Ben Lomond

Cracker of a day for this years race. After a bus trip from Rowardennan around 150 set off from the Rowardennan Hotel for the trudge to the top and back. Warm on the lower slopes as the path clambers through the trees. Out of the trees, jogging and walking as the gradient changes. Sent off path up grassy slopes before the plateau, different line this year, we were taken 100 yards further left. Onto the plateau and running again, the leaders coming down a bit sooner than I would have liked. A change to the top section this year, stay on the zig zag path onto the shoulder following the path along to the top in a slow 75 mins. On the way back we are sent down steep grassy slopes half way along the shoulder, easier than I thought it would be, not as steep as it is going up. On the run down the plateau keep going and try to catch those in front. Catch a few down the grassy bank. A short path section then off on the other side down pathless mucky rocky hillside. Back to the path and I have to force it to keep the pace up. Good fun over the lower rocky sections where I manage to catch and pass a few more tentative runners. The dreaded run along the road to the finish, nip past a Westie in the finish funnel, after a slow 35 mins descent. Enjoyed the race but not my time. Soup and rolls and a seat in the sun watching the speedsters get their prizes. Pictures here , here and here as well.

Midweek Races

Ran the Club 10k race on Tuesday and felt as if I was running on someone else's wibbly wobbly legs, the race started and finished at Balloch Castle and followed the old Polaroid 10k route. Within a couple of hundred yards I new it wasn't going to be fast. I settled into a steady pace and watched the rest of my start group go off into the distance. It was Luss Road before I caught and passed anyone else. Felt good on the short downhill stretch into Lomond Shores then slowed down again on the flat run through the complex. Eased up the hill into the Park to finish just over 54 mins.

Last night was Dumyat hill race, 5 miles and 1200', I wasn't looking forward to it after Tuesday's struggle. Arrived just in time to register for the 7 pm start, big field again, turned out to be about 380 runners. No time or desire to warm up before we were off and running. Road and farm track to start, gently climbing, felt ok, legs much better off than last night, I felt I could run again. The track soon undulates up through the forest with a few bottlenecks where everyone queued and I could gasp a few extra breaths. Onto the open hill and ran where I could, the leaders start to come back down sooner than I hoped. Avoid the worst of the bog then a last push for the top. Start the run down freewheeling until I gain some sort of breathing control pushing hard on the downs but unable to keep it going on the short flats in between. Reach the bottom for the run back along the track to the Uni, slight uphill at first and loose a few places, able to relax for the closing few hundred yards as they are downhill, accelerate through the finish in 53:24.

Stuc A Chroin

My 9th Stuc, roller coaster of a race, you come out feeling like you've spent a few hours in a washing machine. Not at my best just now and thought I should give it a miss, decided to go and set a target of sub 4 hours instead of aiming for 3 1/2. Ran steady along the first two easy miles on forest tracks.

The run across the moor to Glen Ample

Onto the hill and a rough run across the moor past Meall Mor before the drop into Glen Ample for the climb up Beinn Each.

Beinn Each across Glen Ample

A bit steep, hands on knees, the ground, pulling on the heather, anything to get me up there. Tried to keep it steady as there is a bit to go after this.

The ridge to the Stuc from Beinn Each's summit

Drop a few hundred feet off the side onto the 2 miles of lumpy ridge to the Stuc, the leading runners bomb past on their way back once I'm past the crossover. I reach the top in 2 hours 18. Steady run back along the ridge, try to save something for the climb out Glen Ample. At the crossover we're sent off down into Glen Ample, straight down at first then a traversing descent along the glen to the path for the exit climb. Struggling now usually I can gain a few places here, concentrating on not stopping seems to be a good idea. Drink some high5 electrolyte stuff to try to avoid cramping on the next climb. Cross the track and start up the other side of Glen Ample, boggy at first then dries out the higher you get, cramp starts then eases, maybe its worked. About 4 miles left, two across the moor then two back along  the forest track. The three runners ahead drift away across the moor, unable to catch them I try to maintain the effort and not lose any places. Glad to reach the forest and soon pop out on the track after 3 hours 34 only two miles left, the first slightly uphill in 10 minutes takes its toll, the last mile, downhill, takes 12 minutes, still I finished inside my target in 3 hours 56. Contrasting route today, moor and valleys a bit boggy but the ridges and tops dry and sair feet stoney. Lots of marshalls out as usual, water chocolate and jelly babies and encouragement in their usual quantities. Pictures here (view last to first), and here.

Dumgoyne

Driving out I couldn't figure why the hills behind the distillery were silver. After last nights rain, got up to a clear blue sky, almost sorry to have a short run this week in prep for next weeks Stuc. First time I've tried this run since last October, running from the distillery over Dumgoyne hill and along to the trig point at the Earls Seat. Crossed the style and started running, how far up could I run? Crossed the next pair of styles through the mud, getting steeper now, kept picking away but had to start walking short of the grassy ramp up to the boulders. Second check, 26 mins 40 secs to the top. I had passed a few a few flecks of snow on the way up and as I reached the top I could see the hills behind had taken a dump of snow.

Good fun running off Dumgoyne, a bit slippy at first, then the short scree chute lets you fly down to the bottom. Running up Gairloch hill into the snow following some footprints along the trail, these soon turn off leaving only sheep tracks. Working hard in the snow eventually reaching the small cairn marking the summit and the cold wind blowing across the moor soon cools me down. The sheep tracks veer off and leave the trail, now running over pristine snow in the sun, things could be worse. I can see the trig point in the distance, it seems to take an age to get there as the trail sweeps round past the cairn in an undulating arc. One last uphill stretch and I'm there, pause to take in the views before the run back.

Easier run back along, good fun, the snow smooths the worst of the tussocks and even the swampy bits are more or less frozen. Soon I'm running down towards Dumgoyne and the ground turns back to muddy brown. Finish in just over two hours, some more pictures here.

Spoilt for choice

Struggled to get up this morning, it's been a hard week. I couldn't make my mind up on the route for my run, decided on Luss Hills, about 12 miles and 4 hours of undulations, the last part would be new as the last time I tried it I bailed out in a low cloud and snow whiteout. Finally managed to leave the house about half an hour late, driving along I saw this.....

A quick change of plan and about turn to Ben Lomond. Arrived at a busy Rowardennan car park, full of people harnessed to various shapes and sizes of Huskies. They set off up the hill before I was ready. Started out nice n easy until I caught up with the canine train and just had to pick up the effort to get passed. Onto the open hill with a few groups of hill walkers ahead, picking up the pace as I approached each group trying to ignore the oxygen debt until I got passed. Impending implosion meant I had to ease back the pace and finally managed this across the plateau. Into the snow just before the steep climb up to the summit ridge, picked my way up, the path seemed to attract the snow, a couple of feet deep in places. Onto the ridge and the nice clear top pictured from Duck Bay earlier had disappeared into the mist.

Paused for a quick drink at the top then picked my way back along the snowy ridge and down to the plateau. Steady run along the plateau then some fun on the steep rocky track as it drops down towards the loch. Finished in 2 hours 20. A few pictures here. 

Arrochar

Sunday run for a change and I left for Arrochar just before 8 a sunny blue sky morning with a cool breeze. Car park nearly empty as I set off on the Glen Loin trail, cool breeze now slicing through me even with double thermals. Gradually warmed up as the trail undulated up towards the days hills Ben Vane and Beinn Ime. Reached the Vane path and into walk mode, caught a couple of walkers too quickly then eased back for the trudge through Vanes rocky outcrops the path disappearing every few yards in the snow. The top a pleasant contrast to the climb, no wind. Ran off the back along the ridge to the usual rock before turning left into Gleann Uaine where a tip toe descent, watchful of the black icy patches hidden in the grass, made it
difficult to use enough energy to stay warm.



Crossed Lag Uaine and found a feint ridge path that would take me half way up towards Glas Bealach on dry firm ground. Through some crags then the gradient eases over wet ground until I get to Glas B. Back into the snow from here traversing round as I climb to avoid some snowy crags. Higher and steeper and I am glad to find the footprints of two walkers and use these to improve the grip, sometimes using them for hand holds as well. The snow makes for a tough climb and towards the top I stop for a few seconds every twenty yards or so then push on before my feet freeze. The top breezy and I rest for a few seconds to take a drink and gaze at the surrounding snowy tops. The run off Ime fun in the snow, lower down towards the Bealach I manage to find firm ground and keep my feet reasonably dry. A lot of walkers about for the run along the track between Narnain and the Cobbler and down the zig zags back to a packed car park, 14 miles and 5700' in 4 hours 45.

Clachnaben

The first race in this years SHR Championship, just south of Banchory, its a long day out. I ran this race in 2009 the last time it was a championship event. New course for this year a bit shorter although over the same two hills, Mount Shade and Clachnaben with its rocky Tor. Car parking on a forest road and then a 10 minute walk into the forest to registration. At noon a couple of hundred of us set off from reg to the start a few hundred yards down the track.

Soon we are off onto a muddy trail winding through the forest then we start to climb up via a couple of short firebreaks before coming out on the open hillside. Time for a photo break in the queue for the style, the field strung out ahead on their way to Threestane Hill.

Heathery stuff now, after Threestane Hill we continue up the ridge towards Mount Shade, with Clachnaben peeking out behind. 

The descent from Mount Shade takes us south, away from Clachnaben then skirts the edge of some woods and a traverse round Mt Shade's Western flank back towards Clachnaben for the last climb zig zagging up to the summit Tor.

From the Tor we run down a scraggy walkers path beside a narrow stream, a soft peaty heathery mush. I'm catching up those in front until we hit the forest road again for the last 3k where they pull away from me. We get to within a few hundred yards of the finish and are sent off on a narrow track through the forest, uphill of course, a few unexpected minutes effort brings me in to the finish, I should check the route map more carefully in future.

Time for a seat and a beer courtesy of Deeside Brewery one of the race sponsors. Plenty of prizes, apart from the ones for those that run quickly, prizes are given out for the dirtiest runners, the runner with the most Scottish name, the most helpful DNF and those who found the tiny Easter chicks hidden around the course.

Pictures here here here and here.   

Stoneymollan

The 10th Stoneymollan race, two of us have run them all. There were 16 runners tonight, set off in handicap order, target for all to finish at 7:30. Cool evening good for running, 16 minute climb for me to the top of the track. The next part is on a hill path undulating over Bromley and Overton Muir's, kept the effort going, soon on top and able to relax for a few minutes before the next short climb. A slight route change before the last steep wee climb then downhill for a run through the brown stink bog and gorse alley. From there its rough track and road to the finish. Missed 7:30 by a minute and a half. Tea and cake to finish, helps keep the weight up. Some pictures from the run here.

Another Luss Hill Run

On sight, map and compass in the bag and it stayed there on a delightful spring morning round of a few Luss hills. Started the same as last week with a plod  up Beinn Eich, followed the path all the way to the top for a change. Ran off the back and traversed to the beallach before a short climb to the top of Cruach an t-Sidhein, only the last 50' as steep as it looked.

Beinn Eich on the left, Beinn Chaorach on the right from ascent of an t-Sidhein.

Good views from the summit to Arrochar and the Ardgarten peninsula. Sat and refuelled for a few minutes planning the route back then set off south west for Beinn a Mhanach, 1000' feet down and 1100' back up in just over a mile. Kept as high as possible crossing the glen to save re ascent, curved ascent to avoid gullies and crags on the run up to Mhanach's top which is some way back from where you expect it to be. Another 1000'+ descent and re ascent to get to Ben Chaorach, starts with an easy run down over grass and soft rush to cross a boggy bealach. A steep climb undulates up beside a fence before the gradient eases onto a gentle broad runnable ridge to the summit, relieved now that most of the day's climbing was done. The last third of the route is a gently undulating ridge run over Beinn Tharsuin and a couple of minor tops and the day's efforts began to have an effect, any uphill meant walk or maybe the odd shuffle if it wasn't too long. All too soon I was looking down to Coille Eughain Hill over Creag an Leinibh and the last couple of miles of running all the way to the finish 2000' below. Out for 5 3/4 hours. A few pictures here.

Luss Hill Run

Navigation run today, the plan was to start up Beinn Eich at the top of Glen Luss then go a new route anticlockwise via Cruach an t-Sidhein, Beinn a' Mhanach, Beinn Chaorach and Tharsuin overlooking Glen Fruin dropping back into Glen Luss off Coille Eughain Hill. Parked at the top of the Glen and set off into low cloud finally popping out the cloud near the top of Beinn Eich.

Ran along the ridge down into the cloud contouring to the left of Beinn Lochain to save some energy. As I reached what I thought was Creag Tharsuinn before the next climb the sound of gunfire from the MOD range encouraged a change from the planned route which skirts the range. Didn't fancy missing a turning in the cloud and running into some wargames. Sat down for 10 minutes to see if the cloud was going to clear, no change so about turn and climbed up to the top of what I hoped was Beinn Lochain, soon back above the cloud and pleased to be where I thought. Continued my run round to Doune Hill then dropped into Sith Mor and the stiff climb to the top of Mid Hill, by then the cloud had gone leaving a hazy sunshine. I would probably have been ok but I'll leave that run for another day. Finished the 9 miles and 4000' in just under 4 hours. Some more pictures here.

Stoneymollan

My first run for a while round the Stoney in cool spring sunshine, I turned off the road and the quiet soon shattered by motorcylists scrambling round tracks in the woods. Left them behind and the only sound my laboured breathing, good to get out again moving over rough ground just fast enough to stay warm. Jogged my way round the reservoir and soon going up past the quarry, managed to keep going til the top and a nice view down the Clyde.

Followed the trail to the trig point where I stopped again, not for long in the chilly breeze. Easy run down  to the top of the Stoney passing masses of fallen conifers almost reaching the path. Down the Stoney and along the bypass returning home via Christie Park. Out for an hour and a half.

Conic Hill Race

Turned our for the Conic Hill Race last week. Local race with a sensible start time, 11:00 am. 5k and with 1000' of ascent a nice wee race, after a short section of forest track into walk mode up the steep steps about a third of the way up then onto the open hill up Conic's lumpy spine. A few false summits and we were at the top. About turn and drop onto the WHW path running back down, leaving the path running straight on just before we were to meet the outward route. We ran down a narrow spur before dropping steeply towards some woods, across a fence onto a narrow path for as short up and down a root covered path to finish just inside 39 mins. Results here, lots of pictures here, and here.

Riveting runs

Glen Loin was the chosen punishment on Saturday, forecasts varied from breezy and sunny to gales and blizzards, we got a bit of both. Left the car park at the usual 8:40 for an anticlockwise run round the Glen, the first few miles pleasant enough in the sheltered lower Glen with blue skies and bright sunshine, the numerous toads and associated spawn suggesting Spring isn't far away.

All change once we left the forest for the short section of road at Coiregrogain the wind picked up and shrouded the surrounding tops, heads bowed to avoid the driving snow in our faces as we struggled forwards. A slight respite once we crossed the bridge, Ben Vanes lower slopes affording some shelter. Into the upper glen and the skies cleared but we were back into the teeth of a cutting wind.

 The run back down the other side of the glen pleasantly sheltered through the trees. We cut off the last corner running down through the trees looking for signs of the Glen Loin caves. 11 miles and 2200' in 2 hours 15. A few more pictures here including an underwater action shot.

Sunday was a fine morning and I had a chance for a run over Stoneymollan, we found a "new" trig point overlooking Dumbarton.

Ran past the quarry on to the hill running the reverse of the club race route back down to the Vale. Stunning views over loch and snow capped mountains.

It was such a nice day we continued to Balloch Park and a run up Whinney Hill, the trail newly cleared of fallen trees. Plenty of walkers out including a few who were lost and not really dressed for the frozen mud.

By the time we started back towards the park I was struggling from the weekends efforts and gave up on the idea of a jog up to Pappert Well. Finished the 14 miles and 2100' in 3 hours 10.

Cool Carnethy

Usual preamble to the C5 race, arrive at Beeslack School, don't get changed too quick or before you know it you are in a field for a cool air quench. So I register, pick up my SHR Mug and 2012 SHR membership, vouchers, leaflets, race entry forms and then browse round the shops, Pete Bland, TISO and Run For It, buy a Carnethy Buff, then its time to change. We arrived at the field in good time, about half one, for an easy warm up before sheltering beside the tea tent until the last minute.

Away we went across the bogs just after two, near frozen ground made for good going with the odd icy patch to keep you on your toes. Steady run to the top of Scald Law in 23 1/2 minutes, the next three hills, South Black and the Kips relatively short, running steady no heroics today. Still managed to overtake a few on the run down to the Howe as a lot of runner s took it easy on the frozen turf, new shoes supplying the necessary confidence. On the way along to Carnethy I had a look around to see who I was running with and picked a few targets. Put in a decent effort on the upper slopes to the top of Carnethy and kept it going all the way down the steep heathery slopes then eased back for a nice steady run across the bogs to finish just inside 84 minutes.

Post race cuppa before catching the bus back to Beeslack for a hot shower and a school dinner. Plenty of photographers out on the course, photos here, here.

Sunday recovery and an easy afternoon run round the club Stoneymollan race route, nice to get out on the hills again, good views to the Luss hills and a cloud topped Ben Lomond.

Fairy Glen

Double cancellation, Whinney Hill Cross Country cancelled due to trees on the course, road 10k cancelled due to ice so we ran the 3 lap 5k Fairy Glen. Ran maybe an overstatement, run and walk. 15 runners completed the course, rain stayed away until after we had finished the post race hot food. Us runners are spoiled.

Snowy Luss

Glorious sunrise when I got up today, a bit late as a powercut stopped my noisy backup alarm from forcing me out. I had planned a new route, Beinn Eich to start then along the ridge cutting off left for an anti clockwise run over Cruach an t-Sidhein, Beinn a'Mhanaich, Beinn Chaorach and Beinn Tarsuinn before picking up the Finlas circuit returning via Coille-eughain hill.

Ran up the glen road in the cool clear still morning. Pleased to find frozen ground as I left the road at Edentaggart Farm. Soon reached the snowline, perfect at first, two or three inches on a frozen base keeping my feet reasonably dry and warm. The top third not so good, drifting snow meant a bit of a fence posting trudge, hard work and slow. By the time I reached the top I had given up on the days route and after a few pictures turned back through the deep snow. As I decended into shallower snow the enjoyment returned and by the time I reached the glen I was ready for more. Crossed the road and trudged up Coille-eughain Hill at 1200' some 800' lower than Beinn Eich the snow should be ok to run through.

Good run  down to the foot of the Glen via the Paps, finding a nice path to the left of the trees and bog, an easier exit from the hill than usual. Finished in just over 3 1/2 hours for what turned out to be 3800' of ascent and 9 miles. More pictures here.

Arrochar Trails

Set off for the forest trails round Arrochar with a forecast of gales and sunshine. Planned 16 mile 3000' route anti-clockwise round Glen Loin then along to Ardgarten and back to Succouth taking the lower trail out to Ardg and the upper trail back. Clouds ripping across the sky and Lochs Lomond and Long a trifle choppy on the drive up. Luckily the Glen Loin track is sheltered, at least in the lower section. Walked the short hills on the way up to the pylons, a bit breezy now. Onto the short road section to Corriegrogain, running straight into the wind and rain. Ran the hill from the bridge and the rocky hill towards the disappearing stream. A mixture of lashing rain, sleet and sunshine in the exposed upper glen. Crossed the stream, pleased to get back into the shelter of the trees for an easy run back towards Succouth. Didn't even think about stopping as I passed Succouth and ran along towards Ardgarten. Lashing again and into the gale up the road to pick up the upper track Pretty cold by the time I got there and turned up the track, warming up as I worked my way uphill, the rain eased and the sun came out as I reached the top. Walked along for a few minutes taking some more pictures, difficult to get running again, shuffled along for a while, gradually working up to a run. An atmospheric run today through sunshine and showers, the wind howling through the trees overhead, the air heavy with the scent of pine, gullies filled with noisy streams of froth and foam. Finished just under 3 1/2 hours, 2 hours 5 for Glen L, and 1 hour 20 for the out and back to Ardg.

Arrochar Alp

A good forecast had us in Succouth at half 8 for a clockwise run up Glen Loin, we planned to leave the glen via Bealach a' Mhaim then run over Ben Narnain, 9 miles or so and 3600' of ascent. Tops in cloud but the forecast was cloud to 800m so we should pop out into the sunshine. Steady run up Glen Loin over the stream and left to the end of the track from there a steady plod over open hillside to the Bealach. We used to go through the trees, but they are too big now so detour round them to a new improved grippy stile. Bit of a struggle getting up to the Bealach, used the new fence to pull myself up but still had to stop several times to catch my breath. Towards the top a cold breeze, jackets on as we go in to the mist and snow. Soon onto the path to Narnain, it becomes icier as we climb so we move to the side on the soft rush and grass. Still not moving very well and stopping every few yards so I took on some sugar which got me back into a steady rhythm. A bit arctic near the top, rocks and boulders treacherous, covered with an invisible film of ice and a breeze stinging any exposed flesh. We didn't hang about on the top running straight across for the Spearhead gulley, difficult to find in the mist and snow, when we got there some walkers were picking their way up, we waited while they came past. We started down what would be a tricky descent, sitting down, sliding, scrambling towards the drop into the snow filled chute with a freezing cold wind howling around us and we decided to go back and return via the Bealach. Back to the top then a short scramble through the icy boulder field before a good run down grassy slopes to the Bealach and onto the path back to Succouth. Finished in 3 hours 40 for the 12 miles and 3800' eventually covered.

Polaroid Cross Country

A lot of effort had been put in to get the race on, a group were out on Friday, clearing branches and working out ways to get past a few bigger trees and bushes that blocked the paths. Sunday morning at 10am 21 runners set off on a 2 lap mud fest round the Polaroid Industrial Estate. We ran across the tussocky field and through a mud bowl in the forest before I settled into a steady pace in 7th place along the riverbank. The runners in front pulling away, the ones behind stayed there. A short climb before the run along the back of the factory then a twisty run through the trees into another field followed by the slippy track round the pond, a quick up and down then into a swampy muddy trail before popping out to run down a grassy verge to finish lap 1, over the fence and round again for lap 2 about a minute and a half slower finishing just over 40 minutes. Another lap as a cool down while the Millie breakfast bar cooked up a sausage storm. Some photos here.

Calendar Crags

I last ran this 3 years ago, a nice low key race for runners, mums, dads and kids, must have been 60 or 70 of us today. We all set off at one on a promise of a wee sherry and a mince pie to finish, Ben Ledi gleaming white away to the west in the wintery sun. The narrow path zig zags up through the woods, a few fallen trees to negotiate this year, pretty soon the gradient eases and the trees thin out with good views to the hills to the north, managed to get running again past the monumental cairn for the short drop off the back of the hill, even managed to overtake a few. Onto the road all to soon, luckily its only for a few minutes until we get back onto the forest tracks for a fast undulating run to finish in 36:18. Back to the McLaren Leisure Centre for the promised sherry and pies and a welcome seat out of the cold breeze.