Stoneymollan Sun 23rd May

Nice short run / walk this morning, 6 or 7 miles up the Stoney and along to Carman Reservoir. Met Jimmy out for a walk round after his 70+ mile two day run this week, walked round to the finish with him. Nice walk, nice day.

Arrochar Alps Sat 15th

Todays excursion was all about steep ups and downs, close on 7000 feet of climbing within 12 or 13 miles. Starting out from Succouth straight up Narnain then Ime and Vane with the 4 mile run back down Glen Loin to finish.

Took the first climb up Narnain nice and steady covering the 3000 feet and 2 1/2 miles in an hour 25, overtook a few groups of walkers on the way and had the cool breezy summit to myself for a short break to refuel.

The run into the Bealach a'Mhaim a bit stop start as I kept crossing the rubble strewn path trying to find a better way down. Crossing the stile at the bottom I could see some walkers further up, something to aim for. A steady plod brought me to the summit cairn and a seat out of the wind.

It's a steep drop off the back of Ime into Glas Bhealach but peace and quiet again as only a few pass through this glen. I start down a narrow twisty track which drops you on the wrong side of the Bhealach and I soon leave it to traverse east to avoid the boggy run towards the final drop into Lag Uaine, too soon, and I have to slow up to pick my way through steep lumps, bumps and boulders.

Chose a new line for the run into Lag Uaine to the south of a rocky outcrop, after a couple of double backs found a nice path running down the crest of a small ridge, turned at the bottom to prime the memory cells, that's always a tough climb.

The direct route up Vane would be a challenge when you are fresh so I loop round to take the sting out of the steepest sections and pick my way through the many sloping terraces between the crags. Hit the ridge and its only a short way to the summit, another wee rest before the tricky run off.

Quite a few walkers going up and down and a lot of loose rock and dirt about so take it nice and easy though the knobbly bits that give the mountain its name. After clearing the crags and cliffs a nice steady plod to the bog at the bottom, reached the Glen Loin track just over 4 hours after I set out.

Run all the ups through the glen to the finish in 4 hours 45. The tide is in and wash the remnants of the bog away in the loch before shotgunning a recovery of 2 cans of full fat Bru.

Pleased to complete the planned route and felt fine, no major physical or mental distress, only the odd consideration given to easier routes on the first climb of the day and by the time I reached Ben Ime, no worries and plenty of drive left in the legs for the trials of Ben Vane and what felt like a nice short run out through Glen Loin. Great views all the way and a couple of hail showers on the tops of Narnain and Vane to remind me winters not long gone. Some pictures from today's run .
Sunday and made time for a recovery run going up behind the Carman reservoir, through the quarry and along to the top of the StoneyM, a run down the track and along the bypass to finish.

Stoneymollen

Thurs night club race, 4 1/2 miles with 1000' of climbing, good turn out of 22 for the race which is run as a handicap. To overcome the clubs navigational frailty several marshals were dispatched to key points on the course, giving out some good motivational stuff as well as directions. Felt like hard work up the initial 600' climb the odd glimpse of a runner in front. Leaving the track for the hillside I could see a few specks in the distance to chase. Made it to the trig, managed to avoid the boggy ditches but walked one of the steep banks. A quick glance up, empty hillside, at least its downhill now. Slight route change this year to skirt round the side of Overton Muir, longer but more runnable. Steep climb to the top of the last hill, oops another wee walk at the top. The run down steep but too short before a hop and skip through the obstacle course leading to the track. Could hear the guy behind now. Jogged the short climb towards the radio mast then quickly down the track where I managed to pass my only victim in this years race. The last few hundred yards are on road through a yard then in front of Overton cemy, a right turn down under the flyover and back to the club. Finished in 41 and 9 seconds about 20 seconds slower than my best for the old route. Tea and cakes in the hall and a laugh.

Ben Lomond

SHR and SAL Championship race this year, after the organisers brief on how it is important to be nice to hill walkers no matter what I set off with nearly 200 runners to tackle this rocky lump. Beautiful day with the promise of a breeze further up. Climbed up through whats left of the forest running as much as possible and picking out the best route for the return. Through the gate and onto the open hillside jog walking to our groups beat. No breeze yet, directed off path after the second gate, going well until I lost concentration for a couple of minutes and a few came past. You rejoin the tourist path at the top of the shoulder, breeze at last,  and run most of this plateau section. Round the last curving climb befor the summit dome you have to dodge the leaders as they hurtle past. Off track again a diagonal up towards the summit ridge, 10 minutes of toil and you pop up on the narrow ridge and slide past the runners coming back. Grab a drink of water from the marshal at the top, gloves on and push off for the helter skelter descent. Run back along the ridge gradually picking up speed, there's a group of 5 or 6 in front and get snagged in them on the first steep drop from the top, pass 3 at the bottom with a wee jump or two. The top of the plateau full of twists and rocks, foot placement the key to a safe journey. As it levels off I try to keep it steady and pick off the runners in front one by one. Just before the drop down the grassy bank the guy in front of me goes down, check he is ok then off again. Take the first section steady then let go and work hard until through the gate. A short section of path then off into the bog and heather, 3 pass me here including the guy who fell, tuck in behind them, foot off the breaks nearer the bottom, now I concentrate on picking the right line for each little obstacle, recover a couple of places then past a couple of the walking wounded, well one was being carried! Through the bottom gate and it takes maximum effort to maintain anything but a steady jog on the flat sections. Cruise down to the end of the tourist track and encourage a toiling runner on the way past. Finish in just over 1 hour 40, 68 1/2 mins up, 32 down. Trad swim in the loch then soup n a roll and a pint in the sun watching the prize giving. New sub 66 min record for the winner, the last runners just over 2 hrs 28. Link to results and slide show/photos here.

Dumyat Wed 5th

Big field of 290 started this short scenic bog and burn race, 5 miles and 1200' of ascent. The large numbers meant a couple of queues on the way up and a few restrictions on the way down, but they can be used to snatch a wee rest, not the most efficient way of running but you make the best of what you get.

The route is split into three sections, road and track, forest, hill. Run the road and track both out and back. Run/walk the forest and hill on the way up, run both on the way back. Late spring meant no bluebells this year, but still a lovely run. Some good competition on the way up and picked up a few places. Gained a few more on the way down and then lost a couple on the track leading back into the uni grounds.

Finished in 128th position in 48:23 or so. Pictures here and here.

Stuc a Chroin

May means its time for the Stuc, 14 miles and 5000' of fun. As usual weather turned out fine, rumours of snow and hail came to nothing, a bit chill towards the top of the Stuc but hat, gloves and buff kept things comfortable.

One other Millie ran today, Adrian in his first Stuc, a few minutes ahead of me at the top, less than a mimute ahead at the finish courtesy of a Stuc a Cramp in the last run down through the forest.

Slight route change through Glen Ample this year took us away from most of the swamp, the lower half longer but not as steep.

Started with the usual 23 minute run to the end of the track, through the forest and onto the delight that is Meall Mor before the plunge into Glen Ample. Beinn Each steady, climb 1500' in three quarters of a mile, and before ya know it your flying down to the Beallach Nan Cabar and an undulating ridge run to the Stuc. Reached the Stuc in 2 hours 8, a bit slow.

The run off the Stuc full of twists, turns, ups and downs, give it a push keeping a wee bit for the run in and out of Glen Ample. Its a longer traverse into Glen Ample to the new crossover and this years sheep track is a good one, only one or two mushy bits where the footing is not secure.

Adrian back in sight for a couple of minutes as I began the plod out of Glen Ample, manage it with only one stop but struggle to run off the top. The run back over Meall Mor and through the forest ok but can only jog on the uphill part of the track. After about half a mile the track starts to descend and at last I can pick up the pace. Finish in 3 hours 32 mins, and ok after a quick lie down and a wash in the stream. Some pictures here and here.

Whangie Whizz

My 9th go at this short Bog and Burn race, a slight course change from lollipop to figure of eight thanks to a new fence. About 140 set off up the slope from the Queens View car park, take the first climb steady with a wee push to book my place in the crocodile along to the Whangie. A couple of enthusiastic runners managed to pass me before I settled down and could join in with a bit of queue jumping myself. After the Whangie a sharp left up onto Aucheneden Hill for a nice run down to the road, further along than usual so right turn and then right again to pick up the usual route to the trig point. At the Trig we ran straight on towards the radio mast before cutting down a steep drop to the style and the usual sprint to finish under 38 mins. Felt a more runnable course with the route back to the style less risky than the narrow rocky path.

Mull Monsterette

Held every two years this years MM was moved from its usual slot in mid July to April and meant I could have a go. The race blurb advises you to be prepared, really prepared, also you should be comfortable with scrambling and exposure.

Difficult place to get to means the number of entrants is usually low, this year 19 started and 19 eventually finished. Set off at 7 to catch the half 9 ferry from Oban, an inspiring drive past snow capped mountains at Crianlarich, Dalrigh, Dalmally and Cruachan.

A calm ferry crossing to Craignure with the Mull peaks still shrouded in cloud. The race organiser meets the boat and takes you by mini bus to the start beside Loch Na Keal on the West coast of Mull. A spectacular setting.

The route is about 8 miles with 4500' of climing. With the first mile on the road and the last two or three miles downhill off Ben More means over 1000' per mile for the rest.

The first mile is along a single track road beside Loch Na Keal then we turned off onto open hillside up Beinn Ghraig, the biggest climb of the day with 1800' in just over a mile. The run along Beinn Ghraig's broad ridge good fun and visually stunning, not that you can take too much notice. Although the run off is steep the slopes are grassy and makes for easy running.

A contour round Beinn Nan Gabhar to the next climb up Beinn Fhada. When you get to the top you get full on views of the A Chioch and Ben More ridges, the terrain changes to rock and scree and narrows a bit.

The run off Fhada steep and tricky, a 500' plummet in a third of a mile, across a narrow beallach before climbing 1000' in under 3/4 of a mile to A Chioch's summit, the ridge narrows again.

The Fhada, A Chioch and Ben More ridges form a u-shaped funnel and catch the wind, another factor to consider. A short run along A Chioch's summit ridge then a short rocky track to the beallach before Ben More. Focus only on the track now with huge drops on either side. Concentrating on foot placement we crouch low crossing the A Chioch to Ben More beallach, the wind tugging at your balance. Thankfully the wind effect eases on the climb up Ben More, the narrow path clutching the steep mountain side.

The last hurrah is the chimney, a hands on rocky gulley to Ben More's summit. A walk across the top thankful the climbing is over for the day before running down the tourist path, the first part fast through scree then slower over wet bouldery stuff. About half way down you leave the path and cross the Dhiseig burn for a direct run down through tussock and heather to the finish.

Finished in 16th place in 2 hrs 56. Everyone gets a prize and when the race winner wins the Tobermory Malt spot prize we all enjoy a dram in spectacular surroundings. Everyone mucks in to pack the marquee and tables into the minibus before rewinding the outward journey, a pint in Craignure, macaroni cheese on the boat and relaxing on the outer decks for the cruise back to Oban. Stopped at Tyndrum to see the Highland Fling finish on the way back. An enduring calm to contrast the adrenalin filled Monsterette.

Some pictures I took of the day are in the slide show below, the last race pic at the bottom of the climb up A Chioch, after that the focus was on getting it right.

Results here, and some more pictures which give you good views of the A Chioch and Ben More ridges here.

Another Stoneymollen

Sun pm run anticlockwise round the Stoney through the quarry and behind the reservoir, short run for the weekend so did it as a tempo. Felt ok on the way up the Stoney and kept it going all the way round. Finished a few minutes quicker than usual, in about 72 mins.

5 mile handicap

18 runners for tonights 5 mile handicap round the Vale. The first time for a while that I have not made up the handicaps. No difference to my run, round about the standard 33 mins. Managed to hunt the next one in front down after the Bonhill bridge, overtaken myself after the hill towards Jamestown. Worked away towards the next runner, made slow progress and finally caught him as we turned back towards the Vale. Plugged away and passed a few before the finish and managed to avoid being caught by any more. Tea and cake in the club to finish as we mulled over the trials and tribulations of being athletes.

Arrochar Alps Sun 11th April

Forecast was perfect the only problem where and what. Ben Lui maybe still too much snow. Arrochar has been neglected, the last time I was on the hill was a run over the Beallach last December, before that it was July. So easy choice Bens Vane, Ime and Narnain, 12 or 13 miles and 6500 FOA.

Sluggish start but I could see the sun through the curtains and left the Vale just after 8, Ben Lomond looked close enough to touch across the Loch. Started running before 9, almost freezing running up through Glen Loin to Corriegrogan and the Vane path in 50 something minutes. Vane ascent...

No more than a steady plod up Vane, a bit hotter now, just over an hours climb. Views opening up all around. From Vane the plan was to drop into Lag Uaine but as this was where I DNF'd the AA race use the compass, 280 degrees takes you away from the crags then drop into Lag Uaine. So easy. Met a new friend in Lag Uaine, Lars or Larry, he likes to run on the hills, here with Ben Lui in the background.

Picture below is Ben Ime from Ben Vane, the Ime ascent is in two parts, first a tussocky trudge to the Beallach between Ime and Chorranach then hang a left for a 20 minute push up steeper ground to the top. Reach Ime summit in 3 hours 20 something.

Ime is the highest point of todays run, superb views all round, mountains for miles, Arran and Jura mountains all visible in the distant haze with a white Ben Nevis clear on the horizon. Sat in the sun taking it all in for a few minutes, some more food and drink then off towards the last hurrah up Narnain. Had to stop and take a picture, too many favourites to miss, Gnarly ridge, Lochs Lomond, Arklet and Katrine, Ben Lomond.

15 minute run down to the Beallach, no problems today but this is a tricky run in the mist and its very easy to go off course, too far right ok you just have to climb back up but go left and soon you are in amongst seriously steep crags.

The last climb of the day to Narnain, 30 minutes up, quite steep but soon levels off, through a couple of rocky terraces and your on top.

Have a seat and last lingering look around with some more food and drink then off through a thankfully snow free Spearhead for the 2 mile 3000 foot drop to the finish. Quite a few walkers about now, most still going uphill. About 50 minutes of hard work to get back to the car. Just over 5 hours with about 25 minutes of stops for food, scenery and chatting to Larry. A few more pictures in the Galleria.

FOA

No long runs this weekend, Sun run was 6 reps up to the Radiomast, not much but gave me over 2000 FOA in 6 miles including a short warm up and down. A more positive view is adding up Thurs to Monday runs for total of 29 miles and over 6000 FOA. Someway to compensate for the lack hill runs. Nice view from the bomb crater on Monday.

Back roon the Mamores

This time last year I ran round the Mamores instead of over them. Back for another go this year. Set off from the Vale at 7 and dropped 5 Ultra Millies off at Tyndrum for a Forty odd mile run to Fort Bill.

The Big Buchle.

I then drove up to Glen Nevis, weather wild again so no trip round the Mamore tops and I thought I would try the same route as last year but in reverse.

From the Glen Nevis visitor centre join the WHW to Kinlochleven, keeping to the high level trail behind KLL and up the track past Lochs Eilde Mor and Beag to Luibelt. Hang a left through the watershed for a run down to the Visitor Centre near the bottom of Glen Nevis.

Ran in fell shoes last year which were good for Steall to Luibelt but hard the rest of the way. Road shoes this year, and with wine gums and a bag of rhubarb rock trundled up the WHW through Nevis Forest. Only a few people out this morning, a couple of runners, one pack of walkers and some motorcyclists.

Reached KLL in about 2 1/2 hours. Legs a bit dead from last Thursday's hill reps. Walked most of the next 40 minutes as the track passes the Mamore Lodge then climbs away from KLL. A final wee climb and running again as the track does a lochside meander. Reached Luibelt in just over 4 1/2 hours all in.

Meanach Bothy from Luibelt across the Abhainn Rath.

Hoped the run from Luibelt to Steall going mostly downhill would be a bit easier than last year, and knowing what to expect I had a close look at the map to try to avoid the worst of the swampy terrain.

The first two miles slightly uphill alongside the Abhainn Rath until you reach the watershed, stayed south of the river, good track to start, but caught up in a few squelchy swamps crossing the watershed, feet freezing, and soon it is impossible to move quickly enough to keep warm. The Water of Nevis starts here and a small intermittent track winds down Glen Nevis, a few bogs, swamps and streams to cross along the way.

After 2 1/2 hours and what seemed an eternity of boghopping I was thankful to reach the familiarity and relative calm of Steall Meadows and the gorge track to the Glen Nevis road.

Steall Waterfall.

Thought about hitching a lift down the Glen but managed to keep running, a final injection of pace to ensure I got back in under 8 hours, but only by 6 seconds, 35 minutes quicker than last year.

A good thirty something mile run, with the Luibelt to Steall section, only about 6 miles, hard work for 2 1/2 hours. A few more pictures in the Galleria.

Chapelgill Sat 20th March

The first SHR Championship race of the year, the steepest race in Scotland, 1400 feet up in 3/4 of a mile, then back down. Target was to get under 1/2 an hour, the winner would be about 20 mins, I had run the race route as part of the longer Culter Fell, a 3 hour roller coaster, in 2005. On its own Chapelgill is a bit more intense.

Nearly 180 started, stayed near the back and held a steady pace, losing concentration only for a minute or so on the way up, reached the top in just under 23 mins, sub 30 felt doubtful. Ran round the cairn and pushed off, passed a few people as the gradient increased then a couple came past which gave me the incentive to give it a go, stay relaxed and run, the last drop to the start the worst, glanced at my watch as I crossed the finish, success, 29 something.

Where have all the runners gone?

Tough wee race, enter on the day only £2, nice drive into a remote cul de sac, surrounded by hills, a crackin sunny day with a cool breeze, just in case you thought it was summer. Loads of cameras out, SHR pictures here, some more here , not quite so sure about these! Another good borders race, steeper than usual but short enough so that its over before you realise your in pain.

Stoneymollen Corkscrew

Today's run 15 miles with 3600 FOA. Bit different from the usual long run, the plan was to include 3 lots of hill reps. Ran from my house to the bottom of the Stoneymollen, just over the A82. Three reps from there to the gate at the top and back down. Each one about a mile and 550' each way taking an average of 15 minutes up and 11 down. After the third I ran straight on to the far side of the forest looking down towards the Black Third Farm. This time 5 reps up and down the short incline just after the gate, just over a minute each way. A longer run to get to the next reps on radiomast hill. Back to the top of the Stoney then right along the ridge past the trig point. Tough going in the snow, it was a long mile, 10 minutes over the usual time for this part of the run with snow to two feet deep. Descent off the last top to join the track which goes past the radiomast. Gorse alley taking its usual toll. Jogged down to the farm entrance at the bottom to start the first of the planned three reps, about 1/2 a mile and 340' each. Last week these took me 6:20 up and 4:45 down when I ran them as a rep session on their own, with a 2500' warm up already done, had to work a bit harder, result, a minute slower both up and down. On the way up each one was to be the last but managed to turn round and finish the 3. Ran home down through the fields beside the track, a lot easier on tired legs. Finished in 3 hours 13.

Easy weekend

Saturday just didn't start eventually getting out in the afternoon for a run round Stoneymollen, idea was to run up behind the reservoir, through the quarry along to the Stoneymollen then down to the bypass, about turn and go back.

Went ok until through the quarry then it was 2-3 feet of soft snow all the way to the path down to the bypass, ok going down but uphill was a slow fenceposting trudge, feet were like blocks of ice by the time I arrived at the bypass so easy jog back home.

Sat night club AGM in Bar51, well behaved mob these runners, out for 2:00 am and even offered to tidy up.

Sun, lazy day, but eventually managed to get out for a few reps up to the radiomast, averaged 6:20 up and 4:45 down.

Back home for the usual Xscape bonanza with the boys. Started in the sno bar waiting for our beermat to let us know our table was ready at Tony Romas. The sno bar used to sell Kronenburg Blanc now a much improved version is on offer....

The boys like Tony Romas for the ribs, not my cuppa tea so I had some pasta for a change.



After TR we set off for the Ten Pin but it was booked out for the night, made do with a game of crazy golf and managed to take the money on the last.

Polaroid Cross Country Sat 27th

Last Cross Country race for this year re-scheduled from early Jan saw 10 runners take on the two lap 4 miles + course round the Polaroid Industrial Estate.

A bit of everything, tussocks, forest trail, riverside paths, a cheeky wee Heron, some Ducks, Squirrels, a couple of small undulations but sadly with the low temperatures not a lot of mud.

Took the first lap steady pushing on once the last uphill was out the way, this was fine until half way round the second lap and passing under the bridge to Renton where the wheels fell off a bit.

Dug in again towards the end but still dropped about 40 seconds on the second lap. My 10th effort in a row at this good fun club race, could have done with some more competition to help up the effort.

Ardgarten Sat 20th Feb

Back for another run round the loop, Ardgarten, Lochgoilhead and back to Ardgarten via the Dukes Pass. All on forest tracks apart from a mile or so in the middle and a couple at the end.

Beautiful day for a run, we drove alongside a glassy Loch Lomond, across the Loch the Ben cryin out for a run, past the Luss hills positively screaming at us to visit, the snow capped Arrochar Alps gleaming I dare you in the morning sun.

Not for us!

Set off anti clockwise raising a pech and a pant before long on the run up the rest. A wee walk then the long jog down the glen to the road and on the run into Lochgoilhead the sun finally reaching us over the hill for some warmth.

Took a walk up behind Lochgoilhead stunning views across the loch to Cruach Nam Miseag and others bringing back memories of my only 2 day Mountain Marathon aged 15, 30 odd years ago, the last peak being the Steeple behind Lochgoilhead, guess which team went up the wrong of the Steeples twin peaks. After a quick visit to the correct top and a manic descent we were second by about 5 minutes over two days.

No second prizes today, we crossed the peninsula via the cycle track and arrived at the Lochan in 2 hours 45, a steady jog brought us all back to Ardgarten in under 4 hours. A good effort with superb views all morning.

Carnethy 5 Sat 13th Feb

Carnethy Hill on the right, Charlies Loop on the left, two features of the Carnethy 5, this year was the 40th presentation and runners got a mug as a momento. 6 miles and 2500 FOA over five hills, good as it gets underfoot with low temps keeping the bog bogless and most of the rest of the course firm. Only problem was on steep sections of up or down whith frozen ground giving less grip.

Took it steady this year working hard up each hill without blowing a gasket and taking the descents a bit easier, at least off the tops until I could find softer ground adjacent to the paths or as the gradient eased lower down.

Once up Scald Law the race takes us a nice run over South Black Hill and the Kips before a big drop to the Howe and the climb up Carnethy. The final drop off Carnethy through snow and scree makes for a quick descent.
A last push across the bogless bog to finish just under 1 hour 17 mins.

Beinglas to Inversnaid Sat 6th Feb

Ultramillies were running from Drymen to Beinglas so I drove to Beinglas and ran to meet them and a run back to Beinglas. Started out with a wee diversion, 25 minutes or so to take some pictures of the falls.

Dropped back onto the WHW for a nice easy run to Inversnaid arriving in about 1:50, ran past for 5 or so minutes till I met the first of the UM's, turned and ran back to Inversnaid where we waited a few minutes for the rest. All ok but with a variety of demeanours. A few minutes rest and we all set off at an easy pace back towards Beinglas.

Textured treestump at Rob Roy's Cave.


Arriving back just after 3 walked through the field to the Drovers for a pint and a bowl of soup. 4 hours 25 mins for 14 miles and 2500 FOA, the others were about 7 hours.