Ben Bowie, again

Set off for my local wee hills, took an easier route up, a bit longer, not so steep and more trees about to provide shade from the sun. 

 

 Lots of boats out on the loch for the first time in weeks.

With the easing of lockdown travel restrictions and compared to the last few weeks not many up here today, Most people appear to have headed for parks and villages round the loch, Over the top of Ben Bowie, missing out Killoeter kept the distance about the same and slightly quicker too.

Ben Bowie

Another Ben Bowie run, similar route to last week with the top loop reversed, climbing Ben Bowie from the east down the path to the west across the Three Lochs Way up onto Killoeter running west along the ridge coming down at the bottom of the hill from the Black Third Farm. Ran down through the edge of the conifer trees as the ferns have started to grow over the faint path. Rain and high winds meant many of the paths were streams, a few of the bogs reappearing and in a contrast to the last few weeks, didn't see a single person while I was out, the only social distancing required was through a field where they have put 4 over friendly cows who want to jog along beside me. Good run, choosing the right direction with the steeper climbs wind assisted helped, no pictures as my camera was out of battery and no stats as the power saving app on my phone shut down my tracker.

Ben Bowie

Another Ben Bowie run, same route as last week as I enjoyed it. Met a few people that I knew out for runs/walks. A few minutes slower as I stopped to chat a bit more. Day improved as I ran, sun gradually coming out, finished a few minutes inside three hours again.

Ben Bowie

Same high point but a more enjoyable route. Straight up to the fort avoiding the road and fields to the Renton for the reservoir trail. From the fort along the top of the moors past the trig point to the top gate of the Stoney, joined the 3LW for a couple of hundred yards leaving it for the trail past the Sheperds pool and on past the Black Third Farm down to the gap in the trees beside the Darlieth/Red road junction and up the steep wee climb onto Killoeter.

Ardmore from Killoeter

Killoeter summit

Ben Bowie from Killoeter

Good run up the ridge on grassy paths, down and across the 3LW to Ben Bowie, onto the trail off the back of BB joining the John Muir Trail back to the top gate of the Stoney, returning along the outward route from there, similar distance to the last couple of weeks, about 20 mins longer with more off road/hill trails.

Ben Bowie

Same route as last week which was a bit hot and set off earlier. Nice and quiet on the way out, getting busier on the way back walkers, cyclists and runners, great views to the Ben and Primroses still blooming.