Goat Fell hill race

A day out to Arran for the third race in the Scottish Hill Runners Championship also the Scottish Athletics Championship Race.

Forecast was for cloud and some rain, cloudy on the way over from Ardrossan then cleared up through the day. Second breakfast on the boat from Ardrossan. Race started at 12 with a run along the road towards Brodick Castle turning up the tourist path from the grounds. Runnable path undulates up through the trees single file in a few narrow parts. Out the trees and the gradient eases for a while then rockier and steeper, can't bear to watch the leaders as they career past on their way back down, keep running until the final steep pull up to the top, hands on knees and rock get me there. The summit is covered in huge blocks and missed the view into Glen Rosa watching where I put my feet. Tricky descent, demands concentration navigating the rocks and runners coming up. Gradually pick up the pace, although a couple of runners get past me I would catch them on the road. Difficult overtaking, make it past a few with a bit of patience and some short quick bursts. Through the deer fence and down the last few rocky steps and relax at bit back on smoother trails. Still managing to catch and pass one or two then it's onto the road for a steady mile or so to the finish. Catch a few more on the run in, one gets me back just before the lap round the pitch to finish.

Swim in the sea and coffee and cakes sitting in the sun watching the prize giving before the crusie back to Ardrossan in the sun.

Finished inside 1:56, more pictures here.

Ben Vorlich

Set off for an easy out and back to Vorlich from the Arrochar Car Parks running up through Glen Loin. Low cloud and a bit of light rain but thankfully no wind.

Slow trudge up Vorlichs steep winding path into the clouds. A few rest breaks as I don't have much energy after the last week or so running and racing. Jacket on just before reaching the summit ridge. Running again past ghostly crag and rock along to the cairn, a short break then return past the trig point and back down the path to Glen Loin. Finished just under 4 hours. A few more pictures here.

Whangie hill race

Arrived nice and early, walked to the start and a short warm up jog. A quick head count and we were off along the track without any ffurther fuss. Up the hill and onto the undulating trail to the Whangie, settled into a steady pace working my way past runner's in front when I can, the Whangie is always further away than you think, past a few climbers on our way through. Jump out and run up towards the trig point for the first time. Downhill now towards the track at Burncrooks and Kilmannan reservoirs​. Short recovery then back up the ridge, working hard to catch those ahead. Back at the trig and a clubmate comes past, dig in and stay just behind through a shallow down and up, overtake at the top and run as hard as I can for the next few hundred yards and the short steep drop back to the outward track, swerve round a couple of spectators on the way back to finish inside 43 mins, a bit quicker than last year the dry ground helps except it's a bit harder on your feet and legs.

The Cobbler

Beautiful sunny evening, home sharp and chance for a run up the Cobbler. Minimal kit required, off up the tourist path winding up through the trees. Breezy on the run between Narnain and the Cobbler. Short rest before running up the back steps, another couple of short rests on the way. Jog the track to the last steep climb, aim for a large rock about half way up then give in and walk.

Great views in calm conditions on the top, just a bit hazy. Ran back the same way, finished in about 2 1/2 hours. More pictures here.

Stuc a'Chroin hill race

A British and Scottish championship race made for a big field in this tough long race.

Gone is the two mile forest track at the start and finish replaced by a rougher series of narrow trods and an old peat track. The 9 miles in between just as tough. Beautiful sunny day, back to traditional Stuc weather instead of some of the recent years with hypothermic conditions. Field well strung out by the time we pop out the forest for the run to Meall Mor where we drop down into Glen Ample keeping it nice and easy wary of the hard work to come.

Beinn Each's climb as steep as ever, about 1500' in just over a mile, it's a 2 mile ridge from here to the Stuc's summit, the first one mostly downhill the second one​ undulates 1000' up. The front runners are coming back, the fastest will finish before I reach the top of the Stuc. Steady climb doesn't feel too bad probably not trying hard enough. The gradient eases before one last rocky climb to the summit cairn.

Pause for a photo then steady running down the Stuc and the undulating ridge back to bealach nan cabar. Each short uphill gets harder. From the bealach we drop halfway down Glen Ample then a descending traverse before trying to climb out the other side. Half a pint of electrolyte fluid as I walk across the bog to start this tough wee climb, cramp invades my legs then as those behind catch up the electrolytes kick in, cramp eases and I steadily work my way up, a short walk at the top to recover then running back towards the forest. Stagger along the tussocky boggy track keeping a jog going as much as possible. About a mile left I cross a stream and stop to cool off, feel much better and set off in a happier state. The track gradually​ improves for easier running and soon back on a forest track, a short climb before a pleasant trail run down to the finish 291st/343 finishers just inside 4 hours.

Dumyat hill race

Dumyat hill race, one of the most popular hill races in Scotland with entries for the past few years of over 300. Warm evening, dry underfoot, bluebells on show through the woods. Free running tee shirt this year as well but no chip timing. Quick start hoping for a rest queing up at the hole in the wall, not much of a rest this year, easy run along the track before the climb started, took it as easy as possible but not letting too many people past. Turned at the top and picked up the effort and pace for the drop down to the bog, over the fence and eased back mindful of Saturdays Stuc a'Chroin. Back into the bluebell woods and they let us run down the rocks for a change, probably as it was so dry. Bounced off a couple of trees on the steep drop before the road providing a laugh for those watching. Short undulating run back to the finish in about 50 minutes, fastest for a few years.

Ben Lawers

Another new route, there are 7 munros here, tried one, Ben Lawers, while working out how to come back and get them all.

Starting from the Nature reserve car park it's a 3 or 4 mile gradual climb to Lawers small summit.

Easily runnable except a couple of steeper section at the end with man made steps.

Windy at the top, low cloud and snowing meant not somewhere I wanted to hang about, not many photos either.

Finished in just over 2 hours.

Beinn Dubh hill race

A tough wee race, my first in this years midweek big n burn race series  4 miles and 2000' of up and down. 100 plus started, immediate thought is too fast! Jog wheezed up the steep start. Managed to get to the plateau without losing any more places. Ran up the plateau and up again, working better now catching one or two as the leaders come flying past on their way back down. Doesn't take long before I'm struggling again until the slope eases a bit and i can run the last couple of hundred yards to the top. Round the cairn and brakes off working hard trying to catch my three clubmates ahead. Past the first one in the first steep descent, ran out of gas a bit across the plateau then managed to pick up the pace on the final drop passing another clubmate on the run back to the start, happy to finish in about 53 minutes.

Clach Leathad traverse

Had my eye on this run for a while, Victoria bridge to Glencoe ski centre then back to Victoria bridge by the West Highland way. Set off about 2pm.

10 minutes along a trail then a path towards Stob a Choire Odhair rising gently at first then steep zig zags before easing to a bouldery summit.

Rewarded with a fly by from a massive eagle.

Off the west ridge towards Stob Ghabhar with a couple of steep scree scrambles onto the airy Aonach Eagach ridge, thankfully not as exposed as the Glencoe version.

Undulating down to bealach Fuar-chathaidh before a steep 1000' climb to Clach Leathad.

Easier running to the Double summit of Creise, the spur to Meall a'Bhuiridh about half way along.

Turned back along the ridge to the spur towards the last hill of the day, Meall a'Bhuiridh, a couple of false summits on the rocky climb test my humour.

Steady run down through the chairlifts to Glencoe ski centre, about 5 hours 40. All that's left is a 7 mile run along the West Highland way back to Victoria bridge as darkness approached, finished inside 7 1/2 hours, tired but happy. More pictures here.

Stoneymollan

Next race in club race series, just under 5 miles with 1000' of ascent. Run handicap style. 9 started, i was 3rd last, finished 2nd, overtaken by one, and third fastest in just over 44 minutes. Good fun.

Ben Lomond

Set off mid afternoon for the Ben, cool sunny spring day. The lower paths have finished their makeover, most of the gnarly bits have been taken out. Kept a slow jog going except for a couple of photo stops and some rocky sections further up.

Looking across to Inverbeg

Easy run up the plateau saving some energy for the steep climb up to the ridge. Quite busy at the top, cool breeze, extra top on while I took a few photos.

Ben Vorlich with Loch Sloy behind and the Hydro Station Pipes running down to Inveruglas

Beinn Dhubchraig from Ben Lomond with Ben Nevis in the background

No rush today legs still tired from Saturday careful to maintain concentration and avoid a tumble. Soon heat up once off the summit ridge, back to a tee shirt. Finished about 2 hours 15, washed shoes and legs in the Loch, a bit too chilly for any more. A few more pictures here.

The Cobbler and Narnain

Windy today, wasn't sure where to go, forecast was for the wind to drop and after a couple of Luss runs this week went to Arrochar, for the Cobbler and Narnain, finishing by running down through the Spearhead, one of my favourite descents, steep, rocky and muddy. Busy busy car parks everyone out for Easter. Jacket on as the rain came down on the way up the zig zag track through the forest. Ran up the trail past the Narnain boulders, thought about going up the front for a change as it might be more sheltered than through the glen and up the back stairs, decided against it, more running the usual way. Short break at the bottom of the stairs then ran up, a few rest breaks on the way.

A few pictures at the top but didn't hang about in the cold wind. Back to the bealach and up Narnain, managed to run most of it with a few breaks to catch my breath.

A few more pictures but didn't hang about and set off for a slither through the Spearhead.

Easy run down passing a few walkers on their way up. Finished just over 3 hours 15, more pictures here.

Glen Douglas

Shorter run this week, the three Glen Dougls hills, about 6 miles round with 3200' of ascent. Beinn Bhreac, Ben Reoch and Tullich Hill. Steep climb up from Invergroin to top out at the trig point across Loch Lomond from the Ben.

Ben Reoch (right) and Tullich Hill (left) from Bhreac

Cold wind, quick photo and off own gentle slopes before the gentle climb up Reoch, followed what looks like quad bike tracks, not the direct route but avoiding the worst of the bogs.

Beinn Bhreac from Reoch

Steep drop from Reoch towards the bealach before Tullich hill, took the first gulley onto the top rather than the last, not so muddy.

Good views to the Luss hills.

Ran down to Invergroin through a new plantation, not sure what kind of trees but didn't look like conifer, so might be ok. Finished in 2 1//2 hours, more pictures here.

Beinn Dubh

Sneaked a wee mid week hill run in, home sharp and drove to Luss, just about enough time before it got dark. There's a race up here in 3 weeks, good practice in peace and quiet. Its about two miles and 2000' to run up, nice an steady taking in the views.

Up in about 50 mins, down in 25, hope to be a bit quicker in the race, more pictures here.

Luss hills

Parked at the top of Glen Luss for a run round Beinn Eich, Beinn an Lochain, Doune hill and Mid Hill. The forecast low cloud broke up on the way up Eich made for interesting views to Ben and Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps.

Managed to run all the way, short break at the top, ran off along the ridge to Doune Hill.

Another rest sitting in the sun just off the top. Easy run down into tussocky Sith Mor before the final climb to the two unnamed tops beside Mid Hill.

Ran down to finish just over 3 hours, more pictures here.

Ben Vane, Beinn Ime

High pressure and fine weather forecast, busy Succoth car parks, set off up glen Loin, lots of walkers out today, reached the wee bridge past coiregrogain and set off for the trudge through Vanes knobbly bits, had bought the ice axe, didn't really need it, helped on the snow bank up to Vanes flat summit. Pleasing cool breeze on top, drink photos and off towards Lag Uaine, avoided most of the crags made for easy running, crossed two streams and onto the ascent ridge towards the bealach between Ime ans lubhein, I'll go up there sometime. Slow n steady from the bealach to Ime's summit, busy with walkers, wee break to take in the views. Ran down to bealach a Mhaim avoiding bogs as much as possible, trundled over to the back of the Cobbler. Steady run back to Succoth, finished in 4 hours 40, pictures here, super day.

Criffel hill race

First of the 2017 SHR championship races, only 10k with 500m plus ascent, 200 set off, half a mile of road then some forest trail before the fun starts, mud mud tussocks mud, swamp, varying from 6 inches to a couple of feet deep, roots rocks and old fences doubling as trip wires add to the fun, knockendock hill first then a slight drop and heathery swamp to Criffel. Round Criffels small cairn and run down as fast as you dare, fallers everywhere caught out by hidden mud filled holes. Back over knockendock and down the mudslide, took it too carefully until overtaken by a couple of other runners, raised the intensity, caught them up and eased past gradually, the mud dried out , trail running now overtaking a couple then one final kick over the last 50m gained me another place, finished 136th in about 1 hour 25. Not a race I would have gone to if it wasn't a championship one, hard work going up and required full concentration on the way down. Great fun, well organised by Dumfries running club.

The Cobbler and his Wife

Misty morning, didn't see any sun until the finish. From Succoth up the zig zag trails past the Narnain Boulders to the bealach between the Cobbler, Narnain and Ime.

Narnain first, up into the mist, snow patches grew towards the top. Stopped at the snowy boulder field and turned back. A bit boggy at the bottom.

The Cobbler, same routine as Narnain, snow increasing with height. Didn't hang about at the top, cooling down quickly.

Noisy waterfalls tumble along beside the path back towards Succoth.


Took a detour along to the old ascent track to avoid the zig zags, the sun filtering down to Arrochar below.

Hard work today, please to finish in about 3 hours 20.

Killoeter

Easier run today, ran up the stoneymollan trail, past the Black Third farm, down the road to where it meets Darleith, right turn up steep grassy slopes into the heathery ridge. Found a great weekend path along the ridge and down to meet the 3LW. Followed the 3LW back to the stoneymollan and down to Balloch, finished inside 2 hours, nice run in the sun, a few pictures here.

Arrochar Trails

Bad weather forecast stayed low and ran the trails from Ardgarten to Succoth then round the Glen Loin loop and back to Ardgarten, thought it was 14 miles, turned out to be about 17, finished in about 3 hours 40, good test with a fun river crossing. Some pictures here.

Glen Luss

Parked at the top of the glen running down the glen to the bottom of Mid Hill, stop start trudge up, too warm at the bottom but cold wind and rain at the top. Faffed about in thick mist finding the correct route off. Clouds cleared for a few seconds making it a bit easier, dropped down into Sith Mor. Boggy crossing the tussocks. Slow trudge up Doune Hill, blasted by wind and rain at the top. Ran over Beinn an Lochain to the last week climb up Beinn Eich. Steady run down to finish inside 3 1/2 hours. A few pictures here.

Carnethy 5 hill race

Freezing freezing, nearly 500 runners set off for Scad Law, first of 5 hills in this classic race. Crocodile soon formed across Charlie's loop and up the first climb, snow increasing towards the top with high winds n icy sleet blasting exposed flesh, a pattern repeated on each top. Traverse to South Black Hill fun, stiff crosss wind blowing us off course, over the first of the kips and pleasant couple of minutes sheltered from the wind. Run off the second kip more fun in the snow, managed to stay upright and gain a few places. Along to the bumslide down to the Howe, again managed to stay on my feet, and relatively dry. Jogged most of the first part of the climb up Carnethy with a flash of my number to the marshalls. Payed for my exuberance and had to walk most of the way to the gully. Running again out of the gulley towards the final wee climb to Carnethies summit. Steep run down towards the finish, a wee tumble losing grip on the heathery roots. Steady run back across the bog to finish in just over 84 minutes. A few pictures here.

Whinny hill Cross Country

Final club cross country, starts in front of Balloch castle, finishes behind it. A lap of the park to start then onto the path to the whinny hill trail. Trail sanitised this year, a new hardcore surface up through the woods, only the top loop section wet n muddy. Return by same route until just before the park and off left through trees n mud popping out behind the car park, short dash to the finish. Started in third, dropped to fourth at the bottom of the park, stayed there to finish, 13 runners this year.

Narnain and the Cobbler

Arrochar run, set off in the rain, quickly turned to snow, on the way towards the Narnain boulders, past the boulders windy. Up Narnain's north shoulder no one had been, made my way up managed to stay around the path although under snow and clagged in. Turned back near the top, steep n rocky. Followed my footprints back to the bealach, jog walk up the Cobbler, stayed on the grass to the central top, vision tricky, judging where the ground was, snow blind? Chat with a couple on top, gave them my thoughts on safe descent route. Fun run down the back steps in my microspikes, ran down the trail gradually coming out cloud n snow to finish just over 3 hours, photos here. A few pictures here. Sunday ran along to the stoneymollan, up and over coming down behind the reservoir, about turn n back over, a double stoneymollan, most I've ran for a while. A few pictures here.

Polaroid Cross Country

2 lap club race, round the Polaroid estate. Tussocky field to start, first minor detour round overgrown old paths. Steady run along the smooth Riverside path settled into third place, lost a place on the steps, didn't get it back to the second lap. Nice n muddy through the trees. Kept it steady through the field. Careful not to slip into the pond, slow up the hill. Short downhill recovery, worked our way across to the ditch and short run back along the verge to finish the lap. Second lap took back 3rd place, realised effort had dropped, kept a steady effort pushing on when required to keep my place, finished about 36 1/2 mins, good day for a run.

Luss horseshoe

Couldn't get to the top of the glen for ice, plan b, Bein Dubh, Mid Hill and Coille Eughain hill to finish. Snow and ice crunching underoot all the way, blue skies and a cool breeze made the effort worth while, a bit slower than usual to the top. Run-round the Corrie's plenty of photo stops, Mid Hill break taking in the views up to the top of Loch Lomond and surrounding snowy peaks. Descent off Mid Hill back to the glen fun in the snow. Ran up the road then acrosss to Coille Eughain Hill steep as usual. Steady walk up its steep sides, views opening up to a stormbound Cobbler framed by Glens  Luss and Mollochan. From the top views opened up over Loch Lomond. Descending over the paps a small herd of deer provided a welcome distraction from tussocks and bogs. Finished n 3 1/2 hours, stunning day. Pictures here. Sunday recovery run, a couple of hours over Stoneymollan, a bit stop start through brashing from felled trees, visit to the Trig Point and Fort eventually dropping down behind the reservoir and back through fields, a few photos here.

Glen Finlas

Run up the glen road to start. On to the track just before the reservoir, undulating up, a fence post signalled a right turn up to the ridge. Round the tops struggling today. Walking all the ups. Plans for Tharsuin shelved. Kept to the Finlas loop dropping down to the dam and the run back down the glen to finish about 3 hours, a few photos here.

Ben Ime

Set off from Succoth, steady run up through the forest, clear of the trees, cool breeze, Cobbler appeared, snow flakes ahead. Past the Narnain boulders and up to the bealach. Ground frozen, helped keep my feet dry and not so cold. Slow trudge up Ime's southern shoulder into cloud n snow. A bit icy on top, didn't hang about. Ran down avoiding bogs as best we could. A few walkers out today. Back down the trail between Narnain and the Cobbler walkers still coming up, took the grassy side trails where I could. Finished just over 3 hours. A few photos here.

Beinn Dubh, Mid and Coille-eughain Hills

Gave up on the planned Mid, Doune, Eich loop as all the parking spots at the top of Glen Luss were taken. Drove back down and parked at the bottom, shorter, easier route, Beinn Dubh, Mid Hill, cross the glen and climb Coile-eughain Hill, down over the Paps to finish. Only a few walkers out today. Beinn Dubh steep to start then mud kicks in as the slope eases. Made the top in about 50 mins with a couple of photo stops on the way. Cool breeze on top for the run round the corries to Mid Hill. Usual slippery descent off Mid Hill. Walked the steep climb up CE Hill, not as hard as usual. Ran down over the Paps to finish inside 3 hours. Pictures here.

Beinn Eich to Doune HIll n back

Set off a bit late, worked my way up Beinn Eich to start over the top and towards Beinn an Lochain, damp squall blew through, thought about turning back as the air cleared, breezy run to Doune Hill, didn't hang about, keen to get back before dark. Good views to the Clyde estuary under low cloud. Reached the top of Beinn Eich clouds turning pink and the moon starting to shine through, steady run down to finish as darkness fell. Some pictures here.

Cobbler n his wife

27, 14, 15, 21, the Cobbler is running by numbers, each feature has its own time slot. Saturday afternoon run today, cool and clear to start, hardly any wind made for comfortable conditions. Only a few walkers out, a group of mountain bikers too. Stop start run up the back stairs to the Cobbler summit. Picture's and off towards Narnain. Jog walk up through snow patches near the top. Turned back towards bealach a'Mhaim, mist and cloud rolling in, easy run back to Succoth. Finished in just over 3 hours. Some pictures here.

Beinn Dubh

Cold and overcast we set off for Luss, Beinn Dubh loop round to Mid Hill, back down the glen road, climbing Beinn Dubh into the clouds, faint blue tinge above, gradual increase in blue above and snow underfoot until we emerged above the cloud, power snow and powder blue sky, white topped mountains for miles, one of those days you don't want to go down, on the way to Mid Hill a bonus Broken Spectre as we looked towards Ben Lomond, finished happy in two and a half hours, Pictures here

Balloch park cross country

First club cross country race of the year, 10 of us set off for three laps starting behind the castle looping round inside the tree line. got into second place on the first lap third runner closed the gap but managed to hold on with a few seconds to spare. Finished inside 38 minutes.

Tinto Hill Race

4th go at Tinto hill race, straight up and down, 2 miles each way with 2000' of ascent. After a pre race sandwich and coffee in the Tinto cafe set off near the back of 220 runners, worked my way forward before the real climb began, kept a steady jog going working at getting past a few walking or jog walking. The rocky muddy path undulates up into the mist and round a minor top before the last wee pull to the summit and a run round the huge cairn in 112th place. Worked hard on the descent gained over a dozen places, lost a couple on the flattish run in to finish in 101st place inside 46 minutes. Soup and rolls in Symington hall after.

Narnain and the Cobbler

Bright and breezy, set off from Succoth up the walkers path. Quite a few walkers to navigate round. Along the trail past the Narnain Boulers and the cold wind picked up, a 45 degree lean forward seemed to work best, hard work, ice forming in any puddles and ground beginning to freeze. Jogged up Narnain, North wind helped to push me up, reached the top, no hanging about, a few quick photos and runn off to get out the freezing wind. Easy run back to the Bealach watchful for patches of ice. Ran up the back steps of the Cobbler and onto the middle summit, same routine, a few photos and set off for the Bealach. Steady run back through the glen, the wind easing and temperature rising after the Boulders, jacket and hat off as I ran through the forest zig zags in the sun finishing inside 3 hours. A few pictures here.

Glen Nevis

Unexpected chance for camp Nevis, Saturday run over Mullach Nan Coirean, Stob Ban and Sgurr a'Mhaim, forecast good, reality low cloud n drizzle, ran from lower falls car park hard going through remnants of tree felling, out the trees and straight up onto the ridge, running again, top Juraesque rocky stuff, visibility ok about 100 yards, Mullachs double cairn soon reached. No hanging about on the tops today. Ran along the ridge to Stob Ban met a Ptarmigan. Same one as last time? Clouds clear for a few minutes, missed a Brocken spectre taking too long to get the camera out.  Rocky run off Stob Ban nice n easy, rocks greasy, running again along to the stalkers path zig zagging to the ridge to Sgurr a'Mhaim. Ridge narrows, too feart to take a photo, stop at bottom of the short climb to SAM top, getting cold as pace had dropped along the ridge, thermal gloves on up the quartzite to the summit cairn, no stopping, off over boulders then rocky path and some fun down nice scree before a twisting turning rocky broken path, hard work, the last few hundred yards easy muddy trail. Finished inside 5 hours, much fun. Photos here.



Sunday, sound of rain on the tent, got up and it had cleared, clouds above Mamores tops, bits of the Ben I could see looked clear as well. Set off from outside the Youth Hostel, managed to run all Heart Attack Hill! Along tourist path kept jogging, round windy corner some walking on the brocken path, plenty of repairs needed here. Staying on the tourist path past halfway lochan and up the zig zags meant I could run all the way, a wee break to catch my breath and take a couple of photos at every zag. Back into the mist and a chilly breeze grew up through the field of cairns, reaching the top in about 2 hours. Short break and photo stop at the top. Took descent nice n easy, followed the tourist path stopping a couple of times, finsihed in about 3 1/2 hours, not many out today. Photos here.

Ben Ime

Windy and wet, gave Luss a miss, a bit too crowded with the UK fell relay competition. Ok when I set off, up the zig zags and past the narnain boulders. Across the bealach to start the climb up Into wind and rain, passing a walker coming off. Steady trot up, through muddy terraces to the summit ridge, touched the top and turned back down, wind gusting a bit. Took a bit of care to stay on track. Soon back at the bealach passing another couple on their way up, easy run back to Succoth, finished in just over 2 1/2 hours, not many out today.

Pentland Skyline

Final counter in this years SHR championship, time to make amends for a DNF at Jura. Fourth time at this race, 2003,04 and 11, times from 3:47 to 4:09, hoped to finish the 16 or 17 miles and 6000' of ascent inside 4 hours today. Over 300 set off, 45 mins late, a number of people had parked in the ski slopes main car park ignoring the organisers request not to and had to move their cars before the off, sorted out as it should be without any drama hopefully to the satisfaction of the ski centre. Off we went, not much breeze, felt warm jog walking up the first climb, the big field began to spread out towards the first of 16 hill tops, ran easy over the ups and downs to the water stop at Flotterstone, steady now on the long climb up Turnhouse, over Scald Law and Carnethy, popped out to run over South Black hill, back for the Kips and steep drop down to the Drove Road water stop, just over 2 hours. Short farm track then turn for home over slightly rougher ground, some heathery stuff to get through and some boggy bits, luckily these were reasonably flat or down hill sections, ease back a bit and save some energy for the ups of Hare, Black and Bells Hills which are on mostly better paths. Finished the last of my juice, must have been getting dehydrated as it quickly made things a bit easier. Three hills to go, not far now, although the remembered third water stop never appeared, working harder, getting away from a few who had been edging past me from Scald Law, cramp starting to slow me on the flat sections but the ups afforded a wee stretch and managed to run most of these to the end, relaxed and pushed a bit harder down the last descent egged on by gravity happy to finish in 3:53, 177th place out of 295, the winner inside 2:16, last home over 5 1/2hours, plenty of juice n cakes at the finish and a wee lie down on the cool soft ground.

Cobbler and Narnain

Second great day in a row, drove up to Arrochar, for a wee recovery run. Took it nice n steady up the two sets of forest zig zags, coming out on the trail, sun everywhere but the Cobbler, nice cool breeze. Easy jog past the Narnain Boulders and up to the back steps. Ran up with a few breaks to recover and take in the views, some mountain bikers came down in a variety of states, some attached to their bikes some not.
 

Busy at the top, sat for a few minutes, refuel, rest and take some pictures, not a day for hurrying. Set off down the back steps and decided Narnain had to be done as well, jog walked, well mostly walked.

 
Not so many here, views if anything even better, you could see from Ailsa Craig to Ben Nevis. Took another few mintes before returing the way I came up, the legs not up to the Spearhead today. Nice easy jog back, finish in just over 3 hours. More pictures here.  

Ben Venue Hill Race

Small field, 25 today, beautiful Autumn day, stopped on the way to photograph a glass like Loch Achray.

First and last two miles on trails, middle 4 on the hill. Started out 2nd last, gradually worked my way past 8 or 9 by the end of the trail, two passed me on the way to Venue's summit, stayed in the same place to the end. Warm run up through the forest, slight breeze on the hill, the ridge run rocky in places, not too boggy in others. The descent back towards the forest, different as usual, the path to the forest road becoming very overgrown. Two miles of trail went by pretty quick, only the last couple of wee ups causing any stress. Great wee race, finished 18th inside 1:57 to sandwiches, cakes n coffee. More pictures here.

Luss, Finlas and Fruin

From the top of Glen Luss, route was Coille Eughain Hill, two unnamed tops, then Beinn Tharsuin, Beinn Chaorach, Cruach n t-Sidhein and Beinn Eich, 11or 12miles and 4500' of ascent, some paths over Beinn Eich, the rest trods, sheep, deer tacks, mud and tussocks.

 
Steady climb up CE Hill then up the ridge to top 657, from here the ridge undulates over another 4 tops, Chaorach has two, round the top of a windy Glen Finlas to top 693, along to Tharsuin and Chaorach over runnable trods, a few rainy squalls came through, they only lasted 5 or10 minutes each followed by a quick blow dry, kinesthesis just about maintaining a safe body temperature.

Ran down Chaorachs northern shoulder across the burn and contoured on boggy tracks round Mahanch, keeping as high as possible to minimize the loss of height before Cruach an t-Sidhein, short sharp climb to the top, met by another wee squall, didn't hang about, set off towards Eich, taking a rising traverse to reach the ridge path, easier running, jogged up Eich, last climb of the day fuelled by three jelly beans, steady run down chased by another wee squall. Finished in just over 4 1/2 hours, more pictures here.

5 Mile Handicap

Latest club race, 8 of us set off in reverse order, the route is about 1/4 of a mile short, finished in 34:36, 4th over the line, 3rd on time, good fun, short speed session without too much expectation.

Merrick Hill Race 2016

The Scottish counter in the British hill running championship, and part of the SHR Champs as well, a return to almost the original route, one of my fav races, just missing out Bennan, probably due to deer fencing. About 200 set off for 8 miles and 3000' of ascent, short trot along from the car park towards Bruces Stoneto spread us out a bit, sharp left and jog walking up Ben Yellary, a steep muddy, potholed, rocky path, topped out in a few minutes, running again across the short undulating boggy section to the forest road, the stoney road drops down to meet the tourist path towards Ben Yellary, managed to keep running, gradually working ahead of a few determined jog walkers, up over the top speeding down the Neive of the Spit to the traversing climb up Merrick, nearly at the top and those ahead speed past off to the right, round the cairn and chase after them down the Rig of the Gloon, at the bottom its typical Galloway tussocks then a short trudge in a ditch beside a wall up to the undulating ridge to Buchan Hill. The run down, a boggy rocky path come stream to start then something of a path covered with potholes and tussocks before a couple of fields.

 Photo courtesy of Scottish Hill Runners

Turn out onto a forest road for the last hurrah, only about 250m but steeply twisting up to finish in about 2 hours 9. More pictures here.

Beinn Dubh and Mid Hill

Sunday afternoon run, easy one this week, from the foot of Glen Luss up Beinn Dubh from the top follow the ridge path round to Mid Hill and back.

 

Turned out to be a fine day, breezy enough to send the white clouds scampering about letting the sun shine through,the wind freshened as forecast pushing me off balance as I ran back over Beinn Dubh's rounded top. 

A check of the watch gave me 23 mins to get back under two hours for the8 miles and 2500' of ascent, just! More pictures here.

Ben Nevis Race 2016

My 12th go at this race, missed last years after a fall on the Cobbler which put me out for weeks, slowly getting back out there and pleased to get my entry back in January. Managed to avoid a similar problem this year and set off on Saturday morning for the 2 hour drive to Fort Bill. Sun began to break through at Ballachulish, maybe a good day. Race start reasonably clear, charge round the games field up the road and onto the tourist path, took the first shortcut, no gain or loss, left the second one and stayed on the path, gained about 20 yards, kept jogging until the trail steepens, start to walk and lose places, leave the path for the rocky groove round to the Red Burn, not losing places anymore, welcome drink from the Red Burn, tastes great. Straight up from here grass turns to gravel and rock.

Plodding up into the mist.

Gradually pick up pace as the gradient eases, jogging over the shattered rocks that cover the summit, the turning point seems further back this year, hand over wristband, gloves on and set off down over ouchy rocks, gradient soon increases and keep running into traffic, each one a puzzle to work out how to get past safely, soon back to the Red Burn, another refreshing drink, not allowed down the grassy bank this year, stay on the same trail as we came up, longer but seems easier to run, more traffic, back on to the tourist path, more of it this year, not so good to run down, round the corner and back into the glen, take a bumslide to miss a zig zag then the same short cut as on the way out, losing a place to a better route choice kick starts my effort and gain two or three by the road, push all the way back to the start, its downhill, mostly, manage to gain another few places and lose one, into the games field pick off a couple then steady to finish just over 2 hours 40. A good race. A few more pictures here.

Duathlon

Only 5 of us today, 4 mile run round the Vale and about 7 mile bike ride up the Horseshoe and back. Transition in Stuart Macs, good fun, not last but that was because one person took a wrong turning!

The Cobbler

Afternoon run up and down the Cobbler, warm, hardly with any breeze, a few walkers out, easy/steady up through the trees ontothetrail past the Narnain Boulders, stopped for a drink at the bottom of the back steps, worked hard all the way, didn't stop until the top.

Great views to Arran and Jura. Steady run down trying to concentrate and ignore the walkers. Fnished in about 2 hours. More pictures here.

Riverbank 5k

7 clubbers and 3 guests ran this years 5k, starts at the back entrance to Cameron House, through Lomond Shores, on to the cycle path to finish at St Martins. Steady run gradually increasing the effort pleased to finish 4th just over 22 minutes.

Crianlarich 5

Returned to these hills after last Saturday's bail out due to low cloud. Waited until Sunday as the Saturday forecast not as good as Sunday's which was for Loch Lomond and Trossachs hills to remain covered in cloud with the odd sunbeam or two to and Central Highlands clear, persuaded myself these hills were central! About 10 when I started, lots of cloud, An Caisteal first, up into the cloud, not much wind so ok. Spoke to a walker who had come over Beinn Chabhair, he gave me confidence the col's were clear and should be able to pick out the ascent line to Chabhair. Dropped down to the pass between Caisteal and A Chroin and managed to work out how to get to Chabhair.

Turn right down a grassy gulley and right again to traverse along to the col crossover which was below the clouds thankfully then straight up steep pathless hillside in to the mist, recognised the top from my last visit in 2009. Met a couple of runners, one rather famous with a couple of wee dogs. Ran straight back down to the col pleased to drop out the mist about 50 yards from where I went up. Tussocky trudge back to the path to A'Chroin. A well worn path to A'Chroin zig zags through a few crags. would be quite airy in clear weather. Gradient soon eases and run walk to the top where I meet a few walkers I passed ascending An Caisteal, they are not sure how to get down and are about to go back the way they came, a big climb back over An Caisteal, managed to help them, A'Chroin has three tops and they didn't realise this! The exit path is from top 3, walked to top 3 with them and sorted their route out. The OS maps they have weren't as clear as my Harveys Superwalker. Used my phone app gridref to confirm exactly where we were, seemed to work perfectly.

 Gulley to Sron Garbh traverse

Next was a traverse under Sron Garbh, down a broad grassy gulley into pathless tussocky slabby terrain, then steep ascent of Beinn Tulaichean.

 Sron Garbh on the left, Tulaichean's ridge behind

A bit stop go up Tulaichean's steep sides as I start to tire. On top and turn right along the undulating ridge to the summit, cool breeze so didn't hang about and turned back along the ridge towards the final munro, Cruach Ardrain, kept going through a few ups until it was only downhill in front of me, must be the top! Set off down a steep twisty path, probably not the best route, I think I should have gone back along the ridge to pick up a path that would take me to the planned descent route down Grey Heights. Gradient eased and although I new roughly where I was gridref gave me a bit more confidence in the mist and set off around the Coire towards Grey Height, involved a wee bit of re-ascent, nothing too much.

 I should be up there

Good run down over a couple of minor tops and suddenly everything became clear, I was under the clouds Crianlarich down below, looking back the tops began to clear. Ran down to finish in about 8 hours, more pictures here.

An Caisteal

Hoped for run over 5 Western Munros didn't happen, set off hoping cloud would rise above the tops, ran along the new track then walked up the ridge to Sron Garbh, by passed its top on the way out, running along twistin hill, the last climb up to An Caisteal through some minor rocky scrambles, ran on from the top for a while, on a path but no visibility.

 Small lochain and some sheep by An Caisteals summit!

Gave up and ran back over the top and down the same route except over Sron Garbh's top, joining the outward track a bit further down. Good run and try out of these hills, ran Beinn Chabhair 6 or 7 years ago, will come back and try to combine a few more on a good day, finished in about 2 1/2 hours, more pictures here.