Regarding the Carlside v Latrigg route option.

Yesterday i went up from Moot hall via Carlside and back via Latrigg.

As previously reported its a good half mile shorter via Carlside. I ran at appx 8min miling to Milbeck then walked the rest of the ascent apart from the short drop (wasteful) down to the head of the valley prior to the final rocky climb, and the summit plateau.
Unfortunately i left the (very good) path whilst on the phone to my brother and lost time in thick heather. i also stopped briefly to chat to a walker with a cute collie but nevertheless got to the top in 80mins. This is very similar timewise to most times ive gone the 'normal' way.

However, much as i hate the latrigg option i like the fact that you get a couple of running bits within the overall mainly walking ascent and there is no significant wasteful downhill

Overall verdict - a hung jury - retrial over Xmas hols I think