Trossachs Duathlon 24th Mch

The sun shone for the 1st Trossachs Duathlon, 40 km of torture or pleasure depending on your outlook. This was a run/bike/run duathlon. First a Hill Run 7 miles 2200ft, then a 16 mile Mountain bike on forestry fire roads with a 2 1/2 mile run to finish.

Run1, up and down Ben Venue , started from the Loch Katrine access road undulating upwards on forrest tracks. Once clear of the forrest it was straight up the steep slopes, heather providing welcome hand holds, to the top of Ben Venue with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and lochs. From the top it was a rocky ridge run to a high Beallach followed by a tricky descent on an eroded path covered in rocks and bogs requiring full concentration to stay upright. To get to the transition area it was 1/2 mile past the run1 start in the Ben Venue car park.

The bike run got progressively tougher, leaving the transition area towards the Dukes Pass the first couple of miles were fast on road and forrest tracks beside Loch Achray then it was on to a mixture of rougher steeper tracks, paths and forrest roads as the route turned away from Loch Venacher up to Loch Drunkie. The route round Loch Drunkie narrow and rutted in places . After Loch Drunkie it was a lap of Druim Buidhe with some overgrown tracks to navigate before a very rough steep descent. Back onto forrest tracks and roads for a few tortuous miles where even pedalling down hill became a chore. The last mile or so thankfully down hills steep enough for gravity to help get the legs spinning again.

Run2 was 2 1/2 miles or so back up the start of the BenVenue route before looping round on forrest roads, reduced to a steady plod. Great event and scenery with weather on the day to top it off. Hopefully on again next year but would need more bike fitness. Splits run1 1:34, bike 2:04, run2 0:35 all in 4 hrs 13.

Arrochar Sun 18th March

Continuing arctic mountain weather meant another low level trail run. Took the forest trail from Succoth through a wind tunnel called Glen Croe then on up the old crumbling Rest & B Thankful road. Apparently the vintage cars drove up here last week. At the top a left turn towards Lochgoilhead for a couple of hundred yards then a left turn down the undulating forest track to Ardgarten. From Ardgarten went up the newish trail at the end of the car park back up towards the Cobbler & Narnain and then picked up the outward trail for the last mile or so. About 14 miles & 2700' of ascent in just over 2 1/2 hours. Good run apart from the 3/4 of a mile on the road through windy Glen Croe. Big variation in the weather one minute bathed in sunshine the next straight into the teeth of a snowstorm. A few pix in the Galleria.

Glen Luss Horseshoe Sun 11th March

High winds, clouds, rain, snow so back to the relative comfort of the Luss hills. 2nd attempt in recent weeks to run the horseshoe.

Climb up Beinn Dubh followed by a run along the broad ridge skirting the 2 corries before dropping down into Sith Mor and then the steep climb to the highest point of the run, 2408' of Doune Hill. Undulating ridge run along to Beinn Eich via Beinn Lochain then a quick descent to Edentaggert farm at the top of Glen Luss. A couple of tortuous road miles to finish.

Huge amount of water everywhere today made slippy going on all the steep climbs, even slippier going up Beinn Dubh was the frog spawn inhabiting every pool of water, much the same as Glen Loin a couple of weeks back. Only bits slippier than the climbs were the descents.

Hills empty today only passed 2 guys walking up Beinn Dubh, maybe the low cloud, wind and driving rain had something to do with it?

Luss Hills Monday 5th March

Took a holiday today and after the kids left for school set off for a run. Clouds down to about 2500' and snow from 2000' so instead of the planned Ben Venue went a few miles up the road to Luss for a run round the Horseshoe, logic being they go just over 2000'.

Usual route planned, 12 miles and 5000' of ascent, up Beinn Dubh, run along the ridge, round the corries, drop into Sith Mor then up Doune Hill and back to Glen Luss via the ridge over Beinn Lochain and Beinn Eich.

Started the climb up Beinn Dubh through a muddy field/swamp before picking up the path. The path alternated between stream and swamp most of the way up. After the initial steep climb the wind kicked in, no gusts just difficult. Difficult to breathe & difficult to keep your hat on. Solution...put 2 hats on.

Got to the top with a jog walk, too windy at the top to stop so kept on towards the 1st corrie. Took in views of a stormbound Arrochar Alps from the shelter of some peat hags. Toes began to freeze in the icy slush along the top and thoughts of the Beinn Eich ridge began to fade. Pretty soon the wind chill had wiped it out comletely. Soon realised why the toes were so cold, loose laces, somehow even when they were tied up didn't feel like Beinn Eich.

Ran on past the second corrie and dropped into Sith Mor, still no urge to climb back up into the wind and as the toes slowly came back to life cut left down Glen Mollochan eventually picking up a rough path to join the road for a run down Glen Luss. All in 9 miles and 2600' of ascent. Couple of pix in the galleria.

Vorlich and Vane Sun 25th Feb

Warmer weather provided an early opportunity to have a go at some of the Arrochar Alps with some new route choices thrown in. Plan was to run up Glen Loin towards Loch Sloy Dam, up Ben Vorlich, returning to the Dam then up Ben Vane before dropping down over the back into Gleann Uaine, finishing with the rest of the Glen Loin path back to Succoth. About 16 miles and 6500 feet.

Took the path to Corriegrogan and then on up towards the Sloy dam. About a 1/4 of a mile before the dam a man made ramp leads up Ben Vorlich. Initial slog from the top of the ramp gives way to the usual path which snakes through the jumble of rocks and crags and along the ridge to the summit. Into the clouds at about 2000' so no views from the top today.

On the way back down started off the same way as I had come up until level with the Sloy dam 2000' below then its straight down. The first 100' feet or so a bit steep but there are some faint paths and sheep tracks to ease the strain. Met a walker going up with some advice on the new route planned for BV. Only slight hiccup on the way down was going through some crags at the bottom.

Crossed the dam and ran away from Glen Loin alongside Loch Sloy climbing diagonally up Ben Vanes NE flank, new route to me following the main streams seen from the Dam. At about 2000' the route levels out slightly but no chance to see where to go as clouds still down low.

Took the walkers advice and stuck within earshot of the stream. At about 2200' the hill steepened up again for what was hoped to be the last big climb of about 800'. The map had implied the stream stopped about 1800' but it continued up over 2000' before dissapearing under a boulder.

Another bonus the gullies feeding the streams seemed to continue almost to the top.

Not too sure at this point where I would pop up as it is easy to go off course in mist when following streams and gullies. Headed for the low point on the horizon and the ground looked familiar as it levelled out, sure enough the last short climb to the top of BV loomed out of the mist.

Got a bit disorientated in the mist on top so instead of the planned drop into Gleann Uaine on the other side took the path down to Corriegrogan and through Glen Loin back to Arrochar.

Carnethy 5 Sat 17th Feb

This race kick starts the year and is the largest Hill race in Scotland, about 500 runners. As such it is a bit more organised and provides changing and showers followed by a hot meal after the race - school dinner - and with 2 sports shops in attendance selling all sorts of running gear.

The school is a few miles away from the start and buses shuttle back and forward taking the runners to the start area. At the start a couple of small marquees are set up, one for refreshments and the other is a medical tent.

The race is 6 miles with 2500 feet of ascent over 5 hills, the first and last climbs are close to 1000' each with the 3 in between minor blips. It starts with a mad dash across the swamp to the foot of the 1st 1000' climb up Scald Law. The middle part of the race is an nice easy run over 3 hill tops, South Black Hill, East Kip and West Kip, followed by a plunge down steep grassy slopes and a run along easy ground to the foot of the final 1000' climb up to Carnethy Hill. A steady plod up and run the short sections where the trail levels out if you have any energy left.

From the top of Carnethy its a steep drop, initially on paths but to prevent erosion you are soon directed off the path through deep heather hiding avariety of rocks and holes waiting to trap the unwary. For the last few hundred yards its back across the swamp to the finish for coffee and biscuits before catching the bus back to school for a hot shower and a hot meal before the drive home.

Glen Finlas Sun 11th Feb

Late night, late start, luckily set off for an anticlockwise run round this 10 mile 2900' feet of ascent run round Glen Finlas. Lucky? you get lost quicker this way, the clockwise route follows a fence until you are 4 or 5 miles away from the lochside road, getting lost there could be more of an issue.

No snow in the Glen but after about 40 or so minutes reached what might have been the 1st top, Creachin Hill, in snow, cloud, and visibility down to about 50 yards. Ground featurless due to the snow which pretty much merged with the sky.

Not too risky as this part of the moor is only a mile or two from lower ground in any direction except the planned route. With this in mind tried the "keep going up" route finding method but it didnt work as I couldn't see the next hill and it didn't seem like I was getting anywhere.

After about 20 mins of wandering through giant peat hags got the compass out. Figured out east should take me back towards Loch Lomond and after another 10 minutes or so started to descend and soon dropped below the cloud and snowline.

Came out on the wrong side of the hill, obviously disorientated by the hags and I was not where I should have been. Picked up a trod half way down the hill and contoured back round to Glen Finlas and on up towards the dam, dropped down to the lochside, crossed the dam and contoured back down towards the loch. All in about 2 1/2 hours.

Stoneymollen Sun 4th Feb

Late night so short late afternoon run was all that could be done. Ran along towards Renton through fields avoiding the roads where possible. Took the steep path leading you behind the reservoir and then parallel to the road, crossing to go into the quarry.

Steady plod up behind the quarry as views of the Clyde open up. Once clear of the quarry cut left to join the track to the trig point. Pause at the trig point to take in the views, the Clyde on one side and Loch Lomond, islands, Conic Hill and Ben Lomond on the other.

Easy jog along to the Stoneymollen and a last look at the Loch before the descent back into the Vale.

Whinney Hill Cross Country Sat 3rd Feb

Perfect day for the inaugural running of this race, the start was unusual with male runners going in the opposite direction to the ladies so that we could include a lap of Balloch Park before joining them on the Whinney Hill trail at the top of Heart Attack Hill.

The trail is a new man made path and took us out the back of Balloch Park crossing the Botourich Rd and undulates through woods and fields. There is a nice seat at the turning point for those who want to sit and gaze over Loch Lomond, this was the only time I havn't made use of the seat, maybe next year.

By now runners were appearing from a variety of directions as some of the course markers had apparently been spiritied away by the locals, a few moans but people should check out the course in advance as markers are dificult to see when running quickly through trees and rough terrain, eyes tend to be down watching out for tree roots and the like.

Too good a morning to stand and drink T & Coffee after the race so ran round and collected the remaining markers as the sun shone, inviting Ben Lomond in the background.

Beinn Dubh, Sun 28th Jan

Back to Glen Luss, planned a similar route to last week but in very different weather conditions. Last week was sun and snow this week overcast, gales and some stinging horizontal rain.

Very Cross Wind on the way up Beinn Dubh made for a slow plod, you could lean at about 45 degrees without falling over. Once at the top and turning into the wind it was like trying to run up a very steep hill, impossible to run more than 50 yards without stopping to catch your breath.

Run along towards top 657 uneventful apart from the gusting wind and rain blasting your face, once in line with the gully between Beinn Dubh & Mid Hill which leads back down to Glen Luss we decided not to risk going along the ridge & to cut down the gully instead. Pretty steep and slippy but zig zagged along avoiding the steepest parts.

Finished up with the usual gentle jog back down Glenn Luss, no pesky mutt to annoy us this time. Shorter than usual Sunday run about 6 miles and just over 2000'.

Beinn Dubh Sun 21st Jan 07

Run up Beinn Dubh from Glen Luss into the snow and ice. Managed to get some sun and blue sky while most of the surrounding hills were covered in cloud so a good route choice.

Extremely cold in the wind which meant most of the time. Toes start to freeze when you stop so tried to keep on the move as much as possible. The snow was mostly between a few inches and a foot deep apart from the drifts which were 2 or 3 feet deep plus, found a few of those usually when least expected.

The windiest most exposed parts were the best to run on as you stayed on top of the snow which had been turned to ice by the wind. The rippled surface gave a clue where to aim for. Out of the wind the snow was soft and it was like running through sand, frequently coming to a halt to catch your breath.

Once at the top of Beinn Dubh continued NW along the broad ridge, turning W between the 2 corries to top 657, unamed but higher than Beinn Dubh. Continued along the short ridge and finally turning SE down Mid Hill back to the top of Glen Luss. The last few hundred yards off Mid Hill were the worst as the snow turned to mushy muddy grass, almost impossible to stand upright never mind run.

The last 2 miles were a jog down the Glen Luss road, seems to go on forever after a couple of hours on the hills, broken up only when chased by a small ankle snapping dog. All in about 7 miles and 2500' in 2 1/2 hours, a few pix in the Galeria.

Cross Country 20th Jan 07

2 lap Cross Country round Polaroid Industrial Estate today. With the Leven in flood the bottom corner of the course had to be re-routed. Setting out the course we disturbed first a Deer and then a Heron, both near the Leven, further round in the pond past the council offices another (same?) Heron took off.

Plenty of mud and water about made for heavy going and a major slow down on the second lap. All in just about what was needed.

Stoneymollen Swamp Sun 7th Jan

Another late afternoon run up Stoneymollen in the dark and lashing rain. Out for just over 1 1/2 hours about 20 mins slower than the same route in daylight, the uphills no real problem but much slower on the downhills. Managed to stay upright apart from a couple of slides on hands and feet which dont really count as a fall. Although cloudy only had to use the headtorch twice, both times to find paths, one back through the quarry and the other to avoid posts guarding a path through some woods.

The track up the Stoney was ok until through the gate and then it was a bit slippy on the first rocky part. From the top its a left turn up the hill, the path easy to pick out as it was a stream, thankfully managed to jump the ditches without any problems but walked the 3 short steep parts as extremely slippy mud on what looks like motorcycle or quad bike tracks.

Picked my way up the climb and emerged into the low clouds and wind, ok as working quite hard. Ran aong past the bomb crater and trig points and along towards the quarry either in a stream or through a swamp.

The descent towards the quarry road very slow avoiding the variety of rocks and ditches. Put on gloves as very quickly got cold due to the reduced effort.

Down through the quarry, across the Carman road and back onto a waterpath towards the reservoir. Followed the waterpath behind the reservoir and down through another swamp back towards the Vale. Ran along verges and through fields to avoid the dreaded roads. Surprisingly didn't see a single soul during the run.

Calendar Crags Sat 6th Jan

Finally managed to get to this race, run twice a year in January and June, 3 miles long with 850' of climb. About 40 or so runners took part. Good conditions, cool and cloudy and some sunny spells.

The race starts from the road behind Calendar Main st on a path which goes to the Crags through a wood, the zig zags taking the sting out of the climb. The path levels out towards the top and its possible to jog most of the top section with great views through the trees over Lenniestone Muir and probably out to Flanders Moss.

Out of the woods at the top and after negotiating some rocks there's a short ridge section to catch your breath before a steep, and at this time of year, v muddy descent as the path threads its way through the edge of the woods. Overtaken by 4 on this part as I pussyfoot my way down.

The next section is a 1/2 mile or so of downhill road and managed to get 2 of the 4 places back.

After the road its back onto the forrest trail again with couple of short climbs giving a nice wee sting in the tail as the trail undulates back to the finish.

Straight home after the race so no time for the showers & Prizegiving on offer in the Calendar Leisure Centre.

Pappert Well Sun 24th Dec

Easy trail run this morning from the Vale Leisure Centre up the Pappert trail with a pause at the trig point and then a wee wander out through the woods for a look over the moors. Very calm once away from the housing estates, no noise or wind just the rhythm of breathing.

Balloch Park Sun 17th Dec

The usual Christmas holiday continued with a Sunday run of less than an hour. Round Balloch Park, avoiding the flooded lochside path up heart attack hill and out the North Gate turning along towards Botourich and coming back in via the new Whinney hill track. Through the Park back to the car park in the Moss O Balloch. Just about freezing, high brocken cloud, snow on the tops of the Luss hills and the Ben.

Stoneymollen Sun 10th Dec

With high winds and rain forecast lazyness and common sense prevailed and after a look out the window confirmed the weather gave up the usual early rise for a well deserved lie in. So it meant another run in the dark, this time leaving after 8 for an anticlockwise loop up the Stoneymollen.

Once off the road and onto the path the headtorch went on to navigate the slippery rocks on the way up. Traverse along the ridge hard work in the mud so took it nice and steady avoiding the sheep and startled by a bird taking off beside my feet. High winds once out from behind the trees so head down and plod on through the bomb crater past the trig point and down through the swamp. The worst part is just before the climb up to the fort as it is trackless and crossed by several ditches which I was lucky enough to avoid.

Slow jog down, back along to the radiomast and then its onto the farm track, hard work done apart from the small climbs up to the road in front of the cemetry.

Run in the Buff and the dark Sun 3rd Dec

Short late Sunday afternoon run, set off just before 4 and ran a clockwise route past the radiomast and on up to the fort. Wind & rain blootering me so on with the Buff in its balaclava mode before crossing Overton & Bromley moors trying to avoid the swamps.

Although getting dark it was easy to spot the path as it was a greasy muddy stripe, ran just beside it on the grass and heather where it was easier to maintain a relatively upright posture most of the time. Had to hurdle over a sheeps skeleton and then the last 3 sunken ditches with only minor emersion (knee deep) and shoes intact.

At the top of the Stoneymollen a break in the clouds and rain meant the moon came out to light the way down this rocky track. Ran along the bypass to Christie Park where the headtorch had to be switched on to find the way in and along the narrow path through the trees and back home. Good run to blow the cobwebs away and get the blood flowing again.

Balloch Park X Country Sat 2nd Dec

Welcome weather window for Saturday mornings 3 lap race round Balloch Park, gone were the gales and downpours of the last few days replaced by damp calm. Suprisingly puddle free with only 3 or 4 patches of gloo.

Scenic course with a good mix of short and long hills along with a few soft bits. The new path along the bottom is a bit easier than the old muddy one but in general the surface underfoot was quite soft & slippy which saps energy from the legs, so no overall gain.

1st lap too quick and suffered with each lap progressively slower to finish in just over 37 mins.

Ben Vorlich Sun 26th Nov

Forecast was for a weather window on Sunday and decided to go for a run up & down Ben Vorlich before winter strikes. Heavy rain for the past couple of weeks meant there was plenty of streams to cross on the footpath through Glen Loin.

Climbed up from the Sloy Dam road beside one of the streams which is artificially diverted to fill Loch Sloy avoiding the lower path which was flooded.

Once up this steep section joined the path as it snaked in and out of the crags and went in to the mist and cloud at about 2000-2500 feet. The wind increased with height and put on fleece, jacket and gloves as snow patches started to appear. Only issue was cold feet due to the amount of water.

As usual the path disappeared in & out of the snow but no real problems on the way up - just keep going up. Spent a few minutes at the top in partial cloud which gave glimpses of Loch Sloy and the valleys and mountains on either side.

Difficult to pick up the path on the way back down in the mist and snow and its easy to drop down into the corrie on the Eastern side instead of towards Sloy. Gradually worked out the way and was soon back on the path going through the labyrinth of crags and back under the cloud.

Tired legs on the run back down through Glen Loin, all in 13 miles and 4400 feet. Some pix in the Galleria.