Photo courtesy of Scottish Hill Runners
Showing posts with label Merrick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Merrick. Show all posts
Saturday, September 17, 2016
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.
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.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Merrick
25th Anniversary race, my 10th, sponsored by Glenfiddich, a shortened version today of the out and back that's been run the two previous years, winds on Merrick reported to be 80mph, combined with the horizontal rain on the way up a good decision. Short run to start, about 10 yards, jump the burn and plod up the Fell of Eschoncan, running along the top through bogs and trees onto the climb up Bennan, wind and rain kicked in, jacket on, stumbling through more bogs then the rocky traverse round the summit through the bogs to Ben Yellary, wind almost behind on the way up, stopped to pick up someones specs, round the cairn at the top instead of the out and back to the higher top of Merrick running as hard as the terrain would allow, watch out for the boulders strewn across much of the course. Managed to scramble past a few runners on the way back to finish just over 91 mins, hats off to the marshalls for their efforts today in trying conditions, course marked from start to finish, encouragement and smiles all the way too.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Merrick
Back to Glen Trool for a soggy Merrick, same out and back route as last year. The weather cleared up by the start promising much.
About 40 of us set off for the 20 yard run before we relaxed into walk mode up the Fell of Esconchan, just over 12 minutes of huff puff and sweat before I was running across the top. Another walk up the steep lower slopes of Bennan, into the mist for a staggery traverse round Bennan's top skipping over rocks and holes. Steady run through Course Craig apart from the swampy bits, climbed the wall at the bottom of Benyellary into a world of wind and rain, hat and jacket to the rescue for a head down plod up the tussocky hillside, running again as I approached the top, the running action helped to keep me warm rather than making me any faster. Visibility not good, but walls and paths to follow. The front runners coming back now, ghosting by in the mist on a variety of lines along the Neive of the Spit. Now for the last climb to the top of Merrick, I can run most of this. Round the cairn in 78 minutes. Pass the last few runners coming up Merrick on my way back, run up Benyellary and down the tussocky slopes to Course Craig, over the wall and escape from the windy rainy torture chamber. Tired legs evident on the traverse round Benan , the steep trods at the bottom churned up by the runners in front make for a fun descent and I manage to catch a couple of runners at the bottom. Run over the undulating last top before a steep swampy trod back down to the start. Finished in 2 hours 11. Some more pictures here. More pictures here. Tough wee race, about 8 1/2 miles. Big thanks to the cheery marshalls on Bennan, Benyellary and Merrick who stood there in pretty horrible conditions.
About 40 of us set off for the 20 yard run before we relaxed into walk mode up the Fell of Esconchan, just over 12 minutes of huff puff and sweat before I was running across the top. Another walk up the steep lower slopes of Bennan, into the mist for a staggery traverse round Bennan's top skipping over rocks and holes. Steady run through Course Craig apart from the swampy bits, climbed the wall at the bottom of Benyellary into a world of wind and rain, hat and jacket to the rescue for a head down plod up the tussocky hillside, running again as I approached the top, the running action helped to keep me warm rather than making me any faster. Visibility not good, but walls and paths to follow. The front runners coming back now, ghosting by in the mist on a variety of lines along the Neive of the Spit. Now for the last climb to the top of Merrick, I can run most of this. Round the cairn in 78 minutes. Pass the last few runners coming up Merrick on my way back, run up Benyellary and down the tussocky slopes to Course Craig, over the wall and escape from the windy rainy torture chamber. Tired legs evident on the traverse round Benan , the steep trods at the bottom churned up by the runners in front make for a fun descent and I manage to catch a couple of runners at the bottom. Run over the undulating last top before a steep swampy trod back down to the start. Finished in 2 hours 11. Some more pictures here. More pictures here. Tough wee race, about 8 1/2 miles. Big thanks to the cheery marshalls on Bennan, Benyellary and Merrick who stood there in pretty horrible conditions.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Merrick Hill Race
One of my favourite races, usually a 9 mile mini round, route change this year to an out and back as the coos had trampled the the Buchan hillside to death with lots of unseen hoofprints to catch the unwary. Improving forecast all week for a typical Merrick day, sunny with a cool breeze. We start with the usual 20 yard dash then into walk mode as we all bunch up the Fell of Eschoncan, 800' in 1/3 of a mile, its a bit of a squidgy sheep track from half way up and onto the top. We spread out pretty quickly running a series of undulations, first towards then up and over Benan, along Coarse Craig and up Ben Yellary dropping down the Neive of the Spit before the runnable climb up Merrick, the leaders flying past on their way back. I reach the top of Merrick in the usual 73 minutes. A quick picture looking out to Ailsa Craig then off down the hill.
Theres a few in front to catch and pass two just before the climb back up Ben Yellary means I have to keep running to the top, luckily its only a couple of hundred feet. Picked my route down BY on the way out, works well bypassing the rocks. Closing a few in front but not quickly and eased back for a boulder hopping run over and round Benan's ankle trashing slopes. Managed a few overtaking moves on the run down to FoE good squidgy undualting fun, gasped up the last 100' of climb. Last hurrah down 800' of muddy tussocks slowed me down, a few slips, trips and falls on tired legs before a final brakes off plunge down the grassy trod. Finished just inside 2 hours for the first time in 8 years of trying, and it took a route change to get me there. Super wee low key race, an apple and a jacuzzi stream bath to finish. A few more pictures from the day here and here and here. Merrick was also my "centenary" race on Scottish Hill Racing .
Theres a few in front to catch and pass two just before the climb back up Ben Yellary means I have to keep running to the top, luckily its only a couple of hundred feet. Picked my route down BY on the way out, works well bypassing the rocks. Closing a few in front but not quickly and eased back for a boulder hopping run over and round Benan's ankle trashing slopes. Managed a few overtaking moves on the run down to FoE good squidgy undualting fun, gasped up the last 100' of climb. Last hurrah down 800' of muddy tussocks slowed me down, a few slips, trips and falls on tired legs before a final brakes off plunge down the grassy trod. Finished just inside 2 hours for the first time in 8 years of trying, and it took a route change to get me there. Super wee low key race, an apple and a jacuzzi stream bath to finish. A few more pictures from the day here and here and here. Merrick was also my "centenary" race on Scottish Hill Racing .
Monday, September 20, 2010
Wreckless Merrick
Friday night and home from home at Stereo in Renfield Lane for another dose of Eric and Amy. A longtime favourite of ours. Eric is getting on a bit, now a grandad. They were on good form and about 80 people enjoyed a 2 hour set, some good banter with plenty of songs mixed in. A few of his original tunes, some of Amy's and the rest either from their last album or latest album of covers. An odd mix, Eric one of the original Stiff record label performers and Amy an American Country and Western singer. Plenty of examples on YouTube even a few from Friday night.
Sunday another favourite, Merrick Hill Race. For those who can read maps, here's a link to a map of the route. Eight ands a half miles with 3300 feet of ascent. The undulating route takes in five hills and a couple of ridges.
The field of 34 set off at one, jump a stream and run for about 30 yards then drop into walk mode up the first climb of the day. The pattern repeats itself over the first four and a half miles as the route winds up to Merrick.
The route was flagged for the first and last few miles but none in the middle from the climb into the mist on Ben Yellary until you came back out the mist descending the Rig of the Gloon. However for those unfamiliar with the route there was plenty of Raynet marshalls at strategic points to help out if neccessary.
The traverse to pick up the ridge to Buchan Hill tussocky as usual and managed to pass two runners. I'd been tracking them for a while after they passed me on the second climb of the day, this gave me a bit of a lift and the extra energy to push on and soon put a good distance between us along the ridge.
An occaisonal glance up and I could see the next two runners further along the ridge. At the end its brakes off for the run down Buchan Hill, near the bottom was rather churned up, someone must have let the cows out. Got to within a few yards of the runner in front by jumping the fence at the bottom and just managed to avoid a collision with the photographer but then lost out by about thirty seconds on the short but steep uphill run to the finish.
Race time 2 hours 13 mins finishing 21st. A grand day out for this low key race over typical Galloway hill country, a bit rough but with plenty of runnable bits.
Sunday another favourite, Merrick Hill Race. For those who can read maps, here's a link to a map of the route. Eight ands a half miles with 3300 feet of ascent. The undulating route takes in five hills and a couple of ridges.
The field of 34 set off at one, jump a stream and run for about 30 yards then drop into walk mode up the first climb of the day. The pattern repeats itself over the first four and a half miles as the route winds up to Merrick.
The route was flagged for the first and last few miles but none in the middle from the climb into the mist on Ben Yellary until you came back out the mist descending the Rig of the Gloon. However for those unfamiliar with the route there was plenty of Raynet marshalls at strategic points to help out if neccessary.
The traverse to pick up the ridge to Buchan Hill tussocky as usual and managed to pass two runners. I'd been tracking them for a while after they passed me on the second climb of the day, this gave me a bit of a lift and the extra energy to push on and soon put a good distance between us along the ridge.
An occaisonal glance up and I could see the next two runners further along the ridge. At the end its brakes off for the run down Buchan Hill, near the bottom was rather churned up, someone must have let the cows out. Got to within a few yards of the runner in front by jumping the fence at the bottom and just managed to avoid a collision with the photographer but then lost out by about thirty seconds on the short but steep uphill run to the finish.
Race time 2 hours 13 mins finishing 21st. A grand day out for this low key race over typical Galloway hill country, a bit rough but with plenty of runnable bits.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Merrick Sun 20th Sept
After a poorly attended race last year Merrick returned to its traditional September date and route. Its 95 miles from the Vale to the Heart of Glentrool and the start a few yards from Bruces Stone. The route is an 8 or 9 mile loop round a few Galloway Hills with over 3000 FOA in between.
The away from it all feeling grows as you go from the Vale, through Paisley, down the A77 past Kilmarnock and Ayr, the huge plug of Ailsa Craig appearing as you pass the Turnberry Estate. At Girvan a few miles further on you leave the coast for the 20 or so miles of twists and turns through forrest to Glentrool.
The forrest is a welcome contrast to the urban mess you have driven through to get there. After registering I take a seat for a few minutes on Bruces Stone in the sun with Loch Trool sparkling below.
A quick race briefing with some minor route changes to appease the National Trust and we're off and running for about 20 yards before the first steep climb. A short one it's about 12 minutes before you can get running again, 3 or 4 impatient runners pass me near the top.
After this first short sharp climb, the steepest of the race, the field of 37 strings out as I settle into what I hope is an appropriate effort level. On the way up Bennan, the 2nd hill, another 4 pass but I'll catch them before the end.
The route undulates up all the way to Merrick with the climb up Ben Yellary the longest in the race. Pick off one of the overtakers here then push on down the Neive of the Spit, the smooth turf gives you the chance to check out the glorious scenery without falling over. Keep a steady jog up most of Merrick slowly reeling in a couple in front but they turn at the top before I can catch them.
After the loop round the summit Trig Point, 73 minutes, the initial descent is via a broad spur, put the hammer down and pass the two in front before the tricky run off into the glen which is a traditional Galloway tussock fest, best advice is slow down and don't fall over too many times.
A narrow path leads out the glen onto the 1 1/2 mile long undulating ridge leading back towards Loch Trool. Occaisonal glimpses of one runner ahead, try not to watch him just keep the effort levels up. Catch and overtake him on the the last descent off Buchan Hill then nearly miss the path back to the road.
Run past a seized up runner struggling in the last 150 yards, a delightful 45 degree uphill sprint finish. Run time 2 hours 10 minutes and 22nd out of 37. A few photos on the SHR Flickr site. See you there next year.
The away from it all feeling grows as you go from the Vale, through Paisley, down the A77 past Kilmarnock and Ayr, the huge plug of Ailsa Craig appearing as you pass the Turnberry Estate. At Girvan a few miles further on you leave the coast for the 20 or so miles of twists and turns through forrest to Glentrool.
The forrest is a welcome contrast to the urban mess you have driven through to get there. After registering I take a seat for a few minutes on Bruces Stone in the sun with Loch Trool sparkling below.
A quick race briefing with some minor route changes to appease the National Trust and we're off and running for about 20 yards before the first steep climb. A short one it's about 12 minutes before you can get running again, 3 or 4 impatient runners pass me near the top.
After this first short sharp climb, the steepest of the race, the field of 37 strings out as I settle into what I hope is an appropriate effort level. On the way up Bennan, the 2nd hill, another 4 pass but I'll catch them before the end.
The route undulates up all the way to Merrick with the climb up Ben Yellary the longest in the race. Pick off one of the overtakers here then push on down the Neive of the Spit, the smooth turf gives you the chance to check out the glorious scenery without falling over. Keep a steady jog up most of Merrick slowly reeling in a couple in front but they turn at the top before I can catch them.
After the loop round the summit Trig Point, 73 minutes, the initial descent is via a broad spur, put the hammer down and pass the two in front before the tricky run off into the glen which is a traditional Galloway tussock fest, best advice is slow down and don't fall over too many times.
A narrow path leads out the glen onto the 1 1/2 mile long undulating ridge leading back towards Loch Trool. Occaisonal glimpses of one runner ahead, try not to watch him just keep the effort levels up. Catch and overtake him on the the last descent off Buchan Hill then nearly miss the path back to the road.
Run past a seized up runner struggling in the last 150 yards, a delightful 45 degree uphill sprint finish. Run time 2 hours 10 minutes and 22nd out of 37. A few photos on the SHR Flickr site. See you there next year.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Merrick Sat 15th Sept
Merrick is a 2765' Corbett in Galloway Forrest Park, on the way out the race loops round a few lesser hills, Eschoncan, Bennan, and Benyellary with a run down the Neive of the Spit before joining the hill walkers path for the the short climb up to Merrick.
The return route continues round via the Rig of the Gloon, past Helen's Stone, over the Rig of Loch Enoch, along the Buchan Ridge to Buchan Hill and a last descent by one of the Black Gairy's, sounds very nice but with conditions wet and muddy underfoot a good test with the winner in 1 hr 25 mins, some 5 minutes outside his record set last year.
This was my 5th try at this race and my fourth race in this years SHR Championship which will get me a mug!
The race starts and finishes close to Bruce's Stone in Glentrool and took a slightly longer route than usual on the way out between Bennan and Benyellary, keeping behind the newly repaired dry stane dyke which gave welcome shelter from the wind. Both the tops of Benyellary and Merrick were in mist but with the route marked with hundreds of taped canes it was difficult to go wrong although one or two at the front did manage the odd detour.
Coming off Merrick via the Rig of the Gloon and views of hills and lochs all round made it difficult to concentrate as you dropped out the mist.
Finished in 2 hrs 9 mins for 67th place out of 84 finishers. A few pictures in the Galleria which don't do justice to what is a beautiful forrest in the South of Scotland, home to one of the 7Stanes Mountain Bike Trails.
The return route continues round via the Rig of the Gloon, past Helen's Stone, over the Rig of Loch Enoch, along the Buchan Ridge to Buchan Hill and a last descent by one of the Black Gairy's, sounds very nice but with conditions wet and muddy underfoot a good test with the winner in 1 hr 25 mins, some 5 minutes outside his record set last year.
This was my 5th try at this race and my fourth race in this years SHR Championship which will get me a mug!
The race starts and finishes close to Bruce's Stone in Glentrool and took a slightly longer route than usual on the way out between Bennan and Benyellary, keeping behind the newly repaired dry stane dyke which gave welcome shelter from the wind. Both the tops of Benyellary and Merrick were in mist but with the route marked with hundreds of taped canes it was difficult to go wrong although one or two at the front did manage the odd detour.
Coming off Merrick via the Rig of the Gloon and views of hills and lochs all round made it difficult to concentrate as you dropped out the mist.
Finished in 2 hrs 9 mins for 67th place out of 84 finishers. A few pictures in the Galleria which don't do justice to what is a beautiful forrest in the South of Scotland, home to one of the 7Stanes Mountain Bike Trails.
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