Ben Lomond

First time on the Ben for over 6 months, another sunny day with a bit of haze restricting the views. Set off from the overflow car park or what's left of it as it is full of timber at the moment. Ran along the road onto the West Highland Way for a couple of hundred yards turning off at the Ptarmigan Ridge path soon slowed to a briskish walk, quite few walkers here as it was such a good day. Managed a couple of short jogs then a rest for a few pictures and re-fuel before the last steep climb up through the crags to a busy summit. Took in the views for a few minutes then off down the tourist path although I managed to stay off the path most of the way down picking my way down tracks and paths 10 or 20 yards away from the main path which was busy with walkers. Re-joined the path just before the bottom gate and an easy run back to the car park. Find day for a short long run.

The Ben Summit from Ptarmigan ridge

Loch Lomond from Ptarmigan Ridge

Summit view

Arrochar Alps from the Ben

Ben Lomond

First time up the Ben for a couple of years, beautiful day made for a busy hill, parked in the overflow carpark taking the new race route on a track that leaves the back of the car park, slightly longer but avoids the first part of the refurbished path and steps. Out the trees onto the open hillside, good views over Loch Lomond although hazy meant a lack of definition in the surrounding hills. Left the path from the 2nd gate to the plateau, should've gone farther over to pick up the race route trod, line I picked was a bit tussocky. Steady jog up the plateau, walked up the zig zags to the summit ridge and ran along to the top. Short stop at the top for a couple of pictures. On the way down I stayed off the walkers path as much as possible, avoiding the hill walkers and the worst of the rocky steps. 

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.

Ben Lomond

Last run of the year up and down the Ben, easy running, walking on steeper and rockier parts, misty along the plateau and on the summit ridge, not much snow about except for the north facing slopes of the summit ridge. A few walkers out but we were the first to the top, lots more coming up as we descended finishing in just over 2 1/2 hours.

Roon the Vale

PWWHSM, a mostly off road run round the Vale, taking in Pappert Well, Whinny Hill and Stoneymollan. Tried to take it easy at the start as my legs always suffer on this run. A mile of road to start then up and round the Whinny Hill trails crossing a couple of fields and the Golf Course to pick up a trail into the back of the Haldane, another mile or two of road up past the Hospice behind Balloch Park onto the Whinny Hill trail, coming back down through Balloch Park and another mile or so of tarmac onto the Stoneymollan to finish inside 3 1/2 hours.

 View up Loch Lomond from Whinny Hill

 The Ben and the Loch from Stoneymollan

Carman Reservoir over Dumbarton Castle from the Fort

Ben Lomond

A run up the wee Ben before next weeks Big Ben. Another run where the rain stopped within the first few minutes. Went up the tourist path, busy with walkers despite the poor forecast. Took it at an easy pace so that I could run all the way and take in the views. Too warm and stopped after 5 minutes to take my jacket off once the rain stopped. Onto the plateau, wind getting stronger, jacket back on at the base of the climb up to the summit ridge. Stopped at the trig point long enough to put my gloves on, went down via the Ptarmigan ridge.

Peace and quiet here, except for the wind, more exposed than the tourist route, only a few walkers coming up. Finished in about 2 1/2 hours and stood in the waves for a few minutes to cool off.

Ben Lomond

Early start to beat the heat, up the tourist path and down Ptarmigan, no clouds so could pick out the route I ran from Drymen to Inversnaid.

Managed to run all the way, then a wee break at the top before descending the quieter Ptarmigan route.

Finished in about 3 1/2 hours with the a cool down in the Loch.

More pictures here.

Garadbhan to Inversnaid

1st day of a week long run along the West Highland Highway, a high level version of the West Highland Way.

First few miles on the WHW then turned right before Conic Hill across open moorland to reach a broad ridge that runs over 4 hills up to 2000' before Ben Lomond and on to Inversnaid over another couple of 2000 footers. First hour there was plenty of birds of prey wheeling around out for their breakfast. Off the WHW path tussocky heather bashing relief coming from the views and a few quad bike tracks and sheep and deer tracks. Walking most of the time apart from a few downhills.

Ben Lomond gradually came into view its head stuck in the clouds. Joined the tourist path about 1/3 of the way up, apart from a short jog up the plateau walked the whole way. Reached the top inside 5 hours didn't hang about on top, 4:30 boat to catch at Inversnaid. Walked down to meet the Ptarmigan ridge then turned North along the ridge line, the going easier than in the valleys more than makes up for the ups and downs, couple of tough climbs eased by jelly beans and sight of some deer and their fawns.

Tussocky descent down to Inversnaid and a short jog to the hotel, finished 30k, 6000' in about 7 1/2 hours, maybe lost 20 mins to navigation/leaving ridge and fencelines, made the 4:00 boat to Tarbet. More pictures here.

Ben Lomond

Weather and time combined to allow a mid week Ben run. Arrived at Rowadennen at 6 and set off up the tourist path, most folk coming down at this time, passed one walker just after the bad step, not so bad now with the path improvements. Steady/easy running all the way, concentrating on keeping heart rate and breathing under control. A runner passed on their way down just as I reached the summit ridge. Not much to see from the top in the Bens cloudy cap. Turned and set off down, no rush a nice steady run, passed the walker near the top, making good time, only a few hundred yards behind me.

Onto the plateau and out the cloud, stayed on the path all the way ignoring the race route options. Arriving at the car park in just over 2 hours as the runner I had passed near the top set off on a second ascent. The fast walker arriving 10 or 15 minutes later.

Ben Lomond

Set off mid afternoon for the Ben, cool sunny spring day. The lower paths have finished their makeover, most of the gnarly bits have been taken out. Kept a slow jog going except for a couple of photo stops and some rocky sections further up.

Looking across to Inverbeg

Easy run up the plateau saving some energy for the steep climb up to the ridge. Quite busy at the top, cool breeze, extra top on while I took a few photos.

Ben Vorlich with Loch Sloy behind and the Hydro Station Pipes running down to Inveruglas

Beinn Dhubchraig from Ben Lomond with Ben Nevis in the background

No rush today legs still tired from Saturday careful to maintain concentration and avoid a tumble. Soon heat up once off the summit ridge, back to a tee shirt. Finished about 2 hours 15, washed shoes and legs in the Loch, a bit too chilly for any more. A few more pictures here.

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.

Ben Lomond

2nd counter in this years SHR Championship, forecast wasn't great, turned out just about perfect. Sunny with a cool breeze. Shuttle bus from Balmaha arriving in plenty of time at Rowardennan, relaxed in front of the hotel in the sun. Short warm up and we were off along the road onto the tourist path.The first part undulates up through trees, some deforesting going on. Lose a few places on each steep up, onto the plateau and reel in a couple, the leaders streaming past a bit earlier than hoped for. Slight route change climbing the summit ridge. On top stop for a drink and to take in the stunning views. Off down the path, cutting the corner down the steep grassy bank For a change we stayed off the path right along the plateau and down past the first gate, rejoining just before the bad step, good descent fizzled out a bit here, steady down through the trees and rocks and the final jog along to the finish in 1:52 for a soup and seat in the sun by the hotel. Pictures here. Sunday total change in the weather, low cloud and lashings of rain, recovery run up Beinn Dubh and an out and back along to mid hill, struggle to follow the path in the swirling mist and rain, just over two hours, 8 miles and 2700' of ascent. A few pictures here.

Ben Lomond

Cooler today for today's cool down run over the Ben. Up the tourist path, down via Ptarmigan Ridge, about 8 miles and 3400'. Steady jog at the start, not too many walkers about so walked the steeper bits. Breeze picked up as we approached the plateau via the off path track, jacket, gloves and hat. Ran most of the plateau then walked up the steep steps onto the summit ridge, into the clouds and a  stiff breeze, running now to keep warm. Short break at the top then off down the rocky Ptarmigan Ridge. Looking back the summit cleared, stick like figures just visible on the top. Out for about 2 1/2 hours.

Looking back to the summit from Ptarmigan Ridge, more pictures here.

Ben Lomond

Weekend away, Monday Ben Lomond run, looked like it might clear, into cloud from halfway and that's how it stayed, a few walkers about and a couple of other runners, warm at the bottom, thankful for the cooler breeze from the plateau up, refreshing swim in the Loch to finish, out for a couple of hours, 7 miles and 3192 feet.

Ben Lomond

Back to the usual start this year from the Rowardennan Hotel, along the road and the undulating path to the top. The hill covered by cloud as we started in the sun, cloud gradually clearing as we trudged up. A few minutes slower to the top than last year, turned for home and pushed hard down the grassy bank, back on the tourist path and trundled down the combination of stony paths, grassy bank, tussocks and rocks, finished about 1 hour 53.

Two Ben's

First Munro run of the year, not sure if we would get to the top, set off early on a drizzly cloudy day and only passed a few people on the way up. Jogged and walked through the undulating rocky bottom section before the steeper climb to the plateau and into the cloud. A good day to run, no wind and enough damp to keep you from overheating. Jogged up the plateau, a runner who came past on the run up to the plateau passed again on his way back down as we climbed up to the summit ridge. A chill wind picked up a bit now. No views today, met three Finish lads on the summit, a short camera exchange later the cold began to bite and we set off back along the ridge keen to get to the calmer conditions on the plateau. Running off the plateau we dropped out the cloud revealing lots of walkers on their way up. About 2 1/2 hours for 7 miles and 3192'. A few pictures here. Sunday's run longer with lest ascent, 11 miles and 2000', along to the Stoneymollan to join the 3LW through the forest with its brashing and muck emerging for the short run up to Ben Bowie. This part of the 3LW is also a part of the soon to be opened John Muir Coast to Coast Trail. On the way back ran over Bromley and Overton Muirs, good run despite the damp murky conditions giving my new Mudclaws a wee test. Same run time as Saturday.

Arrochar Trails and Ben Lomond

Set off for Arrochar for a run round some undulating trails, starting in Succoth, along to Ardgarten, a nice run on the trail to the top of the Rest and Be Thankful, back down towards Ardgarten on the new tarmac surface on the old road before taking the upper trail back to Succoth. About 14 miles and 2800' in just over three hours.

Clouds just above the tops, most of the them snow covered, we were lucky and got it dry. Some more pictures here.

Sunday's run, Ben Lomond, we set out early to beat the forecast wind and rain. Pleasant running up the lower slopes, dry and not too windy. On the climb up to the plateau the wind picked up, time for wooly hats, into the cloud with the first snow on the ground. The snow got deeper as we went along the plateau, but the wind dropped so not too cold. Had a go at climbing up to the summit ridge, ok but didn't fancy coming back down so I waited at the end of the plateau while my companion went on up to the summit ridge, not quite topping out, too icy. Waiting for him to come back I put on my spare fleece, jacket and overtrousers, only my feet suffering from the cold, even with Sealskinz.

Easy run back down, snow and ice along the plateau, nice slippy rocks for the rest of the way. Came back out of the clouds as we left the plateau, wind reduced to a gentle breeze, jacket, overtrousers, hat and gloves all had to come off, it was too warm, some contrast to the arctic world a 1000' feet above.

We ran about 7 miles with 2800' of ascent in 2 1/2 hours including my 15 minute wait.

Ochil 2000's and Ben Lomond

A new race for me and the one to complete my 4 from 6 in this years SHR competition. The blurb says 18 miles and 5000 feet of ascent, in the end I did a wee bit extra and lost half a dozen places with a couple of bad route choices. From the finish at Stirling Uni we are bussed to the start in Glen Devon, the aim to run back covering all the Ochil hills over 2000' plus Dumyat, there's 10 over 2k. Expensive for a hill race at £13, you get a bus trip, use of a Dibber, soup and cake when you finish, showers too. Cloud was down at the start but cleared as we went along. After the first hill, taken very gently, on to familiar ground covering parts of other race routes, Doller, Maddy Moss and the Law Breaker, zig, zag, up, down, a few times, all on too runnable grassy trails. After Ben Cleuch, hill 7, the highest top it was new ground, the first couple continued the theme, runnable, grassy hills, then from Ben Ever to Blairdennon it gradually changes to a pathless tussocky boggy traverse, some good route choices gain me a couple of places for no extra effort, its only half an hour to the top, seems longer, fun starts running off Blairdennon, follow a fence then supposed to turn SE, follow a track and other runners instead, soon back on track going towards Jerah before the last climb up Dumyat, somehow go wrong again following paths and runners, stop for a confab and re-route to the race line, a painful slog back up to the track we should have been on coming out behind several runners I had eased past along the way. Start a painful crampy walk up Dumyat, a couple out ringing cowbells encourage me to run again. Soon back to a walk as the gradient kicks up. Reach the top in 4 hours giving me half an hour to match my 4 to 4 1/2 hour target. No pace just cramp as I run down the rocky trail at the top, eases a bit as the trail gets grassier. Through the woods trying to push on then down the road before grinding slowly uphill on the track alongside the wall, move better after the trail turns downhill and push on to the finish grabbing back a few places as runners come out the woods from all angles. Finished in 4 hours 24, it took awhile to recover. Photos here, here, and here. Sunday, beautiful sunny day, thought about a short run in Glen Douglas, a change of mind when I saw the Ben. There was lots of walkers out so I kept the pace up a bit more than usual and ran where I would have walked, 80 minutes up and 45 down, a bit quicker than my usual training runs.

Ben Lomond

New start and finish this year, apparently Stirling Council no longer allow us to run along the road, health and safety? Short run along the track then straight up the tourist path, tried to keep a nice steady tempo jogging up the track walking some of the steeper and rocky parts. Kept this going until we are directed off path after the 2nd gate, quick walk mode and not losing any places which is good, even passed a couple on the upper part before rejoining the path and back into jog mode. Jacket on as we plod up in damp and windy conditions. Walk the climb up to the summit ridge then jog the ridge and up the last wee steep turning round the trig in just under 70 mins. Run back along the ridge to the drop off avoiding the tourist path down a steep grassy bank, slows me down a bit and I'm overtaken at the bottom, onto the path easy running, round the first corner another guy comes past, tuck in and follow him down to the next grassy sections where he pulls away a couple of hundred yards, off the grass and back on to the path and my legs feel done. Run down towards the bad step and I start to pick up speed again, tiptoe through then run hard reeling in the two in front down the rocky helter skelter towards the finish. Cross the line inside 1:44.

Luss Lomond

Double run today, Luss this morning and Ben Lomond this afternoon, about 16 miles and 7000' overall. Luss run was Beinn Dubh, Mid Hill, Coille-eughain Hill finishing down the paps. Set off in bright sunshine, little wind until near the top of Beinn Dubh. A glass like Loch Lomond shimmered below. Passed a few walkers on the way up, made the mistake of running past them which meant we had to keep running. Wheezed our way to the top in 52 minutes, easy running along the ridge and down mid hill before the stiff 1000' in just under a mile of Coille-eughain Hill. Good running down the Paps, a lot easier than their Jura equivalents. Home for some food, then itchy feet, such a nice day I set off for Rowardennan for an easy run up Ben Lomond, maybe even get to use my micro spikes. Lots of walkers out so had to keep running again. Managed to run most of the way to the last steep bit before the plateau where I had a wee recovery walk before a steady jog up the plateau, towards the end the track was pretty snowy so on with the micro spikes for the run up to the summit ridge.

The spikes are easy to put on and worked well, confident on snow and mud up and down hill. It was a bit breezy at the top with cornices to the glens at the back, didn't stay long just stopping a few minutes for some photos, views to Arran and Jura.