Journey journal
@tourofengland #quiz #journey #tourofengland #running #runtok #outdoors #runningcommunity #diversityandinclusion #experiencecommunity
A fine day started at Brathay Trust in Bradford, by the cathedral, with the arrival of Steve Taylor and Steve Carson, set to do some companion running. So we had speedy Steve and 100 Marathons Steve, both connections I made whilst running the Brathay 10 in 10 marathons/days challenge in Windermere. They both run for Huddersfield’s Stadium Runners.
We headed out on some busy big roads – pretty much the only option – and there are not many green spaces.
Steve Taylor turned back after a few miles, whilst Steve Carson saw me into Wakefield where Charis was already busying about in the sculptures at the Hepworth. Wakefield was my already my 6th Cathedral, after Newcastle, Durham, Ripon, York and Bradford.
Steve Carson departed from Wakefield, but only after a quiz teaser about a plant.
The cathedral at Wakefield was long and thin. It was quite a cool design, understated after York, but welcoming like Bradford. The other local choice for sculpture is the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Both are highly rated.
The Chantry Chapel is potentially a sweet viist in its unique setting above the river, but it was locked.
I really liked Newmillerdam Park. I saw a dog owner with a Cockerpoo and they were both loving the woods. He asked me if I minded if his dog, Faure, was as Leeds United fan. I didn’t. I replied that dogs on Leads are generally encouraged. Faure was great.
After Newmillerdam there was a fairly dull road to hilly Barnsley, where Chris Heaton lay in wait to keep me honest up to the finish at Locke Parke, nursing a sore blistered little toe.
‘Where I live’
Experience Community CIC is based in Leeds and Wakefield. We loved hearing about their vehicles in Pugney’s Park, as shown in the video.
The unnamed dog walker in Newmillerdam really loved the miles and miles you could walk there.
Fuel
Pontefract cakes are actually a very good runner fuel, sweet but not too sickly with the liquorice. There’s a big history about the demand for liquorice and the town of Pontefract, but it isn’t the plant in Steve’s question. We could neither find or need a Barnsley chop, though they do sound quite substantial.
The heroic cyclist Chris Heaton scooted up to see me into Barnsley. He posed a quiz question with my surreal help and just about kept a straight face delivering it.
Venues
Pugneys Country Park and the Boat House Cafe
Quiz
Steve Carson asked “What plant is associated with Wakefield – clue Triangle?”
Chris Heaton asked “Is Barnsley historically famous as a European Centre for lentils and lentil-eating or is it famous for the linen trade?”
Overnight stay
Camponile Wakefield – all OK.
Shopkeeping
Wakefield is living off vapes.
The Natural World
A wonderful Heron at Pugney’s
Friends old and new
Chris, Steve and Steve.
Club Scene
Steve Taylor told us about inclusive running with Stadium Runners of Huddersfield.
Dog of the Day
Cockerpoo Faure, a Leeds Utd fan.
Photo of the day
The heron
Events and Festivals
We woke up to a Labour Government. We were not surprised.
Inspiration
Chris Heaton now in his mid 60s and still cycling about on derring do challenges such as crossing Saudi. Chris helped my frame this challenge – he once ran 31 marathons in a month, alternateing routes between the Windermeere and Langdale marathon routes.
