History
The Six Dales Walking Competition, launched in 1957 to mark the Golden Jubilee of Scouting, coincided with the movement's centenary in 2008. Covering 42 miles across six North Yorkshire Dales, the walk begins in Settle, Ribblesdale, and ends in Pickhill, Swaledale, offering challenging terrain and scenic landscapes.
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Conceived by Ronnie Marshall, the Assistant District Commissioner for Senior Scouts in North West Leeds District, the walk emerged from a desire to provide Senior Scouts with a new challenge beyond the conventional Yorkshire Three Peaks route. The inaugural competition, titled 'The Jubilee Trail,' commenced on July 26th, 1957, with Barrie Walker from the 14th North-West Leeds Group emerging as the victor, completing 31 ½ miles within the 12-hour time limit.
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Over the years, participation surged. In 1958, despite sweltering conditions, three Senior Scouts completed the full 45 miles to Skipton-on-Swale in 11 hours and 50 minutes. Alan Boden set a record time of 9 hours and 23 minutes in 1964. However, following Ronnie Marshall's death in 1966, David Boulton assumed the role of organizer, implementing crucial changes to enhance safety and organization.
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Revised regulations mandated participants to adhere to stricter dress codes, particularly during moorland segments. Competitors formed teams, ensuring mutual support and safety. Additional checkpoints were established to streamline search operations in emergencies, with radio communication between checkpoints introduced for effective monitoring. Parental support enhanced logistical operations at checkpoints.
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Participants were required to wear appropriate fellwalking attire and carry essential equipment, including walking boots, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, spare clothing, waterproofs, headgear, gloves, and emergency provisions. Each team possessed collective equipment such as maps, compasses, survival gear, torches, and first aid kits. Teams consisted of a minimum of four members, walking together until the end of the moorland section, after which individual walking was permitted. However, from 1977 onwards, a minimum of two individuals had to remain together.
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Additional checkpoints at Henstone Band and West Tanfield mitigated risks and ensured participant safety. The checkpoint at West Tanfield facilitated safer river crossings, replacing precarious fording at North Stainley with the use of a bridge.
In conclusion, the Six Dales Walking Competition, launched in 1957, epitomizes the spirit of adventure and camaraderie within the Scouting community. Evolving over the years, the competition has incorporated stringent safety measures and enhanced participant experiences while celebrating the ethos of exploration and perseverance cherished by Scouts worldwide.