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Nidderdale Way 56 Mile Ultramarathon
The Grand Finale. The Nidderdale Way 56 is the ultimate tour of the Nidd valley, tackling the complete 56 mile figure-of-eight ultra marathon in a single, glorious push.
As the final event in the Punk Panther "50 Mile Series" (Race 4 of 4), this is a fitting end to the season. Held in late October, the race captures the Dales in its autumnal prime, think golden bracken, crisp air, and early sunsets. With 7,500ft (2,300m) of elevation gain, it is a beast of a course that demands strong legs and solid navigation skills.
Course
The Nidderdale Way is unique in that it forms two distinct loops centred around the market town of Pateley Bridge.
- The Northern Loop (First Half): You start by heading north into the wilder, more rugged upper dale. You’ll climb high onto the moors, visit the remote village of Middlesmoor, and skirt the edge of Scar House Reservoir before returning to Pateley Bridge.
- The Southern Loop (Second Half): After passing back through the start/finish area (a mental test in itself!), you head south. This section takes in the riverside paths near Ripley Castle, the rolling fields of Birstwith, and the dramatic gritstone formations of Brimham Rocks before the final descent to the finish.
Navigation Warning: Unlike most Punk Panther events, this race is NOT taped. The Nidderdale Way is a permanent long-distance footpath and is generally well-waymarked. You are expected to follow the permanent signs and use your map or GPX file. This is a true self-navigation ultra, don't expect yellow tape to guide you home!
The "Long Haul" Perk: While the shorter races have strict rules on where crews can meet runners, the 56 mile entrants get a pass. If you are running the full ultra, your crew can meet you anywhere on the route (within reason and safety), allowing for a truly supported experience.
There is something deeply satisfying about running the entire length of a long-distance waymarked trail in one day. It’s tough, it’s scenic, and it’s the perfect way to sign off your ultra running year. Plus, when you finally cross that finish line at midnight, a plate of homemade pie, chilli, or cheese toasties will never have tasted so good. To register, and to find the latest up-to-date race info, please visit the official Punk Panther website.
