Local Run

Today's snowy run Kipperoch, Cardross, Stoneymollan, 13 miles and 1300' of ascent.

Lovely sunny morning with an inch or two of snow and we opted for a local run though Alexandria and Renton to Dalmoak, onto the Kipperoch farm track to Cardross. Turned up the Carman road then through the grounds of the old Priest College and the track which bisects the Golf course. Returned to the Vale via the Darlieth road, past the Black Third Farm and over the Stoneymollan. Finished just under 2 hours 40. Below are a couple of pictures from the Stoneymollan, looking to Ben Lomond and Conic.

Ben Bowie and Kiloeter

Fancied a local run today but the hills either side of the Vale usually produce short runs or contrived routes. Chose a mix of Carman and Stoneymollan extended to take in the next two hills, Kiloeter and Ben Bowie, about 13 miles and 2500' of ascent.

Made my way along a usual route to the Carman on farm roads and fields then onto the path which goes behind Carman Reservoir, kept off the road only crossing it to go through the old quarry and out onto the hill following the tracks to the trig point.

Took a wee diverison here, to the left of the forest down towards the Sheperds pool behind Black Third Farm, initially on narrow sheep trods then some waist deep rush and freezing bog. Got back onto the track behind BT Farm going towards Cardross, a short downhill road section to the junction between Darlieth and the Red road and I turned right through a break in the forest up the steep side of Kiloeter, once on the ridge great views over Helensburgh and to Arran.

Turned uphill and ran on quad bike tracks following the forest edge to the top. Continued on the tracks to Ben Bowie through a wet valley, cold toes again. A break for a few pictures then turned for Kiloeter luckily finding drier bits back through the valley.

Back on Kiloeter you climb a fence at the corner of the fir trees and follow an old fence line, feet finding the wire. A few yards in you turn right past a couple of trees and a bit of fun as you plunge down a fire break on an overgrown path. At the bottom they have felled a few rows of fir trees and left them lying across the fire break, tried to walk round but in the end had to climb, came out the other side a couple of falls later to a short section of forest curiously marked with red and white tape taking you onto a narrow path and then the forest road back to the top of the Stoneymollan.

Ran back up to the trig point then along past the Jesus rocks overlooking the Carman Reservoir dropping downhill to pick up the track that takes you back towards the radiomast and down past Milburn Farm. Last few minutes on the road past Overton Cemetry to finish in 3 hours 40.

Enjoyed a tougher than expected run, lost time behind Sheperds picking the best line through the rushes and more time climbing trees coming off Kiloeter. A few pictures here.

Balloch Park Cross Country

Perfect conditions with the sun filtering through the trees before the off. The first of the clubs own cross countries, three laps round Balloch Park. Good mixture of soft and firm ground with a mandatory muddy chute thrown in for fun. 19 runners and plenty of supporters giving encouragement round the undulating course. Set off keen for a steady start and just about managed it, at the end of the first lap I was lying sixth, a slower second lap and nearly overtaken but with a slight gain on the runner in front. Lost a place on the downhill, tucked in behind and was dragged along to the guy in front passing him just before the muddy chute. Took it steady on the up from the chute holding my place until near the top of the last hill, pushed on near the top then eased back along towards the finish at Balloch Castle, the runner behind nearly caught me and I had to kick a bit early which discouraged him enough to give me a few seconds cushion going into the last hundred yards, relaxed then pushed again over the last 50 yards. Good competition on each lap helped me finish under 36 minutes for the first time in 11 attempts.

Night run

A short run up the Stoneymollan, started off in the light, a bit darker when I reached the trig point, but no need for a torch on the moonlit hillside away from the urban light pollution below. Stopped to take a few pictures on the way round. The run down from the Jesus rocks slow as it was difficult to see your footing in places where the ferns bordered the narrow path.

Cobbler run

Drove to Arrochar past a glassy Loch Lomond, glorious autumnal reflections across to a misty Ben. Damp start up the twisting path, rushing streams the only sound louder than my breathing. Cross the stream just after the Narnain Boulders and take a faint path that leads me to the Cobblers rocky heart through a jumbled maze of rock and stream. A place of happy memories from youthful bouldering expeditions. The top is shrouded in mist, no views today only ghostly appearances by the Cobblers cliffs and peaks. Too soon I reach the summit ridge, cold here with ice forming in the puddles, no eye of the needle today. A brief stop to refuel and choose a route off. Descend by the NW ridge path mindful of the slippy man made steps. Easy run back through the glen on the now busy track beside a lively Allt a' Bhalachain.

9 miles, 4000 feet of ascent, 2 1/2 hours.

Stoneymollan

A nice wee Sunday morning run, cold and misty when I ran through the fields to the Carman, along to the giant steps then up the track behind Carman reservoir. Stay off the road by running along an old track that takes me to cross the road at the quarry. Run through the quarry and out onto the hill popping up on top of the clouds.

Ran along the ridge to the top of the Stoneymollan and back down into the mist. Jogged along the bypass and home via Christie Park.