The maps are available to scrutinise, the routes are in accordance with the FRA's distance limits, the guidance given to me as RO, and the Scottish Hill Running guidelines on junior course design which are the most comprehensive I can find. I apologise for the reference to "last year" which was in error. The routes are almost entirely on good paths and will be runnable for strong juniors with the exception of sections of th Caradoc climbs on the U16 and U18 courses. They are certainly interesting and there are no sections I would regard as "dangerous": in fact there are few objective risks other than a couple of sections of grassy path that can be a bit slippery when they are wet.
I hope this clears things up.
With regards to the travel issue I'm sorry Shropshire is so inconveniently far from the traditional epicentres in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria. Don't let the distance put you off, come and have a cracking day out and discover some new hills...
Jim (who will happily respond to any more queries individually by email - [email protected])