The Way of the Dead (formerly the Dartmoor Traverse east to west), returns for the second year, with a 50k Dartmoor Traverse route from east to west.
Runners can either run in pairs or solo and our team will follow runners progress through live GPS tracking and there will be three checkpoints, which will double as feed stations. Bags will be taken to the finish at Tavistock, but we will also arrange a bag drop to the final feed station/checkpoint at Merrivale. The ascent is fairly minimal at 1327 meters but don’t be fooled. The second half will require some navigational experience, as it is relatively unsigned but we will provide race GPXs and our team will be monitoring you throughout.
Pairs category: We have prizes for the first three pairs teams to finish. To enter a pairs category you must create a team name.
Transport will leave Tavistock for the start at 6.30am.
Our other crossing the RWNN has attracted some luminaries in the ultra running world, including Nicky Spinks, 2023 Dragons’ Back winner Hugh Chatfield, Andy Connor, Justin and Melissa Montague, to name just a few. We also pride ourselves on our 95% success rate at getting runners through it. We believe this route, although 5 miles shorter than the north-south version, will prove slightly more challenging.
Due to a saturation of north/south crossings, we’ve decided to put on an east to west crossing, which is self navigation but is also suitable for pairs and teams.
There will be one feed station on this route. Bags will be taken to the finish at the Printworks.
The Route
Starting at the car park at Trenchford Reservoir, you’ll head towards Kelly Farm, down wooded paths and across the B382.
Crossing fields and then tarmac to the church in Lustleigh, you’ll cross behind the church before venturing in to the Cleave. In the Cleave, follow signs for Water and then you’ll soon see a path, which takes you up to Manaton tarmac ascent to Bowerman’s Nose and Hayne Down.
The next section to Kitty Jay’s Grave is pathed with gravel. You’ll need to look up to choose the best line up to Hameldown Ridge. But we recommend taking the right path along the wood boundary and past the war plane wreck memorial, as this will take you down past Grimspound and to the CP on the road boundary. All CPs must be visited on the route. You will then follow the road until you see a path which takes you through Sousson’s Wood to its western edge.
Follow the footpath which takes you to the west of Bellever plantation to Postbridge and on to Powdermills, the half way point. Climbing up to Longaford Tor and Lydford Tor, you follow the Lych, as if heading for Mary Tavy. But at the final fork below White tor, and continue on past Stephen’s Grave, along the bridlepath, which will take west in to Peter Tavy. From CP3 at the village hall, you will follow country roads via Peter Tavy Cross, in to Tavistock and the finish at Printing Works on Pym St.
Ascent: 1327 meters
Cut Off: 10 hours (suitable for fast walkers)
