Long run over some local hills this week, out and back over Bromley Muir with a loop round Ben Bowie and Killoeter in the middle, same route as back in April with the loop reversed and a few extra yards climbing Ben Bowie from the Loch Lomond side. Warm, overcast and only a few walkers out. Very dry over Bromley Muir, easier running than usual as the bogs were mostly solidified.
Local hill run this week, Carman Fort and Trig then along to the Three Lochs Way for a mile or so before taking to the ridge over Killoeter then back up to Ben Bowie, hilly but runnable, after Ben Bowie returned over Bromley Muir past the Trig and Fort, very wet and muddy over Bromley Muir all the ditches and flat sections flooded. A bit more Spring like, plenty of wild Primroses along the trails.
Ben Bowie and Killoeter, this time via Bromley Muir, tops suitable covered in mist, not many views but good running, took the by pass path onto Killoeters ridge, along the ridge and down towards Helensburgh, up towards Ben Bowie on the 3LW cut off for the soft ground to B Bowies summit, 3LW back to the Vale.
A busy weekend meant a short long run on Sunday, used one of our Club routes, less than 7 miles a couple of decent climbs but nothing sustained and straight out from my front door. The loops are round Carman reservoir and round the moor overlooking the River Clyde, the first Trig is TP5637 - Renton, a low level trig just over 500' above sea level, good views across the Clyde, the second trig is higher, just under 1000', TP1668, Bromley Muir, follow the trail past the quarry and along a boggy track, great views up Loch Lomond and over The Clyde, the Arran peaks visible on a good day. Return along a muddy trail to the hill fort and down past the Radiomast.
Stormy weekend, saw there was to be a lull Sat morning time for a run over my local hills, Bromley Muir with a loop round Killoeter & Ben Bowie (opposite direction to last week). farm track to the Radio Mast to start then the path to the Fort, Bromley Muir next, nice and soggy as expected. Short forest road section to the steep climb onto Killoeter's ridge, more wet ground along the ridge, easy on my feet. another short section of forest road before the harsh surface on the 3LW, took the ridge path to Ben Bowie, returned via Killoeter's ridge avoiding the forestry works then 3LW down the Stoney, fine morning to be out, breezy mostly sunny with one wee shower.
Another run over my local hills, Mount Malow, Killoeter and Ben Bowie, weather kinder, blue skies, a gentle breeze, perfect for a run. Carman Fort to start, along Bromley Muir to the Stoneymollan and joined the 3 Lochs Way for a mile or so, up onto Killoeter, along the ridge past the summit cairn and down to the forest road, back up the 3LW then ridge path to Ben Bowie, 3LW back to the Vale and home.
Afternoon run , same route as a couple of weeks ago except in reverse, slightly slower possibly due to a late night! Another cloudy run, no views, a wee shower as well, dried up for the run over Bromley Muir.
A wet day, stayed local with a run over Bromley Muir, then a bit of trail running before Killoeter and Ben Bowie, although pretty wet, with low cloud there wasn't much wind and it was reasonably warm.
Back to local hills this week and misty conditions. Easier run with a lot less ascent but that means running all the way. Ground still very dry, the usual bogs slightly spongy at worst, Mount Malow first then along to the Bromley Muir Trig, continue along the moor to the Stoneymollan/Three Lochs Way taking the diversion onto the Killoeter ridge. Followed the ridge to the forest trail towards Helensburgh turning off/up the trail to Ben Bowie. Return via Three Lochs Way and Stoneymollan, no views but good to be out.
Club Hill Race, just under 5 miles with 1200' of ascent, 9 of us this year, started in reverse order, lack of patience meant the later starters went early and gave the handicapper (me) some maths to work out who won, not me. Pleased to get round a bit quicker this year, about 3 mins off last years time but another couple required to get to pre covid times. Great night, ground reasonable dry with a bit of give.
Local hills and trails again this week, longer route planned, round Carman Reservoir then along Bromley Muir to Stoneymollan followed 3LW and then onto the John Muir Trail past Ben Bowie coming back to Ben Bowie through Banachra woods, from Ben Bowie down towards Helensburgh disturbed a Buzzard and a Heron before turning up the ridge to Killoeter, back along the 3LW and down Stoneymollan to finish. Started in the snow, pleasant running, not much wind, snow faded after an hour or so then some blue skies and weak sunshine saw me home.
First long run this year, had taken some time off for holidays and lurgy, stayed local, Bromley Muir then Killoeter and Ben Bowie. The Three Lochs Way still blocked and took a steep bypass route onto Killoeters ridge. Intended to return just above the fields and A82 but the firing range was in use and came back the same way I went out, over Bromley Muir, a bit longer / more ascent but more runnable as the lower path has a few ditches to traverse.
