Forecast really poor with no prospect of any high level runs this weekend combined with a limited slot available so 5 of us set out on a local run, an extention of the Pappert/Stoneymollen route I tried a couple of weeks ago to include Whinney Hill. Three of the Club race routes in one go.
The route started at the Vale Leisure Centre going towards Renton & then up onto the moor behind the Carman Reservoir, thru the Quarry, descent to Balloch via Stoneymollen, round Balloch Park to the top of Whinney Hill, back to the Park then thru Jamestown to Bonhill, up to Pappert Well & back down to the to the Vale Leisure Centre.
About 19 or 20 miles & 3100' of ascent, a bit shorter & with less ascent than last week but the rougher terrain would compensate.
Surprise was how good the weather was, no rain, even a bit of sunshine & windchill only evident on the tops.
Jog walked to the Trig point, a favourite panorama on the way to the Stoneymollen. We could now see the Luss tops were clear & I thought maybe should have gone there instead. Road shoes meant the run to the top of the Stoney was taken easy. Feet now freezing in the soaking, mushy ground.
Jogged down to Balloch and into B Park running along the lochside to the far end. Good run up the Fairy Glen to cross Botourich road where the fun started, paths to Whinney Hill a trifle too gooey for road shoes.
Picked up the pace coming off Whinney Hill, good fun as always, then back through the gooey woods to Balloch Park.
Run thru Jamestown to Bonhill an unpleasant contrast with cars & general public bustle.
Took a farm track at Northfield onto the hill which went through a herd of cows and delightful bit of muck, about a foot deep. At the style we joined the Pappert race route to the Trig Point. From here we ran straight down the track thru the woods to Pappert Housing Estate, path in poor condition in the mud. Cross Bonhill Bridge & short cut over the magic roundabout to finish.
Enjoyed what turned out to be a good run, soft ground making you work hard, finished in just under 4hrs 50.
1 comment:
Sorry I missed it but back wouldn't let me! Had to stay in for bro in law coming anyway, but subsequent furniture re design made problem worse. Heat applied Sunday and this morning has made wee difference so I'll try a run later. WILL be out tomorrow night.
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