Glen Loin Snow 20th Dec

Glen Loin run starting anti clockwise but leaving at the top of the Glen via the Bealach A Mhaim, returning back to Succouth on the path between the Cobbler and Narnain, 11 miles 3200 FOA.

Woke up to a steady snowfall and decided not to run, had breakfast and thought why not, the road was difficult until Luss then it cleared maybe because its close to the Loch. Started running about an hour later than usual, not a lot of wind, mixture of cloud, sun and blue skies.

Followed three sets of footprints for the run up Glen Loin, walking the steepest parts of the hills, a bit too icy to run in places. Alpenglow on the mountain tops but the contrast with the trees too much for the phone camera. The lower glen was quiet with little wind, breath and footsteps the only sound. Caught a glimpse of the 3 in front as I came out the trees on the approach to Corriegrogan.

The upper glen always a bit different and the wind strengthened as the track climbed, caught Santa and a couple of his elves just before the last steep climb up to the dissapearing river, walked up and had a blether and a wee slip or two in the snow before pushing on, they couldn't be tempted with a run up the Bealach.

Steady run up to the end of the track, hard work in the snow, blue skies tempting a run up Ben Ime, paused at the end of the track and lucky to look back towards a bright Ben Vane.

The climb up to the Bealach is trackless over ditches and tussocks but the ground is frozen today which helps keep my feet dry, just had to keep knocking the snow off before it melted and chilled.

Stop for a drink and a breath in the lee of the hill near the top. Didn't fancy the swamp so took a left over the fence, feet still fine and as warm as could be expected. The Cobbler grows as you approach the top.

Thankfully the cloud has closed in on the tops putting paid to any thought of a quick visit. A walker or two visible just below the cloud line on each of the three surrounding slopes.

Traverse over the Bealach trying to keep to any track that I can find, my right foot sinks in up to the knee followed by the obligatory freezing sensation. Run on nice and easy with no more freezing. Stop for a quick picture with the sun appearing behind the Cobbler.

One good aspect of the man made path is that it's well drained, still not the best conditions for a fall and take it nice and easy as the path snakes its way down past the Narnain Boulders.

The lower tracks zig zag to reduce the gradient, ok apart from some black ice, spotted the first with only minor evasive break dancing, the second takes me out, luckily no lasting damage or witness to my ungainly sprackle.

Finished what turned out to be a cracking run in 2 hours 48 and seconds, some pics in the Galleria.

PWWHSM Sun 13th Dec

Circuit of the Vale, Pappert Well, Whinney Hill then Stoneymollen, 17 miles and 3200 FOA. Forecast dry, misty and cold.

Four of us set out at eight towards Pappert Well as dawn broke over the Lang Crags, approaching the trig point we popped out above the mist for great views all round. A few pictures and a few awwws and we were off back down into the cold mist.

Took a detour at the style, instead of following the path into the valley, we ploughed through the fields and over the golf course to come out on Auchencarroch road, jogged through the Haldane up Molanbowie Road past the entrance to Balloch Park and took a right turn up the track to Whinney Hill where we met another group of Millies out for their Sunday constitutional. Whinney Hill too low to break through the mist so we didn't stop for long in the chill before taking the path round into Balloch Park.

Stoneymollen starts with the usual trundle past the kennels then as the slope eases pick it up to a jog, gradually coming out the mist. Stopped for a few more pictures at the 2nd gate.

Then a last push up to the top of Bromley Muir in bright sunshine looking down on the clouds over Loch Lomond and the Firth of Clyde, stopped for some more pictures at the trig point.

Followed the Stoneymollen race route back to finish in 4 hours 4 minutes. A few more pictures in the Galleria.

PWSM Sat 5th

Not a form of torture but a run over Pappert Well followed by Stoneymollen, 14 miles & 2200 FOA. Ran from my house towards Bonhill as a murky dawn broke over the Vale.

Ran up the side of Pappert and onto the open hill following the track to the trig point. Low clouds scudding up the Leven valley in the breeze. Descent via the narrow trod straight down from the trig point to rejoin the path. Climbed the fence after the style and round the edge of a field to avoid damaging the turnips or whatever they were, its winter again, feet freezing.

Back on the road for a trudge to the bottom of the Stoneymollen, ran past the golf course, through Jamestown and Balloch.

Steady up the Stoney and into the low cloud, a pause at the gate then off into the swampy moor, feet began to freeze again. Traversed along the moor and ran down back out the cloud through the quarry and across Carman road. The track takes me round behind the reservoir dropping back into the Vale at the back of the Renton, a combination of field and grassy verge along the bypass keeps me off road and home in just under 2 hours 50.

Quiet run, especially in the cloud on the Stoney, no one on either hill, felt hard after a hilly week, road shoes maybe didn't help either.

Ardgarten 29th Nov

There were 4 of us who set out on an anticlockwise Ardgarten loop, 20 miles with over 4000 FOA. Almost all on forest roads apart from a mile or so into Lochgoilhead and the last couple of miles. Conditions dry and a bit colder than recent weeks but with some sun breaking through to warm the bones as we went round.

The start is a 45 minute plod up forest tracks until you are level with the top of the R&BT then a left turn to run down towards Lochgoilhead.

Following the track behind Lochgoilhead nice views to the hills above Drumsynie.

Pleasant run down Loch Goil side until the track up & over the Dukes Pass, ran the hills and walked some of the flats, reached the top and pushed on through the undulating track to Corran Lochan.

The 7 or so miles back up Loch Long, good rolling track but not my favourite to finish a run, you can see too much distance to where you are going. Finished on 4 hours.

Arrochar Trail run

17 miles was on the schedule and after disruptive influences disappeared 17 undulating miles it was. A run from Succoth along the forest tracks to Glen Croe, and on up the old Rest and Be Thankful road. A couple of left turns at the top took us back onto forest tracks towards Ardgarten but we cut off onto the Cat Craig Loop eventually arriving at Ardgarten from the opposite side. Ran back to Succoth via the lower forest track.

Got it dry for the first couple of hours, rain getting steadily worse in the last hour. We completed the 17 miles and 3400 FOA in just over 3 1/2 hours, 15 or so minutes quicker than last year.

Balloch Park Cross Country

Annual Balloch Park Cross Country, 3 laps round the central bit of the park, about 4 1/2 or so miles. Stormy forecast but lady luck shone down on what was my 10th go in a row at this race. Dry, little wind and not many swampy bits which was a let off given the recent rain.

14 of us set out just after 10, determined not to go off too fast I soon settled into a steady plod then got slower on each lap to finish in just under 38 mins.

Before the off....

Sat 14th Nov

Afternoon run today an out and back up Beinn Dubh and along the ridge past the two corries, about 7 or so miles with 2200 FOA. Half a plan to drop down Mid Hill to the valley floor and cross over for a return down the other side of the Glen but wind on the ridge made for hard going and I took the easy option, back along the ridge.

Wind picked up with height and blew a few holes in the cloud, Conic Hill lit up in the distance....

A few minutes later and the sun shone on the Vale...

Not another soul on the hill today, unusual for these accessible hills provide a challenge and great views without too much risk.

The wind meant a changing vista, not so sunny Conic Hill...

Along the ridge a few puddles and troughs are a quick cold feet reminder to keep moving. Took it nice and easy, stopping at any sheltered spots to take in the changing views. Round the corries to the top of Mid Hill and wind now the boss with a short detour to pick up my hat before being blown back along the ridge.

Tentative descent on the sodden ground to finish in just over 2 hours.

Ardmore Sun 8th Nov

Another long run this weekend, my New Balance 913's having done a shocking 700 miles I was only running if I got new shoes. So after traipsing round 6 of Glasgow's so called sports shops on Saturday I came home armed with a pair of old model Nike Pegasus 2S's dragged out from the back of shop number 6 from the unsaleable shoe pile.

Sunday morning and bargain shoes straight out the box we set off for 15 or so miles along the Kipperoch to Cardross, down Peel Street over the railway line to the shore and a nice muddy circuit of Ardmore before the up and up undulations of the Red Road past the Black Third farm and over Stoneymollen to the Vale.

Shoes ok for my first non New Balance Road Shoes in a few years, cheapish they may have been but when you take in lunch at Tiso's, juniors two hats and a belt from Burton's and celebratory tea in Cucina's maybe they weren't so cheap after all. That said they didn't make my sair legs any mair sair and apart from being a wee bit tired new shoes have again saved the day.

TW3

A busy weekend began on Friday night and I found myself driving a 17 seater minibus from the Vale to the New Lanark Visitor Centre for a Wedding Reception. A late night luckily fuelled by Irn Bru.

Saturday's expedition was to Aviemore for the final race in the SHR Championship. The Meall a'Bhuachaille race, a new one to me, about 7 miles and 2100 FOA. Good field of over 200 runners meant no shortage of competition for all. Run on forest roads, heathery paths and some man made hard packed paths with rocky steps, rocky steps ok for walkers but not so good for runners esp downhill.

After a heathery climb got chased off the first hill by a skeleton, more heather and narrow trods to the beallach at the bottom of the second climb up MaB, joined the man made path on the way to the top. Took the heather on the way back down to the Beallach, a bit easier on the feet and faster.

Re-joined a man made path here, you just feel somehow that there's less grip, just to prove a point the guy in front scored a 10 with his attempted face plant onto the path, ouch, coming to rest a couple of inches short of one of the cross ditch boulders. At the bottom of the hill onto road/forrest road for a 1 1/2 mile gently undulating run to the finish.

Before the drive home we sat down to sandwiches and homebaking courtesy of the race organisers, Highland Hill Runners. Good race even though it was more trail than hill and good value at a fiver.

Plenty of pictures, from Action Heroes and Steve Fallon.

Don't do many road races but on Sunday set off for the annual club outing to the Half Marathon in Fort Bill, in another minibus, this time with JR at the wheel, he did really well to avoid the artic at the top of LL!

This is an out and back race, start and finish in An Aird along the road to the Isles. A few runners looking for about 1:45 which is round about 8 min mile pace. Set out to try to get them to about 10 miles on target then leave them to it.

First mile 7:40, too quick but better than the usual 6:40! Relaxed for the second mile but still clicked by in 7 mins, oops, eased back and 8:20 for the third before settling to 8 min miles give or take a few secs.

Turned in just under 53 mins keeping nice and relaxed until 9 miles, then had to work a bit harder to maintain the pace, making a conscious effort to keep on target until 12 miles, somehow the last mile felt easier with a slippy run thru the shinty park to finish in 1:44:50.

The crux of the race is the minibus back home, coolbags to empty of beer, a fish suppper at Tyndrum and a Dram at the Drovers.

Ben Lomond Sun 25th

Forecast was for a weather window Sun am where the winds would subside & rain ease, ha. Left Rowardennan car park just after 8:30 light showers and a wee bit windy, 3 of us, the other 2 were 1st time Munroers.

Started off at a quick pace to get the blood flowing and warm up. Soon settled back into a steady pace taking the steeper bits nice and easy. Once clear of the forest very little shelter from the wind made for a noisy run.

Stuck to the tourist path on the way up, it would have been a bit cruel to go off into the softer stuff.

From the halfway plateau the wind really kicked in, ok as it was pretty constant rather than big gusts. Ran easy across the plateau to the last big climb onto the summit ridge. By now the wind was a bit stronger but still manageable, ran along the summit ridge and climbed up the last steep slope before grabbing onto the trig point for a few seconds.

My companions faces a picture as they moved Sloth like across the summit trying to make out they were part of the ground.

Steady jog down, took it nice and slow at the corners and rocky parts, pleasant run once off the summit cone, stayed on the tourist path all the way down.

Good run apart from some stinging rain on the way up, it took us 90 mins up and 53 or so down, 2 hrs 23 all in, home for lunch.

Glen Loin Sun 18th Oct

Longest run since the 20 miler at the end of August. This week turned out to be a 16 mile 3000 FOA run from Ardgarten via the high track to Glen Loin, a clockwise loop round Glen Loin then back to Ardgarten via the low track.

Low cloud, not too much wind, but persistent rain, however, managed to stay reasonably warm until the last couple of miles. Steady pace round and we all managed to run the hills including the fun 1000 feet in four miles from Succouth to the Glen Loin ford / turning point.

All in 3 hours 22 mins and passed a few other walkers and runners out in the dreich conditions.

Piperdam Oct 09

Mon to Fri spent at Piperdam in one of the Vegas Exec lodges, managed a couple of runs on the surrounding hills, plenty of interesting wildlife, Rabbits, Pheasants (hunners), loads of Duck, a Heron, a Deer and 2 Rainbow Trout, but thats another story.

Facilities first class even though we had to meddle with the heating, lucky it was a mild week. The lodge has a Snooker Table along with a Sauna and Hot Tub, used the Snooker Table.

Managed a game of golf on the Piperdam course between Budweisers and the odd Tequila! A nice get away from it all break with no contact with the outside world. A few pictures from Thursdays run in the Galleria.

Manor Water Sat 10th Oct

First go at this race a 10 mile 2200 FOA out and back run through the rolling Borders Hills. The race is combined with a sheepdog trial and was set up by a farmer keen on fell running. The start is a few miles from Peebles.

Arrived in plenty of time driving over familiar territory from family fishing trips 30 odd years ago. Turned off the main road between the remains of a railway bridge before crossing a hump back bridge over the Tweed. The fishermens cars clogging the narrow road.

Sharing the day with the sheepdog trial meant better facilities than your average hill race, registration was in a horse box, a Marquee set up with tables and food, toilets.

Waiting for the race to start and stood in the Autumn sunshine watching the Sheepdogs working hard to pen their flock.

The race is gently undulating and starts at Woodhouse farm, up through a couple of fields and onto the John Buchan Way, then a left turn to pick up a Landrover track ascending Whiteknowe and Whitelaw hills. a short down & up through Dead Wifes Grave, traverse over and round Hunt & Breach Law's before the stagger up the Scrape, you had to call out your number to the marshall at the top, got mine wrong!

Reached the top of the scrape on the hour, turned for the mostly downhill run back, running off the Scrape was ok, passing the runners behind and catching the runner in front, then he passed me on the next uphill and I couldn't catch him again. Struggled to lift the pace from then on, perhaps feeling the previous weeks races and reps, still it was a beautiful sunny day, easy terrain, a delight to run.

Bottle of the sponsors, Broughton Brewery, Greenmantle Ale to all finishers and quite tasty it is.

This race is the first of a weekend double the Pentland Skyline the other a 16 mile 6000 FOA trek, not this year, but I'll def be back to give this race a go with better preparation and then maybe the Sunday PS. Finished 60th of 86 in 1 hour 40 mins.

Horseshoe Race Sun 4th Oct

It was always going to be a hard one after yesterday's Ben Venue race but looked out the curtains to a sunny blue sky day. First off at 10 then watched and waited until my start. Set off along the main streeet towards Balloch, not too fast, felt ok.

The first climb starts in the middle of Balloch and undulates upwards for about 2 miles up onto the Horseshoe at Ballagan. The next couple of miles are almost flat then a gentle descent followed by a short steep climb up to the Tee junction and turn for home. A runner passed me near the top of the climb and then it felt like I was going backwards for the next mile or so. Only after the highest point on the route did I get any drive back into my legs.

The next couple of miles have some steep downhill parts before returning into the Vale at the bottom of Auchencarroch road, a mile or so to go and with my first look at the watch realised I had 8 1/2 mins if I was to sneak under 80 minutes, no chance, tried to push it but still ended up over 81 minutes.

Tea and biscuits to finish in the sun, photos here, as usual we runners get the best of the day.

Bella Ben Venue

Sat 3rd Oct and a new race starting off the road to Loch Katrine running up Gleann Riabhach on forrest roads and paths. Once out the forrest the route was to run up the shoulder of Ben Venue then along the ridge over its two tops, drop down to a Beallach then back up onto Creag a' Bhealach before plunging back down into the forrest for a roller coaster run back to the start.

That was the plan, the weather had other ideas, Mountain Rescue advised they couldn't stand up on the ridge and the race was cut back from 8 miles/3000 FOA to an out and back to the Beallach, 6 1/2 miles & 1800 FOA. It was no more than breezy at the start & off we went.

The first 2 1/2 miles through the forrest climbing about 1100' but runnable. Once out the forrest the fun started, the Ben Venue hill walkers route is a bit of a swamp on a good day and with 600' of ascent in under 3/4 of a mile hard work all the way.

As we turned the corner approaching the turning point the wind hit, running hard with no forward movement, knocked sideways then backwards, maybe the MR team got it right! Clawed my way to the cairn in 46 mins and turned for home, good fun with the wind at your back.

The run down to the forrest was fast but tricky through the bogs with some steep rocky sections to test your brakes, took a few plunges into gunky brown muck but only one fall crossing a stream.

Back into the forrest on rubber legs after the hard descent off the hill, lean forward and give it a go, a few streams to jump and the odd short sharp uphill to break your rhythm. 26 minute descent to finish in 47th place.

Tea, coffee, sandwiches and loads of cakes after, another reason Hill Runners do it with a smile, super race which the Bella H say will be run again next year, hopefully the full route.

Results, pictures and more pictures.

SHR Write up.

September Weekend

Make the most of the holiday weekend, and I did, slept in for Saturday's run, left 1 1/2 hours late. A nice steady run on a fine morning, the Three Parks run plus Whinney Hill, took a 5 minute break at the viewpoint looking across Inchmurrin on Loch Lomond to Glens Finlas and Luss. Monday rain and wind ideal for a wee run up the Stoney, long CW route up the giant steps round behind Carman reservoir, through the quarry and along to the top of the Stoneymollen. Reached it in just under 53 mins so happy enough. Quick run down and home along the bypass.

Merrick Sun 20th Sept

After a poorly attended race last year Merrick returned to its traditional September date and route. Its 95 miles from the Vale to the Heart of Glentrool and the start a few yards from Bruces Stone. The route is an 8 or 9 mile loop round a few Galloway Hills with over 3000 FOA in between.

The away from it all feeling grows as you go from the Vale, through Paisley, down the A77 past Kilmarnock and Ayr, the huge plug of Ailsa Craig appearing as you pass the Turnberry Estate. At Girvan a few miles further on you leave the coast for the 20 or so miles of twists and turns through forrest to Glentrool.

The forrest is a welcome contrast to the urban mess you have driven through to get there. After registering I take a seat for a few minutes on Bruces Stone in the sun with Loch Trool sparkling below.

A quick race briefing with some minor route changes to appease the National Trust and we're off and running for about 20 yards before the first steep climb. A short one it's about 12 minutes before you can get running again, 3 or 4 impatient runners pass me near the top.

After this first short sharp climb, the steepest of the race, the field of 37 strings out as I settle into what I hope is an appropriate effort level. On the way up Bennan, the 2nd hill, another 4 pass but I'll catch them before the end.

The route undulates up all the way to Merrick with the climb up Ben Yellary the longest in the race. Pick off one of the overtakers here then push on down the Neive of the Spit, the smooth turf gives you the chance to check out the glorious scenery without falling over. Keep a steady jog up most of Merrick slowly reeling in a couple in front but they turn at the top before I can catch them.

After the loop round the summit Trig Point, 73 minutes, the initial descent is via a broad spur, put the hammer down and pass the two in front before the tricky run off into the glen which is a traditional Galloway tussock fest, best advice is slow down and don't fall over too many times.

A narrow path leads out the glen onto the 1 1/2 mile long undulating ridge leading back towards Loch Trool. Occaisonal glimpses of one runner ahead, try not to watch him just keep the effort levels up. Catch and overtake him on the the last descent off Buchan Hill then nearly miss the path back to the road.

Run past a seized up runner struggling in the last 150 yards, a delightful 45 degree uphill sprint finish. Run time 2 hours 10 minutes and 22nd out of 37. A few photos on the SHR Flickr site. See you there next year.

Stoneymollen double

With the barometer rising the best weekend for a while so had to get out on some sort of hill. Limited time to run so managed two short runs.

Saturday, ran along to the giant steps and up behind the Carman reservoir, then the usual trek along sheep tracks and paths through the quarry and onto Carman and Bromley moors. Great views of the Clyde and Loch Lomond, both covered in pleasure boats all taking advantage of the beautiful day. Met a few walkers taking it all in. Ran along to the top of Stoneymollen ariving in 58 minutes and all that means. Down the Stoney and along the bypass, back home in 80 mins.

Sunday ran over to Cardross. Ran up the road to the radio mast then onto the hill through chest high bracken and managed to surprise a ditch or two eventually coming out behind the quarry. Half way down the quarry took the farm roads into the back of Cardross, 65 minute run arriving just in time for tea.

Ben Nevis

A bit damp when we arrived at Glen Nevis campsite on Friday night. Put up the trusty Vango on the least squelchy piece of ground we could find and set off to Morrisons for provisions. Emerged £50 lighter with a bag full of cereal, milk, rolls, pasta, cheese and beer.

Lashed all night. Up at nine and after a big breakfast went to registration,bought a hat to keep the rain off. Back to the tent for more food, pasta and rolls and the occaisonal look outside to check how low the clouds were.

Down to Claggan Park for the race, lots of people hiding in the changing rooms to the last possible moment. The MC kept advising full body cover required, wind speed 20 mph on top, wind chill of -3 and visibility down to 50 feet. Didn't sound too bad compared to the usual Sunday mornings in Arrochar or Luss.

Over 470 runners set off for a lap round the field and onto the road, reached Achintee in 9 minutes. Felt fine on the tourist track going along Melantee, the short cuts a tad muddy. Going round into the Red Burn gulley the windy corner was windy. The climb up to cross the Red Burn and the mud kicked in.

Reached the Red Burn in about 55 mins, just happy to be there.

From the Red Burn it gets steeper, initially on narrow muddy tracks then through boulders, the odd landslide to cope with due to the volume of water. Some of the moving rocks mansized, def not to be sneezed at.

At the top of the RB the gradient eases and found I could run again, obviously not trying hard enough. Dodging the runners coming down and reached the top in 105 mins.

Turned for home, gloves on, pushing hard as the gradient increased flew past quite a few, felt great. Back down beside the RB and big gradients, boulders and a scree slurry flowing underfoot, eased back and had to time the overtaking moves to avoid a few crashes.

Seemed like no time and I arrived back at half way point and the unfavourite Grassy Bank, 800 feet of slippy slidey grassy muck, usual torrid time, overtaken by ladies, good grief, must do better. A few bumslides, a few crab crawls then slip bang into the RB and it was over.

All that was left was an easy run back along Melantee then the last mile or so of lovely road and a celbratory run round the Claggan pitch. Tried a couple of short cuts along Melantee, the first a small cliff, ouch ouch cramp, lost some time, great short cut. The second a mud chute, could hardly run for laughing, maybe gained 5 yards.

Steady run down to Achintee for the wibbly wobbly leg run on the tarmac to Claggan. Felt fine, so more effort required, a day to enjoy rather than flat out kamikaze. Finished in 2:42 and 352nd place out of 464 finishers.

Never let it be said!

Stoneymollen Sat 29th Aug

Sun came out and I just had to go for a nice easy run this afternoon, so that I did not get a row at this weeks club nights gave Jimmy a call to see if he wanted to go - he did!

7 or 8 miles with 1000'+ of ascent, the route picks up the Giant steps and tracks leading to the back of the Carman reservoir, run round to & through the quarry up the steep track onto the hill behind. Run along the undulating Overton and Bromley Muirs to the top of the Stoneymollen for the steep run back down towards Balloch, along the road to the Vale to finish.

Jimmy on Pudding Rock - WHW - hope you are pleased with the picture :)

Ardgarten Sun 23rd Aug

Five of us turned up to run the Ardgarten loop. Agreement already reached on a clockwise run by way of a bit of gurning. The day started wet and stayed wet but not too much wind to chill the bones on the plod round, over and about the 20 miles with 4000' of ascent on forrest and cycle tracks with 2 or 3 miles of road just to annoy you.

The first 6 or 7 miles take you along Loch long undulating upwards to the path over the Dukes pass. The Dukes Pass is a couple of miles of slight up then back down to Loch Goil side.

A two mile run takes you to Lochgoilhead, then a couple of miles nice and flat but on horrible road.

A steady 3 mile climb takes you almost to the top of the Rest and Be Thankful for the 4 mile mostly downhill run to Ardgarten.

Ran most of the hills then walked until the hill walkers caught up, finished in just under four n half hours. Rain finally went off for us to change. As its summer the info hut was open for a refuel of crisps, fullfat Irn Bru and a boost.

5k Race, Thurs 20th Aug

First Club 5k race tonight, starting on Old Luss Road at the back entrance to Cameron House, through Lomond Shores to the path running along the Leven, onto the cycle path and finishing just past the Vake Academy. Overall downhill course with no major ups or downs, finished in 21:23 the same time as my first 5k, the Dunky Wright earlier this year.

Lomonds of Fife, Sun 16th Aug

A nice wee race to finish off this years summer holidays, 11 miles and 3400' of ascent. The race starts near the Bunnet Stane with a climb up West Lomond, run along to East Lomond via the Monument then back via the Fort to West Lomond for the bumslide and run in to the finish, unusual for a hill race a water station is included.

The first climb is about 20 minutes or so - for me - about turn and run half way back down before traversing to the right gradually descending via a series of narrow tracks to pick up an undulating forrest road for a mile or two towards East Lomond.

The exit from the forrest road is well marked with tape and takes you up a narrow path through the forrest to the Monument checkpoint, follow the marked path on through the forrest and onto the track which runs between the two Lomond Hills.

The route to East Lomond is all runnable apart from the short sharp climb at the end. At the Trig Point about turn and run back towards West Lomond, a short detour is marked to take you to the next checkpoint, Maiden Castle, a big grassy mound. From the Castle a short run across pathless moorland back to the track to West Lomond, runnable except for the last short climb to the top.

From the top a short run to the top of the descent gully where I managed to overtake 3 people lying on my back, some run down this but sliding is faster.

Finished in just over 2 hours 20, my slowest of three attempts at this race, but not by much as they have all been within 40 seconds. After the race its back to Strathmiglo village hall for tea and some food.

A good intro to medium hill races, rolling hills with no big climbs or technical parts, the twists and turns are well marked with tape so you can't really get lost.

Left the Vale in rain and low cloud but by race time sun and blue skies, a strong wind the only problem on the way back from East to West Lomond. Pictures here give you some idea of the terrain, if you want to see the bumslide before you try search for Lomonds of Fife on YouTube, a few Swedish runners had spotted this and flew over to join in the fun.

Lossiemouth Aug 09

Annual holiday in Lossie at Silver Sands, yes the one in the news with the scam Caravan Sales. The Site was the busiest we had seen it in the last 10 years. Weather good as it always is in the magic circle...forecast rain, showers etc, actual sun, sun, sun.

Ran every couple of days, 2 hour clifftop run to Hopeman and back was the longest, a couple of easy 5 mile beach runs and 3 hill rep runs, all finished with a swim in the sea.

There were 14 of us.....


As well as shopping in Tesco, Chinese Buffets and watching the jets we partook in all the usual Lossie activities;

Watching the sunset....


The Beach.....about 3 or 4 miles long with a nice wee track up a hill at the end to take you onto the clifftops and the Moray Coastal Trail, perfect for hill reps.


Andrews 15th birthday....poor wee lamb, 9 out of his last 10 birthdays have been in a tent at Lossie


Golf, a round at nearby Hopeman, a links course where we saw former Open Champ Paul Lawrie playing in an exhibition match, Andrew is teeing off at the par 3 12th, "Prieshach"....


Duffus Castle....


Who will be back next year, will they let us in, these and other interesting questions may be answered when we feel like it.

Luss Highland Games, Sun 26th July

After yesterday perfect weather woke up to low cloud and rain not the best for the two hill races at Luss Highland Games. The local race goes about half way up and down Cruach Dhubh, the open race all the way up and down.

First the Local race, five runners appeared, one from the club, one real runner, me and two others. Set off in third or fourth place reaching the turning point in third. Soon caught the guy in front who then tried a short cut through head high ferns, wrong decision. Couldn't see him so kept the gas on as I ran round the same ferns, managed to gain a hundred or so yards advantage by the time I caught sight of him again.

Steady run through the maze of paths back towards the games field to finish, just over 20 minutes, a comfortable second and £15.

The Open race a couple of hours later usually attracts a much bigger field of 15 plus runners, this year only seven runners and Tommy the Greenock fundraising clown. The weather probably to blame although the sun was making an effort to break through by race time.

Set off near the back the first five pulling away round the games field. Onto the hill and nothing for it but head down and push, ran where I could. No paths on the upper half of the hill through deep tussocks and more ferns, just under 25 minutes to the top.

Turned with a big gap in front and behind, cut the gap in front to about 30 yards as we came off the hill but then lost about 50 in the flat run in to finish sixth in just over 35 mins.

Arrochar Alps Sat 25th July

Sunny day with a nice breeze to keep the flying beasties at bay. Running with Jimmy, after his WHW success, a nice wee run to break him in gently, 12 miles, 2 munros and 5000 feet of ascent. A CW run to the disappearing river in Glen Loin, up Beinn Ime from behind then straight over Beinn Narnain via Bealach a Mhaim.



This was the 1st choice route for the day and with no audible objections we began the long slow jog up Glen Loin to the disappearing river. As we came out of the trees, just before the river, we climbed left up steep slopes into the valley between Vane and Ime. An amble along narrow tracks beside the river towards Lag Uaine until just past the gnarly ridge. Steep climb beside the ridge to pop up on a small col on the eastern side of Ime's two summits. A quick traverse along to the top for a wee break.

Ran off Beinn Ime at an easy pace down to the Beallach a Mhaim then straight across onto the twisting path up Beinn Narnain. Steady plod over a couple of false summits then hopefully the shortest route through the boulder field to the summit plateau.

Left the summit with a scramble through the spearhead for the 3000 feet in a couple of miles descent down the steep twisty path, a series of lumps, bumps and gullies, before the dreaded concrete block filled stream that used to be the Cobbler access path.

We came out onto the forrest road above the car park for an easy jog down via the jaccuzzi to clean the muck off. Days like this are meant for the mountains with views for miles, Ben Lui and beyond to the north, Arran and Ailsa Craig to the south. About 4 hrs 40.

Melantee and Pappert Well

Couple of races over the past week or so.

Sat 11th July a short SHR race on Meall an t Suidhe or Melantee as it is pronounced, even though you only run up an outlier called Creag a Chail. This is the hill behind Fort William to the right of the porridge pipes and to the left of Ben Nevis.

One of the top ten steepest hill races in Scotland, all in 3 1/2 miles and 1500' of ascent, take away the run out and back to Claggan Park and the climb of 1500' is contained within about a mile and a half. Spent the morning sunbathing in Glen Nevis Camp Site looking at the Ben so too hot by race time, my excuse anyway! Ran well to the base of the hill, guts ran out about half way up and let a few overtake that I normally pass. About 53 mins overall with a slow 37 mins up and 16 down.

Thursday 16th July, the club's annual Pappert Well race, just over 5 miles and close to 1000' of ascent. Finished faster than last year but a wee bit slower than hoped for. Pushed hard for the first 1/3 then laziness kicked in and eased off slightly as I could without losing any places. Through the trees after the trig point a bit more effort now and pushed a bit harder down what is the remnants of a track, overtook a few on the way back and overtaken by one! Finished with a wee social thanks once again to our hosts Pete & Mo.

Dollar Hill Race Sat 4th July

Start and finish beside the Dollar Academy Cricket pavillion, in between 9 miles and 3000' of rolling Ochil hillls. Seven of them with no big climbs or descents. Ninety plus field meant a wide range of standards, the winner in 73 mins, the third fastest ever, the last over 3 hours.

The first half mile on road and park leads to Dollar Glen where the hill and main climb of the race starts. Jog walk up over Saddle Hill to Whitewisp and the breeze kept the flies away as you climbed. The run West to Tarmangie & Skythorn a nice undulating trail with a couple of fences to jump.

At Andrew Gannel its a 180 degree turn for the run back over Kings Seat and finally Bank Hill before the last half mile of park and road.

Thankful for the cold showers before an idillic lunch on the pavillion balcony, sandwiches, tea and home baking in amongst the buzz of happy runners. SHR pictures here.

Arrochar Alps Sat 27th June

Thought I better get this report done befor the next outing, Arrocahr Alps race, 4 munros, about 15 miles and 8000' of climbing, SHR Championship counter. There are 3 cut off times, 1st one 2 1/2 hours to the Sloy Dam after a quick up and down Ben Vorlich, 3 1/2 hours to Lag Uaine the col between Ben Vane & Ime, 4 3/4 hours to Beallach a' Mhaim.

Neraly 100 set off up Glen Loin in cloudy/warm conditions. Plan was to go out steady and reach the dam in about 2 hours, 3 hrs 15 to Lag Uaine and should be ok to complete.

Arrived at the dam spot on within a minute even though it was a bit claggy on top of Vorlich which meant people came out the mist from all directions trying to find the checkpoint, been there often enough so no probs. Took it easy on the descent losing a wee bit of time in the steep slopes just above the dam.

Soon back into the mist climbing Ben Vane, visibility really poor, down to aboout about 20 or 30 yards, no visual clues as to the location of the summit or any other runners. Found a gully which ran on the correct bearing and after a bit of a delay hit the summit ridge but on the wrong side! Lost about 15 or 20 mins but should be ok for the next check.

Left the summit of Vane and runners who I was behind coming from all directions looking for the summit. Unsettled by the different directions people were going and started to question where I was going, a bit unsure so sat down for a couple of minutes to ponder before returning to Vane Summit, another 10 minutes lost and no chance of making the next check time decided to give up, my first DNF.

Jogged back to the start via Glen Loin for soup and rolls, I'll have a few more bearings writtem down next time.

Ben Sheann Wed 17th June

Waiting for the start the midgies had their anual pre midsummer bloodfest that is the Ben Sheann Hill Race. The village was blessed with a nice breeze but the startline is well sheltered behind the trees.

About 2 1/2 miles with the 1400' climb in a mile to start tried to get on the gas from the start and keep it there. Good steady climb through the forrest to a nice breezy summit in under 23 mins.

The descent about 1/2 a mile longer as it drops off the back and then circles round into the forrest to meet the outward route about half way down.

Plenty of people to chase and be chased by kept the pace up, however once back in the forrest a gooey pine needle clad surface meant a fine line between pace and disaster. Couple of knee trembling slips but stayed upright with the help of a few handy trees and new shoes.

12 min plus descent to finish under 35 mins. Celebrated the PB with a swim in the river Balvag before the scratchiest drive home of the year.

Beinn an Lochain Sat 13th June

A walk with David and Marni, a bit steeper this time, the Corbett Beinn an Lochain overlooking Loch Restil at the top of the Rest and Be Thankful. Marni managed fine even though she was well out of her comfort zone, she's used to a couple of laps of the Christie Park on a good day.

We set out after 4 for an early evening walk up this near Munro, about 2850 feet high. Walked along the road past Loch Restil from the RaBT car park, turned left off the road at the end of the layby just as the road steepens toward Butterbridge. Picked up a feint path taking us to a well worn narrow track up the ridge, good views down Glen Kinglas to Loch Fyne.



Shortly before we took the picture above a huge black cloud had drifted past dumping a hailstorm on us and the Arrochar Alps across the road, we sheltered under a cliff just in time, too wet to even think about getting the camera out, one thunder crack but thankfully no lightning.

A good ridge track winds through several steep crags and gullies, great views open up all round about but no scary exposed bits. The summit ridge soon comes into view.



Some good crags to the North West, the path offering a variety of viewpoints where you can catch your breath between the steeper bits. One viewpoint overlooks a boulderfield, a good one to avoid on your way up!



Luckily it was an isolated storm cloud and the sky stayed clear for the rest of walk, a few midgies and funny looking flying beasts bugged us at the base of the summit cone but by the time we got to the summit breezy sunshine kept the beasties at bay and views for miles. Unusual view looking down from the top to a small tarn at the bottom of the summit cone all the way down to Loch Restil 2000' below.



We sat at the summit cairn and ate a late lunch soon realising that you can never take enough food with you even when you raid Gregs before you leave the Vale.



It would have been nice to stay a while longer but once the food was done we carried on over the second top and down a broad ridge which started to take us past the car park below. After a wee recce we decided to go straight down to avoid a long trudge back to the car, pretty steep, 2000' in a mile or so, but the going was ok as the ground was reasonably dry.

We didn't quite come straight down, our descent route is on the left hand side of the picture below.



A reasonably short walk, about 4 miles or so depending on your descent route, well worth it for the views. We only met 4 other people and one dog on the way up, we had the summit to ourselves, so more peaceful than the Arrochar Alps across the road which can be a bit crowded. For some reason we met no one on the way down?

A few more pictures in the Galleria.

Cort Ma Law Wed 11th June

Another perfect running night, sunny with a breeze to keep the midgies away. 99 runners set off without a red ballon in sight for the steep climb up from Jamie Wright's Well. The race demands full body cover, map, compass and whistle, they would be better with snorkle and flippers or perhaps snow shoes to get you over the swampy bits.

The route is a backward P, after the initial climb you undulate over three unamed tops before a tussocky boggy traverse to Cort Ma Law itself. An abrupt left turn, if you see the markers, for a flattish run across a swamp to the top of Lecket Hill.

From Lecket another left turn to follow a fence line into a gulley, for once managed to overtake a few and stay upright at the same time . The climb out the gulley, another left turn, is time for a rest cum walk over some more tussocks until you rejoin the outward route, by this time you are blowing bigstyle but can't afford to ease up or risk losing a place or two.

The run back takes you over the first two tops trying to regain some composure for the final drop back to the start and waiting photographer. Finished in 64:09, a PB, the years first, by about 14 seconds.

The swampy bits toughen it up a bit to make up for the lack big climbs but conditions pretty dry this year made for easier going.

Luss Horseshoe Sun 7th June

Last longish run before the Arrochar Alps at the end of June a Clockwise Glen Luss including a new hill, the 701 metre top past Doune Hill.

Sun splitting the skies this morning with a cool breeeze, pretty much what you need for an easy run round Glen Luss.

Parked at the entrance to the Glen and ran up the road cutting onto the hill just before Edentaggert farm for the 1800' climb up Beinn Eich. Banks of clouds seemed to be coming in over the hills but a lot of clear sky remained over LL.

Nice undulating run along to Doune Hill, stopped for a picture looking down the Firth of Clyde to Arran and Paddy's Milestone. Clear air today and you could see for miles.



From Doune Hill there is one more hill to finish the ridge which has always been a thought, went for it today, only 5 or so minutes to get to the top. Run into Sith Mor tussocky as usual.
The climb up the back of Mid Hill took a bit of time, quite steep to begin with and my effort wandering with concentration or lack of, even a few Jelly Tots didn't create much of a spark. Picked up the effort after the peat hags when the gradient eases and the top comes into view.

Short break at the second cairn and decided to aim for a sub 4 hour finish, nothing extreme, a steady run round the corries and down Beinn Dubh to the bottom of Glen Luss. All in about 12 miles and 5000' of ascent, finished just under 3 hours 50 mins. Beautiful day with a cool down swim in Luss Water at the end. AFPITG.

Gargunnock HR Sat 6th June

Race run from a small agricultural show in the village of Gargunnock, the 5 mile 1000' Hill Race is in its second year and had a good turn out of nearly 70 runners.

Arrived in good time to check out the livestock, a variety of prize sheep, cows and horses. Birds of prey you could get close up with and a post race falconry show.

Usual lap of the field to start then run through the village onto farm roads before crossing a couple of fields climbing steadily all the way. Onto the hill for a walk run on a narrow track to a broad peak.

The descent is on a farm track which winds through a few crags then a couple of fields.

At the bottom a short road section then a slight incline round a field, a wee sting in the tail. Just as the MC comes into earshot the route wanders through a wood before popping out at the back of the show field a hundred or so yards from the finish.

Lovely wee race no difficult or steep terrain in a nice low key village farm show with a vintage tractor parade at the end. Only problem they ran out of veggie burgers by the time I finished, 36th in 42:03.

Kilpatrick Hill Race Wed 3rd June

9th time I have run this race, lovely night, sunny, cool breeze. Set off at half seven, large field of 90 in this years race.

Steady run up the road then jog walked the track as it winds its way up the Kilpatrick Braes. Pushed on but steady once onto the moor along the ridge and then throw yourself down the short steep drop back onto the farm track.

Raised the effort along the undulating track which takes you past past Loch Humphrey working off a couple of other runners. Despite this the Marshall tells us there's too much chit chat and to run instead.

More hard work over undulating moorland with a few boggy bits and ditches to jump before the narrow path skirting around Greenside reservoir. Always worried I will fall in. Big effort all the way up the Slacks to the trig point.

From the trig point its down hill and gradually wind up the pace as you get your breath back and the gradient increases. The run back down the steep slope to the road as fast as you can without falling.

On the road for the last half mile relax as much as possible and push the pace once breathing back under control. Kick hard from the last road junction and then glide in to the finish in 59 mins 11, missed a PB by 3 seconds, best time for 5 years.

Luss Hills Sun 31st May

Blazing sun and blue skies contrast to last weeks low cloud and rain, for a change common sense prevailed after last weeks 5 hour run an easier run closer to home.

Glen Luss horseshoe, ACW, 9 miles and 3500' of ascent. The long 2000' slog up Beinn Dubh to start. Mountain views all around.



Ran along the ridge past the unnamed top, the Arrochar Alps close enough to touch.



A 180 degree turn down mid hill. Felt like swimming down Glen Luss crossing Luss water after the Mid Hill descent but managed to cross the river and set off up the 1000' climb up Coille-eughain Hill, threw in a few hill reps on the way up, run, gasp, rest, run, gasp, rest, driven by the promise of a cool breeze and great views of Loch Lomond at the top.



Ran back to the foot of the Glen via the Paps, finished just under 2 hrs 50. Not much water on the route, drank twice as much as last week in half the time. A few more pics in the Galleria.

Arrochar Alps Sat 23rd May

Beautiful blue skies & a cool breeze on Friday and I decided to go to Arrochar on Saturday for run round Ben Vane, Ime & Narnain. Couldn't wait to go!

Got up Saturday to low cloud, but dry.

Set off from Succouth car park about 9am - charges are back on - running the Glen Loin path towards Coiregrogan, reached the Ben Vane turn off after 50 mins and set off through the muck at the bottom towards the clouds.



Caught 3 hillwalkers just as I reached the clouds and the rain blew in to make the run to the top pretty miserable. Didn't fancy going on in this but decided the route over the back to Lag Uaine was a better run off than back down the path. Met another waterproof hillwalker at the top.

When you come off the back of Vane and get the line wrong the descent can take 40 plus mins, get it right and sub 20 is easy. I've found it helps to stay on the ridge until I pass this rock.......



Couple of slips and twists on the descent, but the rain eased off and I came out the clouds to a pleasant surprise I could see the Ben Ime ascent route across the valley. I could pick out the line for the 800' climb up to Glas Beallach and with the Cloud base lifting to over 2500' I could also see the start of the final climb up Ben Ime.



Crossed Lag Uaine and set off up towards the Beallach with a bite to eat, a cereal bar and my new superfood, jelly tots. Another waterproof hillwalker lonely in the distance climbing up from Lag Uaine. This section is trackless and damp underfoot thankfully sheltered from the wind so not too cold. Stopped as I reached the Beallach for a photo looking up Ben Ime.



Getting used to the climb from Glas Beallach and no longer panic when I can't find a path, keep to the right of the crags and eventually the turret cairn appears through the clouds, exposed to the wind and rain again so no time to stop at the top, head down and run along the path to a short rocky descent and down the hill towards Beallach a' Mhaim, visibility 50 yards max means compass out from the "gap" on a 165 bearing which takes me right to the style at the Beallach. Cloud back down below 2000', continue on rather too pleased with how precise my navigaton was.

The Beallach is always a windy place, weather too nasty for any more pictures.

Found the path at the back of Narnain and plodded up past more waterproof hill walkers. Enjoyed the strengthening wind and lashing rain towards the top, wandered about the summit plateau, funny how you can get lost in such a small space everything looks unfamiliar in the mist. Found the path again and headed for my favourite Spearhead gully, wind and rain sweeping up towards me. No time to think about it just pick my way through onto surer? footing.

The Narnain descent is a cracker about 3000' in under 2 miles, a bit of everything, and requires full concentration especially when its wet & windy. You work your way through a series of lumps, bumps and gullies, head down and get on with it otherwise it snags you up and becomes s a bit of a pain.

Came back out the cloud at the top of the old concrete block path, nearly finished now. Not many people use this route any more so the tracks are gradually dissappearing, the mountains finally spit me out onto the Glen Loin path and an easy run back to the car park via the jacuzzi, just under 5 hours.

A couple more pictures in the Galleria but my phone went wonky in the rain, I think a few of the buttons have shorted out, must keep it in a poly bag in future.

Beinn Dubh Mon 11th May

Went for a walk up Beinn Dubh with number 1 son as he prepares for an attempt on an Explorer Belt towards the end of July. Beautiful sunny evening, cool breeze.

View to Conic Hill over Loch Lomond.



Had to shoo the odd lamb away before mother sheep took exception.

Aim was to reach the top before the sunset and made it ok, not much slower than usual. Had someone else to take my picture for a change as we approached the top.



Spent about 20 minutes at the top taking a few pictures while we waited for the sun to go down cracking views to the Arrochar Alps.



Ben Lomond looking good across the loch as well, no sign of the snow which added a twist to last Saturday's race.



Temperature dropped as the sun went down and the cold wind meant jacket, hat and gloves on. Walked down with the sunset, the wind gradually disappearing as we went. Cut a few corners on the way back, a bit steeper but avoiding the worst of the boggy bits. A few more pictures in the Galleria.

Ben Lomond, Sat 8th May

Race up & down our local munro, 7 or 8 miles and 3192 feet of ascent. Damp & breezy with a warning that winter had returned above. Numbers down probably due to the weather.

Set off and pushed on for the first 20 minutes or so when energy levels & pace began to drop. Head down and kept moving upwards through the second gate and off the track, snow lying on the ground. Reached the half way plateau and started to run again. Colder and windier the higher you went, gradually added protection, gloves, buff and jacket as the rain turned to stinging horizontal snow.

The climb up to the summit ridge tricky through snow & rock, visibility less than 50 yards. Summit ridge had a few inches of snow at the edges with a slushy track in the middle. Turned at the top in just over 71 mins. The descent started with extra care due to the snow covered rocks and unable to get up any pace until after the zig zags.

Chased a few people down the path and through the off road sections passing the last couple through the trees near the bottom. Came down in under 35 mins to finish in just under 1 hour 46.

Photo courtesy of Chris Upson / SHR, more here.



Interesting stats, 84th on the ascent, 58th on the decsent and 75th overall, number 75 as well. Soup, rolls and a pint after a quick plunge into the loch.

Dumyat Wed 6th May

Another big field of 250 plus for this 5 miles jaunt up and down Dumyat which sits behind Striling Uni. A few days of rain made for a slippy race.

Felt a bit sluggish before the start due to SAC last Saturday and 11 miles last night but felt ok after a short warm up. Race started without as much as a ready, never mind get set, just go! Off up the road before a wee rest at the gap in the wall, hit the muddy farm track running.

Ran the short steep road section passing a few plodders before the stream crossing and up to the muddy bank where mayhem ensued, ploughed straight through in my new super grippy Adidas Swoop past plenty of Adidas Samba smoothies floundering in the mud.

Into the Bluebell woods and ran on the path edges for grip. Out onto the hill and pace undulating in time to the gradient, remembering to push all the way its only half an hour to the top. Turned in 32 mins for the flailing descent.

No energy after the turn and hung on to the back of a small group but picked up the pace on each of the steeper sections as gravity kicked in and gradually overtook a few. Managed to avoid the usual kamikaze rock jumps on the way down.

Back into the forrest and pushed hard through the mud and trees, passed three on the muddy bank, aimed for the tree at the bottom bouncing off down the track. A quick wash at the stream then pushed for home on the road & track, 18 min descent to finish in 1 sec under 50 mins.

Stuc A' Chroin Sat 2nd May

14 miles and 5000 feet of fun and frolics in the hills above Strathyre. This year it's part of both the British & Scottish Championship series and a record field of over 300 set off at 1:00 pm.

Well known as a toughie the first couple of miles are only a warm up as you undulate your way up through Strathyre forrest. You leave the forrest and run over a rough and boggy Meall Mor, so far overall climb not too bad at 1400' in just over 3 miles.

A quick plunge 600 feet down into Glen Ample before the assault on Beinn Each, hands, knees and teeth required for a 1500' climb in less than a mile.

The ridge run from Beinn Each to the Stuc is a joy to run with full concentration required over rock and bog as it undulates along. Take care to avoid the front runners as they fly past on their way back. The ridge finale is a 1000' climb within a mile to the top of the Stuc.

The return journey is fun as it misses out Beinn Each. The initial descent to the ridge is tricky on steep loose rock, easy to be caught out as you try to make as much use of gravity as possible.

The Beallach Nam Cabar is reached after a couple of miles and signals the drop back into Glen Ample. Initially a straight run down to pick up an effort of a sheep track to trash your ankles as you run along and down to the bottom of the Glen.

You slither down a swampy stream for the last few feet thinking what could be worse and it's right in front of you, a mushy bog followed by the 600' plus climb out the Glen. A stunning rainbow behind breaks up the climb. The photo doesn't do it justice but was a good excuse for a rest.



As you exit Glen Ample its a struggle to keep your legs moving in time as you run back over the delightfully rough Meall Mor. This finishes in a plunge back into the forrest where going too fast to turn a corner Christmas comes early as I run into a tree, the needles cushion the blow.

For the last couple of miles its back onto the forrest track which is a bit harsh on the feet after the soft moor.

A cracking race but one you need a wee bit of patience for, marshalls fantastic as they provide gallons of water, jelly babies and chocolate on the hill.

Finished in 3 hrs 26 mins which seems ok to me, 227th out of 318 finishers. Race profile below gives you some idea of the ups and downs, to find out more you'll need to give it a go.

Beinn Chabhair Sat 25th April

While watching several Club members taking part in the Highland Fling I had the chance for a wee run up the Munro in behind the Ben Glas Falls, short run, 8 miles with just over 3000' of ascent. First time up this one, pronounced Bein Kavarr.

Steep climb beside the falls to start then the gradient eases following the Ben Glas Burn up the glen, best to stick to the path close to the river as the wider quad bike tracks close by are pretty boggy. Jogged up this undulating path beside the Ben Glas burn for a couple of miles to the Lochan Beinn Chabhair then a steeper climb.

Looking back down the ascent route over the Lochan.



From the Lochan you could make your way directly up the face but I chose to follow a few faint paths beside a gully to a notch between Meall Nan Tarmachan and Beinn Chabhair. From here there is a distinct path which twists and turns along the rocky ridge to the two summits.

Although a bit hazy took a few pictures of the surrounding views from the summit.

Lochan 1400' below from the summit.



Went back via outward route except strayed onto the quad bike tracks, a lot smoother to look at but soft squelchy stuff and made for hard work. Steep descent past the falls good fun to finish. About 2 1/2 hours. A couple of pics in the Galleria.

Whangie Whizz Wed 22nd April

First Bog & Burn race of the year, field of 160 or so made for interesting overtaking on the narrow paths. Cool & dry overhead & dryish underfoot.

Kept to the back for the initial climb towards the style and once on the path pushed it to a steady pace one eye searching for foot placement the other on the lookout for overtaking opportunities, in this race it's too easy to stay in the comfort zone and just follow the runner in front.

Picked off a few before the Whangie where the track gets a bit wider with some ditches to jump & others that you sink into.

Ran the climb after the road, a slow jog, then pushed on again to the trig point. After the trig its on your toes for 10 or 12 minutes of run as fast as you can to the finish without falling over, particularly the rocky bits.

Only a couple of us from the club but a also few others who run with us. Finished inside the top half of the field in just under 39 mins.

Ben Lui Sat 18th April

Good forecast for sun and almost no wind so I decided on a return to the Lui Nature Reserve for another attempt at the so called Queen of Scotlands mountains. Friday evening spent reading about the variety of route choices and peoples impressions of the 3707' mountain, Scotland's 28th highest.

Planned a 3 munro route, Beinn Dubhchraig, Ben Oss & Ben Lui and left the Vale slightly late in weather not to forecast or my liking, low cloud which didn't look like shifting. Parked at Dalrigh just before Tyndrum and set off on the 3 miles of farm track towards Cononish. Cloud below 2500'.

From Cononish head SE up the pathless steep lower slopes of Ben Dubhchraig, after about 1000' of ascent you cross a fence and the slope eases and you can run a bit. The next 1000' took me into the clouds, pausing just before visibility dissapeared to orientate myself to the map, go South it said. Tied the compass to my backpack and climbed into the mist occaisional fenceposts giving comfort that I was going in the right direction. Soon passed a small loch where I should take a left (South-East)for the last 300' of climb, pleased to pick up a path zig zaging to the top.

Beinn Dubhchraig summit "cairn" in the mist.



To reach Ben Oss you first return to the Lochan then take a left (West), follow more zig zags as you drop a few hundred feet to pop back under the clouds at 2500' and the Beallach before the climb up Ben Oss. Stopping every few hundred yards to try to pick out a route up Ben Oss. Begin to waver as route finding in the mist time consuming & tiring, maybe call it a day after Ben Oss, leaving Ben Lui for a better day.

Loch Oss front, Loch Dochart rear.



Managed to avoid going over the knoll just in front of Ben Oss by contouring round South West above Loch Oss.

Back into the clouds now and find a flat area from where the streams flow into Loch Oss, leave the path and head North to pick up the ridge and found what turned out to be a path leading to the summit. Getting brighter on the way up, patches of blue sky appearing above.

Ben Oss summit cairn with Ben Lui summit peeking out behind!



Met a couple of hillwalkers on Oss summit, stopped for a chat and some food as the clouds melted away below, views opening up, Ben Lui back on the agenda.

Route finding easy, lovely run down to the Beallach dropping 1000' in just over a mile to the head of Corrie Laoigh for the climb up Ben Lui, 1400' in just over a mile. Faint tracks at first improves with height as it picks up the Coire Gaotach rim.

The final 300'.



Reached Lui summit, breathless from the exertion and the views. You could touch Cruachan and Loch Awe. The Arrochar Alps from Lui, usually the other way round. Two problems, didn't want to leave, but when I did, what route?

The way back?



Watched some walkers picking their way towards the northern top up over Stob Garbh and decided it was too rocky to descend, went back to try Stob an Tighe Aird, the bail out from that being a longer run back to the head of Coire Laoigh.

Descent from the Northern top looks a bit steep!



The path down Stob an Tighe Aird snow covered at the top but managed to pick my way round and between patches of snow and onto a clear path down into Coire Gaotach 1200' below dislodged a boulder on the way & watched it career down the steep slopes below.

View of Lui Summit just before dropping into Coire G. Walkers can be seen on my descent track, lower left.



Slithered down into the Coire and a refreshing wash in the streams. From here the run down is familiar from March's recce. Back in the glen stopped for another wash and some food before the 5 mile run out through Cononish.

The day was a reward for perseverance when it would have been easy to give up after the first hill. An interesting contrast from navigating in mist to spectacular views.

Total of 15 miles & 5600' of ascent, felt harder and a bit longer probably due to stop / start navigating in the mist. A few more pictures in the Galleria.