Silva Dales Traverse

Event overview

The Dales Traverse® is a 55 km ultra following Wainwright’s coast-to-coast route from Kirkby Stephen to Richmond. The route typically records about 1,400 m of ascent. The event promotes self-sufficiency and an adventurous ethos. It is part of the UTMB index (50K category) and is worth TWO ITRA points plus THREE ITRA mountain points.

Route and logistics

The course follows the established coast-to-coast trail via the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, over the Nine Standards and through Swaledale into the Yorkshire Dales National Park, finishing below Richmond Castle. The route is not marked but is usually straightforward; organisers provide a waterproof map, a GPX file and an Avenza digital map for participants. A final GPX is emailed to participants about ten days before the event.

Registration and the start take place at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School Sports Hall. The finish is at Richmond Town Football Club. A coach transfer from Richmond to Kirkby Stephen is available for a fee.

Support, kit and entries

Support is provided at defined Support Points, including the Dales Bike Centre which offers hot drinks, soup and cakes and usually has medical cover; retiring is only possible at Support Points. A mandatory kit checklist is enforced and checked at registration (current downloadable checklist version 4 dated 16/10/2025). A finishers’ drop bag (maximum 5 kg) is transported from start to finish. The entry fee is listed at £65 with staged increases shown on the event entry page. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.