I hadn't reccied any of the route before I did the race in 2007, and just worked from the map and compass. Seemed fine to me.

Quote Originally Posted by ZootHornRollo View Post
We went round Torside and becasue we were gassing away missed the right fork up on to the ridge, and kept along the brook until the path ends abruptly, so we had a steep climb up the clough to get back onto the PW.

At the point after Torside castle (which we couldn't see) where the PW swings east, we headed s.e. on a bearing aimed at hitting Hern Stones (which we couldn't see). It's a bit of a leap of faith that, got to be careful with running on the bearing and make a note of timing or pacing. The terrain is v v rough though, we were probably going at about naismith pace, and I'm not altogether sure it saves much time over the PW, once you take into account messing with compass etc.

Also you've got to watch out for actually hitting the PW again and not running right over it thinking it's just another grough (in the snow anyway).

The shortcut from the PW down along the brook to Snake does seem worthwhile though - less rough than previous and cuts off a good section of road.

The crossing of Kinder: from the path round the edge of the plateau it was tempting to go off too early, mistaking one rocky outcrop for the actual one further on where you head south as the path swings east. And then we went the wrong side - to the right, or west - of the rocks on the downfall which is heavy with bracken and a right treat for tired legs. Best to make sure you're left of the outcrop there.
Sounds like you did fine except for your detour at Torside. As you'll know from the debate earlier in this thread, the real choice is which route to take over Bleaklow. I've finally made up my mind which way I'm going to go, and I think it's the quickest, but can't be certain!