BSSF – Dalby
Sat 6th January '24
- Sun 7th Jan '24
Location Info
Dalby Forest, on the southern edge of the North York Moors, is a large conifer plantation managed by Forestry England. It features a dense network of wide gravel forestry roads, recreational trails, and open rides used year-round for outdoor activities.
Terrain is moderately hilly, shaped by the valleys and ridges of the Tabular Hills. Surfaces are predominantly firm aggregate forestry tracks with some looser stone on steeper sections.
Course Description
The course is based around a flat plateaux in the centre of Dalby Forest. There are some very short gentle inclines combined with uphill and downhill turns to test both dogs and mushers. With a mile flat straight run into the finish, in the 6 dog trail, there is a mile long decent followed by a mile climb. Keep your dogs fresh!
All the trails are wide enough to pass, the surface is a fine chalk powder stone, but some dogs with sensitive feet may need booting, so please come prepared.
Directions
Access is Via Dalby Forest Drive.
Dalby Forest Drive,
Low Dalby,
PICKERING,
YO18 4LT
BSSF
The British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF) stands as the UK’s premier organization for advancing sled dog sports both domestically and internationally. Founded by athletes from various disciplines, the organization promotes sled dog racing while maintaining high standards of animal welfare. As a full member of the International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS), the BSSF facilitates UK teams’ participation in European and World events while working with organizations to host competitions and provide training programs.
The sport of canicross emerged through the skijor community as athletes sought to maintain their dogs’ fitness during snowless months. The inaugural UK race in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, organized by Nicky & Iain Hutchinson and Matt Hammersley, attracted more than 25 competitors across Canicross, Scooter, and Bikejor categories. The sport has since flourished, with some races drawing over one hundred participants.
The BSSF’s commitment to inclusivity supports all levels of participation, from beginners to elite athletes. Newcomers require basic equipment: a dog running belt, a sprung lead measuring 1-2 meters, and an appropriate working harness. Through their mapping system, interested participants can locate local clubs and begin their journey in sled dog sports, starting with short runs and basic directional training.
Event Completed
Start Date
Saturday 6th January '24
End Date
Sunday 7th January '24
Event Length
2 days
Upcoming BSSF events
December 2026
BSSF Round 1
Sat 5th Dec '26- Sun 6th Dec '26
January 2027
BSSF Round 2
Sat 23rd Jan '27- Sun 24th Jan '27
March 2027
BSSF Round 3
Sat 13th Mar '27- Sun 14th Mar '27