When you reach the now very safe and secure dam wall we divert from our previous route and go clockwise around the reservoir; this begins with a drop down to the foot of the dam before climbing back up to the reservoir level via a number of steps. The reservoir footpath is brilliant trail running terrain but can become greasy at times so good grip trail shoes are a must. After 800 m the short route splits off (5.2 km) and begins a very steep but short climb (300 m) – running is certainly optional up here! The short route then rejoins the long route on Blindside Lane*.

Now it is virtually downhill all the way back to the finish in Low Bradfield. The first section of the descent is on a magnificent easy going wide bridleway with stunning views north, an instant reward for all your effort to get up here! At the end of the bridleway (the feed station point) you cross a small lane before a false flat section along the edge of a plantation brings you to another lane crossing close to Gibraltar Rocks. From there you drop quickly down through a field, which can get a bit muddy, before popping out onto Blindside Lane. 1.7km of easy downhill tarmac follows and 500m into this road section the *short route rejoins – the lane is very narrow in places so CARE! and please keep in single file and be prepared to stop. This will be familiar to anyone who knows the old route. At the end of the road section it is over a stile before you contour through a number of fields (care – can be muddy at times) before popping out on Plumpton Lane – a wide gravel track. You then continue to follow the old route down to School Bridge but instead of turning right for a loop of Damflask reservoir (as we did previously) you head over the bridge and back into the village with the very final section up through the memorial field (weather permitting) to finish just outside the village hall.

If you have never visited this area of the North Eastern Peak District before you are in for a real treat!