Mamores Sat 25th Sept

Another weekend away in Glen Nevis campsite and with the forecast as good as its been for a while I hoped to be able to get in a few hills. Planned route was to start from the lower falls car park at Achriabach and ascend Mullach Nan Coirean via its North Eastern ridge, follow the ridge line to Stob Ban returning via the Devil's Ridge to Sgurr a' Mhaim and descending Sgurr a' Mhaims North Western ridge back to the car park, about 12km and 1600m of ascent or 8 miles and 5300'.

Set off up the forest track and straight away hit a diversion due to forestry commission work, neat wee signs and maps saying go up the glen, ok until I reached the end of the road then it was a muddy path beside the burn. Not the way I planned and when I had to cross a small stream, checked the map and the stream appeared to lead up through the trees and from there it would be a short walk to the ridge.

The climb did take me up onto the top of the ridge, an enjoyable 1500' in three quarters of a mile through conifer, birch wood then a bit of heather bashing. Along the ridge I followed a small path beside a deer fence. Luckily they had knocked a bit of the fence down due to the forestry diversions and I could cross over without climbing. The ridge is described as runnable, just about until the last few hundred feet which was a bit too steep for me to run, pretty rough as well, over rock and scree.

Mullach Nan Coirean is flat topped with two cairns, visited both just in case. By this time views all round Lochaber and beyond, the Ben the only top with any cloud and that would soon disappear. Stopped for some food and to check out the rest of the route.

Leaving the Mullach I ran along faint paths that follow the ridge over a few minor unamed tops towards the steep bouldery climb up to Stob Ban's summit. Sat and re-fuelled here, looking over the other side of Stob Ban, with it's huge cliffs bitten out of the dome shaped peak.

The run off Stob Ban is down a steep rocky path then along the ridge towards ex munro Sgorr an Lubhair, just before you start to climb the path splits, take the left fork down past a small lochan and then up a zig zag path to join the Devil's Ridge.  Despite its name no real problems in good weather, there is about 20 yards where you are aware the path is a touch narrow but as you approach the lowest point follow the path left off the top of the ridge for an easy walk through. From there its a short trudge to the top of Sgurr a' Mhaim and another refuelling stop.

Sgurr a' Mhaim sits at the top of Glen Nevis, with its scree covered quartzite cap a pleasure to run down. The path zig zags almost to the bottom of the glen but once clear of the scree cap it gets progressively more difficult to run on, first rockier and then muddier towards the bottom. Once through a deer fence the gradient eases and its a short run back to the car park. Finished in just over 4 1/2 hours, link to some pictures here, however they don't do justice to the views.

Wreckless Merrick

Friday night and home from home at Stereo in Renfield Lane for another dose of Eric and Amy. A longtime favourite of ours. Eric is getting on a bit, now a grandad. They were on good form and about 80 people enjoyed a 2 hour set, some good banter with plenty of songs mixed in. A few of his original tunes, some of Amy's and the rest either from their last album or latest album of covers. An odd mix, Eric one of the original Stiff record label performers and Amy an American Country and Western singer. Plenty of examples on YouTube even a few from Friday night.

Sunday another favourite, Merrick Hill Race. For those who can read maps, here's a link to a map of the route. Eight ands a half miles with 3300 feet of ascent. The undulating route takes in five hills and a couple of ridges.

The field of 34 set off at one, jump a stream and run for about 30 yards then drop into walk mode up the first climb of the day. The pattern repeats itself over the first four and a half miles as the route winds up to Merrick.

The route was flagged for the first and last few miles but none in the middle from the climb into the mist on Ben Yellary until you came back out the mist descending the Rig of the Gloon. However for those unfamiliar with the route there was plenty of Raynet marshalls at strategic points to help out if neccessary.

The traverse to pick up the ridge to Buchan Hill tussocky as usual and managed to pass two runners. I'd been tracking them for a while after they passed me on the second climb of the day, this gave me a bit of a lift and the extra energy to push on and soon put a good distance between us along the ridge.

An occaisonal glance up and I could see the next two runners further along the ridge. At the end its brakes off for the run down Buchan Hill, near the bottom was rather churned up, someone must have let the cows out.  Got to within a few yards of the runner in front by jumping the fence at the bottom and just managed to avoid a collision with the photographer but then lost out by about thirty seconds on the short but steep uphill run to the finish.

Race time 2 hours 13 mins finishing 21st. A grand day out for this low key race over typical Galloway hill country, a bit rough but with plenty of runnable bits.

Whinney Hill

Woke up to a sunny Sunday morning and with committments looming for the rest of the day chose a local out and back run keeping off road as much as possible. Through Christie, Argyle and Balloch Parks then out onto the Whinney Hill trail and back again, all in 9 or 10 miles and 1100' of ascent.

Good to see three of the Argyle football parks in use on the way. Steady pace into Balloch Park and up the Fairy Glen where I met a freshly summersaulted mountain biker in my way just where I wanted to leave the path, stopped for a minute to check he was ok, no helmet so lucky, we had a laugh and then I took off towards the WH trail. A few walkers out and about as well. Ran all the hills but kept it nice n easy.

The seat was already occupied when I got there and just kept going. Tried to keep the same relaxed effort on the easier run back, fine until the last mile or so, back on the tarmac just by coincidence. Finished in about 90 mins, 45 out and 44 back.

Ben Nevis

Super weather for this years jaunt up the Ben. I was lucky enough to get one of the 600 entries, two hundred or so were disappointed in the February draw. Arrived in Glen Nevis campsite on Friday evening, no welly camp this year, dry underfoot, sunny and you could see the Ben.

Registered on Saturday morning then went back to the campsite for an early lunch. The race started a couple of minutes before one, a steady jog round the football pitch and onto the road to Achintee, reached the end of the road in good time, about 9 minutes, with no major effort.

The tourist path rises along Melantee from here, ignored the early shortcuts and took the one at Eddies bench which seemed to go well picking up 50 or so yards on those in front. Least favourite part round windy corner followed, a few went past but no stress, reached the Red Burn feeling ok in 54 mins, within a minute of my target time. Ok means fine as usually dizzy by now!

From the Red Burn its straight up, initially on grass, then scree and rocks, began to slow down and a few small people trains went past. Stopped for a drink and some sugar to try to recharge the batteries. Reached the top in 1 hour 50 mins which meant 9 minutes lost from the Red Burn.

Turned for the descent, and jogged along, another drink then gloves on. Wandered down through McLeans Steep and the Field of Cairns, hard to find the drive required to pick up the pace and get past the runners in front after what was a difficult up and the traffic jam of runners and walkers.

As the descent got steeper started to relax and enjoy the race, found a forgiving scree filled track further left from the Red Burn than most others which meant the brakes could be switched off for a while.

At half way you hit the Grassy bank, usually a few times. Kept relaxed and tried to stay on my feet as much as possible and maintain a steady pace. At the bottom a welcome cool blast of water in the burn then back onto the tourist track, take care on the blocky gritty man made steps back round windy corner but gradually picked off a few runners, a few courtesy stops for walkers as well.

Two short cuts on the way back, the second longer section well worth it when its drier underfoot. Back on the busy tourist track again, thankfully most walkers and runners are like minded folk who make way for each other, a few don't.

Onto the road and a steady jog back for a 54 minute descent and finish at Claggan Park in 2 hours 44 minutes, 362nd out of 481. Good to meet Ian, Rich, Elaine and Catriona at the end, although I have still to see the pictures.

Stoneymollan Sun 29th

Nice easy off road afternoon trot round the hills behind us. Ran through the fields to cross Carman, up the steps and track to the back of Carman reservoir, through the quarry and over the two small tops before the run down to the Stoney. Followed the path down then jogged along the bypass & through Christie Park to finish in 78 mins.

Ben Vorlich Sat 21st

Went to Arrochar with Ian and Jimmy and settled on an out and back run up Vorlich, 13 miles and 4500' of ascent . Forecast mixed, sunny spells with cloud, rain and a bit windy.

Set out from Succouth just after half 8 up the Glen Loin path, walked the hills to save some energy for the climb up Vorlichs steep flank. Left the road at the cairn taking the walkers path, ok at this time of year but can be somewhat mushy.

The path does its best to take the sting out of the climb and once your on the ridge its more runnable as the path winds through gullies and crags to the triple summit. We arrived at the highest summit and a seat out of the wind, a short break for a drink and some food and then ran along to the trig point before we go too cold, the trig point is the second highest top some 2 metres lower, we stopped to capture some photographic evidence of our visit.

Ran back along the ridge until we were level with the dam and then took the less used straight down path, steep, but ok with a bit of care and only fall when there is no rocks below you. Three falls and a couple of bum slides later and we were down. A run across the dam to pick up the road through the tunnel and the undulating run back through Glen Loin.

Lucky with the weather or just a good route choice as we escaped the low cloud that seemed to linger on the other Arrochar tops. Finished in 4 hours 15 and managed to avoid the speed trap going into Tarbet on the way home.

Leven 5k

A good turnout of 19 runners for the 2nd running of the club 5k race. The start is on Old Luss Road at the rear entrance to Cameron House, run a short way on the road before turning left to go down through Lomond Shores and on to the path along to Balloch beside the river Leven where it joins the cycle path to the finish just after the Vale Academy.

Late home so missed my start time and set off with the faster runners, no overtaking for me. Managed to avoid the usual too fast start and then concentrated  on staying relaxed. Finished just under 22 mins about 30 secs slower than last year.

Ben Nevis Sat 14th Aug

Didn't fancy the stress of racing the Lomonds of Fife on Sunday so took the opportunity to take Andrew up the Ben.  Drove up early Sat and set off up Heart Attack Hill from the youth hostel with a rucksack full of food, clothes and water.

Forecast was to clear in the afternoon but we went into the cloud from 2500'. Very busy, stuck to the tourist route rather than the more direct race route and windy corner still the toughest part. Refreshing drink from the Red Burn at half way then followed the zig zags into the clouds.

Thankfully the gradient eases towards the top and we summited in 2 1/2 hours. Although still in the clouds you could feel the heat from the sun and 200 plus people were sitting about enjoying a rest, some food and a few photos taken.

Set off after an hour or so, feet suffering a bit in the splintered rock. Only needed a couple of short stops on the way down reaching the river Nevis in 1 1/2 hours and stood in the cool water for a few minutes to refresh tired feet.

Ben Rinnes Sat 31st July

Went up to Lossie a day early so that I could run the Ben Rinnes 5 Tops Hill Race again, 14 miles and 5000' of ascent, an out and back to Ben Rinnes taking in the tops of Little Conval and Meikle Conval, some more race info here.

The race starts and finishes with a lap round the field typical of Highland games hill races. 60 or so runners took part. The first mile or two is on farm tracks and over a golf course before the gradient increases onto the hillside. No real drive in my legs and just kept it steady over the first two hills reaching the road crossing in 61 mins. Stopped for a drink and some jelly babies before a reasonable run up Ben Rinnes, slowed towards the top where we were greeted by a squally shower.

Climbed through the summit Tor and set off back towards the road, a bit of a struggle rather than the usual downhill wheeee. Another drink and some sweets before the steep climb up Meile Conval, had to stop every 10 yards or so, made it to the flag but being passed by several others and stopped to try and refuel. Painful plod but gradually imporved and over the top of MC managed to claw a couple of places back.

The climb up Little Conval thankfully short and managed a reasonable pace for the 2 or 3 mile run down to finish in 3 hours 22 not quite a PW but felt like it. Had a lie down at the side of the games field to contemplate and recover before the traditional cold shower. Only the fast runners get a hot shower. Race winner, Joe Symmonds, finished in 1 hr 54 breaking his brothers record from last year by a couple of minutes. They come from hill racing stock, read the book.

Glen Loin

Started off with an anti clockwise run through Glen Loin leaving via Beallach a'Mhaim at the top of the Glen. Walked most of the hills for the easy version of the run with a nice run out between the Cobbler and Narnain. Finished in 2 hours 40 for 11 or 12 miles and 3100' of ascent.

Pappert Well

Club race, 5 miles and 1000' of ascent, 22 entries this year for this runnable lollipop route starts and finishes in Bonhill with a run round Nobleston wood to the trig point on Pappert Hill. Rain over the last week made for softer ground, ok if you have the shoes and eases the stress on the feet for what is a rough descent when its dry. Staggered start gave us lots of people to chase, reeled a few in from the trig point all the way to a sub 44 min finish to the sound of the bell. Good run with a social cakes and tablet courtesy of Pete and Mo at the finish.

Tom Na Bat

The race was part of Tomintoul Highland games, about 100 took part, a few more than the usual 15 or 20 as it was the 4th SHR Championship race. A short one at three and a half miles with 1100' of ascent.

The race starts and finishes with a lap round an undulating games field. In between it turned out to be mostly runnable as we wound our way round the small hill.

The first climb took us up to the top of Tom Na Bat all the way back down then a second climb three quarters of the way back up. Quite a bit if heather bashing required with only the odd wee sheep track to smooth the way.

Felt I could have pushed the second climb a bit harder if I had known where it finished and did manage to pick up the pace near the top when I could see the runners in front turning. Results still to come but pleased to finish in just under 40 mins.

Blusstery

Mixed weekend forecast wet n windy. Left my long run until later on Sunday in line with the improving forecast. Still too windy for Arrochar and tried Luss as its closer to home. Planned route was up Beinn Dubh, descend Mid Hill, cross the road and climb Coille Eughan Hill with a run off the Paps to finish, 9 miles with 3500' of ascent.

Set off with Helly and Jacket which stayed on all the way round. Climbed damp into the clouds on Beinn Dubh, run along the ridge into a strong wind, slightly off route on the run round to Mid Hill and had to traverse back onto the ridge. Only stopped at the usual sheltered spots for a drink. Easy run back into Glen Luss taking care not to slip.

Ran up the Glen road and into the field for the hidden bridge crossing over the swollen river. Had a good climb up CE Hill fortified by a few midget gems and some sunshine. Found a new track off the top of the Paps then into the usual ferns and brashing. The last mile through fields and farm tracks. Finished in about 2 hours 40.

Stoneymollan

Short rain lashed wind blown Sunday run. Ran along to the track up behind the reservoir, through the quarry and along to the top of the Stoneymollan. Plod it out, no views today, pleasantly wet underfoot which required a wee bit concentration and shoes having to work on the downhills.

Luss Highland Games

Bright and breezy day, went along to the Luss games for the two hill races up Cruach Dhubh, one open to locals, half way up & back down 500' of ascent and 2 miles, and later on the open race which goes to the top and back down, 1100' and 3 miles.

While waiting for the hill races there were some track races which are open to locals, missed the 90m but took part in the 200m, came second courtesy of a good handicap, pipped at the post by some young speed merchant. Half an hour later 9 of us set off for the local hill race, the first four moved ahead, got into 5th place on the path before the climb up through the fields and stayed there until the end.

A couple of hours later after refueling with a cappuccino, 2 cakes and a double exprersso set off with 19 others on the longer open hill race. Started a bit slower then gradually worked my way past a few others on the climb up through the tussocks. Chose a new route on the way down ended up zig zagging through shoulder high ferns and probably lost a wee bit of time.

A nice way to spend an summer afternoon, 2nd prize in a track race and although no prizes for the hill races came away with 2 PB's.

Ben Ledi Sat 26th

My first outing to Ben Ledi, starting from the access road to the Strathyre Forest Cabins. Take the signposted path into the forest to start the climb up Ben Ledi, from the summit head along the northern ridge and follow the fenceline path to Ben Vane, returning the same way to the Beallach between the two mountains where a path leads through Stank Glen back to the side of Loch Lubnaig for a short jog back to the start. 12 miles and 4500' of ascent.

From the access road to Strathyre Forest Cabins a sign posted path winds its way up through the forest, the views open up as you head towards cliffs protecting Ben Ledi's eastern side. The path levels off and swings south to avoid the cliffs where it picks up the ridge towards the summit. A good mixture of run, wheeze and then walk.

Navigation easy on the climb on a well worn path. Very warm today but views curtailed by a gloomy haze. From Ben Ledi to Ben Vane you follow a ridgline path undulating from North to Northeast over a couple of minor tops and past a few small Lochans. You could take a more direct route but that would involve a bit of heather bashing and a lot more up and down.

The return route follows the same ridge to the low point of the Bealach just before the climb back up Ben Ledi here a good path leads down open hillside into Stank Glen then winds its way down towards the river on forest paths. Finished with an easy 3/4 mile jog along the road and a cool down in the river.

Took me just over 3 1/2 hours, nice run and I'll go back on a clear day. A few pictures here.

Glen Rosa

Glorious weather for the 1st long race in this years SHR champs. Starts and finishes behind Brodick Castle with 13 miles and 5500' of ascent in between. Route sort of undulates upwards and takes in 4 tops, Beinn Chliabhain, Cir Mhor, North Goat Fell and Goat Fell.

After a nice sail across from Ardrossan, with race registration on board, 122 set off for the 2 flattish mile run through the forest into Glen Rosa. You have a choice of routes to the summit of Beinn Chliabhain, I started climbing up beside Garbh Alt to get onto the ridge early. A lot of runners continue along the glen for a shorter steeper climb. Jog walk the ridge, its a tough race and you need to pace yourself.

Leaving BC you drop steeply down into Coire Daingean and contour round below the A' Chir ridge then run up Fionn Choire towards Cir Mhor, top No 2. From there you have to return to Fionn Choire then contour under Cir Mhor to the Saddle, to avoid the route along the top which is a difficult rock climb.

A gravelly path takes you up from the Saddle to North Goat Fell where you are faced with the choices and trickery of the Stacach to get to Goat Fell. My route choice better than some stuck up on the crags, there are a couple of sneaky paths to help you avoid having to rock climb.

I had dropped behind a few runners on the way up from the Saddle, however I caught most of them with a great run off Goat Fell, knowing there was no more ups to come. Stopped for a refreshing wash in the stream just before re-entering the forest. The first part of the forest is a bit up and down before turning downhill to the finish through fields behind Brodick Castle.

Finished just under 3 hrs 47, 80th out of 115 finishers, great race, scenery to die for, took a few pictures before during and after, here's a link.

Stoneymollan

Short long run Sat PM, along towards Renton, up the track behind the reservoir, through the quarry and along to the top of the Stoney, an easy run down and along the bypass through Christie Park and home.

Cort Ma Law

A lolipop route or as the starter put it a lower case q. About of us 80 set off up towards the Lairs from Crow Road Car park above Lennoxtown for 6 miles 1700' of ascent of the boggiest bog and burn race. After the run up to the lairs its an undulating run round the tops of Cort Ma Law and the Leckett before a short descent into a tussocky gulley and the inevitable walk out to join the outward route for a few hundred yards and then a fast run down to the finish.

Took a few more walking breaks than usual on the initial climb and once on top a wee bonus the bogs between the Lairs and Cort Ma Law relatively tame this year, ok with a bit of care.

CML to the Leckett the opposite as the number of emerald green swampy bits seemed to have multiplied, managed to hop from tussock to tussock most of the time the odd knee deep plunge saps your strength and helps to keep the pace nice and slow.

Managed the plunge in and out of the gulley without a fall for the first time although the guy in front was sludged about half way down, saved the effort to overtake. Walked out the gulley then got sort of running again back to the style. From the style its a short runnable climb back up to the Lairs and a fast run down to finish in 66 mins 4 secs.

Kilpatrick Hill Race

Record entry of 117 for this blast up the Kilpatrick Braes, a short tour round Loch Humphrey, Greenside reservoir and a trot up the Slacks. 6 miles and 1400' of ascent. My tenth go at the race, been under the hour twice, in 2004 and 2009, this year I would be happy with anything close to 60.

Felt strong but weary on the road up to the bottom of the Braes. As we zig zagged up the hill I tried to run as much as possible without blowing up and also put a good effort where I had to walk. Once up on top got into running mode across the moor and along the ridge to join the farm track to Loch Humprhey, fine on downhill sections but could only manage what felt like a steady jog on the ups.

Left the track for the moor and lost a place or two on the short climb, gained them back plus a couple more on the way back down. A short up and over to the rough path along Greenside reservoir, picking up places. Dug in for the short climb up the Slacks running more than usual and gained a couple more places.

Gasping for air after the trig point but the hill is now helping and gradually gets steeper, take a couple of runners here and push hard for 50 or so yards to get clear, ease back before the steep drop off the Braes as I'm blowing out my ears. Pass a couple more tentative descenders at the top of the braes and try to catch two more in front, get close just as we join the road but they ease away to finish 20 or so seconds ahead of me. Glance at my watch towards the end, sub 60 is on and  kick hard to finish in 59:45.