!! (Maybe next time eh?)
At Lilla Cross we stopped for a few minutes to reflect and to take stock. Not just of the journey we were undertaking, but a chance to express what we were all grateful for (survival so far for me!!). Seriously though, it was a moving moment and it made one grateful for each moment one has before THE final crossing.
The miles were flying by by now. Apart from my legs refusing (almost) to propel my body and soul up any ascents (and let’s face it, the majority of the ascents are short, sharp and steep!!). My fellow crossers had to take a breather in order for me to catch up (you are all welcome!!). The worst fall I took was ascending Jugger Howe Ravine when I virtually collapsed at the side of the path but with great help and encouragement from the YTO guides and my fellow Nameless Ghouls I managed to get back on my feet and carry on to the finish stone! I HAD MADE IT!!
I must mention that the organisation and support provided by Yorkie Talkies Outdoors was absolutely phenomenal, from Emma (the boss), the guides and the volunteers! All, along with my fellow Nameless Ghouls, contributed to make the crossing as comfortable as a 40 mile hike over North Yorkshire can be!!
So, that is a very brief account of my crossing on the 24th August 2024. I seem to be unable to remember lots of the journey, probably because I was trying to a) keep up with the group and b) attempting to stay on my feet for more than ten steps!! Despite everything, I enjoyed the challenge and am happy that I have Crossed!! Would I attempt the crossing again? Maybe, possibly but don’t tell my legs or my left big toe!!