Wansbeck Long Distance Sculls

The Wansbeck Long Distance Sculling Race was initially part of the Northern Rowing Council's series of Autumn Sculling Head Races which commenced in the 1970s, for single scullers. The event expanded to accommodate more boat types and still takes place today on the river Wansbeck. The event was initially held from the Riverside Park near Sheepwash to the Coffer Dam just upstream from the A189 road bridge. The race has been held in both directions but due to the gradual silting up of the river the course has not only been shortened, but competitors can no longer take many of the arches at the "Black Bridge", a railway bridge close to Black Close Bank.