Ben Bowie

Club trail race from Upper Stoneymollan Road to Ben Bowie and back. 5 Set off up the initial climb on a warm evening, gradually spreading out as the trail flattens after the gate, went from 2nd to 4th place between there and Ben Bowie, gained one place on the way back.

Ben Lomond

From the most easterly Munro to the most Southerly, hadn't been to Ben Lomond since Dec 2019. Overcast and showery as expected for an Arrochar Alps race weekend. Arrived before 9 to a busy car park, The lower paths have been much improved for walkers over the last few years, smooth hardcore paths with steps and drains built in to minimise erosion, think I preferred it just a little rougher. Lots of walkers out today and a couple of other runners. Kept a slow, steady jog all the way up, the sun almost came out once. Cold wind towards the top, a visit to the trig then set off back down, steadier pace today, only stopping once for a picture as I dropped below the clouds.

Glen Tanar and Mount Keen

Found myself in Glen Tanar on a Saturday evening with a few hours spare. Worked out Mount Keen, the most easterly Munro was a few miles up the glen via a forest track. Cycled up through pine forest then the heather clad glen beside the Water of Tanar, Uphill all the way but never too steep, the surface smooth enough for my hybrid bike. Left the bike as the trial steepens for the last couple of miles to Keens rocky summit, took a few minutes at the summit trig point to take in the views before a cool breeze sent me back down. Easy cycle back down the glen, freewheeling most of the way.

Friday Fruin Fun

Short long run this week, Glen Fruin Loop, Auchengaich Hill, Beinn Tharsuin, Beinn Chaorach, across the glen returning via The Strone. More blue skies and gentle breezes. Took it easy up Auchengaichs steep sides. Managed to run over Tharsuin to Chaorach then followed the fenceline down to the Fruin/Luss watershed, short trudge on to the Strone for the run back to the road.

Fruin reservoir from Auchngaich ascent

Tharsuins cairn to Chaorach

Chaorach towards the Arrochar Alps

Outward route from the Strone

Fairy Glen

Short Club race in Balloch Park, 3 * 1 mile laps round Fairy Glen, only 5 there tonight, first lap ok, slowed a bit on the 2nd lap and 3rd lap looking for recovery which wasn't there.