Emily Rothery answers a call of the wild by joining the husky racers of Grizedale.
HIGH above Coniston Water there are howls, sounding uncannily like wolves, echoing eerily through the mist-shrouded forest. More than 100 huskies and malamutes have gathered with their handlers preparing to take on the two-day challenge of a sled dog rallying in Grizedale.
The four and a half mile course is undulating and muddy but the dogs are raring to go and their handlers urge these canine athletes on as they power along the forest tracks. I have heard of one handler who sings to his racing hounds but today there are only enthusiastic whoops and hollers.
Fifty teams have entered the Alaskan Malamute Club of the UK event, including a junior team and the atmosphere seems to be one of camaraderie rather than competitiveness although, of course, they all want to win.
The competition is split into classes based on the number of dogs per team and their breed. The teams run against the clock rather than against each other and are timed over the two days with the quickest being the winner. The largest team has six dogs.
Colin and Andrea Brighouse have travelled from Blackburn to race. ‘Our dogs are all friendly and approachable but, once their harnesses are on, they will know that it’s time to run. It’s what they’re hard-wired to do,’ says Colin.
Denne historien er fra May 2017-utgaven av Lancashire Life.
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Denne historien er fra May 2017-utgaven av Lancashire Life.
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A Shopper's Paradise
‘Anything is possible’ is the boast of a famous Knightsbridge shop and it could equally apply to Clitheroe, where shoppers come eager to pick up something just that little bit different, especially in the run-up to Christmas
Back from the brink?
There are signs hedgehog numbers might be recovering, and we can all do our bit to help them, says Alan Wright of Lancashire Wildlife Trust
Memories of a LANCASHIRE CHILDHOOD
Blackburn-born Sara Foster has had a string of bestsellers on the other side of the world. With her latest novel now out, she reflects on her Lancashire roots
The tale of BEATRIX'S VALLEY
Land once owned by Beatrix Potter is at the heart of a noisy row over how we enjoy the Lake District
Liverpool's pyramid scheme
We’ve seen the shape of things to come – and it’s a pyramid. But are you ready to spend the afterlife piled high with 34,591 other people in Toxteth?
Around the world in 2000 paintings
Preston artist Martyn Hanks has spent 60 years globetrotting with his paints and brushes
WALKING THE BORDER
This glorious walk in the hills around Earby takes a peek over the county line
We will remember them
For a hundred years the Cenotaph has been the focal point for a nation’s grief, but few know its connection to Kirkby Lonsdale
A pawfect day out
The grounds of Holker Hall at Cartmel are a favourite with human and canine visitors
A LEGACY of LOVE
An unusual war memorial in Lancaster is a haven for wildlife and young people from the city
