in summer conditions include the following: a waterproof or windproof top; fell or trail-running shoes; long or short-sleeved base layer; shorts; socks; buff or hat; gloves; whistle; simple first aid kit; food; a map of the area; a compass; and, of course, the ability to use the last two.
A selection of winter running kit
Consideration should also be given to the weather conditions on the day. Always bear in mind that the weather on the top of the mountain can be much windier and colder than in the valley bottom. A long-sleeved top and bottoms should be worn or carried, just in case.
A route that can be run in shorts and a short-sleeved base layer (with a windproof just in case) in summer can be completely different in winter, when the weather conditions can be much more difficult and the visibility much poorer.
Extra winter kit could include spare clothing, thicker base layers, hats and gloves, extra food, a head torch, a survival bag and possibly micro crampons and running poles. These days, a fully charged mobile phone is a useful piece of additional kit; although this should never replace a map due to unreliable mobile coverage and limited battery life.
And finally, footwear. Everyone has their favourite running shoe. Again, your choice of shoe depends on the route, the weather conditions and, of course, personal preference. A good pair of trail or fell shoes with substantial grip should be enough for the routes in this book, most of which are on paths and tracks. All good outdoor shops should be able to advise as to which shoe type is best for different terrains.
A selection of trainers showing the type of grip needed
Navigation
The ability to use a map and compass is essential. There are a multitude of courses, books and websites that can teach you how to navigate safely and effectively. The most important aspect is to be able to understand the information provided by the map and relate it to what you see around you; this allows you to accurately fix your position.
How you choose to navigate is a personal choice. The rise in popularity of digital mapping and navigation apps on smartphones has led to runners taking a mixed approach to navigation. When researching the runs in this book, I always carried a physical map and compass, having been brought up in the days before such technology was invented. At the same time, I would record the run on a GPS watch while running a navigation app on my phone. I found this combination to be the most useful.
Runners should carry an appropriate map, in a waterproof bag, and be able to use it to navigate each route. Many of us choose to carry a phone to record our runs. While phones have improved over the past few years, batteries are not guaranteed to last when running GPS navigation apps, and especially in cold conditions. In addition, they should always be carried in a waterproof pouch.
When reccying the routes, the single most useful piece of navigational equipment was a print out of a digital map, with the route highlighted, which was placed in a polypocket or map case to prevent it from getting wet and the ink running. This was always in my hand. It was easy to fold up into something small enough to carry, and it did not matter if it got a bit scrunched or dirty. Having it at hand meant I often referred to it, unlike the full-scale map in my rucksack, which seldom came out. Frequent referencing meant I was quicker to notice if I went off route, reducing the chance of getting lost.
Maps and navigation aids: a map in a polypocket is simple and effective
Safety and mountain rescue
A runner is responsible for their own safety as they move through the mountains. There are a few precautions that should always be taken to minimise the chance of a small slip or slight navigational error escalating into a larger incident.
First, always carry the appropriate level of kit for the run. It is also important to recognise when you should put on that waterproof jacket or hat and gloves. Many runners on longer runs find that they can keep going the extra distance, while all the time their bodies may be cooling down if the weather conditions are poor. Runners need to be aware of the causes and effects of hypothermia and how to prevent it.
Running regularly inevitably means you are likely to have a small slip or take a tumble at some point. How you respond to these incidents is important in preventing the situation getting worse. To begin with, check you are ok to carry on. Do you need to take a shorter route back to the start? Consider walking for a few minutes to give your body time to settle down; or, if need be, walk all the way back. Consider putting on extra clothing. If the injury is serious and you cannot continue, then consider calling mountain rescue. Call 999, ask for the police and inform them that you need mountain rescue. They will ask you to provide some basic information: current location – preferably a description with place names and a six-figure grid reference; the nature of the injury; and your details. Although phone coverage in the Dales has improved over the years, you are not guaranteed to get a good signal. If your phone reads ‘emergency calls only’, your 999 call will ‘roam’ to another network, enabling you to reach the Police; however, please be aware that no one will be able to ring you back. In this situation call 999 again ten minutes later, so that someone with local area knowledge may be able to clarify your initial information. Also consider sending a text message (which is more likely to work than a voice call) to someone who is able to help.
Remember, mountain rescue teams are staffed by unpaid volunteers who will leave their jobs and families to respond to a call-out. Always consider whether you really need their help. If your smartphone signal is strong enough to send data, a mountain rescue team can use the SARLOC system to pinpoint your location if you follow their texted instructions. Runners can register their phones with www.emergencysms.org.uk, which allows text messages to be sent and received in areas where mobile phone network coverage is poor. If you have an accident and cannot move, blow your whistle six times in succession each minute; this is the internationally recognised distress call for requesting help.
All the above becomes more important if running solo. Before setting out on a run, a sensible precaution would be to leave a route description and estimated finish time with someone, with instructions on what to do if you are not back, or in contact, by a certain time. But make sure you remember call them to say you’re safe.
The weather can affect run times and conditions considerably. Accurate weather forecasts are available from many sources. A good starting point would be either the Mountain Weather Information Service (www.mwis.org.uk) or the Met Office (www.metoffice.gov.uk). The weather in the mountains can be much more severe than many runners from outside the area are used to. Combined with the minimalistic nature of running clothing, it can potentially have a greater impact on runners than walkers. Always carry additional clothing and be prepared to modify your route if weather conditions change for the worse.
Cattle, not usually high on any safety list, can occasionally cause problems in the Dales, generally in early spring when bullocks are let out of their winter barns on to the spring pastures. These giddy beasts can stampede, and cows with calves may pose a greater risk if they feel their calves are threatened. Consider using an alternative route to avoid them. This potential threat is much more pronounced when running with a dog. Dogs should be kept on a short lead, and if the cows approach aggressively, let go of the lead, as the cattle see the dog as a threat. The cows will chase the dog, which can out run them; runners probably not.
