Beinn Dubh Mon 11th May

Went for a walk up Beinn Dubh with number 1 son as he prepares for an attempt on an Explorer Belt towards the end of July. Beautiful sunny evening, cool breeze.

View to Conic Hill over Loch Lomond.



Had to shoo the odd lamb away before mother sheep took exception.

Aim was to reach the top before the sunset and made it ok, not much slower than usual. Had someone else to take my picture for a change as we approached the top.



Spent about 20 minutes at the top taking a few pictures while we waited for the sun to go down cracking views to the Arrochar Alps.



Ben Lomond looking good across the loch as well, no sign of the snow which added a twist to last Saturday's race.



Temperature dropped as the sun went down and the cold wind meant jacket, hat and gloves on. Walked down with the sunset, the wind gradually disappearing as we went. Cut a few corners on the way back, a bit steeper but avoiding the worst of the boggy bits. A few more pictures in the Galleria.

Ben Lomond, Sat 8th May

Race up & down our local munro, 7 or 8 miles and 3192 feet of ascent. Damp & breezy with a warning that winter had returned above. Numbers down probably due to the weather.

Set off and pushed on for the first 20 minutes or so when energy levels & pace began to drop. Head down and kept moving upwards through the second gate and off the track, snow lying on the ground. Reached the half way plateau and started to run again. Colder and windier the higher you went, gradually added protection, gloves, buff and jacket as the rain turned to stinging horizontal snow.

The climb up to the summit ridge tricky through snow & rock, visibility less than 50 yards. Summit ridge had a few inches of snow at the edges with a slushy track in the middle. Turned at the top in just over 71 mins. The descent started with extra care due to the snow covered rocks and unable to get up any pace until after the zig zags.

Chased a few people down the path and through the off road sections passing the last couple through the trees near the bottom. Came down in under 35 mins to finish in just under 1 hour 46.

Photo courtesy of Chris Upson / SHR, more here.



Interesting stats, 84th on the ascent, 58th on the decsent and 75th overall, number 75 as well. Soup, rolls and a pint after a quick plunge into the loch.

Dumyat Wed 6th May

Another big field of 250 plus for this 5 miles jaunt up and down Dumyat which sits behind Striling Uni. A few days of rain made for a slippy race.

Felt a bit sluggish before the start due to SAC last Saturday and 11 miles last night but felt ok after a short warm up. Race started without as much as a ready, never mind get set, just go! Off up the road before a wee rest at the gap in the wall, hit the muddy farm track running.

Ran the short steep road section passing a few plodders before the stream crossing and up to the muddy bank where mayhem ensued, ploughed straight through in my new super grippy Adidas Swoop past plenty of Adidas Samba smoothies floundering in the mud.

Into the Bluebell woods and ran on the path edges for grip. Out onto the hill and pace undulating in time to the gradient, remembering to push all the way its only half an hour to the top. Turned in 32 mins for the flailing descent.

No energy after the turn and hung on to the back of a small group but picked up the pace on each of the steeper sections as gravity kicked in and gradually overtook a few. Managed to avoid the usual kamikaze rock jumps on the way down.

Back into the forrest and pushed hard through the mud and trees, passed three on the muddy bank, aimed for the tree at the bottom bouncing off down the track. A quick wash at the stream then pushed for home on the road & track, 18 min descent to finish in 1 sec under 50 mins.

Stuc A' Chroin Sat 2nd May

14 miles and 5000 feet of fun and frolics in the hills above Strathyre. This year it's part of both the British & Scottish Championship series and a record field of over 300 set off at 1:00 pm.

Well known as a toughie the first couple of miles are only a warm up as you undulate your way up through Strathyre forrest. You leave the forrest and run over a rough and boggy Meall Mor, so far overall climb not too bad at 1400' in just over 3 miles.

A quick plunge 600 feet down into Glen Ample before the assault on Beinn Each, hands, knees and teeth required for a 1500' climb in less than a mile.

The ridge run from Beinn Each to the Stuc is a joy to run with full concentration required over rock and bog as it undulates along. Take care to avoid the front runners as they fly past on their way back. The ridge finale is a 1000' climb within a mile to the top of the Stuc.

The return journey is fun as it misses out Beinn Each. The initial descent to the ridge is tricky on steep loose rock, easy to be caught out as you try to make as much use of gravity as possible.

The Beallach Nam Cabar is reached after a couple of miles and signals the drop back into Glen Ample. Initially a straight run down to pick up an effort of a sheep track to trash your ankles as you run along and down to the bottom of the Glen.

You slither down a swampy stream for the last few feet thinking what could be worse and it's right in front of you, a mushy bog followed by the 600' plus climb out the Glen. A stunning rainbow behind breaks up the climb. The photo doesn't do it justice but was a good excuse for a rest.



As you exit Glen Ample its a struggle to keep your legs moving in time as you run back over the delightfully rough Meall Mor. This finishes in a plunge back into the forrest where going too fast to turn a corner Christmas comes early as I run into a tree, the needles cushion the blow.

For the last couple of miles its back onto the forrest track which is a bit harsh on the feet after the soft moor.

A cracking race but one you need a wee bit of patience for, marshalls fantastic as they provide gallons of water, jelly babies and chocolate on the hill.

Finished in 3 hrs 26 mins which seems ok to me, 227th out of 318 finishers. Race profile below gives you some idea of the ups and downs, to find out more you'll need to give it a go.

Beinn Chabhair Sat 25th April

While watching several Club members taking part in the Highland Fling I had the chance for a wee run up the Munro in behind the Ben Glas Falls, short run, 8 miles with just over 3000' of ascent. First time up this one, pronounced Bein Kavarr.

Steep climb beside the falls to start then the gradient eases following the Ben Glas Burn up the glen, best to stick to the path close to the river as the wider quad bike tracks close by are pretty boggy. Jogged up this undulating path beside the Ben Glas burn for a couple of miles to the Lochan Beinn Chabhair then a steeper climb.

Looking back down the ascent route over the Lochan.



From the Lochan you could make your way directly up the face but I chose to follow a few faint paths beside a gully to a notch between Meall Nan Tarmachan and Beinn Chabhair. From here there is a distinct path which twists and turns along the rocky ridge to the two summits.

Although a bit hazy took a few pictures of the surrounding views from the summit.

Lochan 1400' below from the summit.



Went back via outward route except strayed onto the quad bike tracks, a lot smoother to look at but soft squelchy stuff and made for hard work. Steep descent past the falls good fun to finish. About 2 1/2 hours. A couple of pics in the Galleria.

Whangie Whizz Wed 22nd April

First Bog & Burn race of the year, field of 160 or so made for interesting overtaking on the narrow paths. Cool & dry overhead & dryish underfoot.

Kept to the back for the initial climb towards the style and once on the path pushed it to a steady pace one eye searching for foot placement the other on the lookout for overtaking opportunities, in this race it's too easy to stay in the comfort zone and just follow the runner in front.

Picked off a few before the Whangie where the track gets a bit wider with some ditches to jump & others that you sink into.

Ran the climb after the road, a slow jog, then pushed on again to the trig point. After the trig its on your toes for 10 or 12 minutes of run as fast as you can to the finish without falling over, particularly the rocky bits.

Only a couple of us from the club but a also few others who run with us. Finished inside the top half of the field in just under 39 mins.

Ben Lui Sat 18th April

Good forecast for sun and almost no wind so I decided on a return to the Lui Nature Reserve for another attempt at the so called Queen of Scotlands mountains. Friday evening spent reading about the variety of route choices and peoples impressions of the 3707' mountain, Scotland's 28th highest.

Planned a 3 munro route, Beinn Dubhchraig, Ben Oss & Ben Lui and left the Vale slightly late in weather not to forecast or my liking, low cloud which didn't look like shifting. Parked at Dalrigh just before Tyndrum and set off on the 3 miles of farm track towards Cononish. Cloud below 2500'.

From Cononish head SE up the pathless steep lower slopes of Ben Dubhchraig, after about 1000' of ascent you cross a fence and the slope eases and you can run a bit. The next 1000' took me into the clouds, pausing just before visibility dissapeared to orientate myself to the map, go South it said. Tied the compass to my backpack and climbed into the mist occaisional fenceposts giving comfort that I was going in the right direction. Soon passed a small loch where I should take a left (South-East)for the last 300' of climb, pleased to pick up a path zig zaging to the top.

Beinn Dubhchraig summit "cairn" in the mist.



To reach Ben Oss you first return to the Lochan then take a left (West), follow more zig zags as you drop a few hundred feet to pop back under the clouds at 2500' and the Beallach before the climb up Ben Oss. Stopping every few hundred yards to try to pick out a route up Ben Oss. Begin to waver as route finding in the mist time consuming & tiring, maybe call it a day after Ben Oss, leaving Ben Lui for a better day.

Loch Oss front, Loch Dochart rear.



Managed to avoid going over the knoll just in front of Ben Oss by contouring round South West above Loch Oss.

Back into the clouds now and find a flat area from where the streams flow into Loch Oss, leave the path and head North to pick up the ridge and found what turned out to be a path leading to the summit. Getting brighter on the way up, patches of blue sky appearing above.

Ben Oss summit cairn with Ben Lui summit peeking out behind!



Met a couple of hillwalkers on Oss summit, stopped for a chat and some food as the clouds melted away below, views opening up, Ben Lui back on the agenda.

Route finding easy, lovely run down to the Beallach dropping 1000' in just over a mile to the head of Corrie Laoigh for the climb up Ben Lui, 1400' in just over a mile. Faint tracks at first improves with height as it picks up the Coire Gaotach rim.

The final 300'.



Reached Lui summit, breathless from the exertion and the views. You could touch Cruachan and Loch Awe. The Arrochar Alps from Lui, usually the other way round. Two problems, didn't want to leave, but when I did, what route?

The way back?



Watched some walkers picking their way towards the northern top up over Stob Garbh and decided it was too rocky to descend, went back to try Stob an Tighe Aird, the bail out from that being a longer run back to the head of Coire Laoigh.

Descent from the Northern top looks a bit steep!



The path down Stob an Tighe Aird snow covered at the top but managed to pick my way round and between patches of snow and onto a clear path down into Coire Gaotach 1200' below dislodged a boulder on the way & watched it career down the steep slopes below.

View of Lui Summit just before dropping into Coire G. Walkers can be seen on my descent track, lower left.



Slithered down into the Coire and a refreshing wash in the streams. From here the run down is familiar from March's recce. Back in the glen stopped for another wash and some food before the 5 mile run out through Cononish.

The day was a reward for perseverance when it would have been easy to give up after the first hill. An interesting contrast from navigating in mist to spectacular views.

Total of 15 miles & 5600' of ascent, felt harder and a bit longer probably due to stop / start navigating in the mist. A few more pictures in the Galleria.

Clachnaben Sat 11th June

1st race in this years SHR championship, Clachnaben, 10 1/2 miles with 3500' of ascent. Race is near to Aberdeen & is organised by the Cosmic Hillbasher's and sponsored by among others, Deeside Brewery. Previous expedition to this area had been to Scolty hill race when it was also a championship counter, albeit a short one.

Set out at half 7 for the 3+ hour drive of 130 miles via Stirling, Perth, Dundee & Fettercairn. Stopped at Peggy Sue's cafe for 2nd breakfast. The roads round Fettercairn familiar from visits 15 or so years ago to friends who stayed in one of the entrance lodges to the House of Dun.

The last 10 or 15 miles over the narrow B974 a favourite for mororcycles. A few miles to go & passed Clydesdales Micheal Diver on his way to the race on pushbike, then he cycles home.

The start is reached via a forrest road to park then a 10 minute walk to a clearing where registration is set up with a supersize gazeebo housing post race tea & cakes.

The race starts & finishes with a couple of miles of undulating forrest roads, in between 6 miles over 3 and a bit hills. The shoulder of Threestane hill is the "bit" climbed on the way up Mount Shade, a quick descent before the climb up Clachnaben, round the Tor and off the back towards Millers bog before the last climb back up Mount Shade.

Ascent of Mount Shade & Clachnaben ok on narrow paths and sheep tracks, the descents are difficult, narrow & rocky with heather making it difficult to see the paths & hollows & whipping your shins, all part of the pleasure. The run down to Miller's Bog tough with thigh deep heather & tussocks, tried to pick up the pace & suffered 4 falls before taking the hint and settling to a slow jog/walk.

The re-ascent of Mount Shade was jelly baby & wind assisted, jelly babies courtesy of the cheery race marshalls.

The final run off Mount Shade took a different line from the original ascent, back onto a narrow trod hidden under the heather, eased off the pace until through the obligatory boggy bit at the bottom and back onto the forrest track. Pushed on and pleased to catch 4 or 5 on the run in to finish in just over 2 hours, 97th out of 161.

Sat in the sun for half an hour or so to get changed and sample the sponsors product along with some home baking. The sound of contented chat drifting around in the breeze. Couple of pictures in the Galleria, SHR pictures here. Slideshow offers a good overview of the race as the photographer moves round the course. For media junkies there are more pictures on the Cosmic flickr site as well.

Luss Sat 4th April

Met at 8 Sat morning with no real plans & went with the suggestion of Luss Hills the route would depend on time and how we felt.

Set off on the long climb to Beinn Dubh. Reached the top in just under an hour, felt slower but quite easy. We had entered the clouds on the way up & this meant head down to concentrate on the path which twists its way round the two corries.

From the back of mid hill we dropped down into Sith Mor but instead of crossing the valley for the ascent of Doune Hill, we contoured down the glen to pick up the farm track back towards Glen Luss, mindful of others fragile state! This would give us similar mileage but a shorter climb, to 1500', up Coille Eughain Hill.

Pleasant run down the Paps and through the fields and woods back to the car, about 11 miles with 3800' of ascent in 3 hrs 21.

Stoneymollen Race

19 Millies braved the wild moorland that is the Stoneymollen race, shame the roll of red & white tape put out last night had been removed by some warped person. Still made for some interesting route choices.

Perfect night, sunny but cool with a slight breeze.

Set out near the back and took it steady past the kennels. Managed to keep the breathing under reasonable control on the way up the track, pace rising & falling in line with the gradient.

Pushed on over the undulating Bromley & Overton Muirs for the short fast descent down towards the Radio Mast. Usual swampy, gorse filled tunnel before the farm track, fast as you dare at the steep top section then work a bit harder as it levels out before the last couple of killer hills towards the cemetry and a dash down Overton road to finish.

Glen Nevis Sat 28th March

Dropped 3 of the Club WHW runners at Tyndrum for their 42 mile training run to Fort William where I would pick them up for the drive back to the Vale. Meantime I would drive to Fort Bill for a run over the Mamores, 2nd attempt to run the Ring of Steall, last time rain falling up & gale force winds stopped me after the first munro, An Gearanach, this time snow, ice & 60 mph winds meant a re-route before I started. Instead of over the Mamores it would be round the Mamores. I had brought an OS Explorer map but bought the Ben Nevis Harveys Superwalker - waterproof - before I set out, well worth a tenner.

Starting from Glen Nevis visitor centre the plan was to run up Glen Nevis, through the gorge, past Steall, continue on to Luibelt / Meanach, take a right down the Glen passing behind Kinlochleven picking up the west Highland Way back to Glen Nevis, 30 something miles, about 6 or 7 hours. Bit of an epic so a few pictures included to highlight the route.

Ran up Glen Nevis in an enjoyable mixture of sun & snow passing a few tourists snapping away at the surrounding snow covered mountains. Jog walked up the gorge track mindful of the drops to the river below. Stopped at one of the ledges for a picture back down the Glen to a snow capped Mullach nan Coirean.



At the top of the Gorge ran through the aptly named Steall Meadows and on into the upper reaches of Glen Nevis, the Mamores towering above to the South.



The track turned out to be not much better than a sheep track, although not too steep so tried to maintain a jog which was pretty hard going through rocks & over streams, realised what the word "ford" meant. Continued to climb up the Glen into the snow pausing for a look back towards the relative calm of Steall meadows with Sgurr a' Mhaim towering behind..



On up the Glen into the snow, the tracks and trods contiually splitting and found myself choosing what appeared to be the best path only for it to disappear into mush a few hundred yards later as the river and its flood plain meandered across the valley floor. The constant sluicing of freezing water in & out of my shoes turned my feet to blocks of ice.



Found myself constantly stopping to check the map or go back and get it? The herds of Deer providing respite as they watched my painfully slow progress towards Luibelt and what I hoped would be better going. Gradually the terrain eased and the snow began to dissappear, the river suddenly got a lot bigger and changed direction too, ok it was a different river, I had left the Water of Nevis behind and was now running beside the Abhainn Rath, pushed on as this meant I was only a mile or so from Luibelt, only trouble was the river crossing to come. Arrived at Luibelt and stopped for some food and a drink before the river crossing so that I could run myself dry hopefully without freezing!



From Luibelt you pickup a landrover track which runs through the Glen passing a couple of small lochs gleaming in the sun on the way to Kinlochleven. All the time views to Loch Leven and mountains beyond gradually open up.



Continuing towards Kinlochleven the aim was to avoid going through Kinlochleven & the 1000' descent & re-ascent that would mean, easy enough in the end as the tracks matched the map snaking off to tthe right, great views past the Pap of Glencoe down Loch Leven.



Met up with the WHW runners just after Kinlochleven for the 10 or 11 miles back to Fort William. The day's effort beginning to tell, walking as much as jogging. Gradually worked our way back with great views of Ben Nevis pulling us on, managed to pick up the pace for the run through the forrest familiar from a previous out and back run from Fort William.



Good run back down the forrest tracks on the side of Glen Nevis to finish in 8 1/2 hours, a might longer than expected, the run from Steall to Luibelt a toughie. Home for a few beers to celebrate Georges birthday. A few more pictures in the Galleria.

Ben Vane Sat 21st March

More hills this weekend, hopefully beating the weather as forecast to change through Saturday, set off for a circuit starting up Glen Loin, leaving the track to tackle Ben Vane & Beinn Ime, descend to Beallach a'Mhaim returning to Succouth between Narnain & the Cobbler about 13 miles & 5700' of ascent overall.

With only the tops with any cloud set off just after 8:30, walked the steeper parts of the Glen Loin track, arriving at the Ben Vane path in just under 50 mins. Steady plod up Ben Vane, increase in erosion noticeable again this year with many walking pole holes just beside the path which will no doubt crumble by next year. Mist came down to meet me and about 2000'+ came across 2 Ptarmigan, near where I saw them a couple of years ago, still in winter plumage.

Reached the top of Vane in just under 2 hours, no views, clagged in. The descent off the back to Lag Uaine is either a nightmare if you get the line wrong, or easy....this time easy & quickest yet, about 15 mins with no real effort, what a difference when you get the line right. Only problem still clagged in until the last few feet meant I couldn't pick out the line up to Glas Bhealach & Ben Ime. Lag Uaine is a lonely place in the mist.

Opted for a route change through to Glen Loin, a nice run, coming out above the dissapearing river then set off towards the top of the Glen & back into the mist for the climb out to Beallach a'Mhaim returning to Succouth after feeling my way to the path between Narnain & the Cobbler, didn't see much of either.

Distance as planned but the route change meant about 500' less ascent. Cloud level dropped about 1000' in the hour or so either side of Ben Vane and then returned to blue skies by the time I arrived back in the Vale. A few pics in the Galleria.

Rock n Roll, Running n Beer

Weekend began with a 9 mile Friday afternoon run through Renton to Dalmoak onto the Kipperoch track to Cardross, back to the Vale via Carman, just about 9 miles and 1000 foa. Sitting back for a quiet Friday night then a surprise invitation to the Vale Masonic for a foot stomping night of Rock with among others Littlehed & the Halos . A good night with a few beers and a Bar51 invasion after.

Saturday brought a first, the Clydesdale 5k, 2 laps round the Clydebank Industrial Park then along to the usual loop to pick up the cycle path back towards the shopping centre, your finished before you know it, but good to run a shorter race for a change, finished in about 21 1/2 mins, picked up the pace to easily outsprint a 60+ year old so probably could have pushed it a wee bit faster, but not much.

Sunday's weather forecast wasn't good..turned out fine, dry, breezy with cloud base mostly above the tops but some down towards 2500'.

Drove to Arrochar for 3000' in 2 1/2 miles of straight up Ben Narnain, a quick drop down to Bealach a' Mhaim then 1000' plus trot up the back of the Cobbler. First time up the Cobbler for 30 odd years, hasn't changed much apart from the new erosion proofing man made steps, ok going up but a bit picky going down. Came off the Cobbler onto the path in 2:45, picked up the pace through the glen to finish in just over 3 hours.

A few snow patches to negotiate along the way with the usual diffcult gully through the Spearhead, some good views under the clouds, a few pics in the Galleria.

WHW run Sat 7th March

2nd part of the planned B2B a longer run on the WHW from Drymen to Sallochy Bay & back. About 22 miles & 4000' of ascent including up & down Conic Hill both ways.

Started out dry & ran without a jacket on, just 2 thermals to try to avoid the usual sweat soaked mess. Jogged along, walking most hills with a bit of purpose to get some return.

Reached Sallochy in just over 3 hours, brief stop to refuel then back towards Drymen, this time pushing hard up the hills and v easy in between. Rain started on the way back, put a third thermal on before the climb back over Conic. Made it back to Drymen in 3 hours 10, 6 hours 13 all in.

Glen Loin Fri 6th March

1st run of the weekend back to back, an evening ACW run round Glen Loin, set off about 6 to try out running with head torches, turned out we didn't need them, didn't get dark until half way round then the snow meant no need for the torches. Ran all the hills and walked quite a bit in between, slippy underfoot on the way back, low visibility meant we had to take it easier than usual, good run, finished in about 2 hours 20.

Ben Lui Nature Reserve Sun 1st March

Armed with my newly purchased Harvey Superwalker map (waterproof) I set out to try for a circuit of the 4 Lui Munros. The plan was to follow the track from Dalrigh towards Cononish, would the huts really be green? Would I find my fortune in gold? As luck would have it, no, but the huts are really green, oh and the weather turned pretty poor as well, low cloud and snow restricting the run to a couple of up & downs, 12 or so miles & 4000' of ascent.

Set off towards Cononish, leaving the track just before the green huts up the steep lower slopes of Beinn Dubhcraig. After 1000' or so the gradient eased to runnable. Continue to climb but towards cloud and snow, occaisional sun beams breaking through giving some hope of clearer weather.

About 2500' didn't look good, unfamiliar ground, snow, cloud, took a 5 min break to orientate and plan. Common sense took over and about turn away from the snow & clouds and back to the track.

Ben Lui looked interesting in the distance, brown/green slopes leading to a white cauldron like Coire Gaothach 1000' plus above. On the way towards Lui occaisional cloud breaks revealing glimpses of Beinn Dubhcraig & Ben Oss summits. At the base of the climb ran upstream alongside the Alt Coire Laoigh to find a dry crossing point, didn't fancy starting out wet. Across the stream a trod winds up past several waterfalls just before the jaws at the entrance to Coire G and back into snow and cloud. The Coire is strewn with large boulders around streams which were lying under a few feet of snow to trap the careless walker, their prescence only realised by the muffled sound of rushing water.

Climbed up into the Coire as far as I dared, stopping to build a snowman & for a wine gum or two. Phone started taking pictures on its own in the rather wet conditions, took it out my pocket and tried to point it at some of the Coire features, a couple of the pictures that came out are in the Galleria.

After a few minutes set off down the snowy slopes, 2 slips and 1 fall but no submission, fall being cushioned by the spare clothes and litre of juice in my backpack, at least there was no-one around to see it.

On the way back ploughed straight through the Alt Coire Laoigh to clean the shoes and leggings before a leisurely hours jog back to Dalrigh. Although short of the planned route the near 5 hour run was well worth it as a recce to appreciate the terrain for better weather. Map a good purchase, as well as the 4 Lui Munro's it has all 7 Crianlarich Munro's, from Ben More to Beinn Chabhair.

Glen Loin Sun 22nd Feb

Short run this week, the 10 mile Glen Loin loop. Conditions much warmer with snow confined to patches from about 2000', might have been more but couldn't see much for the clouds.

Ran anti clockwise, left the road and the Heron wheeled round us, once we reached the track after clearing the trees we could see the puddles ahead rippling with life, turned out to be a couple of hundred frogs spread over the three or four pools within 100 yards of track, oh and bucket loads of frog spawn.

Continued our run walking most of the hills apart from the long drag up Corriegrogan. Easy run back to finish in about 2 hrs 20. Couple of pics in the Galleria.

Carnethy 5 Sat 14th Feb

Set off at 10 for today's race over 5 tops in the Pentlands. The route covers Scald Law, South Black Hill, East Kip, West Kip and finally Carnethy, about 6 miles & 2500' of ascent. The sort of start to the hill running season, and a first for me...a hill race in the snow.

Hung back in the school hall as long as possible but still arrived at the start with nearly an hour to go, stood in the tea marquee the heat from the urns providing some comfort, stood on a tussock of grass to further insulate the feet. Half an hour to go & went for a warm up jog avoiding most of the streams and swampy bits.

At 2 o'clock 500 runners set off after a chorus of Flower of Scotland, a few jimmy hats and kilts worn by the runners. After the mad dash across the bog settled into a steady trudge up Scald Law reaching the top in just over 22 mins. From Scald Law its an undulating ridge run over South Black Hill to the short sharp climbs over the Kips.

From West Kip a long snowy descent towards the Howe, misleading as when you reach the bottom its still a fair run along to the start of the climb up Carnethy. Bumslide the last steep drop before the burn then jog walk to the bottom of the gully where its back into grind uphill mode. When you clear the gully the track becomes runnable again and the top of Carnethy and the last wee climb comes into view. Crank up the effort happy it will soon be all down hill.

The run off Carnethy tricky especially when someone in front falls or crosses your path, evasive action tricky at times in the snowy heather. Through the gate and try to turn left onto the path, slipped on the greasy bank for my first fall of the race. Charge back across the swamp managing to pick off two or three more to finish just under 80 mins.

Back to school for a shower and a school dinner before the drive home. A cracking wee race to start the season with 500 runners & times ranging from 50 to 150 minutes no one need worry about being left behind or lost. This was the 39th running of the race so they must be doing something right, watch out for highlights on the adventure show sometime in March, a couple o pics in the Galleria and a lot more here!

Luss Hills Sat 7th Feb

Same route as last week only in the opposite direction, Friday's blue skies had promised much but had been replaced by cloud overnight as we left the Vale around 8 am.

Set off at a gentle jog up the Glen road then left the road for the 1700' climb up Beinn Eich, sky clearing with our ascent. Well into the snow by the time we reached the top and the views opening up all round with Paddy's Milestone clear on the horizon over 60 miles away down the Firth of Clyde.

We continued along the undulating ridge from Beinn Eich over Beinn Lochainn to Doune Hill. The snow wind blown to a crisp surface making for a bit of fun on the steeper descents. The initial drop from the Trig point on Doune Hill quite tricky to pick out a safe route, snow changing from crisp ice to knee deep drifts within a few feet depending on slope aspect to wind direction. A bit of bumsliding solved the problem & we were soon off on the run down to re-group at Sith Mor.

From SM it's a 1400' climb up to the 2 cairns between the Corries and a fantastic snow covered mountain vista opened up all around, snow, sun & blue skies as far as you could see. Ran towards the top of Beinn Dubh and having met no-one since we left started to meet groups hillwalkers coming up from Luss.

Regrouped at the Beinn Dubh cairn then set off for Luss, avoiding the path which was mostly ice. About 1/2 way down had to stop to remove jacket, hat & gloves as the temp rose in the sun.

Dissapointed to have to leave the stunning views from the tops the extra thermal top seemed to make all the difference compared to last week. Left the camera in the car as usual when the weather & views are that bit special.

Luss Horeshoe Sun 1st Feb

This used to be the "long" Luss run but since crossing the Glen and on into the next one today's route could only be called Luss ACW medium, about 12 miles and close to 5000' of ascent. Starting at the mouth of the Glen ascending Beinn Dubh, along the ridge before dropping into Sith Mor, re-ascent up Doune Hill :) along the ridge back to the top of Glen Luss via Beinn Eich, jog down the Glen to finish.

Made good time ascending Beinn Dubh the bitter east wind kinda helping you up, no doubt pay back was just over the next hill. Frozen ground almost all the way meant freezing water didn't flush in & out of your shoes with every step, another bonus. Ran on the track round the corries overlooking Glens Mollochan and Douglas before the steep drop into Sith Mor patches of snow smoothing the way. A bit of care required to avoid glassy black frozen streams which filter unseen through the grass.

After crossing Sith Mor the 2nd big climb of the run, Doune Hill, managed to find a few half frozen streams to freeze the toes, oh joy. As we aproached the summit of Doune Hill the wind, although helping to push you up, began to burn, the usual shelter spots ineffective. Too cold to linger on the tops and then struggled to put ski gloves on frozen fingers on the run towards Beinn Eich. Even with 2 Buffs and a wooly hat my frozen face made talking a problem.

Sheltering behind Beinn Eich gave a welcome break from the wind until we reached the top where it bit again enocuraging us to descend as quickly as possible. Thankfuly the wind eased off the further down we got. Jog down the Glen relatively pleasant as we were out of the wind, finished in about 3 hrs 50 mins. Couple of pics in the Galleria.

Whinney Hill Sat 31st Jan

15 runners took part in this seasons final Club Cross Country race, conditions near perfect, cool, dry & a freezing swamp underfoot for most of the route.

Starts with a lap of Balloch Park leaving at the top of Heart Attack Hill on the new Whinney Hill trail, mud meant you had to concentrate and pick out the best foot placement, a balance between using energy avoiding the sludge or using it up to plough through the middle.

Set off at a steady pace and found myself in a group of one leaving the park, cruised round keeping a good effort going up the hills, recovered quickly once past the seat and pushed on, still no-one in front or behind apart from the odd runner going the wrong/social way.

Finished just outside 44 mins for the five miles.

Lochside run Sun 25th Jan

Long lie this Sunday but the hoped for Luss Horseshoe didn't happen, the chance of getting lost in the snow & cloud and being late to pick up the WHW Team from Beinglas would have further trashed my reputation?

Got up about 1/2 10 and after a leisurely breakfast drove to Beinglas, stopped at Luss to check out the conditions but couldn't risk the inevitable snow & cloud delay, the price would have been too high. Snow clad Conic Hill looking splendid across the Loch.

Weather at Beinglas horrible, rain/wind/cloud and carried full pack for a run down towards Inversnaid to meet the WHWT coming from Balmaha & Drymen which they should have left about 1/2 8.

Soon after leaving Beinglas met Helen looking warm and dry, suitably clad for the conditions. Pushed on down the WHW, nice to lose yourself and run free at whatever pace the terrain and stunning views of Loch and mountain allow. The route a mixture of undulating track with several root & boulder strewn sections a test of your concentration.

Met the first group of Millies before Inversnaid and they seemed in good spirits, brief chat and off again. Weather gradually clearing as the day went on. Ran for about another 25 mins until the second group appeared, again in good spirits but a bit quieter as they had an extra few miles in their legs including a snowy Conic Hill.

Pleased with 2 hrs 6 out & 2 hrs 16 back, the way back included a couple of run backs to the group and a rest at the top of the loch. About 15 miles & 2500' of ascent, an easy week! A couple of pics in the Galleria. Action pics in the WHW 2009 MTB along with some more contributions on the day out.

Local run, Sat 17th Jan

Forecast really poor with no prospect of any high level runs this weekend combined with a limited slot available so 5 of us set out on a local run, an extention of the Pappert/Stoneymollen route I tried a couple of weeks ago to include Whinney Hill. Three of the Club race routes in one go.

The route started at the Vale Leisure Centre going towards Renton & then up onto the moor behind the Carman Reservoir, thru the Quarry, descent to Balloch via Stoneymollen, round Balloch Park to the top of Whinney Hill, back to the Park then thru Jamestown to Bonhill, up to Pappert Well & back down to the to the Vale Leisure Centre.

About 19 or 20 miles & 3100' of ascent, a bit shorter & with less ascent than last week but the rougher terrain would compensate.

Surprise was how good the weather was, no rain, even a bit of sunshine & windchill only evident on the tops.

Jog walked to the Trig point, a favourite panorama on the way to the Stoneymollen. We could now see the Luss tops were clear & I thought maybe should have gone there instead. Road shoes meant the run to the top of the Stoney was taken easy. Feet now freezing in the soaking, mushy ground.

Jogged down to Balloch and into B Park running along the lochside to the far end. Good run up the Fairy Glen to cross Botourich road where the fun started, paths to Whinney Hill a trifle too gooey for road shoes.

Picked up the pace coming off Whinney Hill, good fun as always, then back through the gooey woods to Balloch Park.

Run thru Jamestown to Bonhill an unpleasant contrast with cars & general public bustle.

Took a farm track at Northfield onto the hill which went through a herd of cows and delightful bit of muck, about a foot deep. At the style we joined the Pappert race route to the Trig Point. From here we ran straight down the track thru the woods to Pappert Housing Estate, path in poor condition in the mud. Cross Bonhill Bridge & short cut over the magic roundabout to finish.

Enjoyed what turned out to be a good run, soft ground making you work hard, finished in just under 4hrs 50.

Ardgarten Sun 12th Jan

First time round the Ardgarten 20 mile 4000' of ascent loop since our 35 miler in April of last year where we ran it as an add-on to Glen Loin. Weather better than forecast, which was for torrential rain and gales to 100 mph, but not much.

About 10 of us set off at 8:45 for an ACW loop. Most of the group are ultra training which means jog walking, stayed with this for about 8 or 9 miles 'til we arrived at Lochgoilhead then ran on. Ran the first half of the Dukes Pass climb then as yesterdays race kicked in jog walked to the top to save some energy so that I could run across the moor where the trees are still too small to offer any protection from the elements.

Reached the Lochan in something over 3 hours for the undulating run back up Loch Long to Ardgarten. Its about 5 miles on the forest tracks then a tough last couple of miles on the road.

Track was quiet with only some deer for company. Reached the end of the track in 4 hrs plus then 4 hrs 25mins overall. A quick change into warm/dry clothes, disappointed the Forestry shop is closed, so no coffee or food, & curled up in the back of the car to wait for the rest.

Just about sleeping when the rest arrive in small groups, only problem one missing...what to do?? Still some light left so waited a while then split up and while one car drove towards Lochhgoilhead, one car waited, and after a lift to the end of the forest track went for a run back for any sign of our lost runner.

Devoured an energy gel and set off, reckoned about an hour and a bit of daylight left and ran back towards the Lochan. Stopped a few times but then went to the top of the next hill, next corner, next hill etc until just about level with the jetty, the boat lights begginning to twinkle in the gloom, no sign or sound & turned for a trudge back.

About 5 or 10 mins later call on the mobile, the lost sheep had been returned to Ardgarten in style (the back of a Beemer). Meant I could eat the "emergency" food I had kept in case our missing runner was found wanting, a mini mars bar and a cream egg!

Still a couple of undualting miles to go so head down and plod it out. Met near the end of the track by Robbo & gave him a row as he had tried to use his people carrier as a 4x4 & shorten my run.

Positives, no one hurt, an extra 6 miles & 1000' of ascent, negatives???, banned from going out with that lot ever again!

Polaroid XC Sat 10th Jan

Perfect conditions for the second of our three Club Cross Country races, this one round the outside of the Polaroid Industrial Estate. Setting out the course disturbed some of the local wildlife, a Heron, Rabbits and a Fox.

For an industrial estate the route is relatively scenic, starts in a field where you pick up a narrow trail through some trees to a path alongside the river Leven, the path follows the Leven round a large curve right round the back of the Polaroid factory and then cuts through an open field in front of the adjacent housing estate followed by a short hill and a run through some rougher ground with a short section of grass verge back to the start.

Race started at 10:00 am, 1 lap for the girls, 2 for the boys, each lap about 2.2 or so miles and a great turnout of 22 runners. Tried for a steady run this year with a 17:11 first lap, nobody pushing from behind and drifted to a slower second lap of 17:33. Lack of mud and sludge underfoot meant my time was close to my PB maybe a wee bit more would have beaten it, pleased with what was a more controlled effort than usual and felt fine after.

With the lack of mud it was only 2 or 3 trees and ditches to jump and the wooden stairs to provide some disruption to your pace.

Tea & biscuits after and then home just before the heavens opened for the rest of the weekend.

Vale Hills Sun 4th Jan

Tighter than usual for time this weekend and decided to run the Pappert Well hills and the Stoneymollen Hills, about 13 miles & 2200' of ascent. Overcast & freezing but not too much wind chill.

Set off just after 8 at an easy pace and picked up the track to the right of the gully following it round the back of the Pappert Estate. Turned uphill until through the fence and then "next" right onto the pink path to the Trig Point. Straight down from the Trig Point, taking another right turn along the pink path then a left, cross stream & style then right into the field, run towards the copse of trees/ruined house then down the farm track back to civilisation.

Ran along towards Renton, going up Carman under the bypass then left along the road to the steps/path for access to Carman Muir coming out behind the reservoir. Ran parallel to the road until level with the quarry where its straight through and up onto Overton and Bromley Muirs running along to the top of the Stoneymollen. Easy jog down & along the bypass cutting through Christie Park to get home in about 2 hrs 40.

Next time? Option could be to add in Whinney Hill to complete a circuit roon the Vale, about 19 or 20 miles & 3100' of ascent, and with a bit of imagination, most of it could be off road. Not as challenging as the Ardgarten 20 miler but ok for a wee change.

Calendar Crags Sat 3rd Jan

1st run & also race of the year in the 3 mile 800 FOA Calendar Crags, a low key hill race run for the best part on good forest tracks & road. Weather good, no wind, clear & with a bit of heat in the sun.

The race starts from a road behind Calendar Main Street accessing the steep trail up the Crags, reached the top gasping in 16 mins. The descent starts gently on a good path then drops down through woods to pick up a single track road. First couple of hundred yards on the road are flat/slightly uphill before dropping down quite steeply. As you pass a forest access car park cut back onto the forest track, slight uphill before a last mostly downhill push to finish in 31:35.

An excellent Hill race to get you some experience of the sport without any worries, well marshalled, no navigational issues, short, no difficult climbs or terrain, plenty of runners of all standards from Scottish Internationalists to fun runners. Race is run twice a year, 1st Sat in Jan & June.

WHW Sun 21st Dec

Back to the track for a 24 miler from Drymen to Milngavie & back. Compared to the last few weeks a flat route. Forecast not good, high winds and showers.

Set off about 8:20 into the wind and rain, jogged along the road to Gartness avoiding the field in case we got our feet wet. Past the Pots and onto the WHW track for an easy there and back jog. Rain stopped and the miles soon dissapeared, worked hard up the hills on the moorland track before the Carbeth Huts.

Reaching Mugdock started to feel short on energy but continued to Milngavie anyway. A bottle of lucozade and started back, jogged along but still with nothing extra. Ran without walking breaks, managing the stress by breaking the run into shorter sections. Showers on the way back as well. Soon back on the road at Gartness, pushed hard up the hills and recovered down the backs.

Finished with a run up through the field in 4 hrs 48, good effort at what turned out to be quite a tough run probably because we ran it all without any real walking breaks.

Luss Sun 14th Dec

Unsure of today's route apart from a few of the Luss hills, turned out to be an 11 mile 4600 FOA jog round the snow covered hills. Starting up Beinn Dubh, round the Corries, brief return to Glen Luss before crossing to climb Coille-eughain Hill, then instead of running (East) down the Paps turned South West then South to pick up the climb up to Beinn Ruisg on the Glen Finlas circuit, then return to the bottom of Glen Luss.



Set off just after 8 on a dull Sunday morning, no wind so a good day to get in some hills. The main tops were covered in snow from about 1500' and squelched up Beinn Dubh slopes avoiding the worst until any icy water shoe invasion about half way up.

View towards Conic islands above the clouds.


Brighter weather towards Dumbarton with Rock & Quarry silhouetted in the distance. Snow drifting to a foot or so on the top meant for freezing cold toes and minimal stops. The run along towards the corries colder by the minute the adjacent Loch trying to suck in heat and light and emit cold and dark in comparison to the now hidden views towards Balloch. Clouds rolled over from the North and snow started to gently fall in the still air.

Run off mid hill not as slippy as it should have been, no falls, no submissions this week. First drink break back down in Glen Luss walking up the Glen before the track to the river crossing. Steady plod up CE Hill, lack of chest high vegetation made it easier than the summer. Back into the snow at the top meant a quick change to running, avoiding the slush pools, towards Creag an Leinibh and a contour round to pick up the Glen Finlas trail and the sharp climb up to Beinn Ruisg.

Feet now like blocks of ice. Wanted to pick up the ridge just before the summit of Ruisg running down towards Auchengavin but as I approached the summit the cloud rose from the Glen and cut visibility to 50 or so yards, everything white. Continued on the more familiar Finlas route then as the surrounding aspects steepened turned East and downhill to try to get out of the cloud and pick out a route to the bottom of Glen Luss.

Steep pathless descent into Coire Eoinein meant slow going until clear of the snow. Still a fair distance to travel from the views opening up towards Glen Luss. Coire E full of gullies so kept to the sheep tracks higher up the hillside as they tend to pick up easier crossing points downside is they include a fair bit of re-ascent.

Ran down the lower part of the route of the Luss Highland Games Hill Races to finish off a tough wee run in just over 4:20. Some more pictures in the Galleria.

Ice Station Ardgarten Sun 7th Dec

Tough run planned for today didn't quite come off, starting at Ardgarten pick up the lower forrest track to Glen Loin and run acw to the top and instead of following the Glen back down take a left and head up the Bealach a' Mhaim returning to Ardgarten between Narnain & the Cobbler. A loop of the Cats Crag on offer for anyone with any energy left, about 17 miles & 4400' of ascent.

Didn't quite go to plan, the first hour & 1/2 spent negotiating icy tracks too low so they had thawed and re-frozen in sheets of ice, ok if you stuck to the verge but a bit harder to run. About 1/2 way up the Glen the ice gradually turned to snow which made for a great run to the top.

Turned back at the top and ran back towards Succouth, cut off the track through gorse/stream/brambles to get to the road and a 2 mile jog back to the cars at ice station Ardgarten. About 12 miles and 2000' of ascent.

Stoneymollen Sun 30th Nov

Lost weekend, got up Sunday lunchtime, too late for Luss and had to make do with a short run. Cold and damp with the mist down & frost everywhere, put on thermals, hat & gloves. Started up Overton road then along through the fields past the Carman to pick up the path which takes you onto Carman Muir behind the reservoir. Ran round to the road missing the usual path through the ferns in the mist and daze.

Ran up through the quarry with shafts of sunlight beginning to appear. Sky cleared at the top of Overtoun Muir revealing cloud inversion in the valley below.



Ran down Bromley Muir to the top of the Stoneymollen & met a couple who are involved with a group trying to creating a network of paths all the way to Inveruglas, they were kind enough to take my picture with the snowy Ben in the background.



After a few minutes gazing at the snowscape around Loch Lomond set off down the Stoneymollen and into the cold and mist. A leisurely 1 1/2 hours with a sunny surprise at the top. A few more pictures in the Galleria.

Arrochar Sun 23rd Nov

This weeks route was about 17 miles with just over 3000' of ascent. Running on forrest tracks from Succouth through Glen Croe to the top of the Rest & Be Thankful, returning to Succouth via the Cats Crag loop & Ardgarten.

Pretty poor weather with a lot of slush underfoot but still good to get out, wasn't looking forward to the climb up the old R&BT road as it is usually rather exposed.

Started with a flat loop round the Succouth houses and onto the trail to Glen Croe, took the high track to come out past Ardgarten for a short section on the A83 before picking up the old R&BT road. Left the shelter of the trees into the wind and rain, made for a tough climb particularly towards the top where you could lean forwards at 45 degrees, sprint and stand still all at once.

From the top its a nice undulating run down to pick up the Cats Crag loop, the last mile or 2 on the road a bit of a grind. From Ardgarten crossed the road for the "low" track back to Succouth, a few short steep climbs tough after 14 or 15 miles.

Finished in a damp 3 hours 45 mins. A few pics in the Galleria.

Balloch Park Sat 22nd Nov

1st of the Club cross country races round and up and down Balloch Park. 3 laps for the guys & 2 for the girls, good turnout of 20 runners. Cool, cloudy, dry and not a lot of wind made for good going until you tried to cross the Park in front of the Castle which is still a bit of a swamp after the music festival in August.

First lap in 11:50, too quick as usual, ok until I came out the swamp for the second time without any of the energy I went in with. 2nd and 3rd laps 12:50 and 12:53 to finish just over 37 1/2 mins.

Arrochar Sun 16th Nov

MWIS true to form again, clear blue sky and no wind for a planned 17 mile run round Glen Loin taking in the Sloy Dam followed by an out & back to Ardgarten, about 3500' of ascent.

Jog up Glen Loin towards Coriegrogan takes in a series of hills, walk the hills for an easy run or run them for something a bit tougher. Ran all the hills, hard but enjoyable as I have had no consistent long runs for a few months.

Ran up to Sloy Dam & back to Corriegrogan for 2 1/2 extra miles.



Continued on round Glen Loin taking in 2 more hills, one longer & one steeper, managed to run both.

From the disappearing river its 3 or 4 miles back to Succouth, down hill all the way, took it easy mindful of the extra 5 or so miles to follow. Took the lower path to Ardgarten then ran up the road for 1/2 a mile or so to pick up the upper path back to Succouth, good finishing hill which climbs further at every corner taking you about 500' in 1 1/2 miles, managed to run all the way, nice seat at the top for views down Loch Long.

Short run back along forrest tracks to Succouth to finish in 4:17 and lunch in the Tarbet Cafe.

Luss Sun 9th Nov

Set out for a run round Glen Luss this morning. Plan was for an ACW Horseshoe, up Beinn Dubh, round the corries returning to Glen Luss via mid hill then cross the road and ascend Coille eughain hill for a run down the Paps, expected to take 2 1/2 hours + for approx 9 miles & 3500' of ascent. A bit windy at the start and looking to Ben Lomond the snow level looked ok at about 2500 feet.

Damp plod up Beinn Dubh, and the wind really blew, 1st time ok just hat blown off with a quick detour to pick it up. Then the cloud level dropped and a squally shower blew in, a bit higher up now and the rain had turned to needle like hail. Hat flies off a few times and soon quite adept at catching it before it hits the ground.

Head down, lean into the wind at 45 degrees and plod on, try to jog the flatter bits to keep the toes from freezing. Despite leggings, two thermal tops, jacket, buff, hat and gloves, start to struggle in the icy blasts. Had to stop using my hand to shelter my face from the hail as fingers were getting too cold and numb.

Becoming increasingly miserable and negative about the run so head for a sheltered spot about 100 yards from the style and put on some of my spare gear, Thinsulate gloves and a wooly Stuc A Chroin hat! Set off for the top where I planned to make a decision whether to go on or cut it short, however within minutes feel a lot better.

Pass the cairn on Beinn Dubh and continue along the ridge round the corries to Mid Hill via the snow covered un-named tops, more fun now although about 10 or 15 mins behind schedule as I quickly descend into Glen Luss to avoid the next squall. Usual fun towards the bottom, manage to limit the damage and only eat dirt once with another equally ungainly 360 spin. Cross the road in 1:40 odd, too late to try CE Hill.

To avoid the road head for a mini new route down Glen Luss beside the river. No sign of tracks or trods and cross a fence to try to stay close to the river then realise the fence is to keep stupid animals away from the steep bank and gullies close to the river. Cross back over the fence and soon pick up a small trod. Race a couple of deer for 50 yards until they turn uphill.

Path alternates between bog and marsh and makes for a tough but enjoyable 40 minutes. Overall about 7 miles and 2500' of ascent in 2 hrs 20. Couple of picture in the Galleria.

Glasgow Uni Road Race

My sixth attempt at the annual 5 mile road race, now a 2 lap effort around and about the Garscube Sports Complex, only problem came within the first few hundred yards where a narrow gate slowed the runners. Reached the mile marker in 7:11 so averaged the rest in about 7 1/2 mins to finish just over 37 mins. As usual a good field of over 200 runners the first home in less than25 mins.

Excelllent local wee race for a Saturday afternoon with good changing facilities and a cafe for post race refuel. Luckily the weather cleared from lashing rain as we left the Vale to almost perfect conditions for the race.

Eddie's Half Sun 2nd Nov

Return to Fort William for another go at Eddie's 1/2 marathon, an out and back run from An Aird running through urban FB to pick up the Mallaig road for about 6 1/2 miles, then run back.

The drive up through Crianlarich with views of snow covered Ben More in an azure blue backdrop a hint of what was to come. Past the Black Mount and through Rannoch Moor spectacular views all around, the snow capped mountains reflecting in the glass like Lochan na h-Achlaise and Lochan na Stainge.

Glencoe was heaven in a blue cape.

Without much fitness the race plan was to go out easy and see how I felt. Steady for the first mile or so and felt ok so picked up the pace to 8 min miles, back sore after 3 or 4 miles but didn't seem to get any worse and held this pace to turn in just under 52 mins. Maintained this pace until mile 7 or 8 when a quicker mile, about 7 mins, was required to catch a clubmate, suffered a bit as a result. Struggled from then on and finished with a slower second half of 53:20.

Passed more people on the ups which felt easier than the downs and a bonus on the way back was the views to Glen Nevis and surrounding peaks which more than compensated for the slightly slower second half.

A pasta carry out from Morrisons for tea and a bag of mini buds for the bus ride home capped off an enjoyable day.

Earl's Seat Sat 1st Nov

I have passed the Dumgoyne distillery by car and running on the WHW, today parked in the layby opposite and set off for a walk to the Earl's Seat, at 578m the highest point in the Campsies.

There are paths either side of the distillery which soon steepen after you cross the fence below Dumgoyne a steeeep little hill in itself. Luckily our route went past on the west side rather than over the top. Past Dumgoyne the route undulates along over Gairloch Hill past Clachertyfarlie Knowes and a couple of un-named tops to the Earl's Seat. No mega climbs and always a path to follow. Even the sun came out as we made our way along.



Views galore, over Glasgow's high flats, Ailsa Craig, Arran's peaks, Loch Lomond & it's East facing Glens, Finlas, Luss and Douglas, the Arrochar Alps with the Cobbler obvious and Ben Ime's peak glowing white, on to Ben Lomond, Conic Hill, the North horizon filled with snow covered peaks, Ben Lui, Ben More & Stob Binnien prominent.

More pics in the Galleria.

Stoneymollen Sun 26th Oct

The joy of running...felt great to be back on the hills this afternoon for a short run round Carman reservoir, through the quarry and back via Stoneymollen, about 7 miles with over 1000' of ascent.

Weather mixed sun, rain and a bit windy but nothing like those lucky people in this picture at this weekends OMM. I like this picture of one of the competitors enjoying the conditions. Lots more pictures, videos and stories on the Sleepmonsters Website and on the OMM Website. Those involved seem to have been properly equipped and experienced to cope with the tough conditions and all 2000 or so are safely off the hills.

Back to my little run and great views from Overton & Bromley Muirs of the squalls blowing up the Firth of Clyde and view up Loch Lomond to Ben Lomond, cloud base over 3200'!

Reached the top of Stoneymollen in about 58 mins means a bit to go fitness wise, hopefully I can put in some consistent miles on the hills over the next few weeks.

Piper Dam 13th-17th Oct

A holiday from Monday to Friday at Piper Dam, but disaster struck after a wee run on the treadmill and a swim. Put my back out playing golf and have only just managed to be able to put my own socks on today. What happened, who knows but probably won't go near a treadmill again particularly when there is a nice wee undulating route round the outside of the Golf Course. Great views to Dundee & the Tay bridge, more pics in the Galleria.

Horseshoe Sun 12th Oct

Club handicap race today, just over 10 miles of undulations. For a road race its a good route, from the Leisure Centre up to & through Balloch picking up the road to Gartocharn for a short while before turning onto the Horseshoe at Ballagan. Arriving back in the Vale down Auchencarroch road, along to Bonhill Bridge & back to the club via Davie Graham's garage.

Good turnout today, 21 runners including 7 guests. The first leaving at 9:00, a bright & breezy morning meant the usual headwind on the way back into the Vale. Late night last night so didn't know what to expect, tried to start at 8-8 1/2 min miles and pick it up as I felt, as usual too fast for the 1st mile in 7 mins, should have brought my Heart Rate Monitor.

Relaxed going through Balloch and kept it steady until almost half way when caught by the first runner behind, tucked in for a mile or two then dropped back. Picked it up again on the last mile down Auchencarroch before slowing again towards Bonhill bridge. Pleased to come in just under 80 mins.

Coffee and cakes in the car park after, breezy but good.

Pappert Well Sun 5th Oct

Woke up to clear crisp windless morning, perfect. Set off at 8 for the Pappert Well with Jim R, lovely run where within a few minutes of leaving the Vale it seems you are smiles from anywhere.

Tried a new route onto the hill on the opposite side of the gulley climbing up with frost still on the ground where the sun hadn't reached. Picked up the pink path just before it enters the trees and ran up avoiding all but one of the icy puddles. The peace and quiet through the forrest emphasised by our echoing voices.

Views for ever from the trig point, North to Ben Lomond & the Arrochar Alps and South West to Goat Fell over 35 miles away peaking out over the moors behind Port Glasgow.

New route off the hill as well, straight down the ridge from the Trig point, good fun on a narrow trod with a steeper descent than the usual path. The path winds its way through the trees and re-joins the pink path not far from the usual access path. Ran back the normal route until the style where we took a right into a field and traversed towards a feint ridge. Followed the ridge to a small copse of trees surrounding the remains of an old house, fantastic views from here as the hill drops away steeply.

A rough farm track runs down the hill from the trees, steepens again for the last field and made for a good run back down to the Vale. Stopped for a chat with big Pete as he went for his morning papers before the jog back home.

Whinney Hill Mon 29th Sept

Frustration kicking in at the lack of running for the last month or so & decided to go for a nice easy run from home to Balloch with a run round the park & if all goes well round the Whinney Hill loop as well.

Kept the heart rate down all the way & reached the top of Heart attack hill in 30 mins without any problems so off I went on the WH route. Road shoes helped to keep the run easy as WH nice and soft. Arrived at the viewpoint in 17 mins and stopped for a minute taking in the views to Glens Finlas & Luss. Took it nice & easy and arrived back in Balloch Park in 15 mins.

Jog through the park down hill all the way, shortcut through the station and across Argyle & Christie Parks with a wee bit of road in between. Back home in 94 mins overall.

Ben Nevis Sat 6th Sept

One of my favourite races, up and down Ben Nevis, my 3rd and final target race for 2008. This years event was included in the Buff Skyrunner series . As a result numbers slightly increased with 20 or so overseas runners taking part.

Weather forecast was not good but it turned out to be a fine weekend, bright, cool and only the last few hundred feet in cloud, so good views when you had the time to look.

A couple of good runs recently on the LOF & Luss but didn't feel great in the run up to the race. Set off slightly further back than usual and reached the roads end in about 9 mins, nearer 8 would be good. Steady trundle up the tourist path, felt ok and took a new short cut which seemed better than previous, not too steep and much better footing. Being slightly further back meant it was easier to pass people and kept it steady round the windy corner towards the Red Burn Gully and the Mountain started to bite a bit more than it should.

The picture tells its own story, usually keep that face for near the summit.

Realised it wasn't to be a fast year as a few more people passed on the way round to the Red Burn crossing at half way in just under 57 mins.

The second half starts more or less straight up leaving the tourist path zig zags through rock, scree and a maze of small paths. Its here the leaders come flying back down, not only do you have to drag your self up but avoid human bombs on their way down.

Another 1000' or so feet and the slope starts to ease in places and you can pick up the pace, not too fast so you can have the odd glance at the fantastic views all round, lots of runners coming down really fast now. The nearer the top the flatter it gets so running again but very rocky so your feet take a pounding. Past scary drops at the top, just under 56 mins for the second half, 13 mins slower to the top than previous races.

Hand in your tag and turn for the descent, gloves on. The first few hundred yards are rocky but gets progressively more runnable for a few minutes until steep begins to kick in. Here you run as fast as you dare, full concentration, arms flailing and a wary eye out for other runners. I try not to get behind them as you can't see what's coming and it slows you down. Stay a few feet back and pick a slightly different line and your moment to accelerate past. No idea how long this section takes probably about 15 or 20 mins when you arrive back where you left the path on the way up at the Red Burn.

Route change here, straight down the Grassy bank, an 800' quad bashing, calf cramping near vertical slither. Key is to stay relaxed, ankles, knees, hips, shoulders and keep those arms flailing for any balance you can get. Route choice important here as well, I try to pick a line taking in any scree as I can go a bit quicker on the stoney sludge.

At the bottom of the Grassy Bank you're back on the tourist path, a tough section where you want to go faster than the man made stone steps allow. Nearly missed the first short cut, luckily a hill walker pointed it out. Further down picked my new 2nd short cut and passed about 7 or 8 runners without really trying.

Steady push on down the rocky path, running getting easier as it levells out towards the bottom. Reached the road for the last mile and legs turn to jelly. Coast the downs and baby steps on the ups on this cruel section.
A lap round the park and a sprint finish (so fast the photographer only caught my heel) to avoid being overtaken for a 54 minute descent and 2:46 and bits overall.

Above pictures courtesy of Borrowdale Fell Runners and Carnegie Harriers .

Luss hills Sun 24th Aug

Mid afternoon start for this 9 mile 3700 foa run in the Luss hills. Views to the South & West looked clear, to the North dark clouds obscuring much of the views.

Usual breezy ascent up Beinn Dubh @ 642M in just under 45 mins. Kept to the path along the broad ridge to the un-named top (657m) in about 18 mins and another 18 mins down Mid hill to Glenmollochan farm. 20 minute climb up Coille-eughain hill (449M) through shoulder high Thistles followed by a 20 minute run down over the Paps and back to the car at the bottom of the glen.

Tried a couple of route changes on the way down, one worked, one didn't through thick Ferns and Thistles. Finished in a few seconds over 2 hrs 30 mins.

Would have been a minute or so quicker but had to have a wash in the river after ploughing through thigh deep mud in the fields below the Paps - didn't smell like mud.

Couple of pictures in the Galleria.

Lomonds of Fife 17th Aug

It is 11 miles & 3300' of ascent to complete this hill race which covers West Lomond (twice) and East Lomond, forrest tracks, trails and woodland paths with 2 water stations - only one really as you pass it twice, four checkpoints with coloured pens to mark your number and prove you've been there.

Last year this was a championship counter & returned this year as it seemed a good warm up race in the quest for Nevis in three weeks.

From race registration in Strathmiglo village hall it is a two mile walk to the start as this year the surrounding fields/car parks are all under crops. In the end managed to get a lift both ways saving the walk/warm up/cool down.



Race starts in a field close to the Bunnet Stane climbing West Lomond behind, about turn at the top and descend half way down to Checkpoint 1 then contour round towards East Lomond gradually losing height but keep to the sheep tracks if possible to help maintain the pace. After a mile or so of contouring descent you pick up an undualting forrest road for a couple of miles before turning up a narrow trod zig zagging up to CP2 at Maidens Castle.

From Maidens the route picks up forrest roads, tracks and fire breaks as it climbs back up the hill side then a steady run up towards East Lomond & CP3, the last 1/4 mile a plod as it is pretty steep. From here you can see most of the run back to West Lomond apart from the detour to CP4 at what appears to be a large grassy hill, we are told "fort".

From the fort a short slog to regain the track as it gradually climbs up towards West Lomond, again the last 1/4 mile pretty steep.

From West Lomond the fun starts as you go past the trig point, gloves on, then pick up speed on the smooth broad grassy path, ok for a few minutes until you cross a fence for the bumslide , wet grass this year meant you could slide all the way down, had been chasing the runner in front without much luck but managed to catch him as he tried to run down instead of slide, well worth the price of two thistle skelfs.

From the descent gully you run through three fields back to the finish, caught by the guy behind but tucked in and picked him off on the last up through the field to the finish. Finished in just under 2 hours 20 mins an improvement of 20 odd seconds from last year.

A good medium race to try with the the 3300' of ascent split into four which gives you a chance to recover but the undulating paths and tracks are a good test of pacing, get it wrong and you suffer.

Race organised by Lomond Hill Runners with usual Fife post race tea and goody bag with edible contents!

Lossiemouth Aug 08

Sun 3rd to Wed 13th for the annual camping holiday at Silver Sands, Covesea, Lossiemouth. The 2-3 mile long beach great for running but over the years I've noticed running on sand is very tiring and also suffered from sore quads the week after so now I take most runs easy with no real problems.

One lap every day or two and a doubler at the weekend, some hill reps and a tempo run thrown in for fun and each run followed with a swim / body surf in the waves.

Andrews birthday as usual so another camp birthday with party games....pass the parcel, statues etc until they reminded us they were 14 not 4!

Camp show also being disrupted as the children are "too old" and most slots now filled with adults.

Visit to Duffus Castle is a favourite, nice and peaceful and with enough features and info to give a good insight into how they lived, ok if you are the Lord!





Watched the Elgin / Dumbarton league match on Saturday, the Sons getting a draw for their travelling Apache supporters. Weather good with the usual Moray Firth dry/cloud free bubble giving great views of the meteor shower and no real wind for a change either.

Some more photos in the Galleria.