It took place mainly in Derbyshire (though it started in Yorkshire and, near the end, made a short detour into Cheshire), in northern England.

It was first held as a Rover Scout event in 1957, but was later opened to other teams of experienced hill walkers and fell runners.

An amount of equipment had to be carried by the team, including survival bags, emergency rations, a first-aid kit, and a group shelter.

The first of the 12 checkpoints was the site of The Isle of Skye Inn, then the route headed south, crossing the flanks of Black Hill.

The route then passed through Chapel-en-le-Frith, White Hall, and the Goyt Valley to the Cat and Fiddle Inn, finally descending to Buxton for the finish.

[4] At most of the checkpoints, hot drinks and sandwiches were given to the competitors, and several Mountain Rescue teams were on hand to ensure their safety.

Travelling lightly laden and without support, they were overtaken by deteriorating weather, including 30 mph winds, heavy rain, and temperatures from 0 to 7 °C above the Snake Pass.