UKC

Book Review: Voices From the Hills Review

© Tommy Orr

'Allowing women in sports would harm their feminine charm and degrade the sport in which they participated.' This attitude, as espoused by Baron de Coubertin (founder of the International Olympic Committee), solidified one of the greatest barriers to women's participation in sport' – Chapter 1, You Can't Do That, Voices from the Hills, Steve Chilton.

Voices From the Hills  © Sandstone Press

When I received a copy of this book, published by Sandstone Press, I was expecting an anthology of short stories from some of the earliest women on the UK's female fell running scene. I was not expecting a chronological account of advancement in gender equality in our sport. But by taking this sequential approach, the author has made clear for the first time the phenomenal progress that has been made since the 1950s. As somebody who makes their living by guiding trail and fell running for women, it is fascinating to read how far we have come - what a delight!

Despite being an avid fell runner for many years, I have heard of very few of the inspiring women in these pages; people who pioneered our sport, who have been largely overlooked and who have had their stories untold. To have their successes, battles and experiences recorded in this way, not only provides a valuable archive of these accounts for future generations, but also gives them the recognition they deserve for their contribution to the history of women's running.

This important book is incredibly detailed, outlining the many sporting achievements of early pioneers, such as Wendy Dodds, Sarah Rowell, Vanessa Brindle, Anne Stentiford and Angela Mudge (to name but a few), encompassing everything from the Olympics to the Bob Graham Round and more. Its scope extends from the very beginning of the sport in the 1950s, to the first official women's races and fell running championships, followed by the achievements of women on the UK Big Rounds. Next-up, the book documents the increasing number of events for women, the international mountain running scene and the first (of many) achievements of women breaking records. The narrative also covers ultra-distance endurance challenges and the successes of women competing at a high-level in Veteran categories. All this is captured through the medium of detailed research, case studies and insightful interviews.

First ladies race Wasdale 1981  © Tommy Orr
First ladies race Wasdale 1981
© Tommy Orr

The stark contrast of chapter 19 with chapter 1 is difficult to miss! Entitled 'women coming first', its pages describe some of the achievements of women winning outright - a headline-grabbing phenomenon that is still on the rise.

Ultimately, the book is the tale of pioneering women, going against the grain with commitment, tenacity and a determination to be heard. Together they have changed the way women were viewed, treated and allowed to compete in trail and fell running in the UK - and most of them don't consider themselves to be 'pioneering' in any way or appreciate the great scale of their achievements!

It is always a shocking reminder to read how only 50 years ago, women were unable to compete in traditional mountain races. That even in my own lifetime, women were not officially allowed to enter the Ben Nevis race – one of the UK's biggest (and my nearest) fell race. It's also exciting and inspiring to discover new heroines! I enjoyed reading about runners like Ros Coats, setting fast times in my local hills in Glen Coe, even as I was just a child.

Without knowledge of the pioneers and without heritage, how can women achieve the same sense of belonging in the mountains as men? This book, and others, go a long way to correcting that imbalance, re-writing the history of women in the hills. This is most notably true for those who are not part of a long-standing fell running community, where such tales may be well-known and passed down by word-of-mouth.

There is, however, a sense that 'the job is now done' and that today's women are blessed with equal access and the same experience of training and competing in the mountains as our male counterparts. In her insightful forward, Jasmin Paris says 'building on his previous books about the history of fell running, Steve's interviews shine a light on those that pave the way for the gender equality we enjoy today.'

Women's running has come a long way - Keri Wallace on the Pinnacle Ridge extreme 2019&copy John Bamber  © John Bamber
Women's running has come a long way - Keri Wallace on the Pinnacle Ridge extreme 2019© John Bamber

The book also concludes that 'Women have fought hard for the right to run freely, and particularly to compete in the sport of fell and mountain running. Attend a club, training session, a fell race or a challenge round these days, and you will see huge numbers of women involved, supporting and challenging each other and their male friends and rivals.'

In reality, female numbers at races are rarely close to 50%. Entry statistics show female participation is closer to 25% (and in longer distance challenges/races only 9-15%). Female participation is on the rise however and related associations, brands and race organisers continue to strive to level the playing field. The remaining challenge is to get more women to the start-line.

'I guess it was outsiders looking in, that took most interest in the gender thing. I think if you're good enough to be there, it doesn't matter whether you are in your 60s or female. The good thing about fell running is that everyone stands on the start line and does the same thing in the same conditions on that day' - Helen Diamantides on her Dragon's Back win of 1992.

Despite the progress described herein, it is apparent that inequalities still exist in terms of access and support for women in training and in racing. These disparities have led to the establishment of a strong global advocacy community. For example, She Races (founded by ultrarunner Sophie Power), has been working with race organisers to establish a set of best-practice guidelines for better supporting women. The emphasis is less on equality and recognition for achievement but on equity of opportunity and experience. Through tireless campaigning, progress is still being made. For example, just last month the UTMB, the world's biggest mountain trail race, has finally introduced a pregnancy deferral policy for female entrants. We might not be pioneering any more but women are still shouting loudly from the hills to get their voices heard.

Voices from the Hills is a significant and fascinating read; one that I am thankful to see in print. I have no doubt that it will facilitate yet more progress, as well as inspiring trailblazing women for generations to come.


Keri Wallace is Co-Director of Girls on Hills and works as a fell and skyrunning guide in the Scottish Highlands. She is SML and RCI qualified, with over a decade of summer and winter climbing experience in both the UK and overseas - plus 5 (previous) years experience as an active member of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue team. She has a PhD in proprioception/neurobiology and is mum to two crazy girls!




Thanks for this review Keri, it sounds like a fascinating (and long overdue) book


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