Mud, steep rocky ascents and descents
The important thing to notice is the loop. It's a road then uphill trail start. You will then run one loop for the Stairway to Heaven, and two loops for the Half Marathon before running back to the start the way you came. This loop is new for 2018 (adapted and improved from the old Stairway to Heaven course.)
To follow the loop: At the top of the steep part of Ramsden Road, turn sharp left downhill through a gate. Drop down a rough grassy path for about 200m then follow a path that contours to the right along the hillside. Follow the path past the farm, along a few trees. The path then turns sharp left at a stream gulley and heads up to the road. Go straight across the road, carry on and then turn left at the crossroads at a vehicle track. Carry on up hill then turn right at Weather Hill Lane. Follow this straight and then turn right at West Gate. The path then goes through a wood (crossing a stream) and then comes out along the side of a wood. When you hit the vehicle track turn left and continue downhill until you find a small path that cuts through the heather down Reynards Clough to Holme Styes Res. At the Res, turn right and then immediately climb up Hades Clough (steep path.) Turn left at the junction with the main first road and follow this back to the main road. Turn right on the road and continue uphill and then down Linshaws Road and White Gates Lane until you can turn left down Ramsden Road. Follow the road back to complete the loop.
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