An undulating route of about 12 miles and 5000' total ascent. There are two main climbs, the first one up Beinn Dubh and the second from Sith Mor to Doune Hill. Overall distance depends on navigation particularly the drop into Sith Mor. Run mainly on paths apart from the drop into & out of Sith Mor.
Snow level from about 1500'.
Set off at 8:30 in the sun from the bottom of Glen Luss on the 2000' climb up Beinn Dubh. From there it's a 1 1/2 mile jog undulating round Coire ne h-Eanachan and Coire Carlaig before plunging 1200' down into Sith Mor.
The 2nd big climb, 1700' up to Doune Hill, includes trying to catch a deer! The last 200' pretty much covered in snow and ice demanding concentration in the strong winds. The snow varies depending on the aspect of the slope to the prevailling wind from solid frozen where you crunch in less than an inch to thigh deep in the space of a few feet.
From Doune Hill a good run down to Beinn Lochan and a then bit of care required up into the deeper snow & ice on the narrow ridge to Beinn Eich.
The 1800' drop off Beinn Eich starts in snow until the slope steepens. Below the snow line it's mostly firm due to the cold semi frozen ground, boggy bit at the bottom as usual, easy 2 mile jog down Glen Luss back to sanctuary of the car.
Carried full wind/waterproof body cover and thermal hat/gloves, not needed as long as you keep moving. Feet damp due to snow and mud, again ok as long as you keep moving.
Good run in fine conditions, 5 or 10 mins short of 4 hrs, some pictures in the Gallery.
No comments:
Post a Comment