Jura

Managed to secure a late entry, the 33rd running, the 40th anniversary of the first race and the 30th anniversary of its resurrection  in 1983, buy the book by Donald Booth, any profits will go to the Jura care home.

Getting there,

home for the weekend,

race sequence,

homeward bound,

More pictures here.

My third attempt at this fascinating race, I finished in 172nd place in 5 hours 52, about 215 started with 205 finishers, the first was 3 hours 19 the last was probably about 7 hours, results will appear here on the race website.

More cakes than you can shake a stick at on a fine weekend with time to relax, run and enjoy island life.

Goat Fell

200 plus runners in the third race in this year's SHR Championship, a medium at 8 miles with 2900' of ascent. Started in Brodick on roads going towards Brodick Castle Estate, turning into the grounds of the Estate, onto the hill path after 1 1/2 miles. The path runnable as it undulates up through forest, a bit too warm with thermal top and vest. Soon enough we pop out the trees onto the rocky mountain path winding its way across towards GF's eastern shoulder, we turn west, walking and scrambling now as the ground gets a bit steeper, more exposed, wind, rain and the runners in front bombing past complicate the climb up the slabby ridge. Round the trig point, no views today, running back down, carefully at first down the steep bouldery ground. Pick up speed as the gradient eases the runner in front holds me up for a few minutes, too risky to pass as we negotiate the rough boulders, ease past down a wider slab then I can relax and pick up the pace again, its a fun full concentration descent as you cross back towards the forest track, eyes constantly scanning the boulders ahead for your next foot placement, only glancing up to pick a line past a runner or hillwalker. Good fast running through the forest then its 1 1/2 miles on the road back to Brodick finishing in 129th place in 1 hour 58 to tea, sandwiches and cakes before the Calmac ferry back to Ardrossan. Loads of pictures, here, here, here & here.

Luss

Heart is willing but the legs are week. Thought about a few hills in Arrochar this morning, thankfully I changed my mind and went to Luss instead. Plan was for a run up Beinn Dubh along to Mid Hill across Glen Luss up Coille-eughain hill returning to the foot of the glen down the Paps. It took longer to reach Beinn Dubh's summit today than to get up and down in last weeks race. Skylarks on the way up, cold and wet on top, good run along the ridge and over Mid Hill, on the way down I left the wind and rain behind and it didin't take too much thought to give CE Hill a miss, easy jog down the road to finish 7 or 8 miles with 2400' of ascent in just under 2 hours.

Ben Lomond

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

Dumyat and a 10k, Midweek racing

After last weeks stormy Stuc a calm Wednesday evening race up an down Dumyat, it was the 40th aniversary of the race, 250 plus set off, over 100 less than last year. My target was to finish inside 50 minutes. No queues at the hole in the wa' this year and no Bluebells in the woods either. Kept to a steady slow jog on the way up including where I usually walk, only walking up two rocky bits, wheeled round the trig in 32 minutes something, concentration required on the way down to avoid runners coming up and in trying to keep the intensity high, its too easy to relax and cruise down thinking this is as fast as I can go. Soon I'm crossing the style onto the muddy path twisting and sliding through the woods, feet slapping down the tarmac hill before the short wee stress inducing uphill track towards the back of the uni grounds before a welcome gradual descent to finish in 50:22. Thursday night was the Club 10k, following the old Vale 10k route except starting and finishing at the LC. Numbers slightly down this year, 14 against 18 probably due to the proximity of the Kintyre Way race on Satrurday. Three groups set off, 60 mins+, 45-60mins, sub 45 mins, I chose the last one, not that I would break 45 mins tonight, my target was to beat last nights time. The rest of my group drifted away off in front and I tried to keep a steady pace, quads a bit tender. Round Lomond Shores and into Balloch Park my group disappeared off ahead but I started to catch the earlier group giving me something to chase. Picked off a few on the way through Jamestown to the Bonhill bridge. Finished just over 49 mins in 6th place.

Stuc A'Chroin 5000

2nd race in this years SHR championship and the SAL Championship Hill Race as well. The Stuc 14 miles and 5000' of ascent over rough mountain tracks. 206 set off from Strathyre only 193 finished today. The rain started as we were on the two mile run up the forest track towards the hill and stayed for most of the race reinforced by the wind as we climbed each of the ups that help make this race a tough classic. The marshals were stars assisting troubled runners and handing out water, jelly baby's and encouragement in testing conditions. The warm up continues through the forest onto the hill and the traverse towards Glen Ample, a boggy delight. A couple of hundred yards behind a running friend, just up for a run, not the race, fell and broke his wrist as he jogged along, a trip to the Vale Fracture Unit for us after the race. The drop into GA reverts to its usual straight down one this year, across the marshy valley to Beinn Each's climb, starts with a series of steep ups with a few 10 yard flattish sections to break it up. Up we go on a narrow overgrown trod beside an old fence,  Heather and fence posts are all used to help pull me up. We pass a few marshals before and after a short traverse across some cliffs then its onto the upper part, more exposed to the wind, jacket and gloves on to keep me safe and comfortable. Really wet and windy at the top, more marshals with water and sweets. Hesitant on the run down onto the ridge to the Stuc, unfamiliar and slippy in the mist. The ridge is two miles of rock hopping, the first mile undulating, the second undulates a bit more, up a thousand feet. The front runners pass on their way back down.Its survival stuff now, freezing, gale force winds, a mixture of driving rain and sleet, must buy a decent pair of gloves. A hypothermic runner passes me being helped off by two others, a bit more focus on taking care today means I don't notice the uphills so much, through a series of climbs and I'm soon at the last steep rocky section, someone takes a tumble coming back down, thankfully only superficial damage and they get up able to continue. Round the cairn and turn for the relative calm of Bealach nan Cabar, can't seem to push as hard as I would like and tiptoe down the muddy, rocky and snow covered ridge. A slight slip and the resultant blow of rock on shin slows me down for a while, happily the Bealach soon comes in to view and with it the drop back down Glen Ample's grassy slopes. Good fun along the narrow muddy track in the rain with only the short slippy drop to the valley floor to hold back on. Steady walk out Glen Ample's steep slope then running again across the boggy moor. Drop down in to the forest and a poor route choice, the wrong side of a tree, puts me in a deep bog, pull myself out, shoes still on and run through the forest to the track for the last two miles back down to finish in 3 hours 48. A big thanks goes to the 40 or 50 marshals who looked after us runners for hours in the freezing rain, all of them cheery and supportive. This was the 25th anniversary of the Stuc, my 10th, here's hoping for a few more.

Glen Douglas

Set out for Glen Douglas this morning and a run over the three 2000' hills to the North of the Glen road. Stiff climb up from Invergroin to Beinn Bhreac, muddy path to start then dries out above the forest. A number of blind summits try my enthusiasm, rather windy at the top, I drop a few feet down on the Loch Lomond side to shelter. The next couple of miles take me along to Ben Reoch into the teeth of a gale with some rain and hail thrown in to cool me down. Seriously windy again so another shelter on the LL side. Back over the top and I drop down towards Tulloch Hill, the wind funnels through Ant-Sreang and I'm getting cold. Find shelter and get my extra thermal and thicker gloves on, that and a couple of sweets makes all the difference, happy again and  I trot off down the hill before the last climb up Tullich Hill. On the way up the Sun starts to break through and I climb up on to the ridge earlier than planned. Tullich has three summits and I visit the highest two. I can see the next wintery squall is on its way and run back down to Invergroin before it hits. Just under two hours 50 for the 6 or so miles with 3400' of ascent. A few pictures here.

Arrochar

First run over the Arrochar tops for some time, Glen Loin, Ben Vane, Ben Ime returning via the path between Narnain and the Cobbler, 14 miles and 5700' of ascent.

Easy run up Glen Loin then a steady plod up Vane, jackets and wooly hats on for the cold wind and snow at the top, cloud above the tops meant views to savour all round. Careful run off Vane, picking a good line past the crags down into Lag Uaine. The climb up Ime too snowy to take direct so we traversed across above Glas Bhealach to avoid the worst of it.

Super steady snowy walk up, views to Jura, Arran and Ailsa Craig from the top. Run off easy at first over snow then we found a nice dry trod to left of the main path. Finished off with a helter skelter run down the  man made path between Narnain and the Cobbler. Out for just over 4 1/2 hours.

A few more pictures here.

Beinn Dubh

A new race in place of the Whangie, 4 miles and 2000' of ascent. I have run up here often, times ranging from 46 minutes to over an hour to get to the top. My pre-race target was up in 40, down in 20 and finish under the hour. The race starts in a field just across the A82 from Luss. 91 of us set off, I start at the back and jogged up, losing ground through the first field then gradually picking people off as the hill bit into their enthusiasm. Kept the jog going past half way, walked some boggy parts and again as it gets steeper towards the top before managing to run the last few hundred yards reaching the top in just over 38 minutes, round the cairn and freewheeling back down, I pass a couple then two others pass me on the steep drop towards half way down, I work hard along the flat closing the gap ahead and overtake a few as the path drops down again, can't catch the guy who passed me near the top, I clatter down the rocky path and into the slippy field at the bottom to finish 64th just inside 53 minutes.

Dumgoyne

Had to go to Glasgow this morning, came back via Strathblane and took in a wee recovery run over Dumgoyne to the Earl's Seat. There's three parts to this run, how far you can run up Dumgoyne before walking, time to the top, run all the way from the top to the Earl's Seat. Managed to run a good way up to two large boulders one either side of the path, then 27 mins to the top on tired legs was ok but a bit stiff legged coming down the other side.

Ground out the initial run up Garloch Hill into the cloud then along the not as bad as they look undulations to the Earl's Seat,  managed to run all the way. By the time I got there the cloud had lifted giving a good view of the way back.

Cool breeze on the top at the Earl's Seat Trig Point, didn't wait long. Trotted along avoiding the bogs as best I could but still ended up with freezing toes. By the time I got back to Garloch Hill.the cloud was lifting revealing the Loch Lomond Hills in the distance.

Toyed with the idea of running back over Dumgoyne but my quads didn't fancy the extra few hundred feet of steep downhill. Finished in 1 hour 50, about 7 miles with 2400' of ascent.

Ben More Hill Race

I ran this in 2010 when it was the Mull Monsterette, this years version was shorter a straight up an down Ben More. A mile shorter than Ben Lomond but the same amount of ascent and generally up all the way, no wee flat bits to have a rest. I set off at the back of the small field of 36 runners, double the number of three years ago, and slowly ground my way past a few on the short track section before the hill. Kept the same run where I could approach which kept me in sight of the runners in front. About half way up it gets a bit steeper and I have to walk. A strong wind pushes us around as we zig zag up Ben More's North Western shoulder. We go through some scree then running again as the gradient eases towards the top. Two of us turn at the summit cairn in 64 minutes just as the winner finishes. The run down is a constant downhill only the terrain changing from scree to tussocks to stoney path and stream. We change places all the way down passing five other runners on the way, eventually I lose out by three seconds, its the same runner who beat me by a second at Screel. Finished in 1:32 the same time as my number 132! A few pictures from the race area, Loch Na Keal and Ben More here. Race pictures here.

Roots, Rock, Running

Screel Hill Race, I ran this in 2004, slight route change due to forestry ops with a few feet less down and up. Just over 60 runners set off, sunny but not too hot. The first half mile winds up on a forest road before heading onto a rocky root covered walkers path twisting and turning up through the forest, we cross another forest road then more rocks and roots, not too steep and I managed to keep running most of the way with only the odd rocky outcrop to scramble over. The path steepens up as we leave the forest, sweating a bit now and more walk than jog. We're soon up on the ridge and running again along a boggy path, a couple get past me on the way down and up to the second top. We drop off the back and traverse back along a heathery path below the summit ridge, I've let a 50 yard gap develop and try to work to get it back. The path kicks back up to the ridge before plunging down a rocky path and back into the forest for a helter skelter run on the same rocky root strewn paths we ran on the way up, I catch only occasional glimpses of those in front, I pick off a couple but can't quite close on the guy who passed me at the top finishing about a second behind in 41 1/2 minutes. Some pictures here, thankfully I managed to beat the guy in full army kit and rucksack.

Stoneymollan

21 of us set off from the bottom of Lower Stoneymollan Road for the 5 mile/1000' annual club Hill Race, the fourth in this years Club GP. There's a nice trophy in memory of Alex Robertson for the winner, and the race is run as a handicap to give everyone a chance. On a run up the last hill the day before to do the obligatory gorse bush trimming the ground was very dry after the snow and ice. Luckily there was some rain on the day to soften it  up a bit. Good fun chasing down those in front, that and the fear of being passed by those behind keeps you on your toes the whole way round. A good run tonight finishing just over 43 1/2 minutes, about 3 minutes quicker than last year, 4th over the line and 3rd on time. A few pictures here.

Luss Lomond

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

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

Ardgarten

A wee break from hills this week with a run round the Ardgarten loop. Last time I ran here I walked over a third of the way in 12 to 18 inch deep snow, took me over 5 1/2 hours. Set off in the afternoon, sunny and cool with only a little breeze. Nice run down looking across to the snow capped Luss Hills I was up a couple of weekends ago. From Corran lochan across to Loch Goil a few snow patches, a longer run now as the new cycle track comes out quite close to Loch Goil. Ran up the road for a mile or so then jogged and walked to the top of the RaBT on forest track. Steady run back down to Ardgarten finishing in just over 3 hours 50. A few pictures here.

PWWHSM

More wintery weather this weekend so a local run round the Vale hills, Pappert Well, Whinney Hill & Stoneymollan, about 18 miles with 3200' of ascent. The plan was to go out easy and keep it that way, I struggled last time after a mudfest on Whinney Hill. A bitter wind on Pappert.

Keen to get out the wind and took the boggy race route back down instead of the ridge path, easy run across the fields and golf course then back on the road through Haldane and up the Molanbowie road. Pleased to get off road onto the Whinney Hill Trail.

The Whinney hill seat was inviting but I left it for another day. Pleasant run back through the park before another short road section through Balloch. Jogged up the Stoneymollan back into the wind. Good run along towards the trig point, snow getting a bit deeper. After the trig difficult to run, the drfiting snow hiding all sorts of trip hazards and bogs. Had to walk from Overton Muir to the Fort.

Shuffle down the hill and onto the farm track towards the radio mast for a bit of fun working my way through the waist deep drifts. Finished in a minute or two over 4 hours.

Lusstrous

Clouds above the tops but Scotland's mountains still snow covered meant another Luss run.

 I planned a longer route this week, 18 miles with 8000' of ascent. The first part of the run the same as last week, Beinn Dubh & Doune Hill,  then instead of Beinn Eich & Coille-eughain hill to finish, I planned to cross to the other side of Glen Luss over Cruach An t-Sidhein, Beinns A' Mahanach, Chaorach and Tharsuinn and a couple of unnamed tops, finishing over Coille-eughain hill. Lower down the ground wasn't frozen so cold feet to start in the melt water from last weeks ice and snow. The tops are still frozen hard so a chance to dry my feet but a bit tough to run on.

All went well until I was having a break on Cruach An t-Sidhein and a snowy squall blew through, difficult to tell how bad it would get so I dropped into the Glen missing out Beinn A'Mhanach, it was hard going through the Glen on trackless tussocky ground and as the skies cleared overhead I changed back to the planned route climbing Beinn Chaorach with a few hundred feet extra thrown in as I had passed the beallach by then. Still managed to cover 9 hills with 17 miles and 7400' of ascent, finishing in just under 6 1/2 hours. Pictures and route map here. The skylarks were singing so maybe Spring is here at last.

Luss again

Looking for a longer run this week and with the clag down thought about Arrochar as its easier to navigate, a change of plan saved the day and I set off for Luss, same route as a couple of weeks ago, starting up Beinn Dubh and finishing off down the Paps. Good running at the bottom, ground firm but not frozen hard. The wind picked up as I climbed higher, second jacket and fleece lined hat on before the top, now some icy stuff coating the grass, the wire fence rime encrusted.

Not a day for hanging about, although once on the ridge towards Mid Hill the wind eased off. Ran down into Sith Mor dropping out the clouds and into the relative calm of the valley. Picked my way up Doune Hill using the gulleys to shelter from the worst of the wind. Reached the bealach for the last push to the top the wind stealing my breath, careful to keep some idea of direction as I skirted round larges patches of ice on the way.  The summit was a blast, visibility down to a few metres with icy rain stinging face and eyes.

The icy grass hiding any sign of the path I made my way off towards Beinn Lochain, the quad bike tracks at the bottom of one steep slope a sign I wasn't too far off line. More pathless stuff up and over Beinn Lochain and I was happy to meet Lyndsay on the way to Beinn Eich, he was out for a shorter run and turned back with me. Heads bowed we kept moving as we took more arctic blasts over Beinn Eich finally relaxing when they eased as we dropped down into the glen. I crossed the glen for the 1000' in a mile trudge up Coille-eughain Hill, back into the wind but nothing like before, pleasant run down the Paps, a bit quicker than a couple of weeks ago, finishing just under 4 1/2 hours. A few more pictures here.

Lomond 1/2

35 runners for the 3rd race in thus years GP, 11 from the club and 24 guests. A hilly half, round the Horseshoe, through Balloch Park, Balloch, Lomond Shores then onto the cycle path to the Vale returning to the club round the Vale Academy. Staggered start and I went with the last group and watched them run off into the distance before catching a few on the way round. Good run for a road race, finished in about 1:49. Some pictures here and here.

Luss

Perfect weekend for Luss hills, ground frozen and feet stay dry and warm. Anti clockwise circuit of Glen Luss/Glen Mollochan, 14 miles and about 6000' of ascent. Beinn Dubh, Mid Hill, Doune Hill, Beinn Lochain, Beinn Eich, Coille Eughain Hill and down over the Paps to finish back at the mouth of the glen. Busy day with lots of walkers out enjoying the air. Quite warm climbing Beinn Dubh until the last couple of hundred feet, jacket on as the breeze freshened. Great views to the snow capped peaks of the Arrochar Alps and beyond while running along the ridge to Mid Hill. I took a wider than normal route down into Sith Mor starting off West then North dropping in on a herd of deer on the way. The climb up Doune Hill a bit easier than usual on the frozen ground. Different route at the top taking on the North side picking my way round snow patches while traversing the steep slopes overlooking Glen Douglas. On the way back I met a crowd from the Langcrags walking club on Beinn Lochain, I'd run with a couple of them. Lots of frozen snow made the going easy at the top of the ridge to Beinn Eich then good ground on the way down to the Glen passing groups of walkers. As usual I wanted to avoid the run down the road and set off across the Glen for the short climb up Coille Eughain Hill, this took its toll and the run across the tussocks and bogs at the top tough on tiring legs. The reward was a fern free run down off the Paps with only the usual boggy bits at the bottom to slow me down. Finished in about 4 3/4 hours incl a few stops to chat and a sheep rescue.

Carnethy 5

The 43rd running of the Carnethy 5 and my 9th. Its the first race in this years SHR Championship series and a record field turned out on a good day for running over these five Pentland hills, dry and cool with little breeze. Usual charge across the bogs to start, the new Carnethy financed gate less of a hold up than the old style we used to climb over. Soon we're climbing up Scald Law, 22 1/2 mins to the top, steady run along a squidgy path to the sharp ups and downs of the Kips via South Black Hill. Got my breath back for a while on the traversing descent from West Kip to the Howe. The climb up Carnethy soon fixes that, three short ups in succession, track, gulley then the pull up to the summit. Round the top for the first part of the descent on steep grassy tracks, a chance to relax before the heathery plunge to the bottom. The heather takes its toll and I almost come to a halt before finding slightly easier going down what used to be a path to a short fast scree section, why some people slow down here I'm not sure, more heathery bits before I hit the bottom with dead legs for three or four minutes of torture across the bogs to finish just under 84 minutes, a few seconds quicker than last year. As usual loads of pictures, Bobbies, SHR, Sandy Wallace, Bob Marshall, see if you can spot the Milburn Vest!

Whinney Hill

A wintery day for the last Club Cross Country of the season, the only record broken today was the number of runners, 23. A lap of a soggy Balloch Park to start then we exit on the narrow path to Boturich road. Into Whinney Hill then across the road, nice path to start soon deteriorates into a slippy muddy root strewn path up the hill. No respite when at the top with ankle deep mud until come out the other side. Similar to Polaroid, the first three away and clear I'm in the second group of three, we swap places a few times along the way. Through the deer fence and I plod my way up the top section towards the seat and back into the mud,. From the seat its downhill and slippy for a while then a wee rest before turning up into the forest and the mud fest again, gradually pick up pace along the top before a tricky run down to the road crossing. The path back down to the park easy to run on then a twisting turning muddy path back to finish at Balloch Castle in just under 48 mins and a Team Millie Soup kitchen in full flow.

5k and PWWHSM

Had another go at the 5k Balloch Park run today, not as many runners this week, same friendly welcome. A few seconds faster than last time finishing just under 23 minutes. Home for refreshments then set off for a round of the Vale's hills, Pappert Well, Whinney Hill & Stoneymollan. Running nice and easy onto the hill towards Pappert Well under blue skies. The ground was frozen so a chance to keep my feet dry and relatively warm, reached the trig point in just over 40 minutes. Pappert to Whinney takes me through a variety of terrain, fields, the golf course, housing estates then the Whinney Hill trail from Boturich road, rather muddy today. Reached the seat in 2 hours. Plenty of walkers out today all taking a variety of routes to avoid the muddy trail. Back in Balloch Park I chased a large bird of prey, just before I could take a picture it would take off and fly a few trees further along, soon gave up the chase and set off for the Stoneymollan. Getting tired now and I was looking forward to a walk up the road, lots of walkers and a mountain biker out so I just kept running. Managed to jog most of the way up to the trig point, then easy running along to the fort, down past the radiomast, happy to get home in about 4 hours 10. A few pictures here.

The Dukes Path

This weeks long run, the 20 mile Ardgarten loop. Down Loch Long side to start, the trail is covered with a few inches of snow, blue skies overhead, pleasant running, stopping for a few photos of the surrounding hills along the way. The Brack.....

Tullich and Doune Hills.....

 Tullich Hill and Ben Reoch behind....

Its good fun for five or six miles with a height gain of about 500'. The next mile and a half to Corran Lochan was where the fun started, climbing uphill another 250' was enough for the snow to increase from 3 or 4 inches to about a foot deep and a slow energy sapping trudge.

The views over an icy Corran Lochan to Clach Bheinn behind were looking good in the snow and I set off across to Loch Goil, its only a couple of miles!

No running here either but another 150' of ascent and a few more inches of snow made for a long walk, luckily a snowy squall blew through to help me along.

By the time I reached the Loch Goil track, the sky was clearing with great views to the hills across the loch. I was ready for a run to thaw out the blocks of ice that were my toes. 4 miles from here and a mile and a half past Lochgoilhead is Pole Farm and I turned on to the forest trails again for a steady 3 mile 1000' climb up to the top of the Rest and Be Thankful. Somehow the snow got deeper again and its another mile or two of walking to get to the top. I turned into Glen Crow, downhill at last, the snow didn't seem to get this and stayed about a foot deep, another couple of miles of walking towards the Cat Crag Loop turnoff where at last the snow began to release its grip and I managed a steady run for the last mile or so finishing in just over 5 hours 40 instead of the usual 4 hours.

Polaroid Industrial Estate

First club race of the year, 2 laps of the Industrial Estate. The trail had been cleared since last week, the track dug out and fallen trees removed, combined with the low temperatures drying the ground out made for a faster run. 19 of us set off over the tussocky field through the woods and one of the two remaining muddy bits down to the path beside the river Leven, the first couple of hundred yards had been dug out, ok for walking, not so good for running. The front three stretched away ahead and I stayed in the next group of three before we split up after one and a half laps and I dropped behind. The second part of each lap goes through more trees and mud as the river turns away from the course, through some fields with a short up and down and some rougher ground before the run down the grass verge to the finish, then we do it again. First lap just over 18 mins, second lap nearer 19. Cooled down collecting the markers in, a good day for a run.

Pappert

Struggled out for a run on Sunday afternoon, along the cycle path to the Polaroid Industrial Estate and tried a lap of next weeks cross country course. The course was nice and muddy and clear with a couple of fallen trees to negotiate. Set off up through Strathleven then Pappert and onto the hill behind, took a direct route all the way up and we came out of the trees into a white clad misty landscape.

We ran up the ridge to the trig point and followed the trail round past the well, cold and wet underfoot,  frozen toes didn't make the going very easy. From the style we ran back to the remains of Northfield Cottage and onto the track that drops to the back of Bonhill. My heart was willing but my legs, and toes, couldn't face the Stoneymollan so we parted company at Bonhill bridge, straight home for me, about 10 miles and 1200' in just under 2 hours.

Two Crags

A nice short race to start the year, Calendar Crags, about 3 miles with 800' of ascent. Big field of about 130, congested start helped to keep the pace sensible up the narrow zig zag path, ran where I could, it is a race after all, towards the top the gradient eases as the ground gets rougher, roots, rocks and mud, so you have to balance pace and effort, 18 minutes to the top, pass the cairn running now along and down the short ridge path into the woods where the path slalom's round the trees for a hundred yards or so before your sent along a short road section, slightly uphill at first then gets steeper downhill for about half a mile before the last half mile or so back on forest trails, finished in 35 and a half mins. Sunday's crag was the Cat Crag Loop with a few extra miles. Starting at Ardgarten I ran three quarters of the way round the CC Loop then continued up to the top of the Rest and Be Thankful on the trails on the South side of Glen Croe.

View from the Cat Crag Loop to Arrochar

Should have brought some money  for the Tea Van in the car park at the top of the Rest. Ran back down the old road into the wind past deer, cows and then horses clad in padded jackets.

Looking back up the old road

A loop on the high trail on the north side of Glen Croe to finish, it was tough running past Ardg 400' below before coming back via the lower trail.

Nearly finished! The Brack from the lower trail on the approach to Ardgarten

Finished the 14 miles with 2800' of ascent in just under three hours, got the first couple of hours dry then drenched for the last hour.

Glen Finlas

Setting off about half nine we could see the tops were covered in snow and didn't fancy a slog up either Shantron or Creachin hills so we ran along the road towards the damn. Just before the damn a track leads off to the right and makes for a runnable climb, once past the loch we leave the track and head towards the low point on the ridge just past Beinn Ruisg. Following a faint trod up the side of the glen to begin with, once into the snow we take what looks like the smoothest route onto the ridge avoiding a big gulley near the top of the glen.

On the ridge we work our way round anti-clockwise towards the two un-named tops marked 657m and 693m, only sheep for company today. From top 693 we run away from the Finlas horseshoe, West out to Beinn Tharsuinn then North to Beinn Chaorach, these hills overlook the top of Glens Luss and Fruin. This stretch is bit more exposed and I could feel my face freezing as we run along. The top of Chaorach is like a blast freezer, we didn't wait too long at the trig point before turning back towards the Finlas horseshoe. Its hard going in the snow, one second your on top then the crust breaks and you sink in up to your knees, by the time we get back to top 693 my legs are like jelly, we run straight over on a snowy path towards Loch Lomond. Working hard now over tussocks and snow drifts we maintain a steady pace to Balcnock and down towards Craperoch where there's a few peat hags and bogs to negotiate, difficult to run now and after a few shin crunching tumbles into icy bogs we escape by turning North East straight towards the glen from the top of Craperoch for a steep run down to cross the damn wall and an easy 2 mile run back to the car. We covered 4 hills plus two un-named tops (one twice) in 12 miles with 4000' of ascent in just under 4 hours. A few  more pictures here.

Balloch Park Cross Country

Great morning for the first of the Club Cross Country races, pity my effort didn't match the day. Nineteen runners in all, three laps for most, a few two & one lappers as well. The Spaniels providing moving hurdles when you weren't looking. Took the first lap nice n steady then got slower and slower, it was a nice day for a run. Team Millie out in full with cups of tea and coffee to finish, there was soup, a fry up and mulled wine if it took your fancy.

Glen Croe

An Arrochar run with a difference, a low level trail run, starting in Succoth up through the woods onto the forest trail to Ardgarten, along Glen Croe to the top of the Rest and Be Thankful using what's left of the old road, returning to Ardgarten on the forest road below Ben Donich and the Brack, cross the A83 and back to Succoth on forest tracks and roads, 14 miles and 2750' of ascent with only about 1 mile on the road. Being on forest roads makes it possible to run all the way, a change from the usual jog walk over the surrounding hilltops. No complaints today as the clouds were scudding around leaving a white pallor behind as they moved from top to top. A few pictures here.

Tinto and a Duathlon

A new race for me, Tinto is about 4 1/2 miles with 1500' of ascent. We set off at 2 pm up the track. Runnable at first then the undulations put me into jog walk mode up most of Totherin Hill, we bypass the top, running again around its flank through Maurice's Cleuch before the gradient puts me in my place, another walk, I gradually pick up pace towards the top of Tinto reaching it in just over 35 mins, I run round the large cairn eager for the descent realising the winner has finished a few minutes ago. Easy running down over the red felsite rock Tinto is made of wary of the frequent muddy patches preferring to go off path onto the heathery stuff at the side. I manage to pass a few people on the way back which helps to make up for my slow climb. Descent time about 14 mins, pleased to finish just under 49 mins, 163rd out of 259. Pictures here and here.

Sunday was the 2nd last race in this years Club Grand Prix, another new one, a Duathlon, a 4 mile run round the Vale then 8 miles on the bike on Auchencarroch Road, finished in 71 minutes, 6th out of 14, 31 minute run, 40 minute cycle, pictures here.

Dumyat Dash

Back for a second go at this short race, 5 or 6  miles and 1800' of ascent. Another good day, clear skies, cool with little or no breeze. As I approached Drymen snow covered Campsies came in to view which reminded me I had left my race shoes at home, oops, a double back from Drymen to collect them took half an hour and now I was pushed for time hopefully I missed the speedtrap on the Stirling Straights. The race starts and nearly 100 of us set off from Menstrie village green, a short section of road then a couple of miles of farm track undulating up as it winds its way into the Ochils behind Dumyat. Off road and a short drop into the Glen and through the Menstrie Burn before a jog walk up the back of Dumyat the leaders come tumbling by as I trudge up the tussocky ascent. 51 Minutes and I'm running round the summit cairn, superb views all round. I take a while to get into a rhythm on the way back down and only manage to catch a couple of runners in front by the bottom of the glen. From here the return route takes a muddy undulating trail beside the Menstrie Burn, a couple of steep inclines keep the pace in check then I get a second wind and ease past three runners in quick succession thankful for the grippy shoes I went back for. Soon we rejoin the farm track for a quick run down into Menstrie, I can't catch the two runners just in front until they bypass one of the steep tricky shortcuts I go for it, stumble down and come out in front. Steady effort for a couple of hundred yards keeps me ahead and I'm back running along the road to finish on the village green in 76 minutes, a minute or so quicker than last year. Tea and biscuits in the village hall, showers too if you want.

Cool running in the Arrochar Alps

The morning at least promised good weather and I woke to clear skies although a bit dark. Vane, Ime and Narnain seemed about right. I set off through Glen Loin just after half 8 clear blue skies above frozen ground underneath. Walking the hills to save something for later. Reaching the cut off for Vane thankful the usually swampy ground was frozen keeping my feet dry and not cold, not warm either but hey ho I can put up with that. As usual negative thoughts come to the fore on this climb, why bother, maybe I'll just do this one and run back down the glen, it seems to be a bit of a struggle today. I get to the top after a few photo stops and walk around the small summit plateau to take in the views. Feeling better now and exit the summit along the ridge to the west, run a bit further than usual before dropping down into the Glen, this means more running than scrambling and helps to keep my body and feet warm, the sun hasn't reached this side of the hill yet. On the climb out the other side from a usually deserted Lag Uaine I meet a lone walker, a hello and a wave as we pass from our respective ridges is as close as it gets here. A frosty climb to Ime's summit follows where I am joined by a walker and his dog for a few minutes, we both agree 4 legs are better than 2 up here. The path off Ime frozen hard and I run on the soft rush to the side taking care to avoid icy rocks and frozen streams lurking beneath the grass. This side of the Alps is busier with walkers and gives me something to chase and keep a bit of effort going on the way up Narnain. At the top I hide behind a draughty dry stane shelter beside the trig point, too cold to wait here for long I scramble off through the Spearhead for the long run down to Succoth. Finish the 14 or so miles with 6500' of ascent in just under 5 1/2 hours.

Milestones

Luss run on Saturday morning, the target was 12 miles, Beinn Eich, Beinn Lochain and Doune Hill for the outward half, Mid Hill and Beinn Dubh then back in to the glen to complete the horseshoe. Steady run up the road to start, soon walking once on the steep lower slopes of Eich. I managed a few jogs on the top half as the gradient eases helped by a few stops to take in the views which were good today, the tops clear with cloud lying in the valleys and over the loch.

From the top of Beinn Eich we run most of the way to Doune Hill then freewheel down into Sith Mor before the slow trudge up Mid Hill pleased to reach the top in just over three hours. Jog along to Beinn Dubh took us 20 minutes, we then eased down the hill to complete this undulating run with 5000' of ascent in 3 hours 47. A few more pictures here. I've been running since 1997 and today's 12 miles took me to 20,000 since I started including over 1500000 feet of ascent. Not much in comparison to others but worth a couple of beers all the same.

Narnain and the cobbler

Took a while to choose a route, drove to Arrochar and set off after 3, Narnain and the Cobbler was the target, .  Straight up from Succouth, concrete blocks, swamp then crags, good fun and steady effort required to get to the top, 1 hr 30, 10 mins slow!!! Run off Narnain sub 20 minutes and found a nice trod taking me to the Cobbler, 15 minute climb to the Beallach between the Cobbler tops, hard work running off the front, next time I'll go back down the way I came, 8 miles and 4400 feet in 3 hours 5 minutes, misty pictures here.

Ben Lomond

The weather forecast said go my legs had other ideas but felt ok after a nights sleep. Scraped ice off the car and we set off for Rowardennan. Only a slither of low cloud over Loch Lomond promised much as we jogged along to the Ptarmigan path. Walking the steep bits, I gradually ease into the hill jogging slowly where I can. Lots of short breaks to take in the views and a few photos. Over one ridge we disturb a couple of deer. Apart from a single walker we pass at the top of the Ptarmigan ridge and two walkers leaving Lomond's summit we have had the climb to ourselves. Icy steps for the last steep climb to the summit. What a day, Jura, Arran, Ailsa Craig all clear on the horizon, a couple of walkers point out the Forth Road Bridge as they sit in the sun. We stay as long as we can in the cool breeze in our running gear then set off along the ridge dropping down the new race route we come across 4 Ptarmigan who scuttle along a few yards in front so I chase them for a few photos before they fly away, only 10 yards or so, although its enough to send us on our way down. We run along the rocky plateau dodging the crowds on their way up, towards the end we take a grassy track taking us off the path and cruise down to the gate happy to be on softer ground, through the gate we're back onto the track, brakes off and I let gravity take over for a while, it feels effortless without the pressure to race and before I know it I'm on the last wee downhill into the car park. 2 1/2 hours of fun, mountain and sun.

Ben Venue

3 Millies took part within the 101 starters, weather couldn't have been better, clear blue skies, almost no wind. Off we went, a longer run up the forest roads this year as the trees are being chopped down. We followed the usual return route on the way out then hung a right behind the remnants of the forest to to pick up the ascent ridge of Ben Venue, Stevie C away ahead and when Bo passed me before BV summit it gave me a wee lift and I upped the effort to regain a few of the places lost on the climb. Took a few pictures on the way up, working too hard to care after that. Picked my way along the rocky run off BV running where possible. After the cairn the track follows a fenceline, undulating upwards, boggy in parts with a couple of deep pools to wade, reached the 2nd summit checkpoint looking for some respite, thankfully its all down hill from here. Picked a good line down to start the descent, a runnable gulley better than the usual slither and slide, only went to ground once. Near the bottom ferns give a bit of grip and I gradually reel in a couple of runners in front. Keep it steady along the narrow undualting track to the forest roads then try to relax into a faster pace, doesn't really work and the runner in front edges ahead without getting away, he's looking back and that usually gives me a boost, nothing extra left, probably used it all up along the ridge between the summits. Passed the old finish line in 2 hours, another 5 minutes to the finish and tea and cakes before a wash in Loch Achray, just managed to resist the urge to dive in.

Blusstery

Luss horseshoe run, an early start today as I wanted to be back before 1, Beinn Dubh, Mid Hill, Sith Mor, Doune Hill, Beinn Lochain and Beinn Eich, 12 or so miles and close to 5000' of up and down. Climbing Beinn Dubh I am working hard but getting cold in the high winds, there's a sheltered spot before the top and I stop to put on a second jacket, hat gloves and a buff and just try to keep moving forwards. Reach the top in about an hour.

Running along the ridge towards Mid hill is a bit of a struggle into the wind, keep going to try to warm up my feet. The path winds round the corries and past the small cairns before the tussocky run off Mid hill into Sith Mor the wind whipping through from Glen Douglas. As I approach a crag on the way down some deer run across in front of me, 2 adult females and a fawn, too fast for my camera, I look up as I pass the crag and a Stag peeks over about 10 feet above me then jumps back startled. Across Sith Mor and into the sun for the climb up Doune Hill, I stick to smoother ground away from the stream which tumbles from the lochan at the top, more exposed here and the wind strengthens again as I climb up. A few squally showers blow through as I reach the top the rain needle like on the side of  my face. Blown along the ridge over Beinn Lochain the wind now at my back gives me a welcome shove on the last climb up Beinn Eich.

Jog down into the calm of the Glen and the last couple of undualting miles on the road, pleased to finish in 4 hours 15. A few pictures here.

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.

5k and a Luss hill run

Parkrun nearly comes to Balloch. Saturday mornings have a new informal 5k run round Balloch Park. About 30 gathered today, all ages and standards. The course is marked with 20 or so direction arrows and markers at each km. A nice uphill start from the Park gates, the route goes behind the Castle then back down in front, past the walled garden for a run along the lochside, turning back through the playing field and tracks finishing back at the gates. Finished 5th, just over 23 minutes. Drove up to Luss after lunch for a 9 mile 3700' run up Beinn Dubh, down Mid Hill across the Glen to the short steep climb up Coille Eughain Hill running back down to the bottom of the Glen over the Paps. A quiet afternoon only a few walkers out, a breezy mixture of sun and mist. 

Followed a new animal track off the Paps a bit longer than usual but by passed the worst of the brashing. Finished in about 2 hours 50. A few more pictures here.

5 Mile Handicap

19 of us set off at 1 minute intervals for this years race, worked for some. The starter having a bit of fun tonight handing out early and late starts depending on your behaviour. Slightly longer course this year, thanks to club members and their gps. Set off near the back, try to go slow at the start, nearly works. Onto the cycle path then over Bonhill bridge and up to Jamestown, caught one or two. Soon passing the Tullie roundabout and along to Christie Park, Middleton st, this time to the end, down to Davie Graham's and back to the club, finishing in just over 36 mins.

Ben Nevis

Weekend in Glen Nevis campsite with the Ben Race thrown in as a wee bonus. Forecast of 75 mph gales didn't quite come to fruition. Sat started damp with the top of  Melantee well hidden by cloud, by the time I registered the cloud was lifting. Just before 1 o'clock the usual plod round the field behind the pipe band, through kit check and the Race started with the news that half way was perfect and the summit windy with visibility down to 30 metres. Reached the Ben Nevis Inn in an easy 9 mins 15. Steady run up the tourist path, probably too steady arriving at the Red Burn Crossing in 57 mins. Straight up from here, started ok then faded about half way up and lost a few places. Jacket, hat & gloves on in the cold damp wind, felt a bit better and pushed on as the gradient eased, caught a few who had just gone past. Jogged over the jagged rocks to the summit checkpoint in 1 hour 53 and turned for home. Picked off runners in ones and twos down the steep rocky trail before the grassy bank. Only one got past me here, better than usual. Running down the tourist path I stuck to the path rather than any of the possible short cuts and didn't lose any more places. A bit stop start past the walkers going up and down though. Reached the Nevis Inn and onto the road for the last mile, managed to pass another three and keep ahead of those trying to close behind. Finished in 2 hours 53. A runners pictures from the weekend here. Picture set where I can be found gasping for breath here and smiling here. I'm only in the uphill pictures as I didn't run quite fast enough!

Dumgoyne and the Devil's Pulpit

We set off just after 8 for a short run in the Campsies over Dumgoyne Hill, Garloch Hill along to the Earls Seat and back. I got a 5 minute start and reached the top of Dumgoyne in just over 25 mins, for a change I was 1st, about a minute ahead. A quick break to take in the views and off we went down the back of Dumgoyne for the steady trudge up Garloch Hill, I would usually try and run all the way but it was to be easy today, so jog walk and chat instead of gasp.

From Garloch Hill the ridge undulates along, ran most of the way, a short walk here and there to keep the breathing under control. Views of hills for miles around with only a few wind turbines.

We stopped at the Earls Seat for a drink and some pictures before the easier run back finishing in 2 hours. We set off for the short drive home stopping on the way to explore the Devil's Pulpit.

 I had been here once before over 30 years ago. We walked along the top of the gorge looking for a way down and found a narrow overgrown gulley with some muddy steps known as Jacobs Ladder, scrambling down past a tree growing through the steps we reached a small sandy area at the bottom, took a few pictures up and down the gorge and to the top far above. On our way back we could hear screams, looking down there was a group in wetsuits traversing through the gulley, looked like fun, a number of companies offer to take you through for a few quid. A few more pictures here.

Arrochar Alps

After a couple of weeks off I needed some steep rocky terrain. Gave Sunday's Lomonds of Fife race a miss and set off Sat afternoon for Arrochar. The plan was Glen Loin, Lag Uaine, Ben Ime, Ben Narnain, 12 miles and 4800' of ascent. Took it nice n easy as the sun came out on the steady 5 mile climb up Glen Loin, jog/walked the lumpy path between Vane and Ime, ascending Ime initially beside the gnarly ridge then veered across to pick up a new route, directly to a misty summit where I met the first walkers of the day heading for Butterbridge. On the boggy run down Ime the cloud cleared and I could see a walker climbing Narnain, someone to chase. Set off on the climb up Narnain, running at first, then walk/gasp the rest, didn't manage to catch the walker, he was a runner from Troon resting his knees on Doctors orders. Good run down to Succouth in about an hour, finishing in 4 hours 15.

Ben More

I tried Ben More back in May when I couldn't get to the top for snow, Sat morning forecast was pretty good and I  left the Vale nice n early driving up the side of a glassy Loch Lomond in the sun. Arrived in Crianlarich blue skies above except for a big grey cloud sitting on top of Ben More and Stob Binnien. Ran up the forest road and found the trail marked with white tape through the trees, lose sight of the tape and I have to fight my way through the last few trees. Onto the open hill at last, a more direct route this time, throughn tussocks, bogs and over moss covered rocks, steeper too. Cross the deer fence and onto the Sron Nam Forsairean ridge at about 2500' where a faint path winds me up and along the craggy ridge. Thermal top, hat, gloves and jacket on as I climb up into the clouds. I'm soon past where I stopped last time, a good decision as the summit is some distance further along the ridge. The path fades in and out over bouldery ground and eventually the summit trig looms out the mist where I stop and catch a breath and something to eat sheltering from the cool breeze. The run off  easy at first down the ridge and I soon warm up when I drop below the cloud. Over the deer fence and I stop to pick a line back into the forest, the tussocks make for a slow careful descent before a steep scramble back into the forest and I find the lucky white tape again. Finish in 3 hours and 1 minute. Some pictures here.

Arrochar Hills

Made up for missing the Arrochar Alps race last week with a run over three of them, Vane, Ime and Narnain, 13 miles and 6500' of ascent. Trail run for 4 miles to start taking me up into Glen Loin and Coiregrogain. Through the bog at the bottom of Vane then the path gets drier as I climb up.

Quite atmospheric today, shafts on sunlight breaking through the clouds as they blow about in the gentle breeze. Good line off the back of Vane, footprints from last weeks race as I go down and these continue over Ime and Narnain. I find my usual ridge to start the climb from Lag Uaine up Beinn Ime then pick up a race trod SE of my usual line, more direct climbing up beside a crag I usually go round, saves me about 5 minutes.

Good running straight down to Bealach a'Mhaim, only Narnain to go, about half way up I traverse NE to a parallel path, a bit steeper but avoids some of the boulders.

Past the trig point and scramble down through the Spearhead onto the twisting and turning path back to Succoth. Washed the mud off in the Jacuzzi, jogged back to the car, just over 5 hours. A few more pictures here.

Ted Baker Pappert Well

Club hill race, the 10th running, 2 of us have managed to run them all. Starts in Bonhill up to Pappert Well and back, a runnable lollipop route, 5 miles with about 1000' of ascent. 24 runners tonight going in handicap order. I set off along the road steady effort over a small up and down before the climb initially past houses then into the woods, where the smooth path up to the stile makes the climb a bit easier. Over the stile and onto a rough path which got muddier the further we went. Round the trig point, no stopping for the views tonight. Stumble along the tricky path almost in the fir trees drop into the woods and splashed my way down the mushy track looping back to join the outward track, firmer ground now, over the stile, smooth path again, preferred this when it was roots and bumps. All downhill now apart from a short up when we get back on the road. Run in to finish in 46:40 to the sound of the bell. Prize giving and refreshments courtesy of Mo & Pete make for a nice end to the race.

Luss

An evening run so it had to be close, Beinn Dubh, Mid Hill and Coille-eughain Hill, about 10 miles and 3600' sounded good. I started up Beinn Dubh the only sounds a rhythmic squelch breathe and a soothing pitter patter of rain on my jacket. The views open up at first then gradually disappear as I climb up onto the cloudy summit ridge.

Thankfully the rain and the breeze ease off for the jog along past the corries and cairns to Mid Hill. I concentrate on keeping to the path, not that I'm going to get lost, its just comfortably familiar and a bit easier to run on. Running off Mid Hill towards the glen when Luss and an island strewn Loch appear as I drop under the clouds.

Crossing an old wooden bridge over Luss Water a quiet Owl lands on the tree next to me where it swivels round to watch me take my camera out before flying off. I'm on the last climb, a steep pull up CE hill, it feels good climbing up accompanied by Larks singing as the light fades. Too soon I am on top looking down over Luss, the streetlights glow brighter as I descend the Paps. 

Leaving the Paps I pick my way through the remains of the forest in the gloom, nearly finished now, just a couple of fields and some farm track to go, I could almost taste the beer until a sudden faceplant in a ditch right where the cows cross. A quick wash in Luss Water removes the worst of it. I finish in just over 2 1/2 hours, a few minutes quicker than last month.

Dollar

Didn't fancy this, forecast poor, wet n windy, yes it was a poor forecast as it turned out sunny for most of the run. Start and finish beside the cricket pavilion at Dollar Academy a 10 mile loop covering 3200 feet of ascent over rolling grassy Ochils in the sun. Over 100 set off up through Dollar Glen for the climb up Saddle and Whitewisp Hills, about 2000' in 2 1/2 miles, the crocodile extending out in front.

Once up on top its good running over Tarmangie and Skythorn Hills to the turning point round Andrew Gammels summit to a shorter than it looks drop down and over Kings Seat Hill back towards Dollar, the minor blip of Bank Hill is the last up with a steep grassy drop into Dollar Glen where I stopped to check out a runner who had taken a tumble, a bit dazed, he had someone with him and help was on its way. A few minutes later I was through the glen and running back towards Dollar Academy to showers, tea and cakes. Finished in 2 hours and a few minutes. Pictures here.