Finlas, Fruin, Luss

Longer route today taking in the tops overlooking Glens Finlas, Fruin and Luss. The plan was Coille-eughain Hill, Beinn Tharsuin, Beinn Chaorach, Beinn Mhanaich, Cruach an t Sidhein, Beinn Eich, 12 miles and 6000', in the end we ran round Mhanaich instead of going over the top for a similar distance with 1000' less ascent. Parked at the top of Glen Luss crossed the river straight onto the steep Coille-eughain Hill, easier today as it was the first rather than last one.

View from Coille-eughain Hill towards top 657.

Onto the broad ridge the day promised much, clear blue skies, gentle cooling breeze, another short climb onto an undulating ridge, four tops, 2 numbered, 657 and 693, 2 named, Tharsuin and Chaorach.

View from Chaorach towards Clyde Estuary.

From Chaorach we decided to miss out Mhanaich, instead contouring round on what looked like deer tracks far below. Turned out well the tracks taking us relatively painlessly through the tussock filed glen to the bottom of Cruach an t Sidhein, a tough wee climb 1200' in under 3/4 of a mile.

Outward route on the right, homeward route over Beinn Eich on the left, taken from Cruach an t Sidhein's rounded top.

One more climb to go, Beinn Eich, ran and walked fueled by a couple of jelly babies. Superb wee day out, finished just under 5 hours, only met one other person, a walker on t Sidhein's top. More pictures here.

Deer Beinn Dubh

Back in the groove this week, longer Saturday, easier than last week, planned for 3 hours, Beinn Dubh, Mid Hill and Coille-eughain and the Paps to finish.9 miles and 3700'. A bit quicker up Beinn Dubh and met a 30 plus herd of camera shy deer sitting just off the ridge to the south.

As we ran along the ridge half the herd ran in front of us the rest crossing behind. Cool breeze round the corries, Arrochar Alps looked frozen, a few weeks before we venture up there.

Coille-eughain the usual trudge, a Stag and Hind teasing us keeping just out of camera range. The only wildlife close enough a bit more static.

Good run off down the grassy Paps to finish just under three hours. Sunday's effort just over the hour, round the Stoneymollan race route.

Luss Horseshoe

Reverse running this weekend, short local run on Saturday, up to the Fort, due to high winds, glad I didn't go any higher. Sunday bright an breezy, back to Luss to see if I could finish another recent abandoned run, a clockwise loop round the glen, Beinn Eich, Beinn Lochain, Doune Hill, Mid Hill and Beinn Dubh to finish, about 12 miles and close to 5000' of ascent. Ran up the glen road, a large group of hill walkers were in front of me on Beinn Eich, good some people to pick off, caught the first couple before the 2nd style, the rest waiting at the second style.

Outward route, Beinn Eich on the left, Doune Hill the middle of three tops at the back.

Oh well, steady walk up, a bit quicker than last time. Approaching the last wee down and up before the top the wind kicked up a notch, fleece hat on and pushed on over the top, no hanging about for pics, very exposed run along to Beinn Lochain where an icy squall blew in, took refuge behind a large rock just off the ridge, could be another bailout. After about 5 minutes the sky began to clear, set off again but stopped after a few minutes, 2nd jacket and 2nd pair of gloves on, staggered off along the ridge into a fresh breeze gradually warming up. Straight over Doune Hill and down into Glen Mollochan thankful to be out the wind at last.

Mid Hill left, Beinn Eich right

 Across a tussocky Sith Mor, on the climb up Mid Hill, the wind picks up again, helping from behind now. Along the top then round the corries the wind helps keep tired legs moving. Jogged down Beinn Dubh gradually removing layers as the wind dropped and sun kicked in, finish in just over 4 hours. More pictures here.

Whinney Hill Cross Country

Small field for today's club Cross Country race, 8 of us set off round Balloch Park and onto the Whinney Hill  trail. Undulating up for the first couple of miles then undulating down for the next couple of miles. About 5 miles all in with 500' of ascent in just over 45 mins. Stoneymollan Sunday cool down.

Beinn Eich

Odd run today, arrived at Glen Luss with odd shoes, luckily one for each foot, old Inov8 for the right foot, new Inov8 for the left foot, the old ones have a few holes in the sole, half a size larger as well. The plan was to run up the Glen road, up Beinn Eich along the ridge to Doune Hill, cross the Glen and come back via Mid Hill and Beinn Dubh. The tops had some new snow. Easy run up the glen, startled by a few large deer gazing at me from a roasdside field, past the art gallery, a closing down sale I feel I should visit. Soon onto the hill, ground softer than the last few times. Cross the first two stiles and jog to the third, the sun's out but the cold wind bites through, getting my jacket out I realise one of my juice bottles is cracked, leaking its contents on my spare gear and down the back of my tracksters. Some snow lying now and I drop into walk mode from here.

Steep initial climb, snow getting deeper all the way, about three quarters of the way up the clouds close in and it starts to snow horizontally, staggering through hidden drifts I think about turning back as visibility drops to a few metres. Snow's reasonably deep, I move on, up for the top, then I'll turn back, I should be able to follow my footsteps back down, there's only mine, no-one else has been up here today. I think I'm on top, can't see much, not even the summit cairn, then I realise I'm standing on it.

Quick picture then down following my footprints, after the first hundred yards they start to disappear the spindrift covering and filling them in leaving not much more than small slits, about half way down, the squall blows through, clear blue skies again, inviting me back up.

Not today, I run down, cross the glen and climb up Coille-eughain hill rather than face a run down the road. Reach the top in the sun, great views, the next squall comes in as I run down the Paps.

9 miles, 3500' in about 3 1/2 hours. One of those runs, if you knew what it was going to be like at the top you wouldn't go, having been, you are quite pleased. More pictures here. Usual Sunday Stoneymollan cool down, back into the snow.

Carnethy 5 and Stoneymollan

45th Carnethy 5, over five hundred runners set off, good conditions, cool and dry, a bit soft underfoot. Usual charge across the bogs onto Scald Law, steady run over South Black and the Kips. Descending traverse to the Howe. Up the three short climbs to Carnethy's big summit cairn, heather and scree descent and back across the bogs. Finished in 82 mins for 328th place. Link to report, results and pictures here. Sunday's cool down, round Carman reservoir, through the quarry to the Fort, returning past the radio mast on farm track and road.

Third time lucky

I turned back the last couple of times on these hills and although it was still cold, the lighter winds, blue skies and a lack of icy precipitation meant it was time for another go at a Luss loop. Starting up Beinn Dubh, along to Mid Hill, drop to the glen road across and up the other side, returning back to the foot of the glen over the Paps. 9 miles or so and 3000' plus ascent. Not much snow on the lower slopes, still frozen, makes for dry and not cold feet, Sealskinz socks help, Sealskinz gloves as well, had to take them off on climb up Beinn Dubh in the sun, too warm. Quite a few walkers out today. Towards the top the wind picks up, jacket and gloves on, for the last few hundred yards, great views of snowy mountains to Arrochar and beyond from the top. Stopped to take a few photos but they don't have the wow factor you get when you see it yourself.

Didn't take long to cool down and scuttled off for Mid Hill. Great running on frozen turf and snow, skimming across the boggy bits faster than usual. Mid Hill, more pictures then run off into the glen. too warm again. Jogged the first part of the climb up Coille-eughain Hill then resorted to the usual steady trudge. More pictures at the top. Great run down the Paps past Auchengavin back to the car. Frozen ground and Sealskinz stop the feet turning numb with cold and makes for an enjoyable run. About three hours today, more pictures here. Sunday, out for about an hours cool down run around Carman reservoir up to the Fort.

Hills, Parks, Squirrels and Ducks.

Icy wind under blue skies, opted for a run over a couple of local lumps, Pappert Well and Whinney Hill, with a bit of road before and after each lump. Not sure why this run always feels harder to me than other ones with more ascent and rougher ground. Set off nice n steady once clear of the houses and trees slip and slide round the snow and icy mud path. With some imaginative route finding managed to keep my feet relatively dry and warm. Great views all the way.

Got to the trig point and forgot how to take pictures on my phone, Trig points don't provide much shelter from the wind and I started to freeze trying to work out what was wrong, after a few on off's realised why the screen went white and that pressing the zoom didn't take a picture.

Running again through more trees and mud, left the trial at the style, across fields and onto the road behind Balloch Park and the Whinney Hill Trail. Lot of walkers out today. More mud and trees, stopped to take in the views over to Luss and up the Loch. Round the loop and back down to Balloch Park, lots of life, human and wild.

Tired legs and took a shortcut through Balloch station, Argyle and Christie Parks, about 14 miles, 2100' in just over three hours. Sunday's plan was for a few easy miles, along to Stoneymollan, same blue skies and icy wind as Saturday. Ran up through the trails, keeping off the road as much as possible. On the way up we decided to go along the 3LW to Ben Bowie. On the way back we ran along the moor to the fort above Carman Reservoir. 

Snowy paths icy in places a few muddy bits to avoid off trail. A bit further than planned, worth the effort, 11 miles, 2000' in about 2 1/2 hours. Pictures from Saturday here, Sunday here.

Beinn Dubh and Stoneymollan

Saturday's forecast showers with the wind dropping later on, set off for an afternoon run over some Luss hills. Lower slopes pretty clear of snow, not quite frozen, made for colder feet. Wind hadn't listened to the forecast and picked up a bit towards the top as a squall filled with icy snow blew through. Running the ridge to Mid Hill slow on the frozen lumpy snow, turned back for the second time in a week.The squall passed on the descent and nearly turned back encouraged by the scraps of blue sky overhead. Reached the bottom just as the next shower blew through. 5 miles, 2000' in just over 90 mins. Sunday a group run up Stoneymollan, along the ridge to the Fort then exit via quarry and behind Carman Reservoir, 7 miles, 1000', 90 mins.

Beinn Dubh

Timekeeping at Saturday's club Cross Country, today a run in the Luss Hills, plan was similar to two weeks ago Beinn Dubh and Mid Hill then turn back or descend and cross the glen to come back down Coille-eughain Hill. Loads of cars at the entrance to the Glen, the conditions probably keeping most away from higher places like Arrochar and Crianlarich. Clear blue skies and an easy jog in a couple of inches of snow to begin. Passing walkers every few minutes, breeze picked up with height soon the spindrift was covering the footprints of those just in front.

Onto the second part of the climb, deepening snow slows me to a steady walk, approaching the top exposed to a full on icy blast down to a slow trudge in the deepening snow. Find a sheltered spot along the ridge towards Mid Hill, time for an extra layer, second jacket, trousers and gloves on. Path now invisible, pick out patches of frozen snow crust just about holds me and ok to run on, slow to a stumble through the softer drifts, round the first corrie I've had enough and turn back.

Stop for a few pictures where I find a bit of shelter, once off the top the wind gradually eases, fun descent in the snow a makeshift path worn by all the walkers, by the bottom the sun has found its heat again.

 A day of two's,  two pairs of trousers, two thermal tops, two jackets, two pairs of gloves, two hats, all at once apart from the hats. The top, so close to sunny Loch Lomond, a different world, views to die for and easy to get into trouble without the right gear, two miles shorter than last time but 20 minutes longer, a few more pictures here.

Ben Bowie

Late run today, out and back along the 3LW to Ben Bowie, wet, windy and cold. Left about 3. Up the Stoneymollan on to the forest road winding round and up through the trees, path now complete means you can run it instead of ploughing through gloopy mud. Muddy upper trail then a bit of a swamp before the short climb to the top. Loch Lomond out of sight in the mist and rain, Helensburgh's lights just about shining through. Stopped for a few pictures, ran back the same way too dark to run back over Bromley and Carman muirs. 11 miles, 1900' in just over 2 hours. A few murky pictures here.

Beinn Dubh and Mid Hill

Manflu and I hadn't run for about 3 weeks, back to work tomorrow meant get out there and christen the year, a cold misty, on top, Luss Run, just about what was required. Slow plod up Beinn Dubh, ground icing up nicely made for not too cold and dry feet with my sealskinz socks. Quite a few walkers out today, they tend to frequent these lower hills in the snow. Ran round the corries to the two small cairns and Mid Hill, some blue sky and nearly sunny for a few minutes then I turned back along the ridge to Beinn Dubh. Out and back, about 7 miles, 2500' in just over 2 hours. A few pictures here.

Glen Loin and Kilpatricks

Snow plastered hills this weekend, Saturday opted for a run round Glen Loin staying well below the white crags above. The trail winding up the Glen soon snow covered, sleet turning to snow, upper Glen over 6" deep makes for a good workout, ran down trails through the forest for a few hundred yards of snow free running, finishing inside 2 hours. Sunday, warmer, wetter and windier, 10 miles in the Kilpatrick's, starting off from the gas station, followed the road up and round till the race route rejoins, left the RR just past Loch Humphrey on a trail round the first couple of Duncolm tops then climbing the last one. Soggy path back to Greenside reservoir, instead of the Slacks we set off down a farm track into the back of Duntocher, to finish a trail runs along the back of the cemetry to the gas station, just over two hours today.

Arrochar Trails

Contrasting weather from last weekend, colder, wet n windy, route plan was to run from Succoth, along the trails to Ardgarten, Cat Crag loop and back to Succoth, about 12 or 13 miles and 2500'.

Half way round the CC loop

Not many people out today, the trees keep most of the chill breeze off, a good day to run only without the views, arrive back at Succoth and run annother 2 or 3 mile loop/500' for 15 miles, 3000' inside three hours. Mixture of trails with a couple of miles on the road to join them together. Some pictures here.

BOO

Got up to clear skies, sun and no wind. Drove up to Bridge of Orchy - BOO - and set off for the two Munros that overlook. Beinn Dorain and Beinn An Dothaidh (Pron Dohay). The first mile a rocky boggy path up into the clouds to Coire a Dothaidh. I reach the high Beallach between to the two hillls and I'm through the clouds, a cold breeze here but endless blue skies and sunshine, stop for a few pictures.

Hills overlooking the Black Mount from the beallach.

Dorain first, a 1000' and a mile or so South, steep at first then levels off, more runnable with a few wee steep bits. Double summit, the real summit is the second one, 100' or so down and up. More photos here, views are good today.

Lui and Arrochar hills and Ben Lomond

About turn through the dip and back to the Beallach, catching a Glory on the clouds below. The path up Dothaidh good at first then fades into bog, the path reappears on the short climb to the SE top, run round the other two tops, the middle on is the real summit. More pictures!

Beinn Achaladair's rolling summit ridge and Beinn a Creachain behind

A reluctant run back to the Beallach and the boggy rocky path down to BOO, Just under 3 1/2 hours for the 9 miles and 4300'. Views from Ben's Lomond to Nevis, the CMD clear beside it, Cruachan, Lui, and the Arrochar Alps all poking through the clouds, mountains for miles. More pictures here.

Road Race

Glasgow Uni 5 mile Road Race, one of the few road races that I run, route has evolved into sort of a two lap affair to avoid public roads as much as possible, includes a few undulations. Starts and finishes within Gascube Sports Complex touching the Switchback, Dawesholm and Maryhill on the way round. Finished just inside 37 minutes in 142 place from 211 finishers, times ranged from 25 to 54 minutes. Cakes after not as good as they used to be or rmaybe need to run faster.

See Planes

Saturday was a nice day for a run, drove up to Arrochar, plan was to run to Beallach A Mhaim then up a couple of hills. Easy run up the zig zags and past the Narnain Boulders, Narnain and the Cobbler in cloud. Started up Narnain's NW ridge to the sound of Sea Planes overhead. Reached the top, clouds swirling around and below, views to Loch Long, Gareloch and beyond opening and closing every few seconds.

The Cobbler from Narnain.

Easy run down and up the Cobbler while the clouds were sliding over the surrounding summits,.usual crowds of people on the Cobbler.

 The Needle, Arrochar and Ben Lomond.

Just over 3 hours for the 10 miles, 4500'. More pictures here.

Tinto

Third attempt at this little up and down traily hill race. About 250 entries for the 4 miles and 1500' makes for a crocodile like start as we trot up the path in a line, track muddy at first gradually gives way to a broken stoney trail then smoother chuckies towards the misty top. Round the huge summit cairn, the downward trail seems rougher than on the way up, good fun bombing down the steeper sections, finished inside 50 minutes just before the rain started. Pictures here and here.

Ben Lomond

Cooler today for today's cool down run over the Ben. Up the tourist path, down via Ptarmigan Ridge, about 8 miles and 3400'. Steady jog at the start, not too many walkers about so walked the steeper bits. Breeze picked up as we approached the plateau via the off path track, jacket, gloves and hat. Ran most of the plateau then walked up the steep steps onto the summit ridge, into the clouds and a  stiff breeze, running now to keep warm. Short break at the top then off down the rocky Ptarmigan Ridge. Looking back the summit cleared, stick like figures just visible on the top. Out for about 2 1/2 hours.

Looking back to the summit from Ptarmigan Ridge, more pictures here.

Dumyat Dash

New shorter route for this Autumnal race up and down Dumyat from Menstrie. We set off going back towards Striling, after a few minutes steep single file track we are on to a wider trail traversing along the Southern flank of this popular wee hill losing most of the hard fought height already gained before turning up a deep gulley attacking Dumyat from the South. Steep at first then eases off allowing a steady trudge, pop out the gulley and head for the top joining the usual Dumyat Hill Race route for the last 50 yards. Straight over the top and down the back, a grassy trail takes us to the same narrow wee trod we started on. About 47 minutes for 3 miles with 1500' of up and down. Good day for my first race for a couple of months, sunny with a cool breeze, super views from the top of Dumyat.

10 Mile Handicap

Club Handicap race round the Horseshoe, late night so didn't expect much of a performance and I was not disappointed with a 92 minute plus trundle round the undulating 10.4 mile route, damp and breezy, into the wind on the way back just increased the pleasure no end.

Undulating Trails

Well into Sunday before I could get a run in, set off for Ben Lomond, a bit breezy at Rowardennan and a change of plan, a run along to Inversnaid and back, last time I ran this was in 2008, first half forest road then the trail twists through trees along to Inversnaid. A lot of water about and not a lot of views or other walkers/runners, I think I only passed two rangers and four walkers today. Showers on the way out, a bit wetter on the way back until the rain went off for the last half mile. Ran inside 3 hours for the 14 miles, 3000' of ascent, a few pictures here.

Chasing Seaplanes

Ime and the Cobbler from Succoth, 12 miles and 5000' feet, timed to intercept the Cameron House Seaplane either on the way out or back, depends which way it went, but with only 40 minutes to get from Ime to The Cobbler, top to top. Set off in plenty of time with a faint blue sky through the mist above. Felt harder than usual beating my usual splits despite trying to take it easy. Great views through gaps in the swirling clouds.

Ben Lomond from Ime

Butterbridge and road to Loch Fyne from Ime

Ime from The Cobbler

Passed a few walkers on the way but managed to arrive at a deserted Ime summit, peace and quiet while I waited on the Seaplane, didnae see it, did see a walker from Buckie on a trip to gather a few of his last munros. Off down to Bealach A' Mhaim and a direct line to the Cobbler, trotted up the back steps arriving on schedule, a chat with some walkers while I waited for the Seaplane, I didnae see it. Ran back down after a few more photos, great day, mixture of cloud and sun, no wind made the waiting ok.  A few more pictures here.

Misty Mountains

Forecast was low cloud and showers, looked better as I set off, driving along Loch Lomondside, low cloud, at least it was dry. Changed route to Narnain and The Cobbler, easier to navigate the 10 miles and 4500' from Succoth. Only a few cars about should make for a quiet day on the hills. Paused at the Narnain Boulders, starting to rain and into the clouds. Misty trudge, visibility 20 or 30 yards and breezy until behind Narnain's bulk. No-one up here today, touched the trig and turned back towards Beallach a Mhaim. Easy run back down, turning at each of the mini the cairns I noticed on the way up, a train ticket stuck in a hole a marker that I was on the right track. Planned to run the Cobblers back steps, walked most, voices at the top, a couple of people eventually emerging from the cloud near the Needle, others unseen. A small gap in the clouds at the top of the Cobbler back stairs, stopped for a picture.

Steady run through the Glen and down the winding path back to Succoth inside 3 hours. A few more pictures here.

Ben Lomond

Weekend away, Monday Ben Lomond run, looked like it might clear, into cloud from halfway and that's how it stayed, a few walkers about and a couple of other runners, warm at the bottom, thankful for the cooler breeze from the plateau up, refreshing swim in the Loch to finish, out for a couple of hours, 7 miles and 3192 feet.

5 Mile Handicap

Club 5 miler, only 4 3/4 really but a good test of fitness, set off in reverse order, the aim of the handicapper is to give the timekeeper a problem, everyone finishing together. Worked out quite well, everyone finishing within a couple of minutes of each other and their handicap times.

Lusstrous

A post by Dave Sargent of his continuous run 7 times up and down Blencathra, once on each of its ascent ridges attracted my interest. I looked at  map of Glen Luss and the Hills I run round most of the year. A route began to take shape, all the hills overlooking Glen Luss in one continuous circuit, 18 to 20 miles and 9000' of ascent.

I had run all of it at one time or another, just get fit enough and have a go on a good day. Couple of attempts didn't work then today a free day, good forecast and enough thousand feet in the legs. Late start, 10 am, the Lomond Valley filled with cloud, climbed Beinn Dubh up into the sun. Round the Corries, picnic at Mid Hill and back into the Glen for the short road section to Beinn Eich. Steady walk up BE, another picnic, down over Beinn Lochain to Cruach A t-Sidhein.

Just over half way distance but more climb, 5500' , low point here and thought about bailout options, luckily they all involved a bit of effort (pain) and hassle, so just one more hill and I would think about it again. Same negative thoughts for the next two climbs, Beinn a'Mhanaich and Beinn Chaorach, both over 1200', pathless, hot and running low on water. Followed some sheep on a nice zig zag trod up Beinn a'Mhanaich about 1200 feet in 3/4 of a mile rather than the steeper direct route through the crags I was thinking of, good move, a bit longer but managed to keep moving. Beinn Chaorach, not as steep but more of a struggle, worked my way up beside a fence, resting at every big white fence post.

This was the last main top, I new it was undulating from here, about 5 miles with 1000' of ascent and 2000' of descent over 5 tops.

Finished just under 9 hours with a swim in Luss Water, two and a half litres of fluids not enough and cereal bars didn't go down well, jelly babies better but probably not enough. A few more pictures here.

Ben Nevis race 2014

Fort William for race weekend, Glen Nevis campsite on Friday evening, clear skies, watched the moonrise over Sgurr a' Mhaim to pasta and a cold beer.

Raceday, a bit of cloud, showers forecast. Went down early to register, before the crowds. Walked down to the start about 12 an hour before the off, rain started but not for long, off by the time we were paraded to the start by Lochaber Pipe Band. Away we go round the park and up the road, a mile or so to the gently climbing Ben path, took one short cut, came back to the same people who took other ones, ignored the next short cut and lost maybe 10 yards, but easier ground to cover. Steady plod round windy corner towards the half way lochan before the race route cuts the corner to the Red Burn, gained about 10 yards following a couple of Lochaber runners round a rocky dip. Reached the Red Burn within 20 secs of my target, had a drink before the steep claw up the Red Burn Screes. Sitting in a long line of runners the pace felt slightly too easy, managed a few overtakes trying not to lose too much time without blowing a gasket. Pushed on for the last half mile as the gradient eases, reached the top a couple of minutes or so down to plan. My laces had been caught on a rock and thought about re-tying, just tucked them inside my shoes as they were nice and tight. Gloves on, brakes off for the helter skelter run off the hill. Five of us ran down the screes in a group, let one guy past who was moving a bit quicker. Reached the grassy bank and a couple more went past, another drink at the bottom. Back on the tourist path, watch the slippy gritty boulders and the meandering tourists, path becomes smoother and push hard to catch and pass a few before the road, now 5 minutes behind but felt ok and ran a good few down by Claggan, last push round the park to finish inside 2 hours 36 my best time for 7 years, racefood, up, 2 jelly babies and 1 jelly bean, down 2 jelly babies.

The Cobbler

Poor forecast, possibly glimpses of something better later in the day. Afternoon run up the Cobbler, The rain got heavier the further I went through the Glen, past the Narnain boulders, lashing, suppose I should put my jacket on. Passed a few walkers, watch out mister it's really cloudy up there, windy up there, watch oot fur ma twa pals there only wearin trackies, good fun really, wet and windy but not too cold, reached the back stairs, slow jog up to the middle peak, a couple of pics then steady trudge back down, on the way back, skies tried to clear and the sun almost came out, 8 miles, 3400' of ascent in a couple of hours. On the way home visited or rather spied on the boys overnight camp at Butterbridge. Pictures here.

5k

2nd Club race in a few days, starting  in groups, never easy, 20 or so minutes of tempo running, about 15 seconds outside my target.

Club Duathlon

Next race in Club GP, the Duathlon, 4 mile run, 8 hilly mile cycle. Staggered start and staggery run for me. Fared slightly better on the cycle, 31 minute run, 33 minute cycle, good fun.

Stob Ban and the Grey Corries

Improving forecast and a pass oot! Glen Nevis Campsite Fri night, early night, early rise and a taxi to the top of the glen. The plan, to run up Glen Nevis past Steall to Tom an Eite, across the glen to start the climbing over Stob Ban and the Grey Corries, if anything left Aonachs, CMD and the Ben, 22 miles and 10,500'.

Jog walked up the track rucksack heavy packed with food, water, spare clothes, maps, bivvy bag and headtorch. Across boggy moorland to the first climb up Stob Ban's NW flank, a herd of deer high above.

Clouds sitting on the tops of the Grey Corries 500' above. A sleet and hail squall blew through as I started the steep scree run off Stob Ban to the beallach, jacket and leggings on, break for food and drink, then the sun came out for the climb up Stob Choire Claurigh, ( pron stob corrie clorry) and the start of the Grey Corries ridge that extends to four munros and four other tops before the Aonachs.

Showers would blow through for the rest of the day. The grey colour comes from the quartzite rocks and stones that shroud these tops and doesn't make for steady running, more of a jog, walk, shuffle, and the odd scramble while taking in the views. Each top on the ridge appears as a puzzle that unravels the closer you get. The ridge narrows in places but not too narrow that you have to hold on.

Nav error leaving Stob Coire Easain, takes me off the ridge down steep shattered boulders on its NW flank, I dislodge one the size of a rucksack and watch it crash down a couple of hundred feet below. A rainy squall blows through, lose about half an hour here, going too slow to keep warm as I pick my way carefully down, change of gloves at the bottom and manage to generate a bit of heat on the climb back up to the ridge. Decide to keep going for now and run over the last couple of tops towards the Aonachs and climb out the gullies on the way to Stob Coire Bhealaich, met a Ramsey Rounder three hours into his hoped for sub 24 hour run looking remarkably fresh having covered the Ben, CMD and the Aonachs.

 I looked at the cloud topped Aonachs above and decide to drop back down to Steall and run down Glen Nevis instead, finished just under 10 hours for same distance as planned, 22 miles, but only about 7500' of ascent. More pictures here.

Lui Munros

Drove to Dalrigh for a run over the Munros in the Ben Lui Nature Reserve, last time I managed three, losing time to navigation thru low clouds, with decent weather I hoped for the 4. Route choice, finish with Lui, leaving the 4 or 5 mile farm track to the end. Ran the track towards Cononish's green huts, Lui's bulk cloud free in front although low clouds leaking in from behind Beinn Chuirn and Meall Odhar, luckily they never came to much. The trail climbs gradually then just before Cononish cross the wooden bridge straight onto the stiff climb 1000' up Beinn Dubhchraig's North ridge, over a fence the gradient eases, initially pathless but runnable old fence posts help with route choice, a path gradually forms as it gets steeper, jog walk to the lochans, its going to be a long day, then a short run to the top. Discuss route choices with a couiple of walkers. Great views, Crianlarich Munros all visible, Loch Lomond, Arrochar Alps, Bidean Nam Bian's head touching the clouds. Run past the lochans and down the zig zags to the Bealach, the path contours past a knoll overlooking Loch Oss. Climb up beside a burn to the short trudge up Oss's NE ridge.

Stop for some food here then exit beside Creag Dhubh a'Bhealaich round Coire Laoigh and start up Lui's SE Ridge. To avoid climbing Lui twice I reach about 800m and contour across to the Bealach between Lui and a' Chliebh (pron a'clave) a short 500' climb and I'm on top with views over Loch Awe and the Cruachan horseshoe.

There's three tops, I cover them all then realise the first one is the summit. A few minutes and I'm back at the Bealach for the last climb of the day, just over 1000' in half a mile, glad to have a couple of stops on the way to take in the views.

A rest at the top taking in the day's route and planning my way back to Dalrigh. Down the SE ridge then onto the path to Stob an Tighe Aird past the plane wreckage before dropping steeply thru Coire Gaothach crossing the Allt an Rund onto the track to Dalrigh passing the big green Cononish huts on the way. Quiet day, met two walkers on Dubhchraig summit, one on a'Chleibh and two on the track back to Dalrigh.

Today's route, 18 miles, 6500' of ascent in just under 7 hours. A few more pictures here.

Ime and Narnain

Late run today, sunscreen on which made sure the good weather broke and it rained, at least it was warm rain! Glen Loin trail to the dissapearing river then through the glen to Lag Uaine and a climb up beside the gnarly ridge onto the Eastern end of Ime's summit ridge. A quick down and up Narnain's NW ridge, as low cloud streamed in from the West and some heavier warm rain, finished with a run off through the Spearhead and back to Succoth in just over 4 hours for the 12 miles and 5000' of ascent. Photos here.

Luss, hiding again

Cloud down again today, set off for a 12 mile 5000' run over Beinn Dubh, Mid Hill, Doune Hill, Beinn Lochain and Beinn Eich.Added a mile or so zig zagging about looking for the paths coming off Mid Hill and Doune Hill in the pea souper with visibility down to 20 or 30 yards in places, compass out running off Doune Hill gave me the confidence to keep going on unfamiliar ground until eventually finding the trail going up Beinn Lochain. Finished in a slower than usual 4 hours 20. Sunday's Stoneymollan recovery run round the reservoir through the quarry with an out and back to the trig point.

Was it Luss?

Glorious weather all week then Saturday forecast came true, low cloud and rain, set off from the top of the glen road, Beinn Eich climb first, after that it was too claggy for my navigation skills to run the planned trackless route back round the Glen Finlas tops so along to Doune Hill it was, difficult picking out the narrow trods in the mist. Run off Doune Hill fun, slowly down to the Beallach with top 701 then slow descent into a tussocky Sith Mor, unable to pick a good line in the clag, too close to the burns and fern filled gulleys. Up Mid Hill back into the mist before a short run down to the road. 8 miles with 4000' of ascent in 3 hours 20. Sunday brought brighter weather for a run up Ben Bowie.

Inchmurrin with Conic Hill in the background from the 3LW

Dumbarton Rock from the Fort overlooking Carman Reservoir

Returning over Bromley and Overton Muirs, 11 miles, 2000' in 2 hours 25. A few more pictures here.

Ben Bowie

Late run this afternoon, Stoneymollan, to Ben Bowie via the 3LW, back along the top over Bromley and Overton Muirs, warm sun, cool breeze, 11 miles, 2000' in just over 2 1/2 hours.

Dollar

First SHR Champs race for me this year as I missed Scolty. Nearly 300 set off on this undulating run over a few grassy Ochill Hills. Once your up the first climb pretty much runnable all the way. Held back a bit on the first climb this year with the large number of runners meant I had some energy left once on the tops, with plenty of people in front to use as targets managed to pick off a few along the way, finished the 10 miles and 3000' plus just inside 1 hour 50 for the first time. Cake fest in the pavilion after, no mean feat providing home catering for 300 or so hungry runners and their friends. Pictures here. Sunday's cool down an extended Stoneymollan. Pictures here.

Vorlich, Vane and Douglas too

With Ben Vorlich separated from the other Arrochar Alps by Loch Sloy its not one I visit too often, last time was the Arrochar Alps race in 2011. Run up through Glen Loin past Coiregrogain to the wee path that twists and turns up to Vorlich's summit ridge. Pass a few walkers on the way up, on into the mist so no views from the top today. Visit both tops the real top with the cairn and the lower one with trig point. A wee break for a re-fuel then off down the steep drop straight down to Sloy Dam. Across the dam and up to the right of the buttress, the opposite to the race route. Steady trudge up, probably one lump too far to the right and reach the ridge further down and away from the top than planned. Easier climb to the top along the ridge, this time clouds just over the tops and good views to Loch and Ben Lomond. Fun run down the tourist path past a few walkers we had met earlier on. All too soon back on the Glen Loin trail to Succoth, 15 miles, 6700' of ascent in 5 hours 50. Sunday, no plans to run but too good a day to miss and set off for Glen Douglas's hills, Beinn Bhreac, Ben Reoch and Tullich Hill, a nice wee round, 6 miles and 3300' a bit cleggy until into the breeze above the tree line, after the first climb a good undulating run round, ran lochside of the lumps between Bhreac and Reoch, pathless but an easy run, walk to a welcome breeze on the top. A few pictures and off down the steep drop towards Tullich Hill. On the way up a couple of deer amble across a hundred feet or so above. Onto the summit plateau via the usual gulley past the two lochans, more photos and views. Easy run down to Invergroin, 2 hours 45. Saturday pictures here, Sunday pictures here.

Vane, Ime Narnain

Arrochar for a few hills,Vane Ime and Narnain, 12 miles and 6500' of ascent, started up a warm Glen Loin path to Coiregrogain and onto the trudge up Vane, passed a few walkers, into the cloud before the top. Cloud lifted on the descent so didn't really need a bearing but took one anyway, good practice for when you do need it. Easy run down into Lag Uaine. Slow walk up Ime towards the beallach then up past the crag, a wee pause for a seat in the snow. Back into the clouds for a rest at the top then another easy run to Beallach a' Mhaim. Short climb up Narnain to finish the hard work, down through the Spearhead for the 3000' drop back to Succoth, finished in 5 hrs 20 mins with a quick plunge in the jacuzzi to wash the mud off and a seat by the loch.

4000's and a Big buchle

Last June I ran the Mamores, great day out, time to try the other side of the glen. Staying in Glen Nevis Campsite for the weekend, woke Saturday to a good day for hills, a bit of cloud, sun and  breeze, rain forecast for later. Started from the Youth Hostel up Heart Attack hill onto the Ben tourist path, hoards of walkers from various charities and a few runners. Topped out in just over two hours, a seat to refuel and work out the way to the Carn Mor Dearg arete, East, South East past some fence poles dropping down bouldery ground then North East to join the arete. A peaceful contrast to the Ben with only a few walkers and runners. Made my way round the arete, carefully at first, eyes fixed on the ground, avoiding looking at the drops on either side, relaxed and gained confidence as I picked my way along as the path fades in and out along easy scrambles, a short climb and I'm on top, its almost 2 hours since I left the Ben, a seat to re-fuel and gaze at a stunning Ben Nevis rock face. East again down a steep rocky ridge distracted by the aerial display over unseen crowds watching the Mountain Bike World Cup. Across the narrow beallach before the steep 1000' climb up Aonach Mor's twisty loose path, the gradient eases and a run along to the cairn, another brief stop then chased three other runners across to Aonach Beag, they were going to Corrour Station via the Grey Corries, a shortish climb to the snow covered top, staying well back from the corniced edge. Easy run down grassy slopes to the last top of the day, Stob Coire Bhealaich. Traversed round Coire a' Bhuic down beside the alt Coire nan Laogh to Steall Meadows. Ran down the bouldery track then a 5 mile shuffle as the rain started on the road back to camp. 17 miles, 7500' in 8 hours 15. Sunday sunshine dried out the tent over a leisurely break of fast and camp. Drove through Glen Coe stopping at the valley between the Buachailles. Set off a couple of miles along the Lairig Gartain taking a good path up beside Stob Coire Altrium, turned up and over Stob Na Doire along to Stob Dearg, a couple of false summits and I'm on top, a quick stop as the cloud and rain sweeps in closing out the views, retreat between snow cornices scrambling into Coire na Tulaich, steep at first then man made bouldery path back down. 7 Miles, 3200' in 3 hours 30.

Cort Ma Law

Drizzly low cloud greeted us, full kit and full kit check for all and body count before the start. The field spread out, mostly ahead on the run walk up the steep slope from Campsie Glen. Steady running past a few minor tops and a few minor bogs on the way to CML. Fun started on the way to Lecket Hill, bog city, good ones where I stepped on mostly tussocks, some I didn't and further along resorting to jump, dive, grab the far side and pull myself up while trying to overtake and not be overtaken, all too soon we started the short climb to the top of Lecket followed by a boggy run into the gulley. Felt fine on the slow trudge back to the crossover ran where I could avoiding too much of a plunge into the last big bog. Undulating run back and down the steep grassy bank to finish in about 74 minutes.

Ben Bowie

Late Sunday run, Stoneymollan, 3LW to Ben Bowie, back to the top of the Stoney, home along the hillside over Bromley and Overton Muir's, a warm and drizzly 11 miles, 2100' in just over 2 hours.

Kilpatricks Hill Race

100 plus set off, warm and damp midgy night, first and last half mile on the road. Slow jog up through the crags, undulating moorland run interspersed with farm track, spikey muddy lochside trail, jog up the Slacks then down hill all the way back for a half mile of foot slapping road to finish in 66 plus minutes.

Jura

Returned for my fourth run in the Jura Fells Race.

Arrived on the late boat from Kennacraig, no bus to Craighouse lucky to cadge a lift from a couple who had hired a bus. Race day sunny with a cool breeze, perfect conditions. 200 plus set off at 10:30 fuelled by Cakes from the Cooperage. Steady run over the boggy Pips before crossing Glen Astaile for the Paps.

Trudge up Beinn a'Chaolais, alternating grassy ramps and scree, super views as we reach the top. Fun twisty scree covered descent brings a smile to my face then its back up Beinn an Oir, not as long a climb.

Bumpy run down and we're soon at the spring and a refill of water bottles at the bottom. Beinn Shiantaidh climb develops into a zig zag up a rocky path before the boulder field to the top. The ruin off alternates scree and boulders to the traversing track to Corra Bheinn, short slow climb to the top then a 40 minute run off to Three Arch Bridge and the 5k road run back to Craighouse, finished just inside 6 hours 50. A few more pictures here.

Ben Lomond

Back to the usual start this year from the Rowardennan Hotel, along the road and the undulating path to the top. The hill covered by cloud as we started in the sun, cloud gradually clearing as we trudged up. A few minutes slower to the top than last year, turned for home and pushed hard down the grassy bank, back on the tourist path and trundled down the combination of stony paths, grassy bank, tussocks and rocks, finished about 1 hour 53.

Dumyat and a 10k

Another 300 plus runners set out on this nice midweek blast up and down from the grounds of Stirling Uni. The first and last couple of hundred yards on road, in between, a twisty forest path and an undulating hill path, runnable apart from a few rocky parts and the odd bog. Good night for running dry overhead, damp underfoot, Mudclaw's with better grip than my Swoops but a bit harder on my feet. Reached the top just over 32 mins, and ran to finish just under 51 minutes. Thursday night and the next club GP race, our road 10k, 21 runners, ran as a recovery run to stretch the legs after Dumyat, finished in 55 mins.

Stuc a'Chroin

160 plus runners in this years Stuc, better weather than last years freezing wet hell. Tighter safety rules and checks at registration. Trotted along the two mile forest trail and onto the hill through forest. Across the moor to Meall Mor and in to Glen Ample. Work my way up the Beinn Each climb in stages, three steep heathery sections then a rocky traverse onto a steep eroded path, a few minutes and the gradient eases as we climb towards BE's top. Sharp left down onto the ridge to the Stuc pass a couple of tentative descender's. The ridge twists and turns and undulates, reach the crossover at Bealach nan Cabar in 1 hour 40, the next ridge section to Beallach Glas longer than I remembered then its up up up to the top of the Stuc. Turn the cairn in 2 hours 24. Pass the last few runners on their way up as I stagger my way back along the ridge to Beallach nan Cabar, more down than up. Good trail marked into Glen Ample and I'm soon traversing along to the crossover. Jog walk across the bottom of Glen Ample then trudge up to Meall Mor, a weary trundle back across to the forest and down the trail to the finish and soup at Strathyre, 4 hours 7 this year. Another good Stuc, water, sweets and support from plenty of marshalls all over the route, every turning point manned on the fully marked route.