U16/18 Course

The race largely follows the Open race course but starts at the Junior start and follows the U8/10 course across fields before joining the Open course for the fast descent through woods to cross a minor road at the bottom of the valley.  This is followed by a river crossing (ankle/calf deep) before the route then climbs steeply through a bluebell wood (slippery) to join the track to Shutlingsloe Farm.  Before reaching the farm the route turns left to follow the footpath to Shutlingsloe, passing through a gate and crossing 2 stiles before emerging onto open moorland above the top wall.  From this point competitors follow the footpath up increasingly steep ground to the summit of Shutlingsloe (Checkpoint).  The return is by the outward route with the exception of open moorland section where competitors are not required to keep to the footpath when descending and the bluebell wood where, by keeping to the left (Marshal), the descent (slippery) takes a slightly different and less steep route.  The final climb back up to the finish in front of Crag Hall is surprisingly demanding!  At 2 miles the course is relatively short, but this is offset by the ascent and varied terrain.