Riveting runs

Glen Loin was the chosen punishment on Saturday, forecasts varied from breezy and sunny to gales and blizzards, we got a bit of both. Left the car park at the usual 8:40 for an anticlockwise run round the Glen, the first few miles pleasant enough in the sheltered lower Glen with blue skies and bright sunshine, the numerous toads and associated spawn suggesting Spring isn't far away.

All change once we left the forest for the short section of road at Coiregrogain the wind picked up and shrouded the surrounding tops, heads bowed to avoid the driving snow in our faces as we struggled forwards. A slight respite once we crossed the bridge, Ben Vanes lower slopes affording some shelter. Into the upper glen and the skies cleared but we were back into the teeth of a cutting wind.

 The run back down the other side of the glen pleasantly sheltered through the trees. We cut off the last corner running down through the trees looking for signs of the Glen Loin caves. 11 miles and 2200' in 2 hours 15. A few more pictures here including an underwater action shot.

Sunday was a fine morning and I had a chance for a run over Stoneymollan, we found a "new" trig point overlooking Dumbarton.

Ran past the quarry on to the hill running the reverse of the club race route back down to the Vale. Stunning views over loch and snow capped mountains.

It was such a nice day we continued to Balloch Park and a run up Whinney Hill, the trail newly cleared of fallen trees. Plenty of walkers out including a few who were lost and not really dressed for the frozen mud.

By the time we started back towards the park I was struggling from the weekends efforts and gave up on the idea of a jog up to Pappert Well. Finished the 14 miles and 2100' in 3 hours 10.