Birnam Classic Hill Race

Big field of about 200 for the 1st of the SHR Championship counters, a short, 4 miles with 1700 feet of ascent. The race was the second of three in the Highland Boundary Race Series over the weekend. Sadly I could only manage this one. The race starts in the centre of Birnam beside the Beatrix Potter Garden.  For the first few hundred yards we ran jostling our way on a narrow road and winding track before the hill slowed us all down. Familiar jog wheeze walk up a steep zig zag path through trees before the slope eased and we had to run again. The top section best described as undulating up took us through a few false summits before cresting the Kings Seat and on to the descent which contoured round under Rohallion Castle. Gained a few places on each of the short steep sections then tried to keep them as the gradient eased. The race finishes with an undulating flat mile where I lost two or three of my hard fought places, managed to keep it going to finish in about 44 minutes. Post race reverie with soup, rolls, tea and biscuits in the Birnam Institute.

Ardgarten Loop

Hopeful looks revealed snowbound Luss peaks so it was back to the Arrochar trails on Sat morning. We decided on the 20 mile Ardgarten Loop, clockwise of course.

A couple of miles on the road to start then forest tracks for the next 5 as the trail winds its way up to the Dukes Pass Trail over to Lochgoil side. We stopped for a couple of minutes to watch a large Stag peering at us from round a corner before it ambled off down into the woods. Kept a steady pace going to the Lochan then ran over the cycle track and down into the forest on Lochgoil side.

Back onto the road for a mile or two from Lochgoilhead before the long climb on forest tracks to the top of the Rest and Be Thankful. The run back to Ardgarten down Gleann Mor has a couple of good ups as well just to keep you working all the way to the end. Finished in a minute under 4 hours, perfect day for running, cool and sunny, only a small shower in the last couple of miles.

Snowy Glen Loin

Snow return kept me off the hills this week, drove up to Arrochar for a 16 mile/3000 FOA run on the forest trails. Left Succouth in driving sleet and joined the track above the car park and ran towards Ardgarten, took the low track which comes out beside the Visitor Centre, ran  up the road for a mile before returning towards Succouth via the higher track. Into the teeth of the wind and a bit unpleasant for a mile or so until the track starts to wind its way up the side of Glen Loin, trees offering respite. As I climb the sleet turns to snow and makes for good running, working hard, 4 inches deep by the top of the Glen. Snow covered rocks make for an easy crossing of the stream and off down the undulating track to Corriegrogan. Back into the wind now, head down and plod it out with my own snowy peak. Meet my first people of the day on the way down the glen, a few groups of walkers. Tired now on the run into the lower glen, the extra work in the snow taking its toll, stop and stretch a couple of times which releases the legs and keeps me running. Jog back into a cold windswept sleety car park in about 3 hours 25. A few blurry snowy pictures here.

A Team Challenge and Bishop Hill

Saturday and the first team race of the Millies Grand Prix, didn't run instead helped and harassed the runners as they worked their way round the 12 miles from Balloch to Cardross and back to the Vale Leisure Centre via the trig point overlooking Bromley Muir, route included 2000' of ascent and three team challenges, a few pictures here. Hopefully the runners had as much fun as we did. At night we all got together again for the clubs AGM and a wee social after. A good day.

Sunday and 2 of us went along to the Bishop Hill race, a short one at 2 1/2 miles with 1000' of ascent, a bit of a lung buster, if you have time to catch your breath you are not trying. Undulating woody start where they send you through a ditch to join a narrow path winding up and around Bishop Hill, mostly runnable only the first and last parts of the climb reduced me to a walk. Fresh breeze when we got above the tree line, several gliders from the local airfield wheeling overhead as we pant and pech uphill.

Gradually force a jog between the two summits at the top then plummet off the edge thankful as gravity takes over, a couple of good grassy descents with a few jumps if you like that sort of thing then the trail levels off for a couple of hundred yards before rejoining the outward path for a couple of minutes of good fast downhill running. A steep descent back into the woods and a sprackle through the ditch to finish in just over 27 minutes.

Soup, rolls n tea in the village hall while you catch your breath. Photos here.

Weekend races

Saturday, to kick start the season, the Carnethy 5. Arrived at Beeslack school without any detours. Registered, changed and off we went. The guy who thought up the race and has run them all wearing No 41.

Wet underfoot with blue sky overhead and a cool breeze. At 2 pm 500 runners set off across a boggy bog, the field soon spread out on the 1st climb up Scald Law, around 22 minutes of puff pant wheeze for me to reach this first top, brief respite to re-oxygenate on the run along to South Black Hill then two sharp intakes of breath that make up the Kips. Steady descent and run along to the Howe before the struggle that is the gulley on Carnethy's western side, the slope eases for a jog then one last push to the top. Round the trig point and downhill all the way, through heather, scree and don't forget the bog to finished 307th in 82 minutes. Lots of pictures.

Sunday, the clubs rescheduled Cross Country, 2 laps round Polaroid Industrial Estate, cloudy and wet although similar underfoot to yesterday. Good field of 13 runners and a few helpers made the effort on this cold and sodden morning. Jogged to the start to help get everything moving again. Felt my way round the first lap looking for the best way round the puddles, usually straight through. Our small group of five runners broke up, one away in front, one off the back and we were down to three by the end of the lap.

Lap 2, slower run along the side of the Leven then back to a steady pace after climbing the steps. Round the pond, eased up the short climb closing in on the runner in front, tucked in until we turned down the road towards the finish where a few short bursts of pace took me clear over the last couple of hundred yards, 4th in 36:18.

Luss Horseshoe, Sat 5th

Return to Glen Luss for another medium horseshoe, same 12 miles and 5000' feet of ascent but the reverse from a couple of weeks ago, Beinn Eich, Beinn Lochain, Doune Hill, Sith Mor, Beinn Dubh, Creag an t-Seilich. Start and finish at the bottom of Glen Luss.

Set off just after one and an easy run up the glen before plodding up Beinn Eich from Edentaggart farm, the ground now thawed out so cool toes again. Stopped to put my jacket on towards the top just as the weather closed in and a snowy squall appeared from the North West, luckily only a short burst and it cleared up as I reached the top.

Not stopping in the chill wind I ran over Beinn Lochain keeping to the highest and hopefully driest ground. Slowed going up Doune Hill's steep sides and ran past the trig point down into shelter of the gullies behind. Stopped for a break and to plan the route into Sith Mor.

Picked out a narrow ridge that snakes its way into the glen alongside a small stream, crossed to the North side of the stream to avoid rougher ground then further North to avoid a large flooded area where the stream was joined by a spring bubbling from under a rock. You could see pools of water lying on grassy terraces all the way to the valley floor.

Another pause towards the bottom to pick out a line up the other side, the climb went well avoiding the steepest parts, but not for the first time I found myself pushed off line by the dreaded peat hags probably adding a couple of hundred yards to the climb.

Reached the small cairns in a couple of minutes over three hours, followed the path as it meanders down and round the corries and more peat hags before the short steady climb to Beinn Dubh. Easy run down to the bottom of the glen to finish around 3 hours 45.

Quiet afternoon on the hill, only met two walkers and that was 100 yards from the finish.

Whinney Hill

Late home on Friday and instead of a rest for Sundays race went for a run round the Stoneymollan, at least it was the short version, took it easy and my headtorch for a dark descent. Sunday, Whinney Hill race, cool and dry made for good running. 16 runners, all doing the full route. Pictures here. Set off in 5th position, Number 4 gradually drifting away ahead, no one else near me so it turned into a bit of a time trial. Plenty of energy for the run back from the seat just nothing to drive me on a bit faster. Finished just under 43 mins. Pennance was found on Monday via 4 Stoneymollans, first two in 14:50, second two in 14:20.

Luss Horseshoe

Last weeks circuit of the Vale Hills and a good forecast supplied the motivation to get back out for a tougher hill run, the first for a couple of months. Run taking in order Creag an t-Seilich, Beinn Dubh, Sith Mor, Doune Hill, Beinn Lochain and Beinn Eich, about 12 miles and close on 5000' of ascent. Start and finish at the bottom of Glen Luss.

Set off about 8:30 on a frozen misty morning, within 10 minutes came out the mist, the views to Conic peaking out above the clouds and a lovely sunrise made for a good start.

Frozen ground great for running over, skimmed over the boggy bits instead of the usual tussocky detours, feet staying on top and dry and warm. Too warm in the sun with triple thermal top, so off with jacket/gloves until after Creag an t-Seilich where the wind chill kicked in. Steady plod to reach the top in about 50 mins,

Easy run round the corries then picked my way through the peat hags on the drop into Sith Mor. Jacket and gloves off in the sun for the climb up Doune Hill, soon back on towards the top as the wind kicked in again.
Stopped for a few pictures here before a steady run along the ridge to Bein Eich, straight over and down to Edentaggart Farm at the top of Glen Luss. Pleasant run down the road to finish a few minutes under 4 hours. More pictures here.
 
Superb views all morning to Ben Lomond, Arrochar Alps and snow capped mountains as far as you could see. Unusual view down the Clyde Estuary trying to pick out the different hills poking through the low cloud.

Easy ground to run on, hard frost in the Glens, then slightly softer as you climbed up with a harder frost on the tops. Ran in trail shoes as they keep your feet a bit warmer. Ok for grip at todays relaxed pace with no really steep sections but the heel is much thicker than fell shoes which made for unstable foot placement on the rough ground.

Time Trial

Club time trial, 4.3 mile road run, starting at Christie Park along Middleton St, down to Bonhill Bridge, through Jamestown, Lomond Road, Luss Road through Christie Park and along Middleton St again looping back to the Leisure centre via Upper Bridge St.

This has been run off n on since 2003, once a month usually from Sept to April, races taking precedence the rest of the time. Performance varied, you would maybe have the opportunity to run one or two fast each year the rest would be brisk or tempo type training runs.

Over the last few years the TT became an occaisonal run. It was ressurected at the end of last year and the Dec outing was to be the first race of the clubs 25th Anniversary GP Series. Snow and ice in Dec made it less than safe and it was rescheduled for last night.

 As I hadn't been under 30 mins since Sept 06 that was my target, ended up reasonably close 30 mins 10 seconds equal to my fastest time since March 07.

PWWHSM

Forecast was wet n windy and it was, a circuit of the hills surrounding the Vale 18 miles and 3100' of ascent, and for this we got Pappert Well, Whinney Hill and Stoneymollan.

4 of us left the leisure centre just after 8 on Saturday morning, jogged down over the Bonhill Bridge and into Pappert crossed the bridge for the track on the far side of the burn. The bottom section has been smartened up, not nice, no doubt some trail runners idea of improvements. Thankfuly the top half of the track rougher and muddier. Steady plod took us to the trig point in 45 minutes. No hanging around here exposed to the wind and rain.

Followed the trail past the Well and down through the forrest to the style where we went right across fields and the golf course, found a few stray balls. Came out on Auchencarroch road then a short section of track before more road until we got on to the upper Whinney Hill track from Boturich road. Good run up through the woods for a short break at the seat, no views today. Ran through Balloch Park on the way back towards Stoneymollan.

Last hurrah up the Stoney. Walked to the first gate then a steady jog to the top. Ran along the moor walking the short steep sections before the short slippy descent to pick up the Radio Mast track. Some joinery work required on the style.

Finished in 4 hours, a quick refreshment then home tired.

hcoreppiK

Ran backwards on Sunday, reversed the usual route past Dalmoak via Renton onto the Kipperoch, through Cardross Golf Course, up Darlieth Rd, past the Black Third, down the Stoneymollan and home, 13 miles and 1300' of ascent.

For a change we started towards Balloch and over a Snowymollan. Steady trudge then a careful run down Darlieth road, on the way through Cardross golf course we took a short detour to see the Grade 'A' listed building that was Kilmahew college. A recent TV programme showed the building as it was and how it is now, the Architect was in tears. What was a superb estate has gone to ruin over the last 30 years. There is loads of then and now media on the internet so give it a Google if you're interested.

We ran on through the estate tracks back to Carman and down to Cardross where we joined the Kipperoch track, a bit icy in places for the run to Dalmoak. Finished off with a steady jog along the last couple of miles from Dalmoak back to the club. 2 hours 53 including the detour.

Stoneymollan

Gentle introduction to the year and a nice easy run over Stoneymollan, ground still frozen but most of the snow and ice is gone. Its a good surface to run on with the bonus that your feet stay dry and warm. Great views all round with the snow creased face of the Ben reflected in an almost flat calm Loch Lomond.

Ardgarten Loop

Three of us set out for the 20 miles and 4000' plus of ascent in cool drizzle. A fun time was had by all as the frozen ground meant rain and melt water froze into a smooth invisible icy film for much of the way.

Within one minute I was breathless as I fell winded on the edge of the road trying to tiptoe round the ice. No evidence of serious damage and I got up and from then on ran tentatively wary of ice. The run along to the lochan took some 1 1/2 hours as I shuffled along, mostly on the verge or in the ditch to avoid the ice. Conditions improved as the track climbed a few hundred feet in the last couple of miles ice turning to snow.

Good run across the top on a snowy cycle path until the descent back towards the Loch Goil track, more ice. The track through Lochgoilhead and on up to the top of the Rest and Be Thankful icy in patches thankfully turned to snow nearer the top.

The last 3 or 4 miles down to Ardgarten snow at first then back into the ice. All in a tougher than usual run finishing in about 4 hours 50 instead of the usual sub 4 run.

Christmas runs

Chrsitmas eve and with my few chores out the way went for a run over the snowy Stoneymollan. 2 inches of powder and clear blus sky made for perfect running, covered the 6 or 7 miles and 1000' of ascent in 85 minutes. Millie Boxing day run and back up the Stoney followed by Whinney Hill. The snow has gone through a thaw freeze cycle by now so a crunchy run had by all. Sky overcast and a cool breeze on the open hillside. A few stop starts for the bunch to regroup but the snow underfoot gave us a tough workout. 14 miles and 2000' in 3 hours 53. A few pictures here.

Whinney Hill

Sunday run through the local parks to Whinney Hill and back, 9 miles and 1000' of ascent. Not too tiring but enough at this time of year to keep things ticking over.

Snow covered ice on a lot of the paths and I stayed off them as much as possible, fingertips to the ground twice to save a sprackle in the snow, once on the climb out of Balloch Park the second the steep climb into the woods going towards Whinney Hill.

A day for easy running and taking in the views, finished in 1 hour 40, a few pictures here.

Ardarden for the birds

A late Sunday run was just what I needeed after a night playing santa.  So 12 o'clock at the Vale Leisure Centre it was and 5 of us set out for a loop through Renton, over Kipperoch through Cardross to Ardarden where a couple of the guys wanted to sort out their christmas dinner. Then up and over Stoneymollan and back to the Leisure Centre, 13 miles and 1200' of ascent.

Run through Renton slow on icy pavements, better running on the Kipperoch and along to Ardarden. Good steady climb up the Red Road past the Black Third for the obligatory pictue at the top of Stoneymollan.

Jogged down and crossed the bypass to rejoin the compact icy snow. Walked towards MacDonalds where my elbow attacked the ground to much concern from my companions, decided I wouldn't cry, returned the compliments and we jogged back to finish in 2 hours 50 minutes.

New Shoes, Sat Dec 11th

My New Balance road shoes have done about 900 miles and lower limb complaints inc had recruited hips strain ltd and the lower back distress co for a campaign to stop me moving let alone running. A search of all the online running outlets I could find and a tour of Glasgow's running shops had failed. Set off for Glasgow again and stopped at JJB in the Great Western Retail Park without much hope. No road shoes to suit but tried on a pair of Asics Enduro trail shoes, comfy. Arrived home and went straight out for a run along to Duck Bay 5 miles in 55 minutes, pain free.

Snowymollan

Superb winter conditions but not if you are a runner. Difficult to find suitable runs so I revert to the old favourite the Stoneymollan. Last Friday route from the house over Stoneymollan to my mums in Cardross then back. Today, ran up behind Carman reservoir then through the quarry and along the hillside to the top of the Stoneymollan.

On Friday set off about two pm up through Christie Park and along the bypass verge, bad choice, two feet of snow piled up from the road, trudge trudge. The run up the Stoney was good plenty of wakers had left a narrow trod over the top and about half way across. The path splits here and without the volume of walkers no track to follow and high knee lifts required to make progress through deep snow to the other side of the moor, wind chill kicked in as I left the shelter of the trees, not sure if I fancy this on the way back. Ran down the Darlieth ok if a bit icy.

Just under 1 hour 17 to mums for coffee and cakes while my running gear dried off.

Left just after four for the run back over. Good steady running up the Darlieth past the Black Third Farm,  luckily the wind had dropped for the high knee lift walk back over the moor. Ran down the Stoney in the dark, avoided the snowy bypass and ran back along the main road to home. About a minute slower coming back, 13 miles and 1700' of ascent. A few pictures here .

Today's run in glorious winter sunshine, 7 miles and about 1100' of ascent. I wanted to get to the trig point before sunset and set off about half two, plenty of time. Ran along past the Carman on the roads and onto the track leading behind Carman Reservoir, a few walkers had been before me so ok for running but hard work on any up hill. Ran on the road to the quarry, the track through the quarry hard packed and smooth good to run on as well. All changed half way up the hill, only a few had been through so walked out the back and onto the moor.

I could pick up the trail leading to the trig point as the snow was slightly smoother but hard work with the snow from varying from knee to thigh deep only the odd bit where the frozen crust would support my weight, perhaps I should buy a pair of these. Trudged across the moor and up towards the trig point just getting there a few minutes before sunset. Great views over the Clyde and Loch Lomond. Took a few pictures and tried to wait until the sun set behind the Arran peaks but too cold and set off for the run down to the top of the Stoneymollan with windproof jacket and ski gloves on.

I have been here in deep snow before and although I expected a hard run I would have turned back if it wasn't for one the set of visible footprints I could follow. Any time I strayed from them it was a fall into deep soft snow, very tiring. Easy to see how you could get into trouble. With a second frozen crust cutting into your ankles with each step it was impossible to run so slow trudge along to the top of the Stoney. Run down the Stoney ok but not as easy as Friday. Arrived home in about 2 hours 15 mins, about an hour slower than usual. Stunning views, a few pictures here.

Local Run

Today's snowy run Kipperoch, Cardross, Stoneymollan, 13 miles and 1300' of ascent.

Lovely sunny morning with an inch or two of snow and we opted for a local run though Alexandria and Renton to Dalmoak, onto the Kipperoch farm track to Cardross. Turned up the Carman road then through the grounds of the old Priest College and the track which bisects the Golf course. Returned to the Vale via the Darlieth road, past the Black Third Farm and over the Stoneymollan. Finished just under 2 hours 40. Below are a couple of pictures from the Stoneymollan, looking to Ben Lomond and Conic.

Ben Bowie and Kiloeter

Fancied a local run today but the hills either side of the Vale usually produce short runs or contrived routes. Chose a mix of Carman and Stoneymollan extended to take in the next two hills, Kiloeter and Ben Bowie, about 13 miles and 2500' of ascent.

Made my way along a usual route to the Carman on farm roads and fields then onto the path which goes behind Carman Reservoir, kept off the road only crossing it to go through the old quarry and out onto the hill following the tracks to the trig point.

Took a wee diverison here, to the left of the forest down towards the Sheperds pool behind Black Third Farm, initially on narrow sheep trods then some waist deep rush and freezing bog. Got back onto the track behind BT Farm going towards Cardross, a short downhill road section to the junction between Darlieth and the Red road and I turned right through a break in the forest up the steep side of Kiloeter, once on the ridge great views over Helensburgh and to Arran.

Turned uphill and ran on quad bike tracks following the forest edge to the top. Continued on the tracks to Ben Bowie through a wet valley, cold toes again. A break for a few pictures then turned for Kiloeter luckily finding drier bits back through the valley.

Back on Kiloeter you climb a fence at the corner of the fir trees and follow an old fence line, feet finding the wire. A few yards in you turn right past a couple of trees and a bit of fun as you plunge down a fire break on an overgrown path. At the bottom they have felled a few rows of fir trees and left them lying across the fire break, tried to walk round but in the end had to climb, came out the other side a couple of falls later to a short section of forest curiously marked with red and white tape taking you onto a narrow path and then the forest road back to the top of the Stoneymollan.

Ran back up to the trig point then along past the Jesus rocks overlooking the Carman Reservoir dropping downhill to pick up the track that takes you back towards the radiomast and down past Milburn Farm. Last few minutes on the road past Overton Cemetry to finish in 3 hours 40.

Enjoyed a tougher than expected run, lost time behind Sheperds picking the best line through the rushes and more time climbing trees coming off Kiloeter. A few pictures here.