Don’t forget the next Distance League is to be held in Walton on the 7th May 2009. We meet at Jane's and Dave's house in Walton. Park at Walton Sports & Social Club (150 metres from Jane's & Dave's house) - not at the pub. Please arrive early, it's about half a mile to the start.
Entry is £4 as Jane is providing food (£2 for food for non-runners).
Directions to Jane's & Dave's house:Take Barnsley Road A61Turn into Chevet Lane at Three Houses traffic lightsTurn (L) onto Walton Station Lane B6378 to T junction at endTurn (R) onto Greenside then 1st (L) onto Shay LaneCross over mini roundabout, Jane's house is on (L) after speedbumps before zebra crossing. (Number 152), with a white gate.
Park at Walton Sports & Social Club 150 yds after house on (L) (not at pub)
The route itself begins (view map by clicking here) along The Balk, where the road splits, the branch to the left going to Waterton Park hotel and golf club. The Run begins down the right branch.
The run begins gently down-hill until you pass a “no vehicles” sign where it goes into a nasty incline (don’t worry as far as hills go, that’s as bad as it gets). At the top of the hill, you will see a park bench where you turn left.
Run down hill until you reach the disused Barnsley Canal. Cross the bridge and turn right (you have no choice but to turn here because a private house blocks the way).
Run along the track which will soon bear left leading you toward Haw Wood. Enter the wood going straight on, up a short hill until you reach a large clearing.
As soon as you enter the clearing turn right and follow the path, down-hill until you reach the end, where you turn right to cross the canal again. As soon as you cross the canal turn sharp right down the steps onto the canal tow path.
Follow the canal path. It will seem like it goes on forever but eventually you will go under the bridge you used earlier in the run and then you will approach the golf club house (you will know you are near there because it gets brighter and you will see a yellow rape field on your left).
Go toward the steps but turn left just before you reach them in order to join the road to run the short distance to the finish line.
All in all its a beautiful route and you will want to go back to a leisurely walk sometime in order to enjoy the scenery.
