Silva Dales Traverse

Dales Traverse® 2026

The Dales Traverse is a 55 km ultra following Wainwright’s coast to coast route from Kirkby Stephen to Richmond, with an estimated 1,400 m of ascent. The route passes through 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 fully waymarked but follows a well established national hiking trail. Organisers provide a waterproof race map, a digital map via the Avenza app, and a GPX file; a provisional GPX is published in advance and the final GPX is sent to participants before the event. The course is defined by aid stations and guidance times; retiring is only possible at named aid stations. Medics are usually present at aid stations.

Mandatory kit is required and will be checked at registration; a detailed downloadable checklist is provided. A Finishers Drop Bag (maximum 5 kg, no glass or breakables) is transported from start to finish and is not accessible during the race. There are no sleeping provisions at the start, aid station or finish. Food provision uses a meat- and fish-free menu with gluten-free and vegan alternatives; the finish meal is a vegetable tikka masala with chips and cake. A coach transfer service from Richmond to Kirkby Stephen is arranged for a fee and booking is managed through the entry system. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.