Ardgarten Sun 23rd Aug

Five of us turned up to run the Ardgarten loop. Agreement already reached on a clockwise run by way of a bit of gurning. The day started wet and stayed wet but not too much wind to chill the bones on the plod round, over and about the 20 miles with 4000' of ascent on forrest and cycle tracks with 2 or 3 miles of road just to annoy you.

The first 6 or 7 miles take you along Loch long undulating upwards to the path over the Dukes pass. The Dukes Pass is a couple of miles of slight up then back down to Loch Goil side.

A two mile run takes you to Lochgoilhead, then a couple of miles nice and flat but on horrible road.

A steady 3 mile climb takes you almost to the top of the Rest and Be Thankful for the 4 mile mostly downhill run to Ardgarten.

Ran most of the hills then walked until the hill walkers caught up, finished in just under four n half hours. Rain finally went off for us to change. As its summer the info hut was open for a refuel of crisps, fullfat Irn Bru and a boost.

5k Race, Thurs 20th Aug

First Club 5k race tonight, starting on Old Luss Road at the back entrance to Cameron House, through Lomond Shores to the path running along the Leven, onto the cycle path and finishing just past the Vake Academy. Overall downhill course with no major ups or downs, finished in 21:23 the same time as my first 5k, the Dunky Wright earlier this year.

Lomonds of Fife, Sun 16th Aug

A nice wee race to finish off this years summer holidays, 11 miles and 3400' of ascent. The race starts near the Bunnet Stane with a climb up West Lomond, run along to East Lomond via the Monument then back via the Fort to West Lomond for the bumslide and run in to the finish, unusual for a hill race a water station is included.

The first climb is about 20 minutes or so - for me - about turn and run half way back down before traversing to the right gradually descending via a series of narrow tracks to pick up an undulating forrest road for a mile or two towards East Lomond.

The exit from the forrest road is well marked with tape and takes you up a narrow path through the forrest to the Monument checkpoint, follow the marked path on through the forrest and onto the track which runs between the two Lomond Hills.

The route to East Lomond is all runnable apart from the short sharp climb at the end. At the Trig Point about turn and run back towards West Lomond, a short detour is marked to take you to the next checkpoint, Maiden Castle, a big grassy mound. From the Castle a short run across pathless moorland back to the track to West Lomond, runnable except for the last short climb to the top.

From the top a short run to the top of the descent gully where I managed to overtake 3 people lying on my back, some run down this but sliding is faster.

Finished in just over 2 hours 20, my slowest of three attempts at this race, but not by much as they have all been within 40 seconds. After the race its back to Strathmiglo village hall for tea and some food.

A good intro to medium hill races, rolling hills with no big climbs or technical parts, the twists and turns are well marked with tape so you can't really get lost.

Left the Vale in rain and low cloud but by race time sun and blue skies, a strong wind the only problem on the way back from East to West Lomond. Pictures here give you some idea of the terrain, if you want to see the bumslide before you try search for Lomonds of Fife on YouTube, a few Swedish runners had spotted this and flew over to join in the fun.

Lossiemouth Aug 09

Annual holiday in Lossie at Silver Sands, yes the one in the news with the scam Caravan Sales. The Site was the busiest we had seen it in the last 10 years. Weather good as it always is in the magic circle...forecast rain, showers etc, actual sun, sun, sun.

Ran every couple of days, 2 hour clifftop run to Hopeman and back was the longest, a couple of easy 5 mile beach runs and 3 hill rep runs, all finished with a swim in the sea.

There were 14 of us.....


As well as shopping in Tesco, Chinese Buffets and watching the jets we partook in all the usual Lossie activities;

Watching the sunset....


The Beach.....about 3 or 4 miles long with a nice wee track up a hill at the end to take you onto the clifftops and the Moray Coastal Trail, perfect for hill reps.


Andrews 15th birthday....poor wee lamb, 9 out of his last 10 birthdays have been in a tent at Lossie


Golf, a round at nearby Hopeman, a links course where we saw former Open Champ Paul Lawrie playing in an exhibition match, Andrew is teeing off at the par 3 12th, "Prieshach"....


Duffus Castle....


Who will be back next year, will they let us in, these and other interesting questions may be answered when we feel like it.

Luss Highland Games, Sun 26th July

After yesterday perfect weather woke up to low cloud and rain not the best for the two hill races at Luss Highland Games. The local race goes about half way up and down Cruach Dhubh, the open race all the way up and down.

First the Local race, five runners appeared, one from the club, one real runner, me and two others. Set off in third or fourth place reaching the turning point in third. Soon caught the guy in front who then tried a short cut through head high ferns, wrong decision. Couldn't see him so kept the gas on as I ran round the same ferns, managed to gain a hundred or so yards advantage by the time I caught sight of him again.

Steady run through the maze of paths back towards the games field to finish, just over 20 minutes, a comfortable second and £15.

The Open race a couple of hours later usually attracts a much bigger field of 15 plus runners, this year only seven runners and Tommy the Greenock fundraising clown. The weather probably to blame although the sun was making an effort to break through by race time.

Set off near the back the first five pulling away round the games field. Onto the hill and nothing for it but head down and push, ran where I could. No paths on the upper half of the hill through deep tussocks and more ferns, just under 25 minutes to the top.

Turned with a big gap in front and behind, cut the gap in front to about 30 yards as we came off the hill but then lost about 50 in the flat run in to finish sixth in just over 35 mins.

Arrochar Alps Sat 25th July

Sunny day with a nice breeze to keep the flying beasties at bay. Running with Jimmy, after his WHW success, a nice wee run to break him in gently, 12 miles, 2 munros and 5000 feet of ascent. A CW run to the disappearing river in Glen Loin, up Beinn Ime from behind then straight over Beinn Narnain via Bealach a Mhaim.



This was the 1st choice route for the day and with no audible objections we began the long slow jog up Glen Loin to the disappearing river. As we came out of the trees, just before the river, we climbed left up steep slopes into the valley between Vane and Ime. An amble along narrow tracks beside the river towards Lag Uaine until just past the gnarly ridge. Steep climb beside the ridge to pop up on a small col on the eastern side of Ime's two summits. A quick traverse along to the top for a wee break.

Ran off Beinn Ime at an easy pace down to the Beallach a Mhaim then straight across onto the twisting path up Beinn Narnain. Steady plod over a couple of false summits then hopefully the shortest route through the boulder field to the summit plateau.

Left the summit with a scramble through the spearhead for the 3000 feet in a couple of miles descent down the steep twisty path, a series of lumps, bumps and gullies, before the dreaded concrete block filled stream that used to be the Cobbler access path.

We came out onto the forrest road above the car park for an easy jog down via the jaccuzzi to clean the muck off. Days like this are meant for the mountains with views for miles, Ben Lui and beyond to the north, Arran and Ailsa Craig to the south. About 4 hrs 40.

Melantee and Pappert Well

Couple of races over the past week or so.

Sat 11th July a short SHR race on Meall an t Suidhe or Melantee as it is pronounced, even though you only run up an outlier called Creag a Chail. This is the hill behind Fort William to the right of the porridge pipes and to the left of Ben Nevis.

One of the top ten steepest hill races in Scotland, all in 3 1/2 miles and 1500' of ascent, take away the run out and back to Claggan Park and the climb of 1500' is contained within about a mile and a half. Spent the morning sunbathing in Glen Nevis Camp Site looking at the Ben so too hot by race time, my excuse anyway! Ran well to the base of the hill, guts ran out about half way up and let a few overtake that I normally pass. About 53 mins overall with a slow 37 mins up and 16 down.

Thursday 16th July, the club's annual Pappert Well race, just over 5 miles and close to 1000' of ascent. Finished faster than last year but a wee bit slower than hoped for. Pushed hard for the first 1/3 then laziness kicked in and eased off slightly as I could without losing any places. Through the trees after the trig point a bit more effort now and pushed a bit harder down what is the remnants of a track, overtook a few on the way back and overtaken by one! Finished with a wee social thanks once again to our hosts Pete & Mo.

Dollar Hill Race Sat 4th July

Start and finish beside the Dollar Academy Cricket pavillion, in between 9 miles and 3000' of rolling Ochil hillls. Seven of them with no big climbs or descents. Ninety plus field meant a wide range of standards, the winner in 73 mins, the third fastest ever, the last over 3 hours.

The first half mile on road and park leads to Dollar Glen where the hill and main climb of the race starts. Jog walk up over Saddle Hill to Whitewisp and the breeze kept the flies away as you climbed. The run West to Tarmangie & Skythorn a nice undulating trail with a couple of fences to jump.

At Andrew Gannel its a 180 degree turn for the run back over Kings Seat and finally Bank Hill before the last half mile of park and road.

Thankful for the cold showers before an idillic lunch on the pavillion balcony, sandwiches, tea and home baking in amongst the buzz of happy runners. SHR pictures here.

Arrochar Alps Sat 27th June

Thought I better get this report done befor the next outing, Arrocahr Alps race, 4 munros, about 15 miles and 8000' of climbing, SHR Championship counter. There are 3 cut off times, 1st one 2 1/2 hours to the Sloy Dam after a quick up and down Ben Vorlich, 3 1/2 hours to Lag Uaine the col between Ben Vane & Ime, 4 3/4 hours to Beallach a' Mhaim.

Neraly 100 set off up Glen Loin in cloudy/warm conditions. Plan was to go out steady and reach the dam in about 2 hours, 3 hrs 15 to Lag Uaine and should be ok to complete.

Arrived at the dam spot on within a minute even though it was a bit claggy on top of Vorlich which meant people came out the mist from all directions trying to find the checkpoint, been there often enough so no probs. Took it easy on the descent losing a wee bit of time in the steep slopes just above the dam.

Soon back into the mist climbing Ben Vane, visibility really poor, down to aboout about 20 or 30 yards, no visual clues as to the location of the summit or any other runners. Found a gully which ran on the correct bearing and after a bit of a delay hit the summit ridge but on the wrong side! Lost about 15 or 20 mins but should be ok for the next check.

Left the summit of Vane and runners who I was behind coming from all directions looking for the summit. Unsettled by the different directions people were going and started to question where I was going, a bit unsure so sat down for a couple of minutes to ponder before returning to Vane Summit, another 10 minutes lost and no chance of making the next check time decided to give up, my first DNF.

Jogged back to the start via Glen Loin for soup and rolls, I'll have a few more bearings writtem down next time.

Ben Sheann Wed 17th June

Waiting for the start the midgies had their anual pre midsummer bloodfest that is the Ben Sheann Hill Race. The village was blessed with a nice breeze but the startline is well sheltered behind the trees.

About 2 1/2 miles with the 1400' climb in a mile to start tried to get on the gas from the start and keep it there. Good steady climb through the forrest to a nice breezy summit in under 23 mins.

The descent about 1/2 a mile longer as it drops off the back and then circles round into the forrest to meet the outward route about half way down.

Plenty of people to chase and be chased by kept the pace up, however once back in the forrest a gooey pine needle clad surface meant a fine line between pace and disaster. Couple of knee trembling slips but stayed upright with the help of a few handy trees and new shoes.

12 min plus descent to finish under 35 mins. Celebrated the PB with a swim in the river Balvag before the scratchiest drive home of the year.

Beinn an Lochain Sat 13th June

A walk with David and Marni, a bit steeper this time, the Corbett Beinn an Lochain overlooking Loch Restil at the top of the Rest and Be Thankful. Marni managed fine even though she was well out of her comfort zone, she's used to a couple of laps of the Christie Park on a good day.

We set out after 4 for an early evening walk up this near Munro, about 2850 feet high. Walked along the road past Loch Restil from the RaBT car park, turned left off the road at the end of the layby just as the road steepens toward Butterbridge. Picked up a feint path taking us to a well worn narrow track up the ridge, good views down Glen Kinglas to Loch Fyne.



Shortly before we took the picture above a huge black cloud had drifted past dumping a hailstorm on us and the Arrochar Alps across the road, we sheltered under a cliff just in time, too wet to even think about getting the camera out, one thunder crack but thankfully no lightning.

A good ridge track winds through several steep crags and gullies, great views open up all round about but no scary exposed bits. The summit ridge soon comes into view.



Some good crags to the North West, the path offering a variety of viewpoints where you can catch your breath between the steeper bits. One viewpoint overlooks a boulderfield, a good one to avoid on your way up!



Luckily it was an isolated storm cloud and the sky stayed clear for the rest of walk, a few midgies and funny looking flying beasts bugged us at the base of the summit cone but by the time we got to the summit breezy sunshine kept the beasties at bay and views for miles. Unusual view looking down from the top to a small tarn at the bottom of the summit cone all the way down to Loch Restil 2000' below.



We sat at the summit cairn and ate a late lunch soon realising that you can never take enough food with you even when you raid Gregs before you leave the Vale.



It would have been nice to stay a while longer but once the food was done we carried on over the second top and down a broad ridge which started to take us past the car park below. After a wee recce we decided to go straight down to avoid a long trudge back to the car, pretty steep, 2000' in a mile or so, but the going was ok as the ground was reasonably dry.

We didn't quite come straight down, our descent route is on the left hand side of the picture below.



A reasonably short walk, about 4 miles or so depending on your descent route, well worth it for the views. We only met 4 other people and one dog on the way up, we had the summit to ourselves, so more peaceful than the Arrochar Alps across the road which can be a bit crowded. For some reason we met no one on the way down?

A few more pictures in the Galleria.

Cort Ma Law Wed 11th June

Another perfect running night, sunny with a breeze to keep the midgies away. 99 runners set off without a red ballon in sight for the steep climb up from Jamie Wright's Well. The race demands full body cover, map, compass and whistle, they would be better with snorkle and flippers or perhaps snow shoes to get you over the swampy bits.

The route is a backward P, after the initial climb you undulate over three unamed tops before a tussocky boggy traverse to Cort Ma Law itself. An abrupt left turn, if you see the markers, for a flattish run across a swamp to the top of Lecket Hill.

From Lecket another left turn to follow a fence line into a gulley, for once managed to overtake a few and stay upright at the same time . The climb out the gulley, another left turn, is time for a rest cum walk over some more tussocks until you rejoin the outward route, by this time you are blowing bigstyle but can't afford to ease up or risk losing a place or two.

The run back takes you over the first two tops trying to regain some composure for the final drop back to the start and waiting photographer. Finished in 64:09, a PB, the years first, by about 14 seconds.

The swampy bits toughen it up a bit to make up for the lack big climbs but conditions pretty dry this year made for easier going.

Luss Horseshoe Sun 7th June

Last longish run before the Arrochar Alps at the end of June a Clockwise Glen Luss including a new hill, the 701 metre top past Doune Hill.

Sun splitting the skies this morning with a cool breeeze, pretty much what you need for an easy run round Glen Luss.

Parked at the entrance to the Glen and ran up the road cutting onto the hill just before Edentaggert farm for the 1800' climb up Beinn Eich. Banks of clouds seemed to be coming in over the hills but a lot of clear sky remained over LL.

Nice undulating run along to Doune Hill, stopped for a picture looking down the Firth of Clyde to Arran and Paddy's Milestone. Clear air today and you could see for miles.



From Doune Hill there is one more hill to finish the ridge which has always been a thought, went for it today, only 5 or so minutes to get to the top. Run into Sith Mor tussocky as usual.
The climb up the back of Mid Hill took a bit of time, quite steep to begin with and my effort wandering with concentration or lack of, even a few Jelly Tots didn't create much of a spark. Picked up the effort after the peat hags when the gradient eases and the top comes into view.

Short break at the second cairn and decided to aim for a sub 4 hour finish, nothing extreme, a steady run round the corries and down Beinn Dubh to the bottom of Glen Luss. All in about 12 miles and 5000' of ascent, finished just under 3 hours 50 mins. Beautiful day with a cool down swim in Luss Water at the end. AFPITG.

Gargunnock HR Sat 6th June

Race run from a small agricultural show in the village of Gargunnock, the 5 mile 1000' Hill Race is in its second year and had a good turn out of nearly 70 runners.

Arrived in good time to check out the livestock, a variety of prize sheep, cows and horses. Birds of prey you could get close up with and a post race falconry show.

Usual lap of the field to start then run through the village onto farm roads before crossing a couple of fields climbing steadily all the way. Onto the hill for a walk run on a narrow track to a broad peak.

The descent is on a farm track which winds through a few crags then a couple of fields.

At the bottom a short road section then a slight incline round a field, a wee sting in the tail. Just as the MC comes into earshot the route wanders through a wood before popping out at the back of the show field a hundred or so yards from the finish.

Lovely wee race no difficult or steep terrain in a nice low key village farm show with a vintage tractor parade at the end. Only problem they ran out of veggie burgers by the time I finished, 36th in 42:03.

Kilpatrick Hill Race Wed 3rd June

9th time I have run this race, lovely night, sunny, cool breeze. Set off at half seven, large field of 90 in this years race.

Steady run up the road then jog walked the track as it winds its way up the Kilpatrick Braes. Pushed on but steady once onto the moor along the ridge and then throw yourself down the short steep drop back onto the farm track.

Raised the effort along the undulating track which takes you past past Loch Humphrey working off a couple of other runners. Despite this the Marshall tells us there's too much chit chat and to run instead.

More hard work over undulating moorland with a few boggy bits and ditches to jump before the narrow path skirting around Greenside reservoir. Always worried I will fall in. Big effort all the way up the Slacks to the trig point.

From the trig point its down hill and gradually wind up the pace as you get your breath back and the gradient increases. The run back down the steep slope to the road as fast as you can without falling.

On the road for the last half mile relax as much as possible and push the pace once breathing back under control. Kick hard from the last road junction and then glide in to the finish in 59 mins 11, missed a PB by 3 seconds, best time for 5 years.

Luss Hills Sun 31st May

Blazing sun and blue skies contrast to last weeks low cloud and rain, for a change common sense prevailed after last weeks 5 hour run an easier run closer to home.

Glen Luss horseshoe, ACW, 9 miles and 3500' of ascent. The long 2000' slog up Beinn Dubh to start. Mountain views all around.



Ran along the ridge past the unnamed top, the Arrochar Alps close enough to touch.



A 180 degree turn down mid hill. Felt like swimming down Glen Luss crossing Luss water after the Mid Hill descent but managed to cross the river and set off up the 1000' climb up Coille-eughain Hill, threw in a few hill reps on the way up, run, gasp, rest, run, gasp, rest, driven by the promise of a cool breeze and great views of Loch Lomond at the top.



Ran back to the foot of the Glen via the Paps, finished just under 2 hrs 50. Not much water on the route, drank twice as much as last week in half the time. A few more pics in the Galleria.

Arrochar Alps Sat 23rd May

Beautiful blue skies & a cool breeze on Friday and I decided to go to Arrochar on Saturday for run round Ben Vane, Ime & Narnain. Couldn't wait to go!

Got up Saturday to low cloud, but dry.

Set off from Succouth car park about 9am - charges are back on - running the Glen Loin path towards Coiregrogan, reached the Ben Vane turn off after 50 mins and set off through the muck at the bottom towards the clouds.



Caught 3 hillwalkers just as I reached the clouds and the rain blew in to make the run to the top pretty miserable. Didn't fancy going on in this but decided the route over the back to Lag Uaine was a better run off than back down the path. Met another waterproof hillwalker at the top.

When you come off the back of Vane and get the line wrong the descent can take 40 plus mins, get it right and sub 20 is easy. I've found it helps to stay on the ridge until I pass this rock.......



Couple of slips and twists on the descent, but the rain eased off and I came out the clouds to a pleasant surprise I could see the Ben Ime ascent route across the valley. I could pick out the line for the 800' climb up to Glas Beallach and with the Cloud base lifting to over 2500' I could also see the start of the final climb up Ben Ime.



Crossed Lag Uaine and set off up towards the Beallach with a bite to eat, a cereal bar and my new superfood, jelly tots. Another waterproof hillwalker lonely in the distance climbing up from Lag Uaine. This section is trackless and damp underfoot thankfully sheltered from the wind so not too cold. Stopped as I reached the Beallach for a photo looking up Ben Ime.



Getting used to the climb from Glas Beallach and no longer panic when I can't find a path, keep to the right of the crags and eventually the turret cairn appears through the clouds, exposed to the wind and rain again so no time to stop at the top, head down and run along the path to a short rocky descent and down the hill towards Beallach a' Mhaim, visibility 50 yards max means compass out from the "gap" on a 165 bearing which takes me right to the style at the Beallach. Cloud back down below 2000', continue on rather too pleased with how precise my navigaton was.

The Beallach is always a windy place, weather too nasty for any more pictures.

Found the path at the back of Narnain and plodded up past more waterproof hill walkers. Enjoyed the strengthening wind and lashing rain towards the top, wandered about the summit plateau, funny how you can get lost in such a small space everything looks unfamiliar in the mist. Found the path again and headed for my favourite Spearhead gully, wind and rain sweeping up towards me. No time to think about it just pick my way through onto surer? footing.

The Narnain descent is a cracker about 3000' in under 2 miles, a bit of everything, and requires full concentration especially when its wet & windy. You work your way through a series of lumps, bumps and gullies, head down and get on with it otherwise it snags you up and becomes s a bit of a pain.

Came back out the cloud at the top of the old concrete block path, nearly finished now. Not many people use this route any more so the tracks are gradually dissappearing, the mountains finally spit me out onto the Glen Loin path and an easy run back to the car park via the jacuzzi, just under 5 hours.

A couple more pictures in the Galleria but my phone went wonky in the rain, I think a few of the buttons have shorted out, must keep it in a poly bag in future.

Beinn Dubh Mon 11th May

Went for a walk up Beinn Dubh with number 1 son as he prepares for an attempt on an Explorer Belt towards the end of July. Beautiful sunny evening, cool breeze.

View to Conic Hill over Loch Lomond.



Had to shoo the odd lamb away before mother sheep took exception.

Aim was to reach the top before the sunset and made it ok, not much slower than usual. Had someone else to take my picture for a change as we approached the top.



Spent about 20 minutes at the top taking a few pictures while we waited for the sun to go down cracking views to the Arrochar Alps.



Ben Lomond looking good across the loch as well, no sign of the snow which added a twist to last Saturday's race.



Temperature dropped as the sun went down and the cold wind meant jacket, hat and gloves on. Walked down with the sunset, the wind gradually disappearing as we went. Cut a few corners on the way back, a bit steeper but avoiding the worst of the boggy bits. A few more pictures in the Galleria.

Ben Lomond, Sat 8th May

Race up & down our local munro, 7 or 8 miles and 3192 feet of ascent. Damp & breezy with a warning that winter had returned above. Numbers down probably due to the weather.

Set off and pushed on for the first 20 minutes or so when energy levels & pace began to drop. Head down and kept moving upwards through the second gate and off the track, snow lying on the ground. Reached the half way plateau and started to run again. Colder and windier the higher you went, gradually added protection, gloves, buff and jacket as the rain turned to stinging horizontal snow.

The climb up to the summit ridge tricky through snow & rock, visibility less than 50 yards. Summit ridge had a few inches of snow at the edges with a slushy track in the middle. Turned at the top in just over 71 mins. The descent started with extra care due to the snow covered rocks and unable to get up any pace until after the zig zags.

Chased a few people down the path and through the off road sections passing the last couple through the trees near the bottom. Came down in under 35 mins to finish in just under 1 hour 46.

Photo courtesy of Chris Upson / SHR, more here.



Interesting stats, 84th on the ascent, 58th on the decsent and 75th overall, number 75 as well. Soup, rolls and a pint after a quick plunge into the loch.

Dumyat Wed 6th May

Another big field of 250 plus for this 5 miles jaunt up and down Dumyat which sits behind Striling Uni. A few days of rain made for a slippy race.

Felt a bit sluggish before the start due to SAC last Saturday and 11 miles last night but felt ok after a short warm up. Race started without as much as a ready, never mind get set, just go! Off up the road before a wee rest at the gap in the wall, hit the muddy farm track running.

Ran the short steep road section passing a few plodders before the stream crossing and up to the muddy bank where mayhem ensued, ploughed straight through in my new super grippy Adidas Swoop past plenty of Adidas Samba smoothies floundering in the mud.

Into the Bluebell woods and ran on the path edges for grip. Out onto the hill and pace undulating in time to the gradient, remembering to push all the way its only half an hour to the top. Turned in 32 mins for the flailing descent.

No energy after the turn and hung on to the back of a small group but picked up the pace on each of the steeper sections as gravity kicked in and gradually overtook a few. Managed to avoid the usual kamikaze rock jumps on the way down.

Back into the forrest and pushed hard through the mud and trees, passed three on the muddy bank, aimed for the tree at the bottom bouncing off down the track. A quick wash at the stream then pushed for home on the road & track, 18 min descent to finish in 1 sec under 50 mins.