Glen Loin

Started off with an anti clockwise run through Glen Loin leaving via Beallach a'Mhaim at the top of the Glen. Walked most of the hills for the easy version of the run with a nice run out between the Cobbler and Narnain. Finished in 2 hours 40 for 11 or 12 miles and 3100' of ascent.

Pappert Well

Club race, 5 miles and 1000' of ascent, 22 entries this year for this runnable lollipop route starts and finishes in Bonhill with a run round Nobleston wood to the trig point on Pappert Hill. Rain over the last week made for softer ground, ok if you have the shoes and eases the stress on the feet for what is a rough descent when its dry. Staggered start gave us lots of people to chase, reeled a few in from the trig point all the way to a sub 44 min finish to the sound of the bell. Good run with a social cakes and tablet courtesy of Pete and Mo at the finish.

Tom Na Bat

The race was part of Tomintoul Highland games, about 100 took part, a few more than the usual 15 or 20 as it was the 4th SHR Championship race. A short one at three and a half miles with 1100' of ascent.

The race starts and finishes with a lap round an undulating games field. In between it turned out to be mostly runnable as we wound our way round the small hill.

The first climb took us up to the top of Tom Na Bat all the way back down then a second climb three quarters of the way back up. Quite a bit if heather bashing required with only the odd wee sheep track to smooth the way.

Felt I could have pushed the second climb a bit harder if I had known where it finished and did manage to pick up the pace near the top when I could see the runners in front turning. Results still to come but pleased to finish in just under 40 mins.

Blusstery

Mixed weekend forecast wet n windy. Left my long run until later on Sunday in line with the improving forecast. Still too windy for Arrochar and tried Luss as its closer to home. Planned route was up Beinn Dubh, descend Mid Hill, cross the road and climb Coille Eughan Hill with a run off the Paps to finish, 9 miles with 3500' of ascent.

Set off with Helly and Jacket which stayed on all the way round. Climbed damp into the clouds on Beinn Dubh, run along the ridge into a strong wind, slightly off route on the run round to Mid Hill and had to traverse back onto the ridge. Only stopped at the usual sheltered spots for a drink. Easy run back into Glen Luss taking care not to slip.

Ran up the Glen road and into the field for the hidden bridge crossing over the swollen river. Had a good climb up CE Hill fortified by a few midget gems and some sunshine. Found a new track off the top of the Paps then into the usual ferns and brashing. The last mile through fields and farm tracks. Finished in about 2 hours 40.

Stoneymollan

Short rain lashed wind blown Sunday run. Ran along to the track up behind the reservoir, through the quarry and along to the top of the Stoneymollan. Plod it out, no views today, pleasantly wet underfoot which required a wee bit concentration and shoes having to work on the downhills.

Luss Highland Games

Bright and breezy day, went along to the Luss games for the two hill races up Cruach Dhubh, one open to locals, half way up & back down 500' of ascent and 2 miles, and later on the open race which goes to the top and back down, 1100' and 3 miles.

While waiting for the hill races there were some track races which are open to locals, missed the 90m but took part in the 200m, came second courtesy of a good handicap, pipped at the post by some young speed merchant. Half an hour later 9 of us set off for the local hill race, the first four moved ahead, got into 5th place on the path before the climb up through the fields and stayed there until the end.

A couple of hours later after refueling with a cappuccino, 2 cakes and a double exprersso set off with 19 others on the longer open hill race. Started a bit slower then gradually worked my way past a few others on the climb up through the tussocks. Chose a new route on the way down ended up zig zagging through shoulder high ferns and probably lost a wee bit of time.

A nice way to spend an summer afternoon, 2nd prize in a track race and although no prizes for the hill races came away with 2 PB's.