Ossy Oiks Fell Race 2017

The next race in the Dave Parry Summer Fell Race Series is a tough one. Ossy Oiks has a fell running classification of AS. Which means it is a short race with some very steep climbs and descents. The organisation baton has been passed from Loftus and Whitby AC who organised the Fox and Hounds to Thirsk and Sowerby. A map of the route can be seen by clicking here. The start/finish/registration is at Outside Church, nr Arncliffe Woods, Ingleby Cross, North Yorkshire (grid ref NZ453003). The route is about 5 miles long with 1800 feet of ascent. Entry is £6 on the night only and the fun starts at 7.15.

The course starts to climb through the woods on a big forestry track bringing you out at the corner of the wood and onto the Cleveland Way. You turn left here and follow the Cleveland Way along the ridge. Take note of the Television Mast you run past on your left as this is the way into the descent route that you will be looking for on your return. The Cleveland Way brings you out onto a tarmac road you turn right here and run a long the road to what the locals call the sheep wash. This is where there is a large bridleway on your left that crosses the stream. This is also the point where the tarmac road makes a sharp right turn. You run up the bridleway until you see the forest corner on your right. Then turn right and follow the path at the edge of the forest down to the stream. Cross the stream run past the car park and straight up the hill side in front of you. This takes you upto the ridge you ran on at the start. You rejoin the Cleveland Way by going through the gate which is on your left and run back along it until you get to the Televsion Mast. Run past the mast then turn sharp right and descend down the single track path that weaves down the hill side. The descent is rough and steep and eventually comes out at the bottom of the forest track you ran up. Turn right and follow the Forest Track/Road back to the finish.

Fell shoes are best for this race but, you would get round with a grippy trail shoe.