Manawatu Gorge short walk

Hi, This is a question about the day walk through Manawatu Gorge which we are wanting to take our kids on as part of their ramp up as they grow up to longer walks. I’ve read the DOC sites but can’t see what the climb is up to the top of the walk, also if the full walk is 11.2km, how much shorter is it if you come out at the Upper Gorge Bridge. Is this entrance open now with the gorge closed and finally, in terms of steepness, what is the best direction to walk - Ashurst end to Upper Gorge Bridge or the reverse. Many thanks and apologies if this walk is too short for your blog. Our youngest children are seven year old twins so we have been working over a couple of years now to keep extending their range. Thanks, Keston.