Dales Round 2025

The 4 day competition was based near Settle in the Yorkshire dales. We had an excellent organisation team led by Gareth Aston setting tasks, aided by Ed Cleasby's local expertise.

The first day's task had us walking up Whernside, one hill of the three peaks challenge. An elapsed time task of 33.5km over three ridges and onto flatland leading into the Lake District was set. Basically an individual time trial and very tactical. Going early gets you the mysterious lead-out points but by going later you can blast through the field using the pilots ahead as thermal markers. Twenty two made goal led by Joshua Coombs who won the task, followed by Scott O'Neil and Viv Fouracre. Viv waved as she passed me by having taken a later start. The location of the lift wasn't marked by nice fluffy cumulus clouds. One of the great things about having so many wings spread out over the course is the ability to pimp off other pilots who are marking the lift. I'd taken the tortoise approach (which often beats the hare) and topped out on every climb and worked weak lift. Even so I needed a low save to avoid going down between ESS (end of speed) and goal, ending in tenth place.

Day's two task had us scaling the ludicrously steep Barkin fell to a plateau some way from the summit. After waiting for the met to crystallize a race to goal to Shep was set. The crux of the task was the steep M6 valley where the hills of the lake district and the Howgills meet. This downed most of the field who ended up in the service stations at either end. I was first to take off when the widow opened and almost immediately encouraged the others with a 50% assymetric (gamesmanship). The weather was complex and if you were in the right place at the right time you were lucky. I had lots of luck in finding lift over the Howgills and once beyond it was easy going. I was first into goal followed by John Murphy and Paul Winterbottom. James Smith was fourth and last to make Goal in his first time at a competition. Padam Gurung was unlucky to go down between ESS and goal.

Josh gave an interesting presentation the following evening. We also had an amusing video from Robin Wallace on XC lessons and a debrief/discussion on the Shep task which showed me how fortunate I'd been.

Day three was considered untaskable but nonetheless flyable. Many of us went to Stags Fell (with the local club’s permission) overlooking Hawes. Despite a slightly ominous looking sky it was very flyable and the lift much more gentle than the previous days. Weak climbs to 3000ft were to be had and widespread lift allowed you to push out to Hawes or beyond. Ed Cleasby's local knowledge had him pass us by on his 30km+ XC.

Day four was blown out. The comp ended with final results Sean Staines 1st. Paul Winterbottom 2nd. Joshua Coombs 3rd. The weather was good for sightseeing and enjoying other activities in the area though. My highlight was a falconry display by a Raven. Wish I could carve up the sky like that.

The comp was a great success on many levels. Flying, company, social, organisation and the spectacular Yorkshire dales.

Our thanks go to XC Mag, Ozone, V12 Outdoor, Wingtrim and Naviter for their sponsorship, The Dalesbridge Campsite for a great HQ and especially to the Dales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club for the use of their lovely playground.

We look forward now to our second and final round in Sopot, Bulgaria in September.

Report by Sean Staines.