There were two options: Go around, or down and up. The Doctor was certainly not going to attempt down and up. Even at the best of times it would be a poor choice for him, and tired, bruised, and near exhaustion was certainly no time to test his luck. So he went for around, much like others.

At least everyone was tired enough that keeping up wasn't a huge concern.

"Rules of the universe, my friend," he answered with a soft chuckle, eyes scanning the ground as he followed the edge of the ravine. "Couldn't ever make things easy on you, now could it?"