Change of plan due to the low cloud, instead of the hills round Glens Finlas and Fruin which turn into vague grassy lumps in the mist went to Arrochar for mostly easy to follow trails. Ran up the Glen Loin trail to Coirgrogain on to the Ben Vane path, a steep trudge accompanied by noisy complaints from various departments, quads, glutes and hips, probably due to 2 races in 5 days this last week. Quite a few walkers out today, you hear them first, their outlines emerging from the grey mist and rock then fade back to noise after I pass them. Vanes summit empty and cold in the mist and wind, a quick re-fuel and off towards Ime via the turning stone, the turning stone is a large boulder that marks my preferred descent. Easy run down through tussocks, soft rushes and over streams and bogs, all looking unfamiliar in the mist. I had hoped to drop below the mist at Lag Uaine, the lowest point between Vane and Ime, no luck today the mist fills the glen. Make my way across to a narrow ridge to start the climb to Glas Bealach half way to Ime, a faint path winds its way up fading at the bottom of a crag where a grassy ramp provides a way through, the next part towards Glas Bealach is pathless again, the climb feels too easy and I've veered away from the up slope, stop to check the ground aspect, I don't want to end up on Beinn Choarranach instead of Ime, a quick traverse and I was back on track for the steep climb from Glas Bealach, despite aches and pains going up Vane this climb went better than usual, more ghostly shapes appear as I reach the summit, lots of walkers from here. Drop off Ime to Bealach a'Mhaim then down the path that runs past the Narnain Boulders, the Buttermilk burn providing pleasant company to the top of the zig zags back to Succoth.
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Arrochar Run
Saturday, November 12, 2022
Arrochar run
Weather window on Saturday morning promising a gentle breeze decided to drive up to Arrochar for the first time in about 6 weeks for a run in the Alps. Stuck to the walkers paths and trails, initially up past the Narnain Boulders to Bealach a'Mhaim, from there Narnain, back to the Bealach then The Cobbler turning back to the Bealach again and back down the path beside the Buttermilk burn and the Narnain Boulders. Pleased to be out even though a bit damp and no views with the low cloud.
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Arrochar run
Social media has its benefits, set off for Arrochar inspired by an instagram post from a wild camper on Friday night, clear skies above a cloud inversion and no snow! Started up the zig zag paths in thick mist, after about 20 minutes the mist turned blue and I was in the sunshine above the clouds, jacket off in the heat. Ran up past the Narnain Boulders to Bealach a Mhaim and the Cobblers "back stairs", jog walk to the top, great views, re-fuel and a few pictures. Returned to the Bealach and across to Ime, managed to keep a slow jog going to the top, a few more pictures, turned back to the Bealach and a brisk walk up Narnain. Back to the Bealach and down the walkers path back into the mist and Succoth. Surprisingly few walkers out today, a few runners and cyclists out enjoying the stunning views.
Friday, September 10, 2021
Arrochar and Glen Fruin run
Easier run planned this weekend, on good paths over The Cobbler and Narnain, set off late Friday afternoon, early enough to finish in daylight. Trails and hills quiet at this time of day. Started up the path behind Succoth's houses missing out the stoney lower zig zag path, steady jog through the upper zig zags and past the Narnain Boulders to the back stairs, made it up with only a couple of short breaks. Only saw one other person, a ghost in the mist at the top, didn't hang about back down the stairs and plodded up Narnain, round the trig and back the way I came up, finishing in just over three hours.
Squeezed a short run in on Saturday. The Strone and Beinn a Mahanaich, managed to keep a steady jog to the top, no views again today, easy run down to finish in about 90 mins. Strava feed failed after a few seconds, restarted at the summit cairn.
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