On
April 11th this year (2023) Keith Wilson was featured on BBC Morning
Live as part of World Parkinson’s Awareness Day. In addition there
is an independent film company in the latter stages of production of
a short film intended for entry to various award categories. A
number of Smellies helped out in the filming of an orienteering
sequence at Bank Foot. 
The Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon (The LAMM) is a unique 2 day adventure race set in a remote corner of the Scottish Highlands. In 2014 we celebrated the 20th anniversary of this gruelling challenge by making a short documentary about what makes this one of the 'must do' races for mountain runners across the world. The film was shot on location in the North-West Highlands of Scotland by The Coldhouse Collective.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule | Photos | Uphill Mile | Notice Board | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Latest News Next Week
Please be ready to set off at 6:00pm.
Check the Smelly Helly WhatsApp for any changes or updates. Click HERE or on the image to view the new Winter Schedule. November Monthly Walk The November Thursday walk will take place on 5th November 2026 and will be led by Alan Burton. The walk will be circular, about 8 miles long, and will start at 10.00am from the car park just above Castleton (OS Grid Ref. NZ681077). The route is easy going along tracks and fields, with a small amount of road walking where necessary. It is proposed to have a short stop at Danby near the bakery, then a lunch stop at the Danby Lodge National Parks Centre, where there is outdoor seating and toilets, but also a cafe and ‘Inspired by’ ... art gallery, etc. On returning to Castleton, further refreshments as required will be available at either the ‘Downe Arms’ pub on the main street, or the nearby ‘Old Chapel Tearoom’ a few doors up (closes 15.30pm), then the slog back up to the car park!! Hope to see you there, Alan.
Richie Clarke On Saturday 26th September at 10:50pm, our dear friend and running companion, Richie Clarke, sadly passed away in Teesside Hospice, after a long battle with illness.
We have been informed by his dear loving wife, Avril, that his funeral will take place on MONDAY 12th October at 11:00am at St. Bedes Chapel, Acklam Crematorium, in Middlesbrough where we have been told that all are welcome to attend. A few words of sentiment from Richie's Smelly Helly friends: - "As we mourn the sad loss of our mate Richie, fond memories flood back of great days on the hills with one of the nicest blokes we have ever known. RIP Richie"
Our hearts go out to all Richie's loving family, especially Avril, his dear wife. He will be greatly missed, especially on our Tuesday nights out on the hills. My sincere thanks to Avril for allowing me to place this on our website, Bill.
Twilight NiteNav Results
Click HERE or on the image to view the NiteNav results. The Summer NiteNav Final Positions, but who has won and could there be a new name on the shield? Click HERE to find out........ 2026 Tom Ellerton Uphill Mile & Fell Challenge Results
The image shows the NYMAC and Smelly Helly runners at the end of the race. Click HERE or on the image to view the full results.
April Thursday Walk Photos
A gallery of photos taken by Bref O'Rourke on the April Thursday Walk from Redmire can be viewed by clicking HERE or on the image.
March Thursday Walk Photos
A Gallery of photos taken by Bref O'Rourke during the March Thursday walk cane be viewed by clicking HERE or on the image.
Lakes Weekend Photos
A gallery of some of the photos taken by deputy photographer Rob Wilson during the recent Lakes Weekend can be seen by clicking HERE or on the image.
Smelly Helly Christmas Cards 2025
Rather than exchange Christmas cards within the group, the SmellyHelly members decided to donate the money which would have been spent to a charity and the charity chosen was Parkinson’s UK where a fellow Smelly Helly, Keith Wilson, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few years ago. Since being diagnosed Keith has worked tirelessly with Parkinson’s UK to not only raise funds but also give talks on his experience of living with the disease and especially his work with virtual reality devices that can increase dopamine levels in the person using one. At the Christmas lunch for the Thursday walking group Bob Howe on Behalf of all SmellyHellys handed a sum of £300 to Keith for the benefit of Parkinson’s UK. Click HERE or on the image to view a larger photo. Flatts Lane Park Run
On March 2nd 2024 twelve Smelly Hellies provided the volunteers for the Flatts Lane Parkrun. The roles undertaken were timekeepers, bar code scanners, issuing finish tokens, tail walker and course marshals. The twelve are shown in the photograph.
Click HERE or on the image to view the full sized photograph. Keith Wilson's Challenges 2023.
Keith has a new sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/keith-wilson29 and thanks everyone for their support over the last year. The BBC programme can be found at: - https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001kzp4/morning-live-series-5-11042023 Peter Barron’s report on the programme can be found HERE
I have created a new Smelly Helly Club on Strava as I know that many of you use Strava. I have made it a closed 'invite only' club so it can remain accessible by only ourselves. We can share our runs, bike rides and NiteNav routes. Here is the link; - http://www.strava.com/clubs/smellyhelly, Bill. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This the latest information to date, for the walks. Please feel free to update me so I can fill in the blanks. Please let me know if the information above is incorrect. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Monthly Summer Cycle Rides 2026
This the latest information to date, for the walks. Please feel free to update me so I can fill in the blanks. Please let me know if the information above is incorrect. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Remembering Tom - 9th April 2019
Several photos taken, while we were all remembering Tom at Bankfoot, by Bref O'Rourke and Peter Hymer can be found by clicking HERE or on the image.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Celebrity Status
On Saturday 8th June 2019 Ray Stevenson completed the Swaledale marathon. Given Ray's age this was a great achievement but even more this was Ray's 40th completion of the event. The very first Swaledale marathon took place in 1979 where Ray took part as a runner and has competed in and completed every one since - an astounding achievement. As a memento Ray was presented with a hand-thrown, personalised, pottery set. A couple of photos can be viewed HERE. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Well Done Keith
On Sunday 16th June 2019 Keith Wilson took part in the Durham Coast Half Marathon from Seaham, Co. Durham. The course is entirely off road, it is extremely challenging and very scenic. It is characterised by gently undulating sections along the cliff top coastal path interspersed with challenging descents and ascents through a series of denes. Keith had a fantastic run and won the Vet 60 category being presented by a lovely trophy/memento as well as an unusual butterfly medal.- well done Keith. Click HERE or on the image to view a photo of Keith with his 'winnings'. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Dave's Last Munroe 2017
Congratulations to fellow Smelly Helly Dave Thompson who completed his final Munroe on 30th September which was Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond). He was accompanied on the ascent by 30 colleagues mainly from Swaledale Outdoor Club, family members and other Smellie Hellies (Wai and Julie Cheung, John Smith, Bob Howe, Terry Coupland, Mick Murphy and Len Small), and of course Dave, did not lead the party down the conventional path for the descent but straight down the nose which revealed magnificent views of Lochs Lomond, Long, Fyne, Katrine, Arklet and many other smaller Lochans. Then afterwards Dave treated the party to a three course meal with Haggis, Tatties and Neeps as the main course in Crianlarich. It is rumoured that Dave is not sure if it will The Corbetts or The Wainwrights next. Watch this space...... A few photos from the day can be viewed HERE or by clicking on the image |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Bref's Progress (Update from Bref) March 2017
Due to the generosity of the Smelly Helly gang we were able to give a substantial donation to James Cook Hospital after Bref's successful prostate treatment. Click HERE to view a copy of the acknowledgement from James Cook Hospital. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon (extract from an email from Mick Garratt, from LAMM)
The LAMM is a 2-day mountain marathon event that takes place each year in the Scottish Highlands. Watch the film of our magical event on the Isle of Jura in 1997 and remind yourselves of that wonderful weekend - a 45 minute film in 2 parts at: Part 1 & Part 2 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Remembering Tom, Tuesday 31st March
On Tuesday night we all met up after our walk and run to remember Tom with a toast and a few photos of the night - to see the gallery click HERE (or on the image). Here are a few words from Tom's widow, Elayne: - I'm very pleased the weather turned out so 'clement' for the night, you really are a hardy bunch, and I hope the malt kept you warm. Thank you for the picture, (unfortunately there was only the one, but you did send it six times!). The daffodils do look great, it was a splendid idea to plant them there. Many thanks to you all for including us in Tom's remembrance night, we both feel very privileged to share these special moments. Good luck with the season's events & hope the Boro continue to prosper, Regards Elayne. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Remembering Tom - Planting Yew Trees
Hi Bref, what a great idea and wonderful thing to do, I so appreciate you sending me the pictures, a huge thank you to you all, Tom would love this, our garden is full of 'shrubs' now grown to trees that we planted to mark memorable occasions including a large yew that he was very fond of so nothing could have been a better choice. The daffodils would be great too as I fear the blue bells I put in, sadly don't appear to have survived. Please say a big thank you to all concerned with a special mention for Barney, you really are the very best of friends that anyone could have. Very best wishes and kind regards, Elayne. Click HERE or on the image for photos. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Celebrity Status.....
It’s not often a Smelly becomes a celebrity, but Dave just wants his 2 minutes of fame in his lifetime ! ! ! Click on the image to view the video on an external website and HERE for the LAMM Website. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mandale Newsletter, Summer 1999
Ian Macpherson has one and brought it to the Christmas Nosebag for publication on our website. I have scanned the newsletter so you can view it by clicking HERE or on the image. Enjoy. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Smelly Summer of 2012
Fame at last! Courtesy of Wai a few of us have made it on to YouTube. During one of our Tuesday night runs from Great Ayton Wai videoed much of the run and has placed an edited clip on YouTube Click on the image to view the video.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Sad Loss of Another Much Loved Smelly - Peter Hymer
We remember Peter Hymer whose kind heart touched the lives of everyone who knew him. Peter passed away at home on 11th September 2025, leaving behind cherished memories and lifelong friendships.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Gerald (Ged) Webster
On Friday 8th February 2019, we said goodbye to our dear friend and fellow 'Smelly Helly' Ged Webster who sadly passed away. He was always the life and soul of our post-run and walks in the pub always washed down with a couple of pints of Guinness. We were usually all doubled up at the expense of some very dubious and dodgy jokes, usually giving Mark a 'run for his money'. We will all miss you Ged - Rest in Peace mate. Memories of Ged (Words by Chief SH Scribe Bob Howe) How will we remember Ged? Ged the Joker Storyteller Ged Happy Smiling Ged Ged the Runner Ged with the neat line in headgear Guinness drinking Ged I think the answer is ALL of These, but most of all Ged the truly nice guy and good friend. We all miss you pal, but we’ll never forget you. I have assembled several photos with Ged, mainly during the Thursday walks, Bill. Click HERE to view them. A couple more photos taken at a NYMAC Lakes weekend have been added. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Jon's Olympic Torch Leg
Jon Williams' Olympic torch-carrying leg is in Hartlepool on 17 June sometime after 14:30. Here is the latest from an email from Jon: - "I've had confirmation today of my Olympic Torch input. I will be carrying the torch in my wheelchair, hopefully pushed by Shelly on Sunday the 17th June in Hartlepool on Middleton Road (B1276) near Addison Road bus stop to Lancaster Road. The post code for Addison road for Sat navs is TS24 8DG. We are guessing that on Sunday morning there should be parking in the adjacent streets. But the nearest large car parking facility is Asda on Marina Way, which is only a few minutes walk away. I am due to take over at 11.42am, though I guess this is a rough timing. Don't feel any pressure to come along, but it would be nice to see people if they would like to . I do feel very privileged to be doing this and would like to say a big thank you to those people in Clok who nominated me." It would be great if we could send up some support from our Smelly Helly friends. For more details of the event click HERE Photo Gallery of Jon's Olympic Relay (Courtesy of Bref) - Click on Image |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Tom Ellerton 31st July 1953 - 3rd April 2012
Sadly on Tuesday evening, April 3rd, our good Smelly Helly friend Tom Ellerton passed away shortly after the beginning of our walk at Bank Foot at the very young age of 58. He was a great friend and companion to all of us in the Smelly Helly group and will be greatly missed by us all. Some kind words from Tom's wife, Elayne: - Katie and I would like to thank you all very much for taking the time last night, to show us where Tom died on Tuesday. We are grateful to all concerned for the heroic efforts to save him and we were comforted that he knew he was not alone and that Amy was with him in his last conscious moments. We were touched by the obvious depth of affection for him and sense of camaraderie within the club. We discovered a sense of peace from seeing he was in such a beautiful place at the last and we hope you will allow us to buy you all a final pint on Tom’s behalf. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held in All Saints Church, Northallerton at 12 noon on Friday 13th April, following a private family service at the crematorium in Darlington. After the service at All Saints Church, there will be refreshments at the Golden Lion Hotel in the High Street. We would like to extend a warm invitation to all who knew Tom to attend. Please would you be so kind as to pass this email around the rest of the club. Kind Regards, Elayne Ellerton. Any more photos of Tom would be much appreciated to add to Tom's gallery. Please send any to Bill. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
