Beinn Dubh, Mid and Coille-eughain Hills

Gave up on the planned Mid, Doune, Eich loop as all the parking spots at the top of Glen Luss were taken. Drove back down and parked at the bottom, shorter, easier route, Beinn Dubh, Mid Hill, cross the glen and climb Coile-eughain Hill, down over the Paps to finish. Only a few walkers out today. Beinn Dubh steep to start then mud kicks in as the slope eases. Made the top in about 50 mins with a couple of photo stops on the way. Cool breeze on top for the run round the corries to Mid Hill. Usual slippery descent off Mid Hill. Walked the steep climb up CE Hill, not as hard as usual. Ran down over the Paps to finish inside 3 hours. Pictures here.

Beinn Eich to Doune HIll n back

Set off a bit late, worked my way up Beinn Eich to start over the top and towards Beinn an Lochain, damp squall blew through, thought about turning back as the air cleared, breezy run to Doune Hill, didn't hang about, keen to get back before dark. Good views to the Clyde estuary under low cloud. Reached the top of Beinn Eich clouds turning pink and the moon starting to shine through, steady run down to finish as darkness fell. Some pictures here.

Cobbler n his wife

27, 14, 15, 21, the Cobbler is running by numbers, each feature has its own time slot. Saturday afternoon run today, cool and clear to start, hardly any wind made for comfortable conditions. Only a few walkers out, a group of mountain bikers too. Stop start run up the back stairs to the Cobbler summit. Picture's and off towards Narnain. Jog walk up through snow patches near the top. Turned back towards bealach a'Mhaim, mist and cloud rolling in, easy run back to Succoth. Finished in just over 3 hours. Some pictures here.

Beinn Dubh

Cold and overcast we set off for Luss, Beinn Dubh loop round to Mid Hill, back down the glen road, climbing Beinn Dubh into the clouds, faint blue tinge above, gradual increase in blue above and snow underfoot until we emerged above the cloud, power snow and powder blue sky, white topped mountains for miles, one of those days you don't want to go down, on the way to Mid Hill a bonus Broken Spectre as we looked towards Ben Lomond, finished happy in two and a half hours, Pictures here

Balloch park cross country

First club cross country race of the year, 10 of us set off for three laps starting behind the castle looping round inside the tree line. got into second place on the first lap third runner closed the gap but managed to hold on with a few seconds to spare. Finished inside 38 minutes.

Tinto Hill Race

4th go at Tinto hill race, straight up and down, 2 miles each way with 2000' of ascent. After a pre race sandwich and coffee in the Tinto cafe set off near the back of 220 runners, worked my way forward before the real climb began, kept a steady jog going working at getting past a few walking or jog walking. The rocky muddy path undulates up into the mist and round a minor top before the last wee pull to the summit and a run round the huge cairn in 112th place. Worked hard on the descent gained over a dozen places, lost a couple on the flattish run in to finish in 101st place inside 46 minutes. Soup and rolls in Symington hall after.

Narnain and the Cobbler

Bright and breezy, set off from Succoth up the walkers path. Quite a few walkers to navigate round. Along the trail past the Narnain Boulers and the cold wind picked up, a 45 degree lean forward seemed to work best, hard work, ice forming in any puddles and ground beginning to freeze. Jogged up Narnain, North wind helped to push me up, reached the top, no hanging about, a few quick photos and runn off to get out the freezing wind. Easy run back to the Bealach watchful for patches of ice. Ran up the back steps of the Cobbler and onto the middle summit, same routine, a few photos and set off for the Bealach. Steady run back through the glen, the wind easing and temperature rising after the Boulders, jacket and hat off as I ran through the forest zig zags in the sun finishing inside 3 hours. A few pictures here.

Glen Nevis

Unexpected chance for camp Nevis, Saturday run over Mullach Nan Coirean, Stob Ban and Sgurr a'Mhaim, forecast good, reality low cloud n drizzle, ran from lower falls car park hard going through remnants of tree felling, out the trees and straight up onto the ridge, running again, top Juraesque rocky stuff, visibility ok about 100 yards, Mullachs double cairn soon reached. No hanging about on the tops today. Ran along the ridge to Stob Ban met a Ptarmigan. Same one as last time? Clouds clear for a few minutes, missed a Brocken spectre taking too long to get the camera out.  Rocky run off Stob Ban nice n easy, rocks greasy, running again along to the stalkers path zig zagging to the ridge to Sgurr a'Mhaim. Ridge narrows, too feart to take a photo, stop at bottom of the short climb to SAM top, getting cold as pace had dropped along the ridge, thermal gloves on up the quartzite to the summit cairn, no stopping, off over boulders then rocky path and some fun down nice scree before a twisting turning rocky broken path, hard work, the last few hundred yards easy muddy trail. Finished inside 5 hours, much fun. Photos here.



Sunday, sound of rain on the tent, got up and it had cleared, clouds above Mamores tops, bits of the Ben I could see looked clear as well. Set off from outside the Youth Hostel, managed to run all Heart Attack Hill! Along tourist path kept jogging, round windy corner some walking on the brocken path, plenty of repairs needed here. Staying on the tourist path past halfway lochan and up the zig zags meant I could run all the way, a wee break to catch my breath and take a couple of photos at every zag. Back into the mist and a chilly breeze grew up through the field of cairns, reaching the top in about 2 hours. Short break and photo stop at the top. Took descent nice n easy, followed the tourist path stopping a couple of times, finsihed in about 3 1/2 hours, not many out today. Photos here.

Ben Ime

Windy and wet, gave Luss a miss, a bit too crowded with the UK fell relay competition. Ok when I set off, up the zig zags and past the narnain boulders. Across the bealach to start the climb up Into wind and rain, passing a walker coming off. Steady trot up, through muddy terraces to the summit ridge, touched the top and turned back down, wind gusting a bit. Took a bit of care to stay on track. Soon back at the bealach passing another couple on their way up, easy run back to Succoth, finished in just over 2 1/2 hours, not many out today.

Pentland Skyline

Final counter in this years SHR championship, time to make amends for a DNF at Jura. Fourth time at this race, 2003,04 and 11, times from 3:47 to 4:09, hoped to finish the 16 or 17 miles and 6000' of ascent inside 4 hours today. Over 300 set off, 45 mins late, a number of people had parked in the ski slopes main car park ignoring the organisers request not to and had to move their cars before the off, sorted out as it should be without any drama hopefully to the satisfaction of the ski centre. Off we went, not much breeze, felt warm jog walking up the first climb, the big field began to spread out towards the first of 16 hill tops, ran easy over the ups and downs to the water stop at Flotterstone, steady now on the long climb up Turnhouse, over Scald Law and Carnethy, popped out to run over South Black hill, back for the Kips and steep drop down to the Drove Road water stop, just over 2 hours. Short farm track then turn for home over slightly rougher ground, some heathery stuff to get through and some boggy bits, luckily these were reasonably flat or down hill sections, ease back a bit and save some energy for the ups of Hare, Black and Bells Hills which are on mostly better paths. Finished the last of my juice, must have been getting dehydrated as it quickly made things a bit easier. Three hills to go, not far now, although the remembered third water stop never appeared, working harder, getting away from a few who had been edging past me from Scald Law, cramp starting to slow me on the flat sections but the ups afforded a wee stretch and managed to run most of these to the end, relaxed and pushed a bit harder down the last descent egged on by gravity happy to finish in 3:53, 177th place out of 295, the winner inside 2:16, last home over 5 1/2hours, plenty of juice n cakes at the finish and a wee lie down on the cool soft ground.

Cobbler and Narnain

Second great day in a row, drove up to Arrochar, for a wee recovery run. Took it nice n steady up the two sets of forest zig zags, coming out on the trail, sun everywhere but the Cobbler, nice cool breeze. Easy jog past the Narnain Boulders and up to the back steps. Ran up with a few breaks to recover and take in the views, some mountain bikers came down in a variety of states, some attached to their bikes some not.
 

Busy at the top, sat for a few minutes, refuel, rest and take some pictures, not a day for hurrying. Set off down the back steps and decided Narnain had to be done as well, jog walked, well mostly walked.

 
Not so many here, views if anything even better, you could see from Ailsa Craig to Ben Nevis. Took another few mintes before returing the way I came up, the legs not up to the Spearhead today. Nice easy jog back, finish in just over 3 hours. More pictures here.  

Ben Venue Hill Race

Small field, 25 today, beautiful Autumn day, stopped on the way to photograph a glass like Loch Achray.

First and last two miles on trails, middle 4 on the hill. Started out 2nd last, gradually worked my way past 8 or 9 by the end of the trail, two passed me on the way to Venue's summit, stayed in the same place to the end. Warm run up through the forest, slight breeze on the hill, the ridge run rocky in places, not too boggy in others. The descent back towards the forest, different as usual, the path to the forest road becoming very overgrown. Two miles of trail went by pretty quick, only the last couple of wee ups causing any stress. Great wee race, finished 18th inside 1:57 to sandwiches, cakes n coffee. More pictures here.

Luss, Finlas and Fruin

From the top of Glen Luss, route was Coille Eughain Hill, two unnamed tops, then Beinn Tharsuin, Beinn Chaorach, Cruach n t-Sidhein and Beinn Eich, 11or 12miles and 4500' of ascent, some paths over Beinn Eich, the rest trods, sheep, deer tacks, mud and tussocks.

 
Steady climb up CE Hill then up the ridge to top 657, from here the ridge undulates over another 4 tops, Chaorach has two, round the top of a windy Glen Finlas to top 693, along to Tharsuin and Chaorach over runnable trods, a few rainy squalls came through, they only lasted 5 or10 minutes each followed by a quick blow dry, kinesthesis just about maintaining a safe body temperature.

Ran down Chaorachs northern shoulder across the burn and contoured on boggy tracks round Mahanch, keeping as high as possible to minimize the loss of height before Cruach an t-Sidhein, short sharp climb to the top, met by another wee squall, didn't hang about, set off towards Eich, taking a rising traverse to reach the ridge path, easier running, jogged up Eich, last climb of the day fuelled by three jelly beans, steady run down chased by another wee squall. Finished in just over 4 1/2 hours, more pictures here.

5 Mile Handicap

Latest club race, 8 of us set off in reverse order, the route is about 1/4 of a mile short, finished in 34:36, 4th over the line, 3rd on time, good fun, short speed session without too much expectation.

Merrick Hill Race 2016

The Scottish counter in the British hill running championship, and part of the SHR Champs as well, a return to almost the original route, one of my fav races, just missing out Bennan, probably due to deer fencing. About 200 set off for 8 miles and 3000' of ascent, short trot along from the car park towards Bruces Stoneto spread us out a bit, sharp left and jog walking up Ben Yellary, a steep muddy, potholed, rocky path, topped out in a few minutes, running again across the short undulating boggy section to the forest road, the stoney road drops down to meet the tourist path towards Ben Yellary, managed to keep running, gradually working ahead of a few determined jog walkers, up over the top speeding down the Neive of the Spit to the traversing climb up Merrick, nearly at the top and those ahead speed past off to the right, round the cairn and chase after them down the Rig of the Gloon, at the bottom its typical Galloway tussocks then a short trudge in a ditch beside a wall up to the undulating ridge to Buchan Hill. The run down, a boggy rocky path come stream to start then something of a path covered with potholes and tussocks before a couple of fields.

 Photo courtesy of Scottish Hill Runners

Turn out onto a forest road for the last hurrah, only about 250m but steeply twisting up to finish in about 2 hours 9. More pictures here.

Beinn Dubh and Mid Hill

Sunday afternoon run, easy one this week, from the foot of Glen Luss up Beinn Dubh from the top follow the ridge path round to Mid Hill and back.

 

Turned out to be a fine day, breezy enough to send the white clouds scampering about letting the sun shine through,the wind freshened as forecast pushing me off balance as I ran back over Beinn Dubh's rounded top. 

A check of the watch gave me 23 mins to get back under two hours for the8 miles and 2500' of ascent, just! More pictures here.

Ben Nevis Race 2016

My 12th go at this race, missed last years after a fall on the Cobbler which put me out for weeks, slowly getting back out there and pleased to get my entry back in January. Managed to avoid a similar problem this year and set off on Saturday morning for the 2 hour drive to Fort Bill. Sun began to break through at Ballachulish, maybe a good day. Race start reasonably clear, charge round the games field up the road and onto the tourist path, took the first shortcut, no gain or loss, left the second one and stayed on the path, gained about 20 yards, kept jogging until the trail steepens, start to walk and lose places, leave the path for the rocky groove round to the Red Burn, not losing places anymore, welcome drink from the Red Burn, tastes great. Straight up from here grass turns to gravel and rock.

Plodding up into the mist.

Gradually pick up pace as the gradient eases, jogging over the shattered rocks that cover the summit, the turning point seems further back this year, hand over wristband, gloves on and set off down over ouchy rocks, gradient soon increases and keep running into traffic, each one a puzzle to work out how to get past safely, soon back to the Red Burn, another refreshing drink, not allowed down the grassy bank this year, stay on the same trail as we came up, longer but seems easier to run, more traffic, back on to the tourist path, more of it this year, not so good to run down, round the corner and back into the glen, take a bumslide to miss a zig zag then the same short cut as on the way out, losing a place to a better route choice kick starts my effort and gain two or three by the road, push all the way back to the start, its downhill, mostly, manage to gain another few places and lose one, into the games field pick off a couple then steady to finish just over 2 hours 40. A good race. A few more pictures here.

Duathlon

Only 5 of us today, 4 mile run round the Vale and about 7 mile bike ride up the Horseshoe and back. Transition in Stuart Macs, good fun, not last but that was because one person took a wrong turning!

The Cobbler

Afternoon run up and down the Cobbler, warm, hardly with any breeze, a few walkers out, easy/steady up through the trees ontothetrail past the Narnain Boulders, stopped for a drink at the bottom of the back steps, worked hard all the way, didn't stop until the top.

Great views to Arran and Jura. Steady run down trying to concentrate and ignore the walkers. Fnished in about 2 hours. More pictures here.

Riverbank 5k

7 clubbers and 3 guests ran this years 5k, starts at the back entrance to Cameron House, through Lomond Shores, on to the cycle path to finish at St Martins. Steady run gradually increasing the effort pleased to finish 4th just over 22 minutes.

Crianlarich 5

Returned to these hills after last Saturday's bail out due to low cloud. Waited until Sunday as the Saturday forecast not as good as Sunday's which was for Loch Lomond and Trossachs hills to remain covered in cloud with the odd sunbeam or two to and Central Highlands clear, persuaded myself these hills were central! About 10 when I started, lots of cloud, An Caisteal first, up into the cloud, not much wind so ok. Spoke to a walker who had come over Beinn Chabhair, he gave me confidence the col's were clear and should be able to pick out the ascent line to Chabhair. Dropped down to the pass between Caisteal and A Chroin and managed to work out how to get to Chabhair.

Turn right down a grassy gulley and right again to traverse along to the col crossover which was below the clouds thankfully then straight up steep pathless hillside in to the mist, recognised the top from my last visit in 2009. Met a couple of runners, one rather famous with a couple of wee dogs. Ran straight back down to the col pleased to drop out the mist about 50 yards from where I went up. Tussocky trudge back to the path to A'Chroin. A well worn path to A'Chroin zig zags through a few crags. would be quite airy in clear weather. Gradient soon eases and run walk to the top where I meet a few walkers I passed ascending An Caisteal, they are not sure how to get down and are about to go back the way they came, a big climb back over An Caisteal, managed to help them, A'Chroin has three tops and they didn't realise this! The exit path is from top 3, walked to top 3 with them and sorted their route out. The OS maps they have weren't as clear as my Harveys Superwalker. Used my phone app gridref to confirm exactly where we were, seemed to work perfectly.

 Gulley to Sron Garbh traverse

Next was a traverse under Sron Garbh, down a broad grassy gulley into pathless tussocky slabby terrain, then steep ascent of Beinn Tulaichean.

 Sron Garbh on the left, Tulaichean's ridge behind

A bit stop go up Tulaichean's steep sides as I start to tire. On top and turn right along the undulating ridge to the summit, cool breeze so didn't hang about and turned back along the ridge towards the final munro, Cruach Ardrain, kept going through a few ups until it was only downhill in front of me, must be the top! Set off down a steep twisty path, probably not the best route, I think I should have gone back along the ridge to pick up a path that would take me to the planned descent route down Grey Heights. Gradient eased and although I new roughly where I was gridref gave me a bit more confidence in the mist and set off around the Coire towards Grey Height, involved a wee bit of re-ascent, nothing too much.

 I should be up there

Good run down over a couple of minor tops and suddenly everything became clear, I was under the clouds Crianlarich down below, looking back the tops began to clear. Ran down to finish in about 8 hours, more pictures here.

An Caisteal

Hoped for run over 5 Western Munros didn't happen, set off hoping cloud would rise above the tops, ran along the new track then walked up the ridge to Sron Garbh, by passed its top on the way out, running along twistin hill, the last climb up to An Caisteal through some minor rocky scrambles, ran on from the top for a while, on a path but no visibility.

 Small lochain and some sheep by An Caisteals summit!

Gave up and ran back over the top and down the same route except over Sron Garbh's top, joining the outward track a bit further down. Good run and try out of these hills, ran Beinn Chabhair 6 or 7 years ago, will come back and try to combine a few more on a good day, finished in about 2 1/2 hours, more pictures here.

Ben Vane

Late night and waited until after 3pm to start running, up the pylon path through Glen Loin to Coiregrogain and the tourist path to the top. Very warm through the forest, a warm breeze kicked in on the approach to the cave, only a few people out at this time, all on their way down. Made good time, under 2 hours to the top, only hazy views, about turn and back down the path, found a couple of new tracks through some of the crags. Back on to the track and the run down through the Glen to finish in about 3 hours 20. Sunday Stoneymollan cool down race route to the fort, through the quarry, round the reservoir and back along the road to fnish.

The Cobbler and Narnain

Left home hoping for signs the weather was improving, clouds got lower as I drove along Loch Lomond past Luss and Glen Douglas, settled for Arrochar, the Cobbler and maybe Ime and Narnain. Pleasant running at first in the mist, after the Narnain Boulders down came the rain. Up and down the Cobbler's back steps and started across towards Ime, no let up in the rain so took a right up Narnain, its a short climb to the top. Straight across past the cairns and trig to the notch and into the Spearhead, took it easy down the steep and slippery path, good fun, finished just over three hours, no  pictures today!

Luss Hill Run

While the clouds shrouded the runners on the tops of the Arrochar Alps, the Luss hills sat below the clouds and enjoyed a fair bit of sun. First up was Beinn Eich, along the ridge to Ben an Lochain and Doune Hill, dropping off the east ridge for a change, paused to watch 5 deer flow across the hillside below. Walked up the back of Mid Hill running back down into the glen to finish in just over 3 hours.

 Mid Hill, left, Beinn Eich, right from Ben an Lochain

 

Mid Hill from Ben an Lochain

Eildon Hill Race

Long drive for a short race, race starts and finishes in the grassy square across from the Greenyards, a short lap and onto the road through Melrose, exit via  narrow alley down some stairs onto a path leading up through woods past some fields and onto a single file path runners queuing as we zig zag up the first hill. Run down and traverse past hill no3 to hill no2 on narrow trails, overtake where I can, no2 is a short climb, walk the first steep bit then running again and off towards no3. Stomp my way up no3, force the pace to try and catch those in front. Descent begins down a stoney trail with a flat muddy traverse to rejoin the outward route, finished just over 53  mins. Race pictures here. 

Cobbler, his wife and A'Chrois

Trying out a new hill today, A'Chrois, attached to Beinn Narnain by its west ridge. Tried it in August last year when the clag forced a retreat. First up today was the Cobbler, easy run up past the Narnain Boulders and loads of Beatson 3 peak walkers, met a couple on top who explained the Beatson walkers would be doing 1, 2 or 3 of Cobbler, Ime and Narnain, good effort for a good cause. Good view to the Brack, new race up there today. Easy run down the stairs and across the beallach to the short climb up Narnain.

 Cobbler from Narnain

Short break on top then found a faint path that wound its undulating way from Narnain along and around a few crags finishing in a short steep climb to the wee summit cairn of A'Chrois. Sat here for a while taking in the views.

 Ben Lomond from A'Chrois

Set off down a ridge towards Arrochar, the path disappeared after a while, some tussocky boggy ground to cover as the gradient eased in the valley. Found a narrow trod beside the stream that ran towards a concrete sump, the path crossed the stream just before it and cut off to the right for a few hundred yards joining the old concrete block covered access path, ran down to finish in about 4 hours. More pictures here.

Fairy Glen Trail Race

Club race in Balloch Park, an undulating 5k, 3 laps, starts along from the castle, down grassy trails past the play area and jetty back along the path to the fairy glen trail rejoining the tar path for the last 100 yards or so to the top, repeat*2, always think the hill is going to be easier until you get there, pleased just to keep running, finished 4th in about 24 1/2 mins.

Luss

Planned run was Beinn Eich over Beinn an Lochain to Cruach an t Sidhein. Low cloud made for a change to an out n back to Doune Hill, CatSidhein requiring more careful navigation than available time. Steady run up Beinn Eich to start, reaching BaL decision was to keep along the ridge to Doune Hill. Brief stop in a chilly cloud then back along to Beinn Eich. First view of the day on the way back down to Glen Luss, finished inside 2 1/2 hours.

Stob Binnein, Ben More

Inverlochlarig to Ben More and back crossing Stob Binnein twice. Tried this run a few years ago, very misty, into cloud about 1500' , popped out above the cloud on the last 20 yards to SB's top, by BM's top the cloud had risen, no views, returned to the beallach and dropped into the glen back to the car avoiding the run back over Stob Binnein. Better outlook today, sun and high cloud, very warm, first part of the climb no breeze just lots of large clegs, through the crags of Stob Invercarnaig and past a path repair team rolling huge boulders about. Gradient eases, still no breeze and more insect swarms, probably crane flies. Gradually a gentle breeze came along and kept them away on the approach to the minor top marked 890m.

 

View from 890m top along Na Staidhrichean ridge towards the next top of Stob Coire an Lochain and a steep wee climb to SB's summit.

View from Stob Binnein back down Na Staidhrichean ridge and across Inverlochlarig Glen to Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean with the rest of the Crianlarich Munros behind.

Sharp drop down a brocken rocky path to Bealach eader dha Bheinn before the climb back up to Ben More's trig point. Stopped for a drink, some food and photos before the return.

 Crianlarich from the top of Ben More.

Dropped quickly to the bealach and started the last climb back up Stob Binnein packing my cap with snow seemed to help and kept up a quicker tempo, combined with big raindrops from clouds further North, quite refreshing.

 Stob Binnein from Ben More

Sat on SB's top for another quick refuel, thunder rumbling around got me back on the move. Started to rain in earnest as I approached the 890m top and with some lightning flickering in the clouds above picked up the pace down gentle slopes past Stob Invercarnaig and into safety of the valley, finished in about 4 1/2 hours. More pictures here.

Luss Horseshoe

Plan was to run Mid Hill, Doune Hill, Beinn an Lochain and Beinn Eich. Mid hill to start, then visit the two unnamed tops/cairns. Run into Sith Mor and instead of straight up Doune Hill ran along towards Glen Dougles and up on to the ridge, found a farm/quad bike track and followed it to Doune Hills smaller top. Short down and up onto DH main top with Trig. Followed the trail round the ridge over BAL and up BE. Easy run down to sit in the river to cool off, about 3 1/2 hours.

 Quiet run, saw no-one on the hill, one solitary deer!

 Sunday, cool down round the reservoir and up through the quarry, attacked by a small terrier. Up to the fort and along to the trig point, back to the fort disturbing a deer hiding in the ferns about 20 yards away, watched it bounce away too quickly to photograph.

Cort Ma Law Hill Race

Not sure about this one after the last couple of weekend races, lovely night and went for it, arriving not long before the start and parking away up the road, warm up to and from registration and the car. Uphill start, ran the first part then dropped into a steady walk with occasional jog on the flat bits. Ran the last couple of ups onto the top. Running now, a bit of recovery then a wee bit faster from the lairs to CML summit. Bogs very kind tonight along to Leckett Hill, fast down into the gulley, a bit slower coming out, jogging again back to the last fence crossing, then its relax and run as hard as possible across the boggy undulations and brakes off down a final steep km or so back to the finish inside 72 minutes.

Jura Fell Race

Got a late entry just before Slioch, holiday booked, set off with car boot full of camping gear and bike. Free Bunnahabhain 12 and 18 year old on the ferry to Islay, glorious sun, and a few dolphins made for a good start.

 
Short hop on the Jura ferry and a slow cycle to Craighouse, home for the weekend. 

 Usual feast of pizza, rolls and cakes in the distillery all weekend. 

 Sat morning, easy kit check and running for 10:30, three pips first, inside the cut offs, climbing the first Pap, Beinn a'Chaolais, slowed down to a crawl, stepping aside every 50 yards or so to let those behind pass on the narrow trods. 
 

Reached the top, CP 4 still inside the cutoffs and decided not to continue, showed the next two runners the route off and down to the saddle before Beinn an Oir and pointed out the onward route. Cut down to 3 Arch bridge via a swim in the boathouse lochan and the delightful 3 miles of road to the finish, still out for over 5 hours despite missing the last three climbs. A swim in the sea to cool off and spent the rest of the day rehydrating and mulling over the run. Sunday cycle back to the Feolin ferry to Port Askaig and on to Kennacraig, calm waters, sunny sky, but no Dolphins or Bunnahabahain on the way back. 

 

 
Stopped at Inverary to capture the Castle on film and bagged a Heron as well!

Kilpatricks Hill Race

First run since Slioch, took it easy on the road then easier up the hill, started running once through the zig zags up onto the heathery moor and across to the track. Off track again and down towards the lochside, managed to avoid the nasty looking fence post remnants, walked the first part of the slacks until I caught the cyclist then managed to run to the top, steady run across to the zig zag descent back to the road, managed to pass a few, ran into finish just over 67 mins.

Slioch Horseshoe Hillrace

Weekend based in Sands campsite just north of Gairloch. Travelled up on Friday, nice evening then rain set in later on. Wet again Saturday morning, sounded heavier inside the tent. Registration in Kinlochewe then a mile or so warm up walk to the start at Incheril. Quick race brief around the bad weather route avoiding a swollen burn and 60 plus runners set off for 5k of undulating trail to the foot of Slioch. The start not too steep, wet muddy rocky, the tourist trail towards Slioch, struggling all the way contemplated turning back several times as most of the field spread out in front. A couple of jelly babies and a marshall taking pictures just about kept me going, left the path for the ascent/assault of Sgurr Dubh steep heathery and rocky.

Felt better here, no quicker just made being slow good enough a reason to keep trying. Followed the ridge off Sgurr Dubh past the lochans onto the ridge to Sliochs multiple tops, wasted some energy going over the first one instead of round it then an undulating run over the two true summits. Turned back for the lochans to pick up the tourist trail into Sliochs White Corrie, more wet muddy rocky trail, care and attention more important than pace, thankfully no runners in sight on the way back to tempt me in to a chase. Reached the bottom no falls, no cramp, just the 5k undulating trail to finish just inside 4 hours. Mixture of homemade energy food and fruit at the finish then a good feed back at registration, hot veggy stew, coffee and cakes. Just missed the prize giving, everyone went home with a beer.

Back to Sands campsite, weather now glorious!

Arrochar undulations

Very sunny today, a fresh breeze meant keep moving. Ran up the Glen Loin trail to Coirgrogain and decided to go Vane, Ime instead of Vorlich Vane, took the path to Vane at the second wee bridge, ground dry for a change. Took it steady passing a few walkers on the way, reached the top a couple of hours after leaving Arrochar.

 Lui Munro's from Vane

Ran off along the west ridge to avoid the worst of the crags before dropping into the glen. Walked up the ridge through the cliffs heading up towards the summit just before the beallach. Short break to re fuel at the top, easy run down to Beallach a Mhaim, avoiding temptation to run up Narnain or the Cobbler.

Narnain from Ime

Kept off path as much as possible through the glen on the way back to Arrochar. About 4 1/2 hours, a bit quicker than the last snowy run. A few more pictures here.

Dumyat

Usual rush to get there in time for the 7 pm start, big field 340 or so, perfect night, sunny, cool breeze. Chip timing as well. Usual charge up the road and rest at the hole in the wa, undulating track and road before we get off road, through the forest, dry underfoot so no slipping on the steep bank. Try to keep running instead of jog/walk many others are doing. Onto the open hillside and keep it going, the leaders came back a bit sooner than hoped. Round the summit cairn and let go the brakes dodging those still ascending. A couple overtake as the gradient eases, back into the forest and grab the places back plus a couple more, hang on along the undulating track, ease the pace back up on the last down hill to finish in about 54 mins.

Ben Lomond

Race up and down the Ben, good day for it, top clear. Warm at the start, cool breeze once clear of the trees. Couple of slight route changes this year, more off trail on the way up swapping a steeper rocky path section for some tussocks and the ridge access/egress by the same way meant you got to see everyone in the race as you navigated up and down the summit ridge. Steady run walk on the way up, not losing too many places once the race settled down, probably taking it a bit too easy. Good run off the grassy bank from the summit ridge, steady down the plateau, gradually reeled in a couple on the lower grassy and rocky sections. Careful on the rocky path at the bottom to finish in 1 hour 54, swim in the loch at the end, a good day.

Whangie Whizz

Damp evening for the Whangie Whizz, over 100 started. Felt cold before the start, didn't take long to warm up, after the initial climb settled into a steady trot along the rocky muddy trail, through the Whangie and up to the ridge picking up the pace down towards the track, lost a couple of places on the track. Back up the ridge to the trig point kept a steady jog going, losing a place near the top, down hill not steep enough but still managed to overtake a couple. Finished just over 46 mins.

Short running

Busy weekend, no long runs, three short runs, Sat up and back to the trig on Carman Muir,

 Snowy Ben over green stripes

Sun, Stoneymollan race route, Monday Whinney Hill from Moss O' Balloch, all in about 3 hours, 15 miles and 3000' of ascent.

Racing again, Stoneymollan, Clachnaben

Thursday evening saw the clubs Stoneymollan Hill Race, my first club race this year. 7 of us ran, 1st lady won easily beating my handicap system. The rest of us within a couple of minutes except one guest runner a bit further back and one lost soul, who jogged in a bit later still. Saturday and the long drive towards Banchory for the first SHR Championship race, Clachnaben,a rough heathery muddy trudge sponsored by Deeside Brewery. Three hills in succession, Threestane, Mount Shade and Clachnaben with its distinct rocky summit tor. Set off at the back, planned to keep it steady until the climb up Clachanben, just about managed. Mostly blue skies with a couple of small snow showers blowing through as we went round, chilly once out the forest and onto the hills. 14k/8 miles and 700m/2300' of ascent, provisional results show I finished a few seconds faster than 2012.

Tea, coffee, home baking and plenty of the Sponsors Product at the finish.

Sunday's recovery run, slow run up and back to the Fort.

Snow capped Arrochar run

Keen for some steeper stuff set off for Arrochar, Ben Vane and Beinn Ime the plan. Loaded up the rucksack and drove through up lochside, snow capped Ben looked good. Usual car park full again. Ran up Glen Loin, a few walkers about, arrived at the Vane turn off a bit quicker than usual. Pushed hard to the cave passing a few walking groups on the way. First big snowbank about 20 mins from the top. Over the nobbly bits at the top lots of snow to try out my microspikes, the summit strangely clear of snow.

Great views all round, pity I didn't clear my phone camera lens, pictures a bit hazy and don't do the day justice. Short break on top then down the back into Lag Uaine, boggy lower down with snow melt. Met a runner going in the opposite direction on my approach to Glas Beallach, he was doing the race route in reverse but wasn't sure he'd have time for Vorlich. Steady snowy trudge to the top of Ime and a wee rest.

Lots of soft snow for the first few hundred yards off Ime with more bog and melt water towards Bealach a Mhaim. Spikes off for the trot between the Cobbler and his wife. Delightful zig zag path to finish 13miles and 5500'+ in about 5 1/2 hours. More pictures here. Sunday cool down jog past the reservoir though the quarry to the fort running back past the radiomast.

Dumgoyne and Ime

Saturday's run, double Dumgoyne with the out and back to the Earl's Seat in between. Managed to run to the two boulders on the way up then jog walked to the top. Past a few walkers on the way up Dumgoyne. Good run along to the Earl's Seat.

Sun began to break through on the way back, the climb up Dumgoyne much easier from behind.

 

About 7 miles, finished under two hours. Boathouse afternoon just had to have another double, this time Glengoyne, in celebration of the mornings run.

Sunday, blue sky perfection, away to Arrochar, had meant to run a couple, made do with Beinn Ime, stunning day among the remnants of the recent snows. Finished inside 3 hours, more pictures here.

Luss Horseshoe

Back to Glen Luss, short horseshoe, starting with Mid Hill, never run up this one before, always down, along the ridge to the two small cairns then back into the glen and a climb up Doune Hill, snow filled gullies around the summit, along the ridge over Beinn an Lochain and Beinn Eich, finished in about 3 1/2 hours. Interesting navigation in misty conditions, a wee wander on Mid Hill, before crossing back over the path into the right glen. 
 

No views today, cloud down below all the tops and ridges.

Trossachs Night Trail Race #3

3rd and final race in the series, Aberfoyle again but the David Marshall Lodge side of the road. Trail wound up through the trees to the DML and down the trails behind the lodge only to kick up on a long forest trail to Braeval with a short muddy bit in the middle, returning behind the golf course then down through the golf course to the trail along side the 11th, a couple of twists and turns back onto forest roads and finish with soup in the Forth Inn. Good fun on a cool clear starry night, need a better head torch.

Glen Douglas

6 mile 3500' trudge round the three tussocky Glen Douglas hills, Beinn Bhreac, Beinn Reoch and Tullich Hill, kept on the move by the fresh breeze on the tops to go with the great 360 degree views of snow capped mountains and hills, Paddy's milestone in the distance. Just under three hours, pictures here.

Wintery weekend

Saturday set off for Luss, same run from a few weeks ago the road works stopped. Good day for a run, no wind, ground frozen so dryish warmish feet. Parked at the top of the glen, set off for Beinn Eich, into snow about 1500'.

 From Beinn Eich towards Doune Hill

About a foot deep at the top, kept to the less snowy south (left) side of the ridge. Run towards Beinn an Lochain kept low (left) avoiding the snowier ridge path. Doune Hills top nice and snowy, picked my way down the back keeping to the tussocky ground where I could avoiding the smoother steep snow slopes.
 

 Mid Hill from Doune Hill

Climb up Mid Hill back into some snow at the top before an easy run off into the glen now filled with warm sunshine, finished under four hours, photos here. Sunday's plan was a short run over Stoneymollan, sun and blue sky changed that, set off for Arrochar. Both car parks full to overflowing, ran up the tourist path, got a row for taking a shortcut from a guy who claimed he helped make the paths.

 The Cobbler

Out the forest and a white topped Cobbler shining above a heathery hillside, the path clear of snow until the Narnain boulders, maybe that's why they are there. Ran up Narnain from the bealach, snow smoothing the way, microspikes on as it got steeper. Walkers and climbers everywhere. Snow cover made crossing the boulder field easy, stunning views from the top.

 Views down Loch Long to Arran from Narnain

Stayed and took in the views for a few minutes, fun run down in my microspikes. Finished inside three hours, more pictures here.