Beinn Eich

After a couple of 4 milers I was enticed back out today for a run up Beinn Eich at the top of Glen Luss. Apprehensive at my hardest run for a couple of months, we set off just before lunch time, the parking space at the top of the glen was taken so drove back to the bottom and started from there. Jogged up the glen taking in views of the surrounding tops dusted with snow. Left the road just before Edentaggart farm, feet soaking straight away through the swampy ground. The ground got firmer as we climbed, then the first squall hit, a mixture of hail and sleet, jacket on and we plodded up into a bit of a gale. The slope starts to ease about 2/3 of the way up and the snow got a bit thicker, the wind stronger, another squall, getting very cold now with the slow pace and the wind chill, so on with wooly hat and ski mitts to try and stay comfortable. Met some walkers on their way down muttering something about very windy at the top, and so it was, I tried to run the last few yards, going sideways rather than forwards, walked to the trig, a couple of pictures and offski running down through the snow. Good run down the snowy slopes at the top then a bit slippy towards the bottom. The usual trudge back down the road. We finished the 8 miles and 2700 of ascent in just over 2 1/2 hours. A few more pictures here.

Balloch Park Cross Country

Good turnout for the last race in the Millies 25th Anniversary Championship, 3 laps of Balloch Park, great conditions for the run, cool, no wind and nice and soft underfoot. 25 set off just after 10. Started out in 8th place for the first lap and a half then dropped to 9th and stayed there till the end finishing in 39:49. Millie breakfast of soup and mulled wine after.

Ben Lomond Sun 6th Nov

Weather angel set to good so no time to give in to the can't be bothered bug, the autumnal sunshine promised to continue into Sunday and I set off with stiffening legs after the DD to Ben Lomond. Cold and misty at sea level I started out nice n easy through the woods running where I could, this would be my last hill run for a few weeks. Leaving the woods behind I climbed past the conifer remnants through the gates onto the hill and into the sunshine. Passed a few walkers as I came up out of the cloud everyone taking a break to take in the views. I continued up Sron Aonach dripping with sweat in the sun, broke into an easy jog winding my way along the plateau path towards the summit dome stopping every so often to check out the surrounding hills like islands in sea's of cloud. A chill wind now meant on with jacket hat and gloves so that I could continue my slow jog along the track. Only one other person ahead on the hill and he was coming down. The trail kicks up towards the summit dome, the last time I ran almost the whole upper section, and most of the summit ridge as well, today was to be an easy day walking the steep parts and running the rest just fast enough to stay warm. Jogging again as I turned along the top of the summit ridge stunning views, mountains for miles over valley's of clouds. I stayed a few minutes on the summit, spinning round trying to take it all in, a few photos later and I had to leave as I was cooling down rapidly. Running down I met more and more walkers on their way up, is it far? What's the view like? Running off Sron Aonach lots of walkers sitting about having popped up out the cloud, I stopped for a last look then plunged back into the mist.

Dumyat Dash

Race start and finish, in Menstrie Park, with Dumyat behind.

83 runners set off, misty start but we soon broke into the sun as we climbed about half way up Myreton Hill on the mostly runnable zig zag farm track, I jog walk. The gradient eases as we contour round over the first two Inchna Burns. A sharp left turn and we plunge down steep grassy hillside to cross the 3rd Inchna Burn, slippy bridge or cold stream, I opt for the stream. A few yards further and we cross the Menstrie Burn, this bridge is even worse but I manage to rock hop across using the bridge as a hand rail. A climb up the rear of Dumyat folllows, apart from the first and last parts pretty much runnable, I jog walk, the leaders passing on their way back encourage a bit of effort. Reach the top of Dumyat in 51 minutes, round the cairn and back down to cross over Menstrie and 3rd Inchna burns before running down the glen on a narrow track beside the Menstrie Burn. Re-join the farm track just above the zig zags for a downhill run to the finish in just over 77 minutes. The mist had ceared by the time we finished. The race offers much for a small race, trail, hill and cross country running, very friendly, low key with tea n cakes after £5 entry and you get a £5 Sweatshop voucher.  I'll try this one again, 5 1/2 miles and 1800' of ascent, a bit of an effort should get me closer to 70 minutes as long as I make better use of some of the short cuts on the zig zags.

Dumgoyne Run, Loch Lomondside Sunday Cycle

Saturday forecast was drizzle and winds, witht he wind gaining strength with height so I decided to stay low with a run over Dumgoyne to the Earls Seat, 7 miles and 2200' of ascent. The first mile a near 1400' climb up Dumgoyne followed by a steep 300' drop off the back. After a steady 600' climb in the next mile the path undulates on for another mile and a half to the Trig Point at the Earls Seat, the highest point just under 1900'. Driving cross wind makes it difficult to run, breathe and keep your balance all at the same time. Low cloud so no views today just concentration on foot placement and trying to move forward. We turned for home, the odd wee bit of shelter but no real respite from the wind. Passed a few walkers on the drop down to the fields behind Dumgoyne thankful we had finished for the day. Sunday and a cycle to Tarbet and back about 36 miles. On the way out we kept to the Loch Lomondside road reaching Tarbet in just over an hour. On the way back we kept to the cycle path to Luss then back on to the road for the last few miles, pleased to finish my longest cycle to date in just over 2 1/2 hours.

10 Mile Handicap

19 Runners took part in the annual Milburn Harriers run round the Hoseshoe. Run as a handicap, an undulating 10.4 miles, my time was set at 78 minutes, I hoped for 76. Set off along the main street through the Vale, 1st mile too fast as usual then settled into a steady pace over the next 3 miles with the wind at my back. Just before half way the runner in front came into view, someone to catch at last although I was through Blairquhomrie before I caught him. I managed to pick off another 4 by the finish. Getting caught by a runner from behind with about 2 miles to go got the concentration going again. Finished in 77:16. Good day for running, sunny but not too hot, breezy on the way back.

Pentland Skyline

Looking back to the outward leg once the clouds had lifted

The trail ahead

Record 185 finishers in todays race, turned out to be a tough 16 miles and 6000' of ascent, into a strong wind which threatened to knock us off our feet for the first half. Set off at 11 in misty blustery conditions, a problem with my achilles meant a bit of a hobble for the first few descents. Got to Scald Law, hill 6 of 16 and loosened the shoes which seemed to sort the problem. Battered by a head on wind until I arrived at the drove road in 2 hours 8, between hills 9 and 10. The clouds lifted for the return leg which is a bit rougher, more heather bashing, less trails, kept a steady pace, running the less severe climbs. For a change I mananged to pick off runners on the ascents, only one overtook me on the way back, made up for losing time on the early descents. The Milburn name reaches many places with some benefits, got a shout of Jim Robertson, Milburn Harriers, and a welcome jelly baby from the last checkpoint marshall. Worked hard today for my 3 hours 57. A few photos here more pictures here, I feature on No 142.

Ben Venue

Run for a mug, the last race in this years SHR Champs, 7 1/2 miles with 3000 feet of up and down. Lots of runners today, warm and wet, forecast was to clear but didn't happen. Same course as last year with an extra bit, finishing at the end of the track as it enters the BV car park, a steep tricky muddy finish.

Off we went at  1 o'clock, ran most of the forest tracks reaching the bottom of the hill in 29 mins, into walk mode into the  mist up Ben Venue's steep Southish ridge, a series of upward undulations, even managed to pass a few folk. Reached a murky summit in about 55 mins.

Super ridge run follows, rocky at first dropping down to Bealach na h-Imriche, hill runners certainly are. Follow the fenceline, the marshalls suggested, taking a different line from last years off ridge path we gradually worked our way up to the 3rd checkpoint crossing a number of swamps and streams.

Its more or less downhill from here, steep trackless descent towards the forest, a bit of fun falling, bumsliding, cursing, blame the shoes, lose a few places, get running again over ferns, through the deer fence and grab them back before we hit the forest tracks.

Steady running, not too fast as its about three miles to the finish, I let go on the steeper sections, working hard on the last few uphills, all too soon I reach the bridge over the Achray Water river in spate, not quite Musi o Tunya but still impresssive. Reach the end of the short road section in 1:45 and some, within a few seconds of my finish time last year, undulating extra bit to the finish and the guy behind overtakes on the first up and moves ahead, I try to catch him on the downhill stretch to the finish, close to within a couple of feet but the paths too narrow and twisty to get past, can't make the last turn and slide through the finish funnel tape on my back stopping my watch just under 1 hour 50.

Bella Road Runners put on a good show with juice, tea, sandwiches and cake at the finish, Loch Achray washes most of the mud off.

Mamores

Saturday's run was one to be enjoyed, forecast for cloud, some showers, but maybe the cloud would lift in the afternoon. My route was Mullach Nan Coirean, Stob ban plus the Ring of Steall. This undulates over 6 munros plus four other minor tops, one unanmed top between the Mullach and Stob B, Stob Choire a Mhail, Sgurr an lubhair and An Garbhanach. 15 miles and close on 8000' of ascent.

I left Achriabach at 9:30 on the track beside Alt a Choire Dheirg. Last time I struck up through Fir then Silver Birch trees to the Mullachs NE Ridge, this time I kept to the track and as I left the the trees behind the track turned uphill, same climb but much easier. Stopped for a chat with some walkers on the approach to the Mullachs summit. Here's a link to their photos, they took in 4 Munros and two tops, their pictures are taken with a real camera!

No need to stop on the misty Mullach and ran towards Stob Ban, startled by a Ptarmigan, my phone camera failing to capture the fine specimen. Back into the mist on the climb up Stob Ban, no need to stop here either, the run off a steep rocky track twisting along the ridge. Easy running along towards Sgurr a Mhaim until the final climb up a stalkers path to the ridge. Pick my way along the ridge through the first notch with no problem, couldn't figure my way through the rock slab at the second notch so eventually took a slight diversion off the ridge down grassy slopes under the edge of a large rock. Getting cold so worked hard up the short climb up to Sgurr a Mhaim, another misty summit. About turn for the return over the ridge, concious that I was cold pushed on and covered the ridge about 12 minutes quicker than the way out.

New territory from here to An Gearanach so frequent stops to pick out the route through gaps in the clouds, navigation pretty easy, good tracks most of the way. soon over SAL running the ridge towards Am Bodach, a stiffer rocky climb, stopped for some food on the way up in the lee of the hill and had a look at the map, the way off seemed to be down a steep NE ridge, turned out a bit of a scramble and picked my way down past a group of upwardly mobile walkers.

The cloud now lifting slightly for views of the homeward ridge, a rocky knoll then Stob Coire a Chairn, minor top An Garbahanach and the last hurrah up An Gearanach, a few squeaky steps along this rocky ridge, careful to check out each part as there are two or three small tracks at each summit, some more exposed than others. All down hill from here, a steep track coming into the glen beside Steall falls, a wade across the water of Nevis and run down the gorge path then road back to Achriabach, finishing in about 7 hours.

Timings that I can remember, 1:30 to summit of the Mullach, 2:15 to the summit of Stob Ban, 2:53 to the start of the Devils ridge, 37 mins out 25 back, lost track after that, reached the summit of An Gearanach in 5:40, 40 minutes to the glen, 30 or 40 mins from there back to Achriabach. Some hazy pictures from my phone camera.

Merrick Hill Race

One of my favourite races, usually a 9 mile mini round, route change this year to an out and back as the coos had trampled the the Buchan hillside to death with lots of unseen hoofprints to catch the unwary. Improving forecast all week for a typical Merrick day, sunny with a cool breeze. We start with the usual 20 yard dash then into walk mode as we all bunch up the Fell of Eschoncan, 800' in 1/3 of a mile, its a bit of a squidgy sheep track from half way up and onto the top. We spread out pretty quickly running a series of undulations, first towards then up and over Benan, along Coarse Craig and up Ben Yellary dropping down the Neive of the Spit before the runnable climb up Merrick, the leaders flying past on their way back. I reach the top of Merrick in the usual 73 minutes. A quick picture looking out to Ailsa Craig then off down the hill.

Theres a few in front to catch and pass two just before the climb back up Ben Yellary means I have to keep running to the top, luckily its only a couple of hundred feet. Picked my route down BY on the way out, works well bypassing the rocks. Closing a few in front but not quickly and eased back for a boulder hopping run over and round Benan's ankle trashing slopes. Managed a few overtaking moves on the run down to FoE good squidgy undualting fun, gasped up the last 100' of climb. Last hurrah down 800' of muddy tussocks slowed me down, a few slips, trips and falls on tired legs before a final brakes off plunge down the grassy trod. Finished just inside 2 hours for the first time in 8 years of trying, and it took a route change to get me there. Super wee low key race, an apple and a jacuzzi stream bath to finish. A few more pictures from the day here and here and here. Merrick was also my "centenary" race on Scottish Hill Racing .

Ben Lomond

Saturday morning turned out a bit damp but not as windy as forecast and reasonably warm. We set off for a run up the Ben. The aim was to run as much as possible instead of accepting the usual jog walk. With this in mind we took the lower slopes nice n steady and managed to run, apart from some of the rocky sections to what is now the third gate. A bit steeper here and walked the first 1/3 or so then ran the middle section before using the excuse of too many rocks to run safely. Began to run again as the path started to level off and had a good run along the plateau picking up pace as the legs recovered. Towards the end of the plateau the path switches left and right and gets a bit lumpy, hard work but kept running. Soon we were on to the steep climb to the summit ridge, walked up the initial steps then managed to get the legs into run mode and pushed hard up and round the corner onto the ridge, gasped my way along the ridge through the rocky outcrops and a final push up to the trig point. Reached the top in 72 mins so only a few minutes slower than race pace. Held onto the trig point for a few minutes until the HR dropped and after a chat with a couple of American walkers set off down the Ptarmigan ridge. The first half is steep and tricky down a rocky path through a series of steep drops, the softer grass and moss to the side too slippy to run down today. Eventually came out the cloud at about 1500' and Loch Lomond came into view. Took our time on the way down and finished in about 2 hours 20.

Ben Nevis

Seems like an age since I was lucky enough in Feb to secure an entry for the race up and down the Ben. Arrived on Friday evening for a weekend based at Glen Nevis campsite. An electric pitch this year so two heaters, electric fridge, phone chargers, hair straightners (not mine) and power supply for the laptop, oh dear.

Damp Friday night and Saturday am, drizzly as race time approached with low winds, good for running. One o'clock we start with a charge round Laggan Park and onto the road to the Nevis path, kept the heart rate under control for a change, making steady progress past Heart Attack hill and up the shortcut at Eddies Bench. Hopefully smiled for the photo at the metal bridge, round a not so windy corner and onto the cross country route to the Red Burn, arriving in 55 mins feeling fine although a couple of minutes slower than last year.

The upper half and things steepen up a bit, grassy bit first then onto rock and scree, held my place, even a couple of short bursts of energy where I went past one or two. Over some boulders and the gradient eases, felt good, pushed on, running past several others while dodging the front runners coming back, working hard but feel fine the easy pace at the start paying off arriving at the top in 1:45, 5 minutes quicker than last year.

Gloves on for the descent, passing people straight away, ouch, sore on the feet at the top. Starts to get steep, then steeper, difficult to overtake safely, rocks flying everywhere, picked up a nice? track closer to the Red Burn than usual and soon onto muddy slopes just above the grassy bank.

The grassy bank's a tough section for everyone, stop moaning and just get on with it, go to the left of the trail and manage to stay on my feet a bit more, slightly better grip but people I worked hard to pass on the rocky slopes coming past, slide the last 15 feet into the burn.

Back to the tourist path with its slippy gritty rocks, great, charge, behave, stay upright, it'll be a sore one if you fall. Aware of those just in front and behind, a bit stop start overtaking when I can dodging the walkers and their dogs. Scramble down the first shortcut ok, the second a poor choice as couple of hard won places are lost.

Easier going now, most of the rocks can be jumped, gradually gain back a couple of places and push on for the end of the trail, good to hear a shout from Chris for the Millies, reached the road in 2:29. Tried to chase the guys in front, picked a couple off then spied a Welsh runner closing fast he catches me on the run round the games field. Finished in 2:38:11, best for 4 years, felt better than usual at the end, lost a bit of time on the grassy bank and a minute or so on a poor choice of shortcut, so room for improvement.

Link to lots of pictures and video here.

Dumgoyne

 Back to Dumgoyne, set off from beside the distillery, aim was to run a bit further up the hill than last time, took it easy on the run up the field, once over the styles I didn't look up, just concetrated my gaze a couple of feet in front and kept my breathing under control, a wee bit further this time and managed to reach the top of the grassy stretch then jog walked to the top, 1/2 a minute quicker than last time.

The main gulley looked good for a run but when I got into it the scree didn't flow and ended up walking more than running, slower than the smaller chutes and a longer traverse back round from the bottom.

 

View towards Glasgow from the bottom of the chute

Back on track for the undulating run to the Earls seat, worked hard at taking the climbs nice n steady and managed to run all the way arrived at the trig in 66 mins. Stopped for a drink and a picture of the cloud lying in the Corrie of Balglass.

Turned for the run back, jacket on in the misty rain, only a few short ups and managed to run them all, finished in 1 hour 45.

Lomonds of Fife

Three of us set off for the Kingdom to try the new route for this medium hill race. The old route was 11 miles and 3400' of ascent. The new one 10 miles and 2500'. The map showed the race used some of the old route, missing out the initial climb of W Lomond and the East West traverse was changed from a landrover track to a sheep track. A different start / finish and a visit to the Bannet Stane.

Bannet Stane with the bumslide behind.

Blue skies and a cool breeze as we set off up the path onto forest trails and roads winding our way up to the monument, tried to keep a steady pace without going into oxygen debt. Over the deerfence, through the firebreaks to the trail out to East Lomond. Running faster as I recovered along the flattish track before a short sharp climb up to EL summit. We returned along the same track back to the road crossing/water station at Craigmead. A short uphill then across flat moorland to Maiden Castle. Eased back along the rough undulating sheep track towards W Lomond where a rocky gulley took us up from old quarry workings towards WL, a couple more short climbs and then helter skelter down towards the bumslide. Passed 5 runners sitting down, escaped with only minor abraisions and ran past the medics waiting at the bottom to the Bannet Stane. Short cruel climb back up WL on the old route start track, thankfully soon up to the final checkpoint and the descending traverse back to the forest. Heat kicked in and I took it nice and steady, back into the trees and much cooler and I could up the effort level for the last few minutes. Finished in about 2:09. Post race Teas in the Strathmiglo Hall before the drive home. A good day out.

5 Mile Handicap

The Millies Grand Prix continued tonight with event No 9 the 5 miler roon the Vale. Handicap start gives you someone to chase or be chased by or both. Tried to catch the two guys in front within the first half mile, nearly got to the first one then had to ease back or implode. Kept it steady round the cycle path and onto the Jamestown road, slowly recovered and as we entered Jamestown managed to catch the nearest runner. Faster runners started to catch and pass me on the run up towards Tullie. Then I caught another few on the run along towards Christie Park and along Middelton St taking a final scalp with a bit of effort 20 yards from the finish. 20 Runners finished, handicaps worked well as most of us were within 3 or 4 minutes. Finished in 34 mins 10, which is 7 min 20 pace for the 4.75 miles.

Luss horseshoe

Didn't plan to run today but we ended up in Luss for a 9 mile 3600' route, ascent via Beinn Dubh, descending down Mid Hill into the top of Glen Luss, a short steep climb on the other side of the Glen up Coille-eughain Hill returning to the mouth of the Glen by the Paps.

Quickish ascent of Beinn Dubh at 46 mins, then a jog round the 2 corries and easy run down Mid Hill reaching the glen in 90 mins. The steep climb up CE Hill went well and felt easier than usual before a run down the grassy Paps into the mess of a forest at Auchengavin. Out for 2 hours 42 in a mixed morning, just about right for running, cloud, mist and sun all having a wee shot.

View from descent of Mid Hill.

Earls Seat in the clouds

Short run today, 7 miles with 2500' of ascent. Starting beside the Glengoyne Distillery, ran up through the fields onto the steep climb up Dumgoyne Hill, reached the top in just over 25 mins, 1 minute quicker than last time. Dumgoyne summit was sitting just under the cloudbase, the rest of the route in cloud. Over the back and a nice scree run on the way down. Didn't try the main scree chute it looked a bit rocky.

 

 After Dumgoyne an nice run along undulating grassy slopes past a couple of cairns to the trig point. Reached the first cairn in another 20 mins then the trig in 20 more. A short stop at the trig point to empty the scree from my shoes then easy running back along the undualting ridge to finish in 1 hour 41.

PWWHSM

Afternoon run round the Vale in the rain, reached Pappert Well in 38 mins, Whinney Hill 1 hour 51, wheels fell off a bit after that and reached Stoneymollan Trig point in 3 hours 10, finishing in 3 hours 41. Most off road paths were streams with some interesting ones to jump and wade.

Trek 7.2FX

Recently acquired a new bike and for the past few weeks have been trying out the local roads and cycle trails, yesterday had my first summersault just off Cycle Route 7, tried to corner too fast in the wet, brake, skid, release brake, summersault, head butt verge, assaulted by a bramble, a few scratches, slight twist to the front derailleur as the chain now clicks against it in 2 7 and 2 8, oh and dented pride.

Lossiemouth 2011

Annual trip to Silver Sands, Covesea, Lossie, relaxed beach and cliff top runs every couple of days, took in the local sights, Shells, Jellyfish, Sea Potato Test complete with occupant and fur! Not so many jets this year but some tight turns and night flights helped to compensate. Managed a few swims in the Moray Firth as well. A couple of games of Golf, 18 holes at Hopeman and 27 hoels at the re-opened Covesea 9 hole links course at the end of the beach. Camp site still in administration it would be a shame if it closes as there are few other sites with the location, space and easy going approach.

Ben Rinnes 5 Tops Hill Race

Another Scottish championship race, my third of the year. Run  from the Dufftown Highland Games, a long one at 14 miles and 4900' for the out and back route over Little Conval, Meikle Conval, Ben Rinnes. A scorcher of a day and 150 of us set off round the games field. The first mile is on undulating farm tracks then we cross Dufftown Golf Course and onto Little Conval. Decided to run conservatively in the heat and see how it went. Reached the top of LC in 35 minutes, took the descent steady rather than the usual all out, still managed to overtake a few then lost a few places going up Meikle Conval,  this see saw of places would repeat all the way until the last descent. Reached the road crossing in 61 minutes, the same as last year. The marshalls had barrels of water here and drank a pint before the climb up Ben Rinnes. The climb is in four parts, Round Hill, Roy's Hill, Black Banks and Scurrah of Lochterlandoch. Felt good and power walked the zig zag track up Round Hill, ran between each of the climbs and kept a steady trudge up the steep bits. Through the summit Tor, grab some sweets then off down the rocky path, plenty of encouragement with the other runners. Reached the road crossing in 2 hours 6, stopped for another pint before a gasping climb to start Meikle Conval, the slope soon eases and back into jog walk up the narrow paths through the heather, over the top and running down the rough track to the start of the last climb up Little Conval. Head down, working hard now, a runner comes past and I dig in trying desparately to hang on, I focus on their heels as we grind out the last few hundred feet of climbing. A glance at the watch shows 2 hours 50 at the top with just over two miles to go. Brakes off and I run as fast as I can on the rough heathery paths, over the Golf Course, the undulating farm tracks tough on my legs and feet. A lap round the games field to finish in just under 3 hours 8. Some photos here.

Fairy Glen

Club 3 mile race with a difference, a 3 lap 5k route in Balloch Park each lap taking in a wee steep bit up the bottom section of Fairy Glen. 17 of us set off on a perfect sunny morning for this short sharp roller coaster run. Happy to finish sub 24 minutes, followed by a Millie al fresco breakfast. Some pictures here.

Dumgoyne and the Earls Seat

Short run this morning, 7 miles with 2500' of ascent. We started beside the Glengoyne Distillery, running up through the fields to the steep climb up Dumgoyne Hill. Over the back and a nice scree run on the way down.

View of Dumgoyne from the back, next time we'll try to access the main scree chute rather than the smaller one that starts half way down.

After Dumgoyne its an undulating run up into the clouds to the cairn at the top of Garloch Hill. Past the cairn the path runs through a series of short ups and downs all the way to the Earls Seat. A short stop at the trig point and then we turn for home, easy running back along the undualting ridge then a fast grassy descent back to the finish.

View towards Loch Lomond from Garloch Hill.
A nice short run, we were 65 minutes out and 30 minutes back, that includes 26 minutes to the top of Dumgoyne, would go quicker on fresh legs.

PWWHSM

Friday afternoon long run capturing some good weather, a lap of the Vales hills, Pappert Well, Whinney Hill & Stoneymollan, about 18 miles and 3100' of ascent. The aim was to run at an effort level I could maintain the whole way. A short road section and I was soon onto the Pappert trail reaching the Trig point in 36 minutes, stopped for a drink then off by the Well, down to the style and right turn across the fields and Golf Course to Auchencarroch and the track into the back of the Haldane, met a couple of younger residents with a Golf Flag and encouraged them to return it. Kept to the road up past Mollanbowie and the hospice. A warm run up the Whinney hill trail stopping for a seat, 1 hour 40. Nice run down the trail and through Balloch Park, the road through Balloch not so good. Walked past the Kennels and the first climb up the Stoney then back into jog mode to the top. Hard work along the moor reaching the Trig in 2 hours 50, another drink stop then followed the race route back home, a fair effort for 3 hours 16.

Maddy Moss

Perfect evening for running, and a new race for me. This is the longest of the midweek races, 6 miles and 2500' of ups and downs to come. The start is a few flights of steps up the Mill Glen behind Tillicoutry. A short steep climb to start so a wee jog for show then walk till we get to a narow runnable path contouring round Kirk Craigs into Mill Glen, a short drop down steps into a gulley then up onto the Law. A scramble at the bottom before steep grassy slopes, hands on knees and push for about half an hour until I crested the top, sweat pouring off me and the other 127 runners on the tough climb. The next top, Ben Cleuch is less than a mile away with only 300' up so we all run it, not very fast but its running. Round the cairn and ease downhill halfway back towards the Law and we swing across to Andrew Gammel Hill, another short runnable climb. Just over half way now and its downhill all the way from here. A nice track takes us into a Glen where we run along a narrow path cut into the steep hillside, difficult to overtake. Just when the path opens out the ground becomes steeper and rockier to test your nerve. We join the outward route for the last hundred yards dropping down through gorse, rock and heather. Stood and watched the next few runners finish before a quick change and a pint in the Woolpack. Drove home to a crimson skyline silhouetting the mass of peaks to the north. Pictures here.

Beinn An Lochain

A short but steep run this week 5 miles and 2500' of ascent. Early start, warm but tops in cloud. Ran along from the R&BT car park to the North End of Loch Restil, crossed the stream and went up a feint path in an obvious gulley to meet the ridge path coming up from Butterbridge. Soon into the cloud which meant we could not see the views or much of the airy drops which accompany this climb.

Reached a claggy top in 68 minutes and carried straight on over to the second lower top then down the SW ridge for a couple of hundred yards to miss the crags below the summit before turning SE then E dropping steeply down soft grassy slopes into Gleann Mor and back round to the R&BT Car Park. Finished in just under 2 hours.

Glen Douglas

New route today, I had made a loose arrangement to mebee run with one of the other runners who was at Luss yesterday, after a couple of texts I left the Vale to meet in Tarbet at half 11 and after a short section of railway track we set off straight up Ben Reoch, pathless tussocky steep. Climing 2000' in just over a mile soon had me sweating last nights beer out. The plan was Ben Reoch, Beinn Bhreac, Doune Hill (ha) and Tullich Hill to finish depending how we? felt. No paths and few if any people on these quiet hills overlooking Lochs Lomond and Long. Easy running from Reoch to Bhreac where we had a break for food and photos. We then gave back the hard earned 2000' on the steep descent to Invergroin in Glen Douglas. Across the road and up beside the missile base fence towards Doune Hill via the adjacent unamed top. Another stiff climb 1800' in a mile and a half, my partner for the day took in both tops, one of them twice, I met him about half way up DH's final climb turning back for the run into Glen Douglas. We separated on the descent and after a bit of a delay met up in the valley where I decided to run back to Tarbet via the Three Lochs trail my pal running back over Tullich Hill. Stunning views and weather requiring plenty of sun cream, water and visits to just about every stream we crossed. Excluding waiting time about 5 hours 40 for 14 miles and close to 6000' of ascent. I took a few pictures from Beinn Bhreac and one from the Three Lochs Trail.

Luss Highland Games

Summer arrives for today's games, had a go at four races, the local 90 m, last, and in trying to sprint realised how stiff I am, 20 minutes later the local 200 m led until about 20 metres from the end, victory snatched from my grasp, 5th I think. The local Hill race about half an hour later takes you half way up the small hill behind the games field then back, 4th out of 6 in 19:53, the Open Hill Race a couple of hours later goes to the top of the same hill and back, 7th out of 9 in 33:56. For both hill races you enjoy a lap of the games field at the start and the finish, and a good reception from the crowd. Other highlights of the day, two cake stalls and the beer tent. Missed the kilted dash as I had no tartan although one guy ran in a teddy bear rug?

Ted Baker

9th running of the Club Hill race up to Pappert Well, hosted by Pete n Mo, runnable at about 5 miles and 1000' of ascent. 17 Millies set off in 6 groups, the idea is we all finish together, pretty good grouping as all but a couple finish in order and the first 8 finishing within a couple of minutes of each other. Started off nice n steady along the road then tried to keep a good effort on the new hardcore path through the woods beside Pappert. The moorland path is not too steep so just keep as high a tempo as my wee legs allow. Slowed slightly before the trig point then tried to pick the pace up again on the way back down past the Well. A steady run on the hardcore path through the woods before a short down, up, down on the road, the bell welcomes us back, finishing 3rd in the handicap but 4th by time in 43:43. Post run chat, cakes and tablet, courtesy of our kind hosts, how to run and put weight on!

Arrochar Alps

My last attempt at this race was a DNF, low cloud made for difficult navigation and I gave up when it was clear I wouldn't make the next checkpoint cut off. Complacency was the real culprit, although rough and trackless, a few bearings worked out in the comfort of your own home make all the difference. Low cloud forecast again this year and I left the Vale with cloud below 1000'.

Over thirty runners set off on the Glen Loin trail at 11, only a couple behind me for the 4 mile run to the Vorlich path, left the road after 40 minutes giving 1 hour 20 to get up and back down to the Sloy dam. Its a long trudge to the top and I try to settle in to a steady pace, only one or two runners in sight in the clouds, we leave the path to cut out some corners but I swing back across to the path as its smoother and not as steep. Ghostly runners come flying past in the mist when I reach the summit ridge and a few minutes later after a 55 minute climb I get to the top, no marshals, only a kite and punch to record your visit. This leaves 25 minutes which is ok for the descent to Sloy dam. In the cloud three of us miss the steep drop off the ridge and chose one further along, not as steep and no real loss of time and I swing across to pick up the ususal line and reach the dam in 2 hours and seconds.

Next Ben Vane where it went wrong last time, losing 20 minutes on the steep trackless climb. About 6 of us go to the left of the large buttress behind the dam and then up on a 220 degree bearing which I hoped would lead to a steep rock filled gulley to the summit ridge. The first part of the climb went well, my bearing tied in with a series of gullies and gaps in the crags, a couple of the other runners popping in and out of the clag on similar lines. Large crags imposed a couple of worrying deviations to the chosen bearing but I could now hear a stream which hopefully was the one that runs along near the bottom of the gulley. Just then the clouds cleared around us and I could relax, spot on for the gulley to the top. It gets quite steep for the last few yards, a bit of a scramble. Back into cloud at the top I start on my bearing for the run off Vane, when I reach this rock arc round to the left to miss the worst of the crags, towards the bottom I could see the two runners in front and appeared to be closing in until I went too close to the last set of crags which slowed me down.

From Lag Uaine I go up a narrow ridge towards Glas Bhealach the two in front going off to the left, two behind slowly closing in, hard work now, they catch and pass me just as I leave GB for the last 900' climb up Ben Ime. I catch them having a breather at the summit and ran past. The run off Ime deceptive as the path splits and the wrong one leads you to steep cliffs just as the right one fades away for a while, a 165 bearing takes me to the checkpoint at Bealach a Mhaim.

The clouds break revealing glimpses of the path for the last climb up Narnain, I try to push on but it feels very slow, thankfully its the shortest climb of the day and the summit cairns soon appear through the cloud. The run off Narnain a tricky 3000' drop in two miles starts with a careful scramble through the spearhead then a twisty narrow track down a series of steep drops. Pop out below the clouds after about 25 minutes and Arrochar comes in to view with a runner just in front, he must be struggling as I catch and pass him easily. One last scramble down a rocky muddy stream then its down a path covered with huge concrete blocks. Timecheck as I reach the forest road is 5 hours 33, and I jog in to finish in 5 hours 46 and 27th out of 30 finishers.

Beinn Duhbchraig

Set off at 12 from Dalrigh along to Cononish then up Beinn Dubhchraigs Northern shoulder, steep at first then becomes runable before it kicks up again before the summit. I was carrying enough food and clothes to run the 4 munros and as I left Dalrigh there was only puffs of cloud on the summits. Into the cloud at about 2500 feet mist more than rain, I soon picked up the ridge path and found the summit cone, a bit wet and windy up here. The run along to Ben Oss twists and turns as it drops 700 feet to the beallach between them. Rain heavier, wind picked up and the cloud seemed to be dropping lower pouring off Duhbchraigs shoulder into Coire Garbh, Loch Oss 500 feet below dissapearing faster than I was descending. I arrived at the turning point to aim for the climb to Oss's summit, feeling cold and a bit damp, checked out the map then decided to call it a day. My escape route was to descend to Loch Oss then contour round Duhbchraig's eastern shoulder where a path would take me back to Dalrigh. Dropped down to Loch Oss out of the cloud, wind and rain and soon felt better. Ran down through Coire Garbh round Loch Oss over peat hags and bog but with great views down Loch Lomond. Chased a herd of deer along Dubhchraigs Eastern face the Stag eventually gathering his herd down into a forest. Soon met the path back to Dalrigh through fir trees beside a tumbling highland stream, the fir trees soon gave way to Scots Pine, a pleasant run off th ehill. A wade through the river Cononish and across the WHW to finish. Just over 4 hours for 12 miles and 3800 feet of climbing.

Stoneymollan

Cort Ma Law

Boggiest Bog n Burn race for a while, 6 miles and 1700 feet of ascent. The rain held off but the ground was soft. After the climb up from Jamie Right's Well to the top of Cort Ma Law you think the hard work is done then you hit the undulating swamp on the run round to Lecket Hill. An emerald green sea, your not sure if its ankle deep or waist deep, you find the waist deep ones when your going like a wee train, its hard to get going again, then you stop at every one, suspicious, you hear the runner behind coming and just go for it. Three thigh deep plunges meant the runners behind kept catching up, the soft ground making for a hard run. Respite after reaching the top of Lecket, downhill and the bogs are narrow enough to jump. For a change I managed to stay on my feet in the run into the gulley then a slow trudge back out. Slowly get back to running but one more plunge just before I reach the safety of the path. Jump the fence and run as hard as possible across the moor and a fast descent to finish in just over 69 minutes.

Yetholm

The 3rd race from this years SHR Championship, this was my second as I missed Slioch, nearly missed this one as well, I forgot my shorts and lost 30 minutes finding a shop in Stirling with anything resembling shorts that I could run in. Made registration in Town Yetholm with a minute to spare. Classed as a medium race, 8 miles with 2500 feet of climbing, The route alternates between clockwise and anticlockwise, last time I ran here was in 2005 when it was clockwise, this time anti. Typical rolling borders hills, on the way out we went over Staerough, Sunnyside, Wildgoose and Latchley Hills, then up the biggest climb, the Curr, from the Curr we ran back via the Pennine way, past Black Hag along Steer Rig over White Law before an undulating grassy descent back to the start. No major climbs and no rocks or boulders to contend with. Finished just under 1 hour 34 about 20 seconds quicker than 2005.

Jura n beyond

Set off on Friday morning for the Jura Fell Race, 7500 FOA and 16 miles. I hoped to break 6 hours. A drive to Kennacraig for the Calmac ferry to Islay then another ferry across the sound of Islay to Feolin on Jura, saved energy this year and took the bus to Craighouse. Another contrast to last year was the wind, low cloud and rain. Arrived at Craighouse on a dreich afternoon, got the tent up and went into the cooperage which doubles as race headquarters. The locals put on a good show of home baking for the weekend and spent a pleasant hour drinking tea, eating scones and cakes. Time for a rest before tea and a couple of pints in the Jura Hotel. Too wet for much of a walk after tea so an early night.

Race day and a pleasant surprise, bright and breezy, plenty of blue sky. Even though not everyone was through the Start Control the race starts at 10:30 on the dot, the rest of us throw the first of our 10 checkpoint tags towards the steward and set off. The first 5 miles take us over 2500 feet of climbing and the three summit checkpoints of Beinns, Dubh, Glas and Aonach, cut off times are strictly enforced, a runner passed me wearing long pink shorts, it would be good to beat him. I reached the first checkpoint in 53 mins, 7 minutes inside the cutoff. This section is typical of Scottish hills, an undulating mass of bog and rock, a contrast to the straight up and down of the Paps. Leaving Aonach-beinn we drop steeply for the peat bog crossing of Gleann Astaile.

Next its a steep rock and boulder roller coaster over the three Paps, 4000 feet of up and down over 5 miles. The first Pap Beinn a' Chaolais starts off grassy, then gets progressively rockier towards the top where its a mass of shattered boulders, admiring the views as I approach the summit, I am caught by a sharp shower of stinging hail, luckily this soon passes, I managed to cover my face but the rash on my legs is still there nearly a week later. The run off the top a fun steep twisty scree path, I arrive at the bottom too soon for the short boggy crossing to Pap 2, Beinn an Oir, pretty much straight up again through rocks, boulders and more boulders, at the top I stumble along the rocky path then take a sharp right at an old ruin down a rocky track. The last Pap, Beinn Shiantaidh appears impassable from the glen but you pick your way up gullies and ledges to another moonscape top of shattered rock, a tough descent down scree and boulders, towards the bottom you can pick up a number of narrow trods to take you round to the last climb, 600 or so feet in half a mile up Corra Beinn. At the top I look at my watch for the first time since CP1, 4 hours 53, gave me something to chase over the last 6 miles.

The three mile 1800 feet descent to Three Arch Bridge achieved in 34 minutes with a bashed shin and several plunges into peaty ditches left me 32 minutes for three flat road miles to the finish. I could see the runner in front and worked at closing him down, then another couple, the last one I caught had long pink shorts, he stayed with me and we worked together for the last mile and a half, he urged me to go on for the last few hundred yards and I crossed the line just inside 5 hours 59. For a feel of the route and terrain check out this link for pictures taken by another, faster, runner on his way round.

More tea and cakes and a couple of pints while watching the prizegiving before I felt brave enough for the cold shower. A pleasant evening spent eating and drinking in the Jura Hotel before another early night.

Got up early on Sunday for a walk back to Feolin, wet and windy so I was lucky to get a lift within a few minutes and meant I could get the first boat back to Kennacraig. The best place to sit was the front deck outside as the sun came out with the added bonus of a pod of Dolphins leaping around in front of us.

From Kennacraig I drove up to Arisaig and Camusdarrach Campsite to meet my better half and friends for a few days beside the sea. They had been there in wind and rain since Friday, I brought the sun. I even managed a swim on Monday. Some Jura and Arisaig pictures here.

We arrived back on Wednesday afternoon and by the time we unpacked I still had time to get to Old Kilpatrick for the evening Bog and Burn race, 6 miles and 1400 FOA. Light rain greeted the start and continued for much of the race, managed to wheezily run most of the uphills. Pictures here . The first half mile is on road, then a runnable climb up onto the hill for a flattish run across moor and farm track past loch Humphrey, a couple of minor climbs then round Greenside reservoir before the short drag up the Slacks, from the trig point at the top you head straight for the Clyde a slight route change over a new style instead of the coffee table to rejoin the outward route, finished just over 63 minutes.

Stoneymollan

Another easy weekend run, set off for a lap of Stoneymollan and luckily got round before the rain. As it was a short run I put a bit of effort in taking 10 minutes of my usual time.

Arrochar undulations

Set off early for today's run, from Succoth, tide in, up Glen Loin, over Ben Vane, Beinn's Ime and Narnain and the Cobbler to finish avoiding the crowds by returning to Succouth via a new route for me the Cobblers SE ridge. Took it easy through Glen Loin walking the bigger hills, the track to the Ben Vane turn felt hard. Steady trudge up Ben Vane, thoughts of cutting the run short never far away, towards the top into the clouds and a blustery wind, sheltered just before the summit for something to eat and dug the compass out for the 280 degree run off. Over the top and into a gale, trot along the bearing to this rock, time to turn left and drop down into Lag Uaine. Soon out the cloud and work my way round the crags into the glen. Find my exit ridge for the climb towards Glas Bhealach, its between two streams and has a faint path to follow, easier than the open hillside. From Glas Bhealach things got harder as an icy squall blew in, sheltered behind a boulder, two buffs on and hood up then set off for Ben Ime's steep northern slopes. Head down and went for it, a bit of dermabraision from the hail, arms wrapped around me for warmth, the higher I went the colder I got, legs turning blue but didn't want to stop to put on extra gear in case it got blown away on the exposed slopes. Reached the top a bit quicker than usual. Some more food then gloves on sheltering behind the summit. Decided to call it a day after this unless the cloud lifted. Legs painful on the descent, kept working, trying to get some life back into them. Started down on my usual bearing but soon under the clouds. Gradually felt better until I realised Narnain and the Cobbler were both clear. Ran though Bealach a' Mhaim, easy to locate the path up Narnain, ran where I could. Reached the top in just under 4 hours. More food in the shelter of the wall at the trig point. The run back towards Bealach a'Mhaim a bit stop start on the badly eroded path. Lots of walkers climbing the Cobbler's back stairs and set off after them, great climb and as the gradient eases I manage a run to the busy summit ridge. Pick my way slowly along the twisty bouldery ridge path to the western end for a run down the quieter SE ridge. Great views back towards the Cobbler and across to Narnain. Legs complaining a bit on the run off the ridge to meet the new zig zag path. A nice easy jog back to Succoth, tide out. 15 miles and 7700' of ascent over the four tops, finished in 5 hours 44. A few pictures here.

Riverbank 5k

Third running of the Clubs 5k starting from the rear gate to Cameron House, through Lomond Shores and onto the cycle path on the Leven finishing just past the Vale Academy. 18 of us set off in 5 groups, we all had someone to run with and chase, tried to run at an even pace and thought I kept the first mile steady but struggled on the second mile. Managed to keep it going with a good effort for the third, please to finish in 20:48. Photos Here.

Ben Lomond

A warm and windless afternoon greeted the runners as we set off at 1 pm for my yearly attempt to get under 1 hour 40. A quick dash along the road then up through whats left of the woods. Came out the woods in a small group and ran as many of the flatter parts as I could. Seemed to work as I didn't lose as much distance as usual on the steep parts. Onto the shoulder at half way and running up into the clouds. At the top they kick you off the track again over rough ground to meet the ridge path, working hard now the up part is nearly over. Reach the top in just over 69 minutes, a quick drink from the summit marshall and off chasing the runners in front. The run off the ridge tricky down the rocky zig zags while trying to overtake as many as possible. The close proximity of other runners means careful foot placement as we all tend to go for similar lines while keeping our chaotic descent upright. The first part of the plateau just as tricky, not as steep but still plenty of rocks to hop over as we try to pick up the pace. Settle into a steady pace as the plateau levels off, towards the end we leave the trail down a steep grassy bank, thunder and lightning overhead helps increase the pace. Through the gate and back on the path then just when you think the routes changed and its path all the way back we are directed onto trackless boggy tussocks for a few hundred yards. Soon we're back on the path again and losing concentration for a second down I go, knees, hip and hands take a battering in a rocky ditch, try to roll out of major impact and get going again without losing any places, although running with a limp for the next two hundred yards slows me down a bit. Knee soon eases and back up to speed for the bad step, tip toe through and down into the forest. Keep working hard, in traffic again, route choice important to keep passing slower descenders. Back on the road and muster a last effort to finish just over 1 hour 41. Pictures from the finish here.

Dumyat

Extremely dry for the Dunyat race, 5 miles 1250' of ascent, a nice wee up and down from the grounds of Stirling Uni. Over 300 runners made for a busy race, started in the middle of the pack lost a few places going up then got them back going down. Road and track leading into bluebell woods then onto the hill, ran more of the ups than usual and got to the top in just under 32 mins, about a minute more than I was looking for, concentration a bit wayward. Round the trig point and down through a mass of runners still coming up, gradually picked up the pace making good use of gravity but wary of a fall on the busy paths. Nice run down through the woods, the steep muddy bank too dry to attract much of a crowd. Nice n steady along the up part of the track then gradually wound up the pace all the way to the finish once back on the downhill. Finished in 155 place in 49 mins 10. Civilised end with a shower and then the Uni cafe for food before the drive home. Some pictures here.

Stuc A Chroin

143 started the 14 mile 5000' Long Classic race from the village of Strathyre. Beautiful sunny day luckily with a strong cooling breeze. Covered the two miles of forest track undulating up in 22 minutes, felt like I pushed too hard. Through the trees and onto the moor, steady jog walk towards Meall Mor and an easy run down into Glen Ample. Kept to my own pace on the ascent of Beinn Each, letting one or two past on the short level sections on the way to the crags. Three or four got past just after the crags as the path steepened up and I slow down. Let them go, hoping to catch them later. Good run off the top of Beinn Each, caught and passed a few on the ridge. Felt harder than I would have hoped, still, views to die for and the breeze kept you from overheating. After about a mile of undulating ridge you have a 1000' in a mile climb up the Stuc's SW Ridge, yo yo time again as those I had passed on the ridge drift pass me. Reach the top of the Stuc in 2 hours 11, a few minutes down on schedule. Round the cairn and ease after those in front, not too fast as there's a few undulations on the way back and Glen Ample as well. Gradually pull a few places back on the run off the Stuc, the ridge along to Bealach nan Cabar and the drop back in to Glen Ample. Steady traverse along to the crossover hoping somethings left in the tank. Cross the bottom of Glen Ample and the first part of the climb ok for me although yo yo time again as I'm passed by two or three. Cramp hits about half way up but luckily another runner offers me some nuun drink which seems to help almost immediately and although losing ground on those in front I manage to run out the Glen as the slope eases. Jog over the col then try to make a steady pace back across the moor, gradually reel in and pass the three in front, one sticks with me and overtakes on the last up before the forest. Overtake and leave him on the run into the forest and pass another couple oh and a wee fall in a ditch. Back on the forest track, keep it steady for the first slightly uphill mile hoping that no one passes, one guy does, a wee chat then he's off. The last mile is downhill, not steep but enough to help you along, I can hear footsteps behind, lean forward, lengthen my stride but can't shake him and he soon passes. Manage to catch another three before the end, a couple of them barely jogging, then a quick finish required to keep ahead of the kind runner who gave me the Nuun, 3 hours 36 for 105th place. Super race, route on the hill fully marked with 30 or 40 friendly marshalls out on the hills, laden with water, sweets and loads of encouragement.

A few pictures here.

Whangie

First Bog n Burn race of the year, dry underfoot, blue skies and a cool breeze, so not too boggy. 4 miles and 800' of ascent. Took it easy up the first climb then tried to push on along the narrow undulating track past the Whangie. Managed to overtake a few then held my place until we reached the ridge, felt good on the run down to the road. Steady jog along to the turn back onto the hill. Walked the first short steep section then ran from then on. Picked off a few jog n walkers on the way to the trig point. After the trig its mostly gentle grassy downhill until a short sharp drop back to the path and helter skelter with a couple more victims on the way back to the finish. Great wee local race with a built in 1 1/2 mile warm up and cool down to and from the parking area. Finished in just over 37 minutes, a few seconds faster than last year for the same route, and faster than previous best for the old route.

Pictures here and here.

Easy weekend

Short runs, two of them, the first Saturday afternoon, a steady jog round Stoneymollan, a nice breeze, clouds scudding around the blue sky, Luss Hills, Ben Lomond and beyond, all crying out for attention in the sun, stick to the plan, recovery from the past few hard weeks. Sunday an evening run through the three parks, Chrsitie, Argyll and Balloch, careful not to stand on sleeping ducks, as dusk falls.

Stuc A Chroin recce

This weeks long run was a recce of the race route. 14 miles and 5000' of ascent. From Strathyre the route starts and finishes with 2 miles on forest tracks with a few ups and downs in between. I had only run this as a race so today was a chance to take in the views. After the first couple of miles we left the track through the tunnel of trees onto the hill for a gradual climb over Meall Mor and a steep drop into Glen Ample, then an enjoyable climb up to take in the views from the summit of Beinn Each. Its two miles from BE to the top of the Stuc, the first mile good fun as the path twists and turns along an undulating ridge, the second a steady 1000' climb. We spent a few minutes on the top looking from Ben Vorlich which sits a mile or so behind the Stuc right across to the Firth of Forth on the East coast. A quick refuel in the shelter of the summit cairn and we set off for the return back along the ridge to Bealach nan Cabar, luckily the return route avoids Beinn Each and we drop down a tussocky gulley before the rough traverse along Glen Ample saving something for the climb out to Meall Mor. Good run back to the forest, mostly downhill, then the two mile jog to Strathyre. We finished in 4 hours 50 and hope to be somewhat quicker in a couple of weeks time.



Sunday was such a good morning just had to go for a recovery run over Carman, Overton and Bromley Muirs, 5 or 10 minutes slower than usual and walked the steep bits.

Arrochar Alps

Forecast was for more sun as the day went on, good day for a long slow run. The plan was to run from Succouth up Glen Loin to Coiregrogain, then Ben Vane, Beinn Ime and Narnain, and a descent down to Succouth, about 13 miles and 6000' of climbing.

We started with low cloud and mist down below 2000'. Took it easy through Glen Loin, walking the bigger hills. Arriving at the Ben Vane path just after Coiregrogain we moved quickly across the bog and onto the 2000 foot in a mile climb, pretty soon we were into the clouds. Steady trudge up and as we made our way through Vanes knobbly tops we broke through into sunshine and stunning views of mountain tops piercing the clouds. We took in the views for a few minutes then set off on a crag avoiding bearing into Lag Uaine and back into the mist. We came down under Beinn Chorranach, too far North, a short trot up the glen and we set off for what we hoped was Glas Bhealach. A few minor zig zags on the way up and then a break in the clouds confirmed we were just about on track. A short stop at GB then up the steep North flank of Beinn Ime in glorious sunshine. A brief stop at the top and we were off back down into the mist towards Bealach a'Mhaim. Tried to run a bearing but came down slightly to the right of the style. Soon picked up the path to Narnain and back into the sun, even managed a wee jog as the slope eased towards the top. We set off with a scramble through the Spearhead to start the run down the steep twisting path, kept a steady pace going all the way. Keeping to the left of the stream we managed to stay off the concrete blocks and made good time on the bottom section leading back on to the forrest track. Only a short run down to the car park left with a quick stop at the jacuzzi refreshing tired legs.

Finished in 4 hours 50, a quiet seat in the sun before the drive home our reward for a fine day. Only met one person on Ben Vane then hordes of walkers as we ran off Beinn Ime and over Narnain. Misty glens made us think a wee bit about navigation and brought us back down to earth after the stunning views from the tops.

Stoneymollan

18 runners set off on the handicap hill race, first off about 6:30 last after 7. A cool and clear evening, good for running. The first 1/2 mile is on the road then onto tracks and paths. Good running up the Stoneymollan then nice n boggy along Bromley and Overton Muirs. Reeled the runner ahead in at the top of the Stoney but he tucked in behind and would overtake me before the finish. Good run along to the fort catching three as I jumped the wall. I can hear runners coming up behind but hold them off until back on to the road when a couple pass me. Jog the last two wee hills then push downhill to finish in just over 43 minutes a couple of minutes slower than last year. Tea and cakes in the hall once everyone gets back.

Luss Hill Run

Saturday morning and we set off for a loop round the Luss Hills, the route would turn out depending how we felt. Into the climbing straight away up Beinn Dubh, no stopping at the top in the cool breeze. Along the ridge twisting round Coire na h-eanachan and Carlaig before the tussocky drop into Sith Mor. Second big climb up Doune Hill then more ridge running over Beinn Lochain and Eich and back down to the road a the top of Glen Luss. Here we crossed the Glen for the stiff climb up Coille-eughain Hill and back to the foot of the glen via the Paps, finished the 13 mile 6000' route in just over 4 1/2 hours.

Birnam Classic Hill Race

Big field of about 200 for the 1st of the SHR Championship counters, a short, 4 miles with 1700 feet of ascent. The race was the second of three in the Highland Boundary Race Series over the weekend. Sadly I could only manage this one. The race starts in the centre of Birnam beside the Beatrix Potter Garden.  For the first few hundred yards we ran jostling our way on a narrow road and winding track before the hill slowed us all down. Familiar jog wheeze walk up a steep zig zag path through trees before the slope eased and we had to run again. The top section best described as undulating up took us through a few false summits before cresting the Kings Seat and on to the descent which contoured round under Rohallion Castle. Gained a few places on each of the short steep sections then tried to keep them as the gradient eased. The race finishes with an undulating flat mile where I lost two or three of my hard fought places, managed to keep it going to finish in about 44 minutes. Post race reverie with soup, rolls, tea and biscuits in the Birnam Institute.

Ardgarten Loop

Hopeful looks revealed snowbound Luss peaks so it was back to the Arrochar trails on Sat morning. We decided on the 20 mile Ardgarten Loop, clockwise of course.

A couple of miles on the road to start then forest tracks for the next 5 as the trail winds its way up to the Dukes Pass Trail over to Lochgoil side. We stopped for a couple of minutes to watch a large Stag peering at us from round a corner before it ambled off down into the woods. Kept a steady pace going to the Lochan then ran over the cycle track and down into the forest on Lochgoil side.

Back onto the road for a mile or two from Lochgoilhead before the long climb on forest tracks to the top of the Rest and Be Thankful. The run back to Ardgarten down Gleann Mor has a couple of good ups as well just to keep you working all the way to the end. Finished in a minute under 4 hours, perfect day for running, cool and sunny, only a small shower in the last couple of miles.

Snowy Glen Loin

Snow return kept me off the hills this week, drove up to Arrochar for a 16 mile/3000 FOA run on the forest trails. Left Succouth in driving sleet and joined the track above the car park and ran towards Ardgarten, took the low track which comes out beside the Visitor Centre, ran  up the road for a mile before returning towards Succouth via the higher track. Into the teeth of the wind and a bit unpleasant for a mile or so until the track starts to wind its way up the side of Glen Loin, trees offering respite. As I climb the sleet turns to snow and makes for good running, working hard, 4 inches deep by the top of the Glen. Snow covered rocks make for an easy crossing of the stream and off down the undulating track to Corriegrogan. Back into the wind now, head down and plod it out with my own snowy peak. Meet my first people of the day on the way down the glen, a few groups of walkers. Tired now on the run into the lower glen, the extra work in the snow taking its toll, stop and stretch a couple of times which releases the legs and keeps me running. Jog back into a cold windswept sleety car park in about 3 hours 25. A few blurry snowy pictures here.

A Team Challenge and Bishop Hill

Saturday and the first team race of the Millies Grand Prix, didn't run instead helped and harassed the runners as they worked their way round the 12 miles from Balloch to Cardross and back to the Vale Leisure Centre via the trig point overlooking Bromley Muir, route included 2000' of ascent and three team challenges, a few pictures here. Hopefully the runners had as much fun as we did. At night we all got together again for the clubs AGM and a wee social after. A good day.

Sunday and 2 of us went along to the Bishop Hill race, a short one at 2 1/2 miles with 1000' of ascent, a bit of a lung buster, if you have time to catch your breath you are not trying. Undulating woody start where they send you through a ditch to join a narrow path winding up and around Bishop Hill, mostly runnable only the first and last parts of the climb reduced me to a walk. Fresh breeze when we got above the tree line, several gliders from the local airfield wheeling overhead as we pant and pech uphill.

Gradually force a jog between the two summits at the top then plummet off the edge thankful as gravity takes over, a couple of good grassy descents with a few jumps if you like that sort of thing then the trail levels off for a couple of hundred yards before rejoining the outward path for a couple of minutes of good fast downhill running. A steep descent back into the woods and a sprackle through the ditch to finish in just over 27 minutes.

Soup, rolls n tea in the village hall while you catch your breath. Photos here.