Set off before 8 for a double munro outing in bright sunshine this morning. Planned route from Succouth straight up Beinn Narnain over the top and down to the Bealach a' Mhaim then up Beinn Ime returning via the Bealach and the path between the Cobbler and Narnain down to Succouth, about 10 miles & 5000' of ascent.
Weather was so good couldn't get the drive to Succouth over quick enough, sun, blue skies and clouds scudding around on the wind. Bonus at the car park, no-one parked at my rock and the parking ticket machine is out of order.
Set off for the climb up Narnain over 3000' in just over 2 miles. Starts with a steep climb up an old cable railway/stream followed by a short plod to where a stream splashes down rock, pick your way through then its up a series of terraces and gullies. Views open up all around as you climb, a few pics in the galeria. You need to use your hands in a couple of places but nothing dangerous and with a final climb up through the Spearhead your on top.
Finally worked out a short route through the boulder field before a pleasant run down to the Bealach. Over the fence and back to a plod up Ime. Doesn't take long to reach the top but the extra 300' or so means it feels a bit cooler than Narnian. Stop to re-fuel and to take a few more pictures sheltering behind the turret cairn.
Good run back down pausing only to take a bearing (165 degrees) to the Bealach for days when the cloud is down, it is surprisingly hard to pick this out in mist.
Ran across to join the new path at the back of the Cobbler and pushed on through the thickening crowds on their way up, thankful that my climbing was over for the day.
Finished in 3 hrs 5 mins, and sat overlooking Loch Long in glorious sunshine for a few minutes before the drive back.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Ben Lomond Sat 10th May
Annual race up and down Scotlands most Southerly Munro, not to be missed. Starts and finishes beside the Rowardennan Hotel with only 7 miles and 3192' of ascent and descent in between. Saturday was warm and you could see the clouds boiling off the summit as you left Gartocharn on the drive up to the race. Rowardennan is very busy with the junior races beforehand and car park chaos ensues but still managed to get one of the last spaces, registered then relaxed in the sun looking towards Tarbet & the Arrochar Alps beyond.
Race briefing....be kind to the hill walkers, race marshalls and keep to the route, and we were off. The breeze at the start disappeared and I was soon drenched from head to toe with sweat, nothing to do with the wedding I was at yesterday of course. Kept a steady pace on without going into oxygen debt and arrived at the top in 74 mins, a few minutes slower than usual.
Stopped at the top for a drink of water then gloves on for the descent. Steady along the summit ridge and jogged off the summit cone before picking up the pace, although still taking it slower than usual on any of the steep rocky sections. Gradually picked off a few runners in front without pushing too hard but legs still feel dead on the flat sections towards the bottom.
36 minute descent to finish in just under 1 hour 50 mins, 10 mins slower than last year. After the obligatory dook in the loch back to the Rowardennan Hotel for soup, roll and a pint in the sun.
Race briefing....be kind to the hill walkers, race marshalls and keep to the route, and we were off. The breeze at the start disappeared and I was soon drenched from head to toe with sweat, nothing to do with the wedding I was at yesterday of course. Kept a steady pace on without going into oxygen debt and arrived at the top in 74 mins, a few minutes slower than usual.
Stopped at the top for a drink of water then gloves on for the descent. Steady along the summit ridge and jogged off the summit cone before picking up the pace, although still taking it slower than usual on any of the steep rocky sections. Gradually picked off a few runners in front without pushing too hard but legs still feel dead on the flat sections towards the bottom.
36 minute descent to finish in just under 1 hour 50 mins, 10 mins slower than last year. After the obligatory dook in the loch back to the Rowardennan Hotel for soup, roll and a pint in the sun.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Dumyat Wed 7th May
Typical Wed night for this race up and down Dumyat from the grounds of Stirling Uni, perfect conditions clear and sunny, 5 miles and 1250' of ascent. Big field of 250 plus so this is a good one to try if you are new to hill racing with plenty of people in front & behind. With changing in the uni sports centre and showers after a bit woosey compared to normal hill races where it is usually stream, sea or occaisionally a hose!
Started just after 7 and as this was my 1st post Fling race a test to see how well the aches and pains have cleared. Kept it steady on the way up without pushing as hard as usual on this relatively short race, usually sub 50 mins for me.
Got to the top in just under 33 mins and set off down, no real problems but cruised rather than the preferred brain off, brakes off approach. 17:55 down and felt strong but lacking an edge and more cautious than usual. Finished in 50:39.
Left straight after the race, a bit too early to catch the best views of the hills to the North on the road from Stirling to Drymen but still a good night.
Started just after 7 and as this was my 1st post Fling race a test to see how well the aches and pains have cleared. Kept it steady on the way up without pushing as hard as usual on this relatively short race, usually sub 50 mins for me.
Got to the top in just under 33 mins and set off down, no real problems but cruised rather than the preferred brain off, brakes off approach. 17:55 down and felt strong but lacking an edge and more cautious than usual. Finished in 50:39.
Left straight after the race, a bit too early to catch the best views of the hills to the North on the road from Stirling to Drymen but still a good night.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Glen Loin Sun 4th May
After a short run up the Stoneymollen on Friday and suffering no great hardship other than sore feet went for a first post Fling long run on Sunday. Glen Loin, ACW, walked to the top then ran the downhill leg back to succouth. Feet find in road shoes so the trail shoes are taking the blame for sore feet & will not be wearing them running again. Hopefully pick up new Swoops from Pete Bland at Ben Lomond on Saturday.
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