Acknowledgements

Tony Wimbush is responsible for all design, research and content on the gofar website.  

Richard Wimbush carries out all technical work including the drawing of maps and logos.

Thanks are due to the following who have assisted with information: - Paddy Buckley, Andy Walmsley, Derek Fisher, Monica Shone, Dick Courchee, Rick Ansell, Chris Upson, John Fleetwood, Yiannis Tridimis, Alan Yates and Charlie Ramsay..

Appreciation also goes to Peter Hartley for use of the black and white photos that also appeared on the cover of The Fell Runner (Summer 1985 and Summer 1986).

For the use of photographs as credited on relevant web pages thanks also go to Wendy Dodds and Nicky Spinks.

Objectives

The purpose of this website is to provide a single source of information on ultra-distance challenges.  Routes are divided into three categories as listed below.

The UK Big 3 Rounds

There is little pointing duplicating what already exists so this section links you to existing websites and other sources of information.  Outline maps, route details and sub-24 hour schedules are included for downloading.

More Ultra Routes

Routes are often mentioned briefly in the Fellrunner magazine only to then disappear into the mists of time.  One of the noble but dubious objectives of this site is to ensure details of such routes are preserved for the benefit of present and future generations!   More routes will be added on a periodic basis endeavouring, where possible, to include a selection of long, short, old, recent, formal and informal runs from different areas.

Over the Hill challenge series

These recently developed routes are open to all age groups but are intended to encourage continued participation by the over-50's age groups.  They are generally 40 to 50 miles to allow completion within daylight hours and, they all have generous time limits to encourage anyone, including strong walkers, to have a go.  There is a range of first class times for fellrunners in the over 50's age groups.

Additional routes welcome

If you or your club would like to add any routes to this site, new or old, please use the contact page.  General guidelines are as shown.

o   Route to be at least 35 miles with at least 6000' of ascent

o   90% is off road and is mostly mountain, moor or fell preferably with sections off paths.

o   Routes wholly on national or regional trails are excluded - see definitions.  

o   Multi-day mountain challenges in the UK which allow overnight stops or bivi's may be considered along with other novel ideas.

o   Challenges outside the UK are welcome but note that race routes are excluded.

o   There is no obligation to include any routes on this site.

o   The Over the Hill series has additional criteria - see Over The Hill Club

Health and Safety

Health Warning

To do any of the routes on this site is not normal, sensible or rational.  They will appeal most to those whose horizons stretch beyond the urban wastelands of our celebrity culture and our mindless consumerism; and even further beyond those arid deserts of political malaise and religious and scientific fundamentalism.  For a while, at least, these routes will allow you to experience true wealth, freedom and beauty by stepping outside the narrow confines of normal thinking and living into a semi-wilderness where everything is free to anyone with a little time, effort and awareness!  

Safety Warning

All the routes on this site are serious undertakings which could be life threatening; none are suitable for novices.  You undertake them at your own risk and you are advised to take full mountain safety precautions at all times.