Ted Baker

9th running of the Club Hill race up to Pappert Well, hosted by Pete n Mo, runnable at about 5 miles and 1000' of ascent. 17 Millies set off in 6 groups, the idea is we all finish together, pretty good grouping as all but a couple finish in order and the first 8 finishing within a couple of minutes of each other. Started off nice n steady along the road then tried to keep a good effort on the new hardcore path through the woods beside Pappert. The moorland path is not too steep so just keep as high a tempo as my wee legs allow. Slowed slightly before the trig point then tried to pick the pace up again on the way back down past the Well. A steady run on the hardcore path through the woods before a short down, up, down on the road, the bell welcomes us back, finishing 3rd in the handicap but 4th by time in 43:43. Post run chat, cakes and tablet, courtesy of our kind hosts, how to run and put weight on!

Arrochar Alps

My last attempt at this race was a DNF, low cloud made for difficult navigation and I gave up when it was clear I wouldn't make the next checkpoint cut off. Complacency was the real culprit, although rough and trackless, a few bearings worked out in the comfort of your own home make all the difference. Low cloud forecast again this year and I left the Vale with cloud below 1000'.

Over thirty runners set off on the Glen Loin trail at 11, only a couple behind me for the 4 mile run to the Vorlich path, left the road after 40 minutes giving 1 hour 20 to get up and back down to the Sloy dam. Its a long trudge to the top and I try to settle in to a steady pace, only one or two runners in sight in the clouds, we leave the path to cut out some corners but I swing back across to the path as its smoother and not as steep. Ghostly runners come flying past in the mist when I reach the summit ridge and a few minutes later after a 55 minute climb I get to the top, no marshals, only a kite and punch to record your visit. This leaves 25 minutes which is ok for the descent to Sloy dam. In the cloud three of us miss the steep drop off the ridge and chose one further along, not as steep and no real loss of time and I swing across to pick up the ususal line and reach the dam in 2 hours and seconds.

Next Ben Vane where it went wrong last time, losing 20 minutes on the steep trackless climb. About 6 of us go to the left of the large buttress behind the dam and then up on a 220 degree bearing which I hoped would lead to a steep rock filled gulley to the summit ridge. The first part of the climb went well, my bearing tied in with a series of gullies and gaps in the crags, a couple of the other runners popping in and out of the clag on similar lines. Large crags imposed a couple of worrying deviations to the chosen bearing but I could now hear a stream which hopefully was the one that runs along near the bottom of the gulley. Just then the clouds cleared around us and I could relax, spot on for the gulley to the top. It gets quite steep for the last few yards, a bit of a scramble. Back into cloud at the top I start on my bearing for the run off Vane, when I reach this rock arc round to the left to miss the worst of the crags, towards the bottom I could see the two runners in front and appeared to be closing in until I went too close to the last set of crags which slowed me down.

From Lag Uaine I go up a narrow ridge towards Glas Bhealach the two in front going off to the left, two behind slowly closing in, hard work now, they catch and pass me just as I leave GB for the last 900' climb up Ben Ime. I catch them having a breather at the summit and ran past. The run off Ime deceptive as the path splits and the wrong one leads you to steep cliffs just as the right one fades away for a while, a 165 bearing takes me to the checkpoint at Bealach a Mhaim.

The clouds break revealing glimpses of the path for the last climb up Narnain, I try to push on but it feels very slow, thankfully its the shortest climb of the day and the summit cairns soon appear through the cloud. The run off Narnain a tricky 3000' drop in two miles starts with a careful scramble through the spearhead then a twisty narrow track down a series of steep drops. Pop out below the clouds after about 25 minutes and Arrochar comes in to view with a runner just in front, he must be struggling as I catch and pass him easily. One last scramble down a rocky muddy stream then its down a path covered with huge concrete blocks. Timecheck as I reach the forest road is 5 hours 33, and I jog in to finish in 5 hours 46 and 27th out of 30 finishers.

Beinn Duhbchraig

Set off at 12 from Dalrigh along to Cononish then up Beinn Dubhchraigs Northern shoulder, steep at first then becomes runable before it kicks up again before the summit. I was carrying enough food and clothes to run the 4 munros and as I left Dalrigh there was only puffs of cloud on the summits. Into the cloud at about 2500 feet mist more than rain, I soon picked up the ridge path and found the summit cone, a bit wet and windy up here. The run along to Ben Oss twists and turns as it drops 700 feet to the beallach between them. Rain heavier, wind picked up and the cloud seemed to be dropping lower pouring off Duhbchraigs shoulder into Coire Garbh, Loch Oss 500 feet below dissapearing faster than I was descending. I arrived at the turning point to aim for the climb to Oss's summit, feeling cold and a bit damp, checked out the map then decided to call it a day. My escape route was to descend to Loch Oss then contour round Duhbchraig's eastern shoulder where a path would take me back to Dalrigh. Dropped down to Loch Oss out of the cloud, wind and rain and soon felt better. Ran down through Coire Garbh round Loch Oss over peat hags and bog but with great views down Loch Lomond. Chased a herd of deer along Dubhchraigs Eastern face the Stag eventually gathering his herd down into a forest. Soon met the path back to Dalrigh through fir trees beside a tumbling highland stream, the fir trees soon gave way to Scots Pine, a pleasant run off th ehill. A wade through the river Cononish and across the WHW to finish. Just over 4 hours for 12 miles and 3800 feet of climbing.

Stoneymollan

Cort Ma Law

Boggiest Bog n Burn race for a while, 6 miles and 1700 feet of ascent. The rain held off but the ground was soft. After the climb up from Jamie Right's Well to the top of Cort Ma Law you think the hard work is done then you hit the undulating swamp on the run round to Lecket Hill. An emerald green sea, your not sure if its ankle deep or waist deep, you find the waist deep ones when your going like a wee train, its hard to get going again, then you stop at every one, suspicious, you hear the runner behind coming and just go for it. Three thigh deep plunges meant the runners behind kept catching up, the soft ground making for a hard run. Respite after reaching the top of Lecket, downhill and the bogs are narrow enough to jump. For a change I managed to stay on my feet in the run into the gulley then a slow trudge back out. Slowly get back to running but one more plunge just before I reach the safety of the path. Jump the fence and run as hard as possible across the moor and a fast descent to finish in just over 69 minutes.

Yetholm

The 3rd race from this years SHR Championship, this was my second as I missed Slioch, nearly missed this one as well, I forgot my shorts and lost 30 minutes finding a shop in Stirling with anything resembling shorts that I could run in. Made registration in Town Yetholm with a minute to spare. Classed as a medium race, 8 miles with 2500 feet of climbing, The route alternates between clockwise and anticlockwise, last time I ran here was in 2005 when it was clockwise, this time anti. Typical rolling borders hills, on the way out we went over Staerough, Sunnyside, Wildgoose and Latchley Hills, then up the biggest climb, the Curr, from the Curr we ran back via the Pennine way, past Black Hag along Steer Rig over White Law before an undulating grassy descent back to the start. No major climbs and no rocks or boulders to contend with. Finished just under 1 hour 34 about 20 seconds quicker than 2005.

Jura n beyond

Set off on Friday morning for the Jura Fell Race, 7500 FOA and 16 miles. I hoped to break 6 hours. A drive to Kennacraig for the Calmac ferry to Islay then another ferry across the sound of Islay to Feolin on Jura, saved energy this year and took the bus to Craighouse. Another contrast to last year was the wind, low cloud and rain. Arrived at Craighouse on a dreich afternoon, got the tent up and went into the cooperage which doubles as race headquarters. The locals put on a good show of home baking for the weekend and spent a pleasant hour drinking tea, eating scones and cakes. Time for a rest before tea and a couple of pints in the Jura Hotel. Too wet for much of a walk after tea so an early night.

Race day and a pleasant surprise, bright and breezy, plenty of blue sky. Even though not everyone was through the Start Control the race starts at 10:30 on the dot, the rest of us throw the first of our 10 checkpoint tags towards the steward and set off. The first 5 miles take us over 2500 feet of climbing and the three summit checkpoints of Beinns, Dubh, Glas and Aonach, cut off times are strictly enforced, a runner passed me wearing long pink shorts, it would be good to beat him. I reached the first checkpoint in 53 mins, 7 minutes inside the cutoff. This section is typical of Scottish hills, an undulating mass of bog and rock, a contrast to the straight up and down of the Paps. Leaving Aonach-beinn we drop steeply for the peat bog crossing of Gleann Astaile.

Next its a steep rock and boulder roller coaster over the three Paps, 4000 feet of up and down over 5 miles. The first Pap Beinn a' Chaolais starts off grassy, then gets progressively rockier towards the top where its a mass of shattered boulders, admiring the views as I approach the summit, I am caught by a sharp shower of stinging hail, luckily this soon passes, I managed to cover my face but the rash on my legs is still there nearly a week later. The run off the top a fun steep twisty scree path, I arrive at the bottom too soon for the short boggy crossing to Pap 2, Beinn an Oir, pretty much straight up again through rocks, boulders and more boulders, at the top I stumble along the rocky path then take a sharp right at an old ruin down a rocky track. The last Pap, Beinn Shiantaidh appears impassable from the glen but you pick your way up gullies and ledges to another moonscape top of shattered rock, a tough descent down scree and boulders, towards the bottom you can pick up a number of narrow trods to take you round to the last climb, 600 or so feet in half a mile up Corra Beinn. At the top I look at my watch for the first time since CP1, 4 hours 53, gave me something to chase over the last 6 miles.

The three mile 1800 feet descent to Three Arch Bridge achieved in 34 minutes with a bashed shin and several plunges into peaty ditches left me 32 minutes for three flat road miles to the finish. I could see the runner in front and worked at closing him down, then another couple, the last one I caught had long pink shorts, he stayed with me and we worked together for the last mile and a half, he urged me to go on for the last few hundred yards and I crossed the line just inside 5 hours 59. For a feel of the route and terrain check out this link for pictures taken by another, faster, runner on his way round.

More tea and cakes and a couple of pints while watching the prizegiving before I felt brave enough for the cold shower. A pleasant evening spent eating and drinking in the Jura Hotel before another early night.

Got up early on Sunday for a walk back to Feolin, wet and windy so I was lucky to get a lift within a few minutes and meant I could get the first boat back to Kennacraig. The best place to sit was the front deck outside as the sun came out with the added bonus of a pod of Dolphins leaping around in front of us.

From Kennacraig I drove up to Arisaig and Camusdarrach Campsite to meet my better half and friends for a few days beside the sea. They had been there in wind and rain since Friday, I brought the sun. I even managed a swim on Monday. Some Jura and Arisaig pictures here.

We arrived back on Wednesday afternoon and by the time we unpacked I still had time to get to Old Kilpatrick for the evening Bog and Burn race, 6 miles and 1400 FOA. Light rain greeted the start and continued for much of the race, managed to wheezily run most of the uphills. Pictures here . The first half mile is on road, then a runnable climb up onto the hill for a flattish run across moor and farm track past loch Humphrey, a couple of minor climbs then round Greenside reservoir before the short drag up the Slacks, from the trig point at the top you head straight for the Clyde a slight route change over a new style instead of the coffee table to rejoin the outward route, finished just over 63 minutes.

Stoneymollan

Another easy weekend run, set off for a lap of Stoneymollan and luckily got round before the rain. As it was a short run I put a bit of effort in taking 10 minutes of my usual time.

Arrochar undulations

Set off early for today's run, from Succoth, tide in, up Glen Loin, over Ben Vane, Beinn's Ime and Narnain and the Cobbler to finish avoiding the crowds by returning to Succouth via a new route for me the Cobblers SE ridge. Took it easy through Glen Loin walking the bigger hills, the track to the Ben Vane turn felt hard. Steady trudge up Ben Vane, thoughts of cutting the run short never far away, towards the top into the clouds and a blustery wind, sheltered just before the summit for something to eat and dug the compass out for the 280 degree run off. Over the top and into a gale, trot along the bearing to this rock, time to turn left and drop down into Lag Uaine. Soon out the cloud and work my way round the crags into the glen. Find my exit ridge for the climb towards Glas Bhealach, its between two streams and has a faint path to follow, easier than the open hillside. From Glas Bhealach things got harder as an icy squall blew in, sheltered behind a boulder, two buffs on and hood up then set off for Ben Ime's steep northern slopes. Head down and went for it, a bit of dermabraision from the hail, arms wrapped around me for warmth, the higher I went the colder I got, legs turning blue but didn't want to stop to put on extra gear in case it got blown away on the exposed slopes. Reached the top a bit quicker than usual. Some more food then gloves on sheltering behind the summit. Decided to call it a day after this unless the cloud lifted. Legs painful on the descent, kept working, trying to get some life back into them. Started down on my usual bearing but soon under the clouds. Gradually felt better until I realised Narnain and the Cobbler were both clear. Ran though Bealach a' Mhaim, easy to locate the path up Narnain, ran where I could. Reached the top in just under 4 hours. More food in the shelter of the wall at the trig point. The run back towards Bealach a'Mhaim a bit stop start on the badly eroded path. Lots of walkers climbing the Cobbler's back stairs and set off after them, great climb and as the gradient eases I manage a run to the busy summit ridge. Pick my way slowly along the twisty bouldery ridge path to the western end for a run down the quieter SE ridge. Great views back towards the Cobbler and across to Narnain. Legs complaining a bit on the run off the ridge to meet the new zig zag path. A nice easy jog back to Succoth, tide out. 15 miles and 7700' of ascent over the four tops, finished in 5 hours 44. A few pictures here.

Riverbank 5k

Third running of the Clubs 5k starting from the rear gate to Cameron House, through Lomond Shores and onto the cycle path on the Leven finishing just past the Vale Academy. 18 of us set off in 5 groups, we all had someone to run with and chase, tried to run at an even pace and thought I kept the first mile steady but struggled on the second mile. Managed to keep it going with a good effort for the third, please to finish in 20:48. Photos Here.

Ben Lomond

A warm and windless afternoon greeted the runners as we set off at 1 pm for my yearly attempt to get under 1 hour 40. A quick dash along the road then up through whats left of the woods. Came out the woods in a small group and ran as many of the flatter parts as I could. Seemed to work as I didn't lose as much distance as usual on the steep parts. Onto the shoulder at half way and running up into the clouds. At the top they kick you off the track again over rough ground to meet the ridge path, working hard now the up part is nearly over. Reach the top in just over 69 minutes, a quick drink from the summit marshall and off chasing the runners in front. The run off the ridge tricky down the rocky zig zags while trying to overtake as many as possible. The close proximity of other runners means careful foot placement as we all tend to go for similar lines while keeping our chaotic descent upright. The first part of the plateau just as tricky, not as steep but still plenty of rocks to hop over as we try to pick up the pace. Settle into a steady pace as the plateau levels off, towards the end we leave the trail down a steep grassy bank, thunder and lightning overhead helps increase the pace. Through the gate and back on the path then just when you think the routes changed and its path all the way back we are directed onto trackless boggy tussocks for a few hundred yards. Soon we're back on the path again and losing concentration for a second down I go, knees, hip and hands take a battering in a rocky ditch, try to roll out of major impact and get going again without losing any places, although running with a limp for the next two hundred yards slows me down a bit. Knee soon eases and back up to speed for the bad step, tip toe through and down into the forest. Keep working hard, in traffic again, route choice important to keep passing slower descenders. Back on the road and muster a last effort to finish just over 1 hour 41. Pictures from the finish here.

Dumyat

Extremely dry for the Dunyat race, 5 miles 1250' of ascent, a nice wee up and down from the grounds of Stirling Uni. Over 300 runners made for a busy race, started in the middle of the pack lost a few places going up then got them back going down. Road and track leading into bluebell woods then onto the hill, ran more of the ups than usual and got to the top in just under 32 mins, about a minute more than I was looking for, concentration a bit wayward. Round the trig point and down through a mass of runners still coming up, gradually picked up the pace making good use of gravity but wary of a fall on the busy paths. Nice run down through the woods, the steep muddy bank too dry to attract much of a crowd. Nice n steady along the up part of the track then gradually wound up the pace all the way to the finish once back on the downhill. Finished in 155 place in 49 mins 10. Civilised end with a shower and then the Uni cafe for food before the drive home. Some pictures here.

Stuc A Chroin

143 started the 14 mile 5000' Long Classic race from the village of Strathyre. Beautiful sunny day luckily with a strong cooling breeze. Covered the two miles of forest track undulating up in 22 minutes, felt like I pushed too hard. Through the trees and onto the moor, steady jog walk towards Meall Mor and an easy run down into Glen Ample. Kept to my own pace on the ascent of Beinn Each, letting one or two past on the short level sections on the way to the crags. Three or four got past just after the crags as the path steepened up and I slow down. Let them go, hoping to catch them later. Good run off the top of Beinn Each, caught and passed a few on the ridge. Felt harder than I would have hoped, still, views to die for and the breeze kept you from overheating. After about a mile of undulating ridge you have a 1000' in a mile climb up the Stuc's SW Ridge, yo yo time again as those I had passed on the ridge drift pass me. Reach the top of the Stuc in 2 hours 11, a few minutes down on schedule. Round the cairn and ease after those in front, not too fast as there's a few undulations on the way back and Glen Ample as well. Gradually pull a few places back on the run off the Stuc, the ridge along to Bealach nan Cabar and the drop back in to Glen Ample. Steady traverse along to the crossover hoping somethings left in the tank. Cross the bottom of Glen Ample and the first part of the climb ok for me although yo yo time again as I'm passed by two or three. Cramp hits about half way up but luckily another runner offers me some nuun drink which seems to help almost immediately and although losing ground on those in front I manage to run out the Glen as the slope eases. Jog over the col then try to make a steady pace back across the moor, gradually reel in and pass the three in front, one sticks with me and overtakes on the last up before the forest. Overtake and leave him on the run into the forest and pass another couple oh and a wee fall in a ditch. Back on the forest track, keep it steady for the first slightly uphill mile hoping that no one passes, one guy does, a wee chat then he's off. The last mile is downhill, not steep but enough to help you along, I can hear footsteps behind, lean forward, lengthen my stride but can't shake him and he soon passes. Manage to catch another three before the end, a couple of them barely jogging, then a quick finish required to keep ahead of the kind runner who gave me the Nuun, 3 hours 36 for 105th place. Super race, route on the hill fully marked with 30 or 40 friendly marshalls out on the hills, laden with water, sweets and loads of encouragement.

A few pictures here.

Whangie

First Bog n Burn race of the year, dry underfoot, blue skies and a cool breeze, so not too boggy. 4 miles and 800' of ascent. Took it easy up the first climb then tried to push on along the narrow undulating track past the Whangie. Managed to overtake a few then held my place until we reached the ridge, felt good on the run down to the road. Steady jog along to the turn back onto the hill. Walked the first short steep section then ran from then on. Picked off a few jog n walkers on the way to the trig point. After the trig its mostly gentle grassy downhill until a short sharp drop back to the path and helter skelter with a couple more victims on the way back to the finish. Great wee local race with a built in 1 1/2 mile warm up and cool down to and from the parking area. Finished in just over 37 minutes, a few seconds faster than last year for the same route, and faster than previous best for the old route.

Pictures here and here.

Easy weekend

Short runs, two of them, the first Saturday afternoon, a steady jog round Stoneymollan, a nice breeze, clouds scudding around the blue sky, Luss Hills, Ben Lomond and beyond, all crying out for attention in the sun, stick to the plan, recovery from the past few hard weeks. Sunday an evening run through the three parks, Chrsitie, Argyll and Balloch, careful not to stand on sleeping ducks, as dusk falls.

Stuc A Chroin recce

This weeks long run was a recce of the race route. 14 miles and 5000' of ascent. From Strathyre the route starts and finishes with 2 miles on forest tracks with a few ups and downs in between. I had only run this as a race so today was a chance to take in the views. After the first couple of miles we left the track through the tunnel of trees onto the hill for a gradual climb over Meall Mor and a steep drop into Glen Ample, then an enjoyable climb up to take in the views from the summit of Beinn Each. Its two miles from BE to the top of the Stuc, the first mile good fun as the path twists and turns along an undulating ridge, the second a steady 1000' climb. We spent a few minutes on the top looking from Ben Vorlich which sits a mile or so behind the Stuc right across to the Firth of Forth on the East coast. A quick refuel in the shelter of the summit cairn and we set off for the return back along the ridge to Bealach nan Cabar, luckily the return route avoids Beinn Each and we drop down a tussocky gulley before the rough traverse along Glen Ample saving something for the climb out to Meall Mor. Good run back to the forest, mostly downhill, then the two mile jog to Strathyre. We finished in 4 hours 50 and hope to be somewhat quicker in a couple of weeks time.



Sunday was such a good morning just had to go for a recovery run over Carman, Overton and Bromley Muirs, 5 or 10 minutes slower than usual and walked the steep bits.

Arrochar Alps

Forecast was for more sun as the day went on, good day for a long slow run. The plan was to run from Succouth up Glen Loin to Coiregrogain, then Ben Vane, Beinn Ime and Narnain, and a descent down to Succouth, about 13 miles and 6000' of climbing.

We started with low cloud and mist down below 2000'. Took it easy through Glen Loin, walking the bigger hills. Arriving at the Ben Vane path just after Coiregrogain we moved quickly across the bog and onto the 2000 foot in a mile climb, pretty soon we were into the clouds. Steady trudge up and as we made our way through Vanes knobbly tops we broke through into sunshine and stunning views of mountain tops piercing the clouds. We took in the views for a few minutes then set off on a crag avoiding bearing into Lag Uaine and back into the mist. We came down under Beinn Chorranach, too far North, a short trot up the glen and we set off for what we hoped was Glas Bhealach. A few minor zig zags on the way up and then a break in the clouds confirmed we were just about on track. A short stop at GB then up the steep North flank of Beinn Ime in glorious sunshine. A brief stop at the top and we were off back down into the mist towards Bealach a'Mhaim. Tried to run a bearing but came down slightly to the right of the style. Soon picked up the path to Narnain and back into the sun, even managed a wee jog as the slope eased towards the top. We set off with a scramble through the Spearhead to start the run down the steep twisting path, kept a steady pace going all the way. Keeping to the left of the stream we managed to stay off the concrete blocks and made good time on the bottom section leading back on to the forrest track. Only a short run down to the car park left with a quick stop at the jacuzzi refreshing tired legs.

Finished in 4 hours 50, a quiet seat in the sun before the drive home our reward for a fine day. Only met one person on Ben Vane then hordes of walkers as we ran off Beinn Ime and over Narnain. Misty glens made us think a wee bit about navigation and brought us back down to earth after the stunning views from the tops.

Stoneymollan

18 runners set off on the handicap hill race, first off about 6:30 last after 7. A cool and clear evening, good for running. The first 1/2 mile is on the road then onto tracks and paths. Good running up the Stoneymollan then nice n boggy along Bromley and Overton Muirs. Reeled the runner ahead in at the top of the Stoney but he tucked in behind and would overtake me before the finish. Good run along to the fort catching three as I jumped the wall. I can hear runners coming up behind but hold them off until back on to the road when a couple pass me. Jog the last two wee hills then push downhill to finish in just over 43 minutes a couple of minutes slower than last year. Tea and cakes in the hall once everyone gets back.

Luss Hill Run

Saturday morning and we set off for a loop round the Luss Hills, the route would turn out depending how we felt. Into the climbing straight away up Beinn Dubh, no stopping at the top in the cool breeze. Along the ridge twisting round Coire na h-eanachan and Carlaig before the tussocky drop into Sith Mor. Second big climb up Doune Hill then more ridge running over Beinn Lochain and Eich and back down to the road a the top of Glen Luss. Here we crossed the Glen for the stiff climb up Coille-eughain Hill and back to the foot of the glen via the Paps, finished the 13 mile 6000' route in just over 4 1/2 hours.

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.