Luss Sat 23rd Jan

Looking to recover lost ground this week and finally some half decent weather meant a run around in the Luss hills was on. Route choice was an anti clockwise run starting up Beinn Dubh and after coming off Ben Eich finishing with a run down the Glen Luss road.

A steady trudge up Beinn Dubh in just under an hour. The boggy ground gradually turning frozen as we gained height and managed to keep the feet reasonably dry. Into the snow as we neared the top but you could feel a bit of sun heating our backs as well. Views to die for, Loch Lomond twisting through snowy mountain tops

and the Arrochar Alps on fire

Relatively flat on top so time for a run round the two corries the snow adding to our toil. We kept to the paths or what we could see of them until the trackless descent reaching Sith Mor in about 1:40 all in. A couple of bumslides added to the fun on the way down.

Steep climb up Doune Hill starting in soggy heather soon turning back to snow as we gained height. Picked a line a bit too close to the stream which meant a lot of ups and downs but slotted into a couple of easier gullies nearer the top.

While we waited for the rest in the col beside Doune Hill a runner in shorts and long sleeved top came down from the adjacent 701m top, inquired after our well being then ran up the short steep ascent to the trig point, suppose he had to run to keep warm!

Doune Hill top covered in wind blown icy snow delightful views down the Firth of Clyde to Arran. Crusty snow on the return ridge was hard work sometimes it held your weight sometimes not and scraping your ankles, jealous of the neat gaiters on the lone runner. Even the downhills were hard work, relax and take it easy coming off the ridge earlier than usual to get some shelter from the icy winds.

Slow trudge up Bein Eich as the mornings exertion took effect, a bit of extra care required on the narrow path covered in frozen snow. Met a party of walkers who were happy to reach just one top.

Last hurrah running off Bein Eich, the ice made it tough to start with, good fun in the softer snow as we descended before a return to slippy mud through the fields at the bottom.

Jogged down the road to complete in about 4 hours 40 mins, a good effort in tough conditions.