The open moors became walled farm tracks, beautiful stone and very muddy paths but we started the descent down passed Winterburn Reservoir, where we missed the second checkpoint and into Rhylstone for the third checkpoint. Hmm, a veritable delight of homemade cakes awaited us along with a very warming cup of tea. The weather had turned now, brilliant blue skies had been replaced with grey clouds and a wind that was picking up. Setting off again we could see a big ridge ahead of us and you knew you were going up and over, that's what i love about it... you see where you have to go but have no idea what awaits you on the other side and more often than not the scenery changes dramatically. We wound our way across some fields and to a gravelly/rocky track to start the ascent. You could only walk and again witness the sight of streams of people in front of you, all part of the same adventure was amazing. You have to keep stopping and looking back to admire the views over the dales and just take in the breathtaking scenery all around. Fnally we hit the top and it was on over some beautiful moorland, but this time there was a good path to follow and no bog trotting required. We missed another checkpoint at Upper Barden Ressie but carried on over the moor getting a decent run in.

The wind was picking up yet more and the descent had begun again, down to Lower Barden Ressie, again on well formed tracks and with the wind behind you, twisting and turning down the moorside and the bits into the wind literally took your breath away, over the ressie and down to checkpoint five for some well earned cake, more tea and biscuits.

The scenery changed again now as we were down into the valley. Passed the ruins of Barden Tower and over a very cute stone bridge, we picked up the river wharf and ran along this for a few miles. Lovely windy river throught the farms and valley countryside. You knew the next climb was soon to come and sure enought we hit Howgill Lane and time to start meandering up the side of the hill. However the little farm track wasn't so bad and took you more along than up. A few little bits of head scratching over which was the right way to go, but we soon hit the next checkpoint and then it was down through the fields and out to the road.

Down a steep tarmacked road before heading back in to the fields and picking up the stream again. A beautiful valley with rock faces either side of you, we got a little lost here and ended up in Trollers Ghyll, the namesake of the race. So glad we did though as it was a stream babbling down through two rock faces and is so called because apparently the trolls used to lie in wait and throw rocks at unsuspecting travellers. We got back on track, started climbing again and across on to more open countryside. We could see a finger post to new road, the next checkpoint (18m, we had been out for 3hr45m and it really didn't feel like it) and there was some debate over the best way to go. We took the wrong way, so had to drop down over the rough moorland and back up again to checkpoint seven for more tea and biscuits. Looking back we couldn't believe how high up you suddenly where, sneaky climbing without even noticing it.

The next part was the hardest part of all. Not terrain wise, i wish it had been less windy becaus it would have been a great run down. We headed down the road and then onto the moorland to cross some fields, but oh wow the wind, it was a continual battle all the way. f you stood still you got blown over and we were running straight into it. There was no respite and we dropped down into a walled track to continue the descent down to the final checkpoint by the river wharf

The final run home was all along the river wharf. There had been tales of this being a bit of a drag, but it was still lovely scenary and took you through the lovely little village of burnsall. The wind wasn't too bad at this point, but not for long. we headed out on the final 3-4 miles back and gradually the wind got stronger and stronger. Euph left us at this point , in need of getting back for an early mothers day lunch... so our trusty navigatior was away but we should have been ok as it was all along the river. Very scenic with little trees and a winding river path. We eventually hit more open gorund though and it was here the wind really started to pick up again. Not to worry one guy said, a couple of twists and turns over a bridge and you are home. Ruth's husband appeared a couple of miles from the end, he had finished in about 3hr45min! and it was good to have some help to work out the exact way back to the village, he jogged alongside us and you it was hard to believe he had also been out and tackled the 25miles. The final road bridge was in sight, off the river and up a little hill into grassington, finally finally there was the school, waiting for us 5hrs after we left and 25m round to reach it, but what a wonderful sight. And a lovely warming meal of chilli and potato wedges waiting for us.

I had a fantastic run, really enjoyed every single minute of it and can't recommend it more. The navigation wasn't so bad, the paths well marked and the climbs not too tough. bring on next year!