10 Mile Handicap

Club Handicap race round the Horseshoe, late night so didn't expect much of a performance and I was not disappointed with a 92 minute plus trundle round the undulating 10.4 mile route, damp and breezy, into the wind on the way back just increased the pleasure no end.

Undulating Trails

Well into Sunday before I could get a run in, set off for Ben Lomond, a bit breezy at Rowardennan and a change of plan, a run along to Inversnaid and back, last time I ran this was in 2008, first half forest road then the trail twists through trees along to Inversnaid. A lot of water about and not a lot of views or other walkers/runners, I think I only passed two rangers and four walkers today. Showers on the way out, a bit wetter on the way back until the rain went off for the last half mile. Ran inside 3 hours for the 14 miles, 3000' of ascent, a few pictures here.

Chasing Seaplanes

Ime and the Cobbler from Succoth, 12 miles and 5000' feet, timed to intercept the Cameron House Seaplane either on the way out or back, depends which way it went, but with only 40 minutes to get from Ime to The Cobbler, top to top. Set off in plenty of time with a faint blue sky through the mist above. Felt harder than usual beating my usual splits despite trying to take it easy. Great views through gaps in the swirling clouds.

Ben Lomond from Ime

Butterbridge and road to Loch Fyne from Ime

Ime from The Cobbler

Passed a few walkers on the way but managed to arrive at a deserted Ime summit, peace and quiet while I waited on the Seaplane, didnae see it, did see a walker from Buckie on a trip to gather a few of his last munros. Off down to Bealach A' Mhaim and a direct line to the Cobbler, trotted up the back steps arriving on schedule, a chat with some walkers while I waited for the Seaplane, I didnae see it. Ran back down after a few more photos, great day, mixture of cloud and sun, no wind made the waiting ok.  A few more pictures here.

Misty Mountains

Forecast was low cloud and showers, looked better as I set off, driving along Loch Lomondside, low cloud, at least it was dry. Changed route to Narnain and The Cobbler, easier to navigate the 10 miles and 4500' from Succoth. Only a few cars about should make for a quiet day on the hills. Paused at the Narnain Boulders, starting to rain and into the clouds. Misty trudge, visibility 20 or 30 yards and breezy until behind Narnain's bulk. No-one up here today, touched the trig and turned back towards Beallach a Mhaim. Easy run back down, turning at each of the mini the cairns I noticed on the way up, a train ticket stuck in a hole a marker that I was on the right track. Planned to run the Cobblers back steps, walked most, voices at the top, a couple of people eventually emerging from the cloud near the Needle, others unseen. A small gap in the clouds at the top of the Cobbler back stairs, stopped for a picture.

Steady run through the Glen and down the winding path back to Succoth inside 3 hours. A few more pictures here.