Arrochar Trails

Set off for the forest trails round Arrochar with a forecast of gales and sunshine. Planned 16 mile 3000' route anti-clockwise round Glen Loin then along to Ardgarten and back to Succouth taking the lower trail out to Ardg and the upper trail back. Clouds ripping across the sky and Lochs Lomond and Long a trifle choppy on the drive up. Luckily the Glen Loin track is sheltered, at least in the lower section. Walked the short hills on the way up to the pylons, a bit breezy now. Onto the short road section to Corriegrogain, running straight into the wind and rain. Ran the hill from the bridge and the rocky hill towards the disappearing stream. A mixture of lashing rain, sleet and sunshine in the exposed upper glen. Crossed the stream, pleased to get back into the shelter of the trees for an easy run back towards Succouth. Didn't even think about stopping as I passed Succouth and ran along towards Ardgarten. Lashing again and into the gale up the road to pick up the upper track Pretty cold by the time I got there and turned up the track, warming up as I worked my way uphill, the rain eased and the sun came out as I reached the top. Walked along for a few minutes taking some more pictures, difficult to get running again, shuffled along for a while, gradually working up to a run. An atmospheric run today through sunshine and showers, the wind howling through the trees overhead, the air heavy with the scent of pine, gullies filled with noisy streams of froth and foam. Finished just under 3 1/2 hours, 2 hours 5 for Glen L, and 1 hour 20 for the out and back to Ardg.