Bootbash

Saturday 9 June 2012

9.00 am Start

Baslow Village Hall, Baslow

The Baslow Bootbash took place for the first time in the summer of 2005. Following its success on that occasion, it has now become an annual event. This 26 mile walk winds its way through the beautiful scenery of the Peak District National Park. The Baslow Bootbash raises funds for Baslow Choir, helping it to use professional singers and musicians to enhance its performances.

 

For 2009 results, click here

For 2010 results, click here

For 2011 results, click here

(See the photos on the "Gallery" page)

REPORT OF 2011 EVENT - 11th JUNE

The event on 11 June was the seventh year of the Baslow Bootbash. It took place in what might be described as ideal conditions – not too hot with the odd refreshing shower though those who were caught out in the isolated hailstorm at Sheldon may not agree with this view!

 

There were a couple of slight changes this year: our free car park – supplied courtesy of His Grace the Duke of Devonshire was accessed via the Golden Gates leading into Chatsworth Park – hope you all managed to find it. We also changed the location of the first checkpoint which this year was near to the entrance of Bowling Green Farm. This is always the busiest checkpoint and the new location, courtesy of Lord Edward Manners of Haddon Estates, gave our checkpoint staff more room to operate and hopefully provide a better service. 

220 runners and walkers actually started the event – slightly down on previous years  - and 44 people completed the course in less than six hours. First home was Mark Fowell of Chellaston in a time of 4 hours and 15 minutes.  First lady home was Adela Salt from Stoke on Trent in a time of 4 hours and 39 minutes. Looking back over previous years, this is the quickest time recorded by a lady since the inauguration of the Baslow Bootbash in 2005.  Well done to both of you. Everyone completed the course in a little over 10½ hours. 

We always stress that this event is not a race and there are no prizes for the winners but we do realise that there is an element of competition, especially amongst the runners who like to see if they can beat their previous year’s time. Most of you were content to plod round at your own pace enjoying the stunning views of the Derbyshire countryside. 

There were 16 retirees this year, some of whom were treated for minor injuries and/or exhaustion by our first aiders –nothing serious - some had either underestimated their ability or had simply not prepared themselves sufficiently. There were those who experienced difficulty in navigating the course because they either did not have a suitable map or, having brought a map, didn’t know how to read it. It’s all very well relying on others to lead the way but you should always bear in mind that they might not know the way either! 

We should like to record our sincere thanks to the Kinder Mountain Rescue Team for their sterling work. Not only were they on hand to administer first aid when needed, they also followed behind the field ensuring that there were no stragglers. Thanks also to Raynet who provided radio communications between our Baslow headquarters and the 7 checkpoints which enabled us to keep track of progress throughout the day. 

The organising team works very hard to try and ensure that the event runs smoothly and that there are no unnecessary delays. Many of you took the trouble to express your gratitude to the organisers and to the team of volunteers who staffed the check points and the kitchen. We had only one complaint and that was from an individual who had to wait for his pie and peas – very sorry about that sir - Baslow Village Hall has excellent kitchen facilities but the oven is on its last legs and we are still trying to persuade the Village Hall Committee to replace it. We shall now have to resort to bribery.  

We really do appreciate your comments and always welcome any feedback, favourable or otherwise.  If you have any comments, please don’t hesitate to forward them to us. Also, if you have any photographs that you would like to share with others, please e-mail them to us and we will consider posting them on the website.  

Full results can be found by clicking on the link above.

 

We hope to see you all next year and for those who may be interested, our next concert, a Summer Serenade, will take place at Baslow Church, 7.30pm on Saturday, 25 June. Further details, including how to obtain tickets can be found by following the "concert" links on this website.

 

Details of the event

A 26 mile walk in the White Peak of Derbyshire with views of Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall and the beautiful scenery of the Derbyshire Dales. Starting in the village of Baslow and wandering through Chatsworth Park, Edensor, Over Haddon, Sheldon, Monsal Dale, Cressbrook Dale, Foolow, Eyam, Froggatt and Calver, then passing through Bramley Wood and Bank Wood to return to Baslow.



The entry fee includes:

Pie and peas and cups of tea at the finish
Badges and certificates for all finishers
Transport to finish for entrants who retire
A copy of the results and next year's entry form sent to you

On acceptance of your application, you will receive written confirmation of your place.

In March/April, or soon after, we will send you the final instructions which will include:

The recommended route
A list of checkpoint opening and closing times
A map of Baslow showing the Registration Point and free car park
Telephone numbers for any queries about the walk

The route is defined by the following checkpoints which must be visited in order: (please note change of location for c/p 1)

REGISTRATION	Baslow Village Hall	GR 258722
START	Kissing Gate - Chatsworth Park	GR 258717
CHECKPOINT 1	Bowling Green Farm	GR 237668
CHECKPOINT 2	Over Haddon Car Park	GR 204665
CHECKPOINT 3	Sheldon	GR 172688
CHECKPOINT 4	Cressbrook	GR 172731
CHECKPOINT 5	Foolow	GR 191768
CHECKPOINT 6	Froggatt Bridge	GR 244761
CHECKPOINT 7	Bank Wood	GR 232723
FINISH	Baslow Village Hall	GR 258722

Ordnance Survey maps 1:25000 White Peak Leisure Map and 1:50000, sheet number 119, Buxton, Matlock and Dovedale cover the route.

The object is to complete the circuit within 11 hours and a certificate will be awarded to everyone who achieves this time.

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO BASLOW CHOIR


Conditions of entry

1. The walk is open to any person aged 16 or over.
2. The walk is limited to 300 entrants.
3. Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept strictly under control.
4. The object is to complete the walk within 11 hours, starting at 9.00 am.
5. A list of checkpoint opening and closing times will be included in the final details. Any entrant arriving at the checkpoint after its closing time, or deemed likely not to make the closing time of the next checkpoint will be asked to retire

6. Each walker must carry the minimum equipment as follows: a. Either 1:25000 Outdoor Leisure Map - White Peak, or 1:50000 sheet number 119, Buxton, Matlock and Dovedale. Both cover the whole route b. Suitable equipment and clothing to ensure safety for the duration of the walk. c. Food for consumption en route (drinks will be provided at all checkpoints and biscuits at some) d. A first aid kit including treatments for blisters, bites and cuts.
7. All walkers must respect farm property and honour the Country Code. Footpaths must be used at all times and short cuts across farm land or other private property is forbidden. The busy A6 trunk road runs through the centre of the circuit and MUST NOT be used except at crossing points. PLEASE CROSS WITH CARE.
8. Competitors retiring should do so only at official checkpoints. Transport to the finish will be provided. All entrants who retire MUST report to the staff at the finish.
9. The entry fee is £10.00. (£11.00 on the day) For any cancellation before 30th April, the fee will be returned less £2.00. No entry fees can be returned after that date.
10. Entrants' details are temporarily held on computer for the purpose of the walk. If you object to this, you are requested to inform the organisers.
11. The organisers reserve the right to incorporate additional rules as they think necessary. Their decision will be final.

THE ORGANISERS CAN ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR INJURY, DAMAGE OR LOSS HOWSOEVER SUSTAINED