I've tried both ways whilst checking out the route and staying high was definitely quicker for me.
I've tried both ways whilst checking out the route and staying high was definitely quicker for me.
I agree with you, Will. I don't think it makes much difference at all, but I always go right and up at the top of rocky valley and jump the walled beck. I notice from Strava that the leaders last year (Graham, Joe and presumably Jack) went left. I think it's six and two threes.
Keeping high and right and descending to jump the culvert cuts a corner and is faster. It's become a lot more popular over the years as people realise the advantage, so there's more of a path now. 17 - 18 years ago there was barely a trod to follow at the top before turning left to descend.
I wonder if anyone climbs all the way to the top and misses out Rocky Valley altogether? Would that be longer?
Time predictions anyone? I'll throw my hat into the ring with 3h19.
Last edited by wjb; 01-02-2017 at 09:24 PM.
I'll throw mine in with a little over 4 hours for my 18th consecutive. I don't think I'm quite in PB form.