Unravelling the Waseley Wobbler: A trail runners tale.
Its Sunday morning, nearing the end of September, the mist is covering the hills, a chill in the air, and we have just had a few days of rain. I line up along with another 59 runners, with 8.5 miles, and 1300ft of climb awaiting, on the little-known hills of Waseley.
The Waseley Wobbler has been going for a good few year’s and has been well attended most years. It takes you on a tour of the Waseley Hills, taking in the infamous Chapmans Hill, Lizzies Farm, Beacon Wood, Stock Hill, North Worcestershire Path, Rabbit Hill Plantation, and Segbourne coppice.
Waseley comes from Anglo Saxon words ‘waer’ meaning sheep and ‘ley’ meaning field, and even now is grazed by the local cattle. It covers 150 acres of land and rises to 998ft,
It has been part of the Chadwick Manor estate since the 16th century, then bought by the Cadbury family, then after World War two the land was purchased by the National Trust and Worcester County Council. It holds loads of history including parts of the Monarchs path.
The race starts in the grounds of Waseley School, in the sports field and after approx. 400m of rough grass land leads us uphill towards Waseley Hill and then contours to the source of the river Rea, and then takes you downhill towards the cemetery. It then hits a main path towards the visitor centre and a gradual incline until you go through a kissing gate, then kicks sharply towards the top of Chapmans Hill. Before the top it takes you to the right and down towards the far right of Waseley. The legs are well and truly warmed up now. I noticed at this point I was near to the front 3rd of the competitors, but in my head remained calm. Through the fields the route is undulating but mainly downhill through rough grassland, and we head towards Barnes close and the M5 tunnels.
More defined harder paths allows you to settle into a nice pace although a gradual uphill. Almost halfway I take the opportunity to take a gel, which will give time to get into the system before the two big climbs.
We head to Lizzies farm and then onto a road for a short while (Redhill lane). This is the start of the longest climb. We run past Beacon Wood as the hill gradually kicks all the way to Beacon Cattle farm. We then turn left onto Beacon Lane. The heart and lungs feel this, as well as the legs. I also notice I’m in a battle with another competitor who is struggling on the climbs, and a bit faster downhill.
At the farm I have hydrated at the water station and soon enough after a high five from my wife and daughter, it’s a great downhill through a passageway then over Whetty bridge, and back into Waseley Country Park. A brief climb and we head down to Segbourne Coppice. A cattle field so difficult under foot, followed by a muddy undulating section to the wobbler.
The Wobbler is the start of the toughest climb, up a number of steps, along a narrow path and up the infamous bowl. Most would look at this as the perfect sledging hill. This is definitely hiked as it takes you 225ft within 0.3 mile to the top of Chapmans hill. This in my mind is where the race begins.
A quick glance over my shoulder to see how much of a gap I have and its back onto the path we came out on, some sharp turns, and then I concentrate on keeping tall, driving the knee, and staying just below an effort of almost sprinting.
As I enter the final field I glance behind, and push, it’s been a while since I have raced and now it’s the ‘Go hard or go home’, I’m not giving this place up.
Finishing in 1hr 15min, 18th place, raw lungs, sore legs and a race that went to plan and allowed me to see where my fitness was prior to starting my training for the Malvern Ultra.
One thing I did want to bring up though, the Race Director mentioned that this could be the last time its raced, due to numbers. I have also noticed other local races been cancelled due to small numbers attending, such as the Mortimer Forest Race. What’s happening? Is it lack of advertising? Are runners not so interested in these races anymore, opting for the bigger events? Do people prefer just running for the mental health element.
For me, an opportunity for you to try out a route that’s safe and marshalled, explore, challenge, and push you a little. Let me know your thoughts, drop me a DM and let me know.
