Glen Loin and Kilpatricks

Snow plastered hills this weekend, Saturday opted for a run round Glen Loin staying well below the white crags above. The trail winding up the Glen soon snow covered, sleet turning to snow, upper Glen over 6" deep makes for a good workout, ran down trails through the forest for a few hundred yards of snow free running, finishing inside 2 hours. Sunday, warmer, wetter and windier, 10 miles in the Kilpatrick's, starting off from the gas station, followed the road up and round till the race route rejoins, left the RR just past Loch Humphrey on a trail round the first couple of Duncolm tops then climbing the last one. Soggy path back to Greenside reservoir, instead of the Slacks we set off down a farm track into the back of Duntocher, to finish a trail runs along the back of the cemetry to the gas station, just over two hours today.

Arrochar Trails

Contrasting weather from last weekend, colder, wet n windy, route plan was to run from Succoth, along the trails to Ardgarten, Cat Crag loop and back to Succoth, about 12 or 13 miles and 2500'.

Half way round the CC loop

Not many people out today, the trees keep most of the chill breeze off, a good day to run only without the views, arrive back at Succoth and run annother 2 or 3 mile loop/500' for 15 miles, 3000' inside three hours. Mixture of trails with a couple of miles on the road to join them together. Some pictures here.

BOO

Got up to clear skies, sun and no wind. Drove up to Bridge of Orchy - BOO - and set off for the two Munros that overlook. Beinn Dorain and Beinn An Dothaidh (Pron Dohay). The first mile a rocky boggy path up into the clouds to Coire a Dothaidh. I reach the high Beallach between to the two hillls and I'm through the clouds, a cold breeze here but endless blue skies and sunshine, stop for a few pictures.

Hills overlooking the Black Mount from the beallach.

Dorain first, a 1000' and a mile or so South, steep at first then levels off, more runnable with a few wee steep bits. Double summit, the real summit is the second one, 100' or so down and up. More photos here, views are good today.

Lui and Arrochar hills and Ben Lomond

About turn through the dip and back to the Beallach, catching a Glory on the clouds below. The path up Dothaidh good at first then fades into bog, the path reappears on the short climb to the SE top, run round the other two tops, the middle on is the real summit. More pictures!

Beinn Achaladair's rolling summit ridge and Beinn a Creachain behind

A reluctant run back to the Beallach and the boggy rocky path down to BOO, Just under 3 1/2 hours for the 9 miles and 4300'. Views from Ben's Lomond to Nevis, the CMD clear beside it, Cruachan, Lui, and the Arrochar Alps all poking through the clouds, mountains for miles. More pictures here.

Road Race

Glasgow Uni 5 mile Road Race, one of the few road races that I run, route has evolved into sort of a two lap affair to avoid public roads as much as possible, includes a few undulations. Starts and finishes within Gascube Sports Complex touching the Switchback, Dawesholm and Maryhill on the way round. Finished just inside 37 minutes in 142 place from 211 finishers, times ranged from 25 to 54 minutes. Cakes after not as good as they used to be or rmaybe need to run faster.

See Planes

Saturday was a nice day for a run, drove up to Arrochar, plan was to run to Beallach A Mhaim then up a couple of hills. Easy run up the zig zags and past the Narnain Boulders, Narnain and the Cobbler in cloud. Started up Narnain's NW ridge to the sound of Sea Planes overhead. Reached the top, clouds swirling around and below, views to Loch Long, Gareloch and beyond opening and closing every few seconds.

The Cobbler from Narnain.

Easy run down and up the Cobbler while the clouds were sliding over the surrounding summits,.usual crowds of people on the Cobbler.

 The Needle, Arrochar and Ben Lomond.

Just over 3 hours for the 10 miles, 4500'. More pictures here.

Tinto

Third attempt at this little up and down traily hill race. About 250 entries for the 4 miles and 1500' makes for a crocodile like start as we trot up the path in a line, track muddy at first gradually gives way to a broken stoney trail then smoother chuckies towards the misty top. Round the huge summit cairn, the downward trail seems rougher than on the way up, good fun bombing down the steeper sections, finished inside 50 minutes just before the rain started. Pictures here and here.

Ben Lomond

Cooler today for today's cool down run over the Ben. Up the tourist path, down via Ptarmigan Ridge, about 8 miles and 3400'. Steady jog at the start, not too many walkers about so walked the steeper bits. Breeze picked up as we approached the plateau via the off path track, jacket, gloves and hat. Ran most of the plateau then walked up the steep steps onto the summit ridge, into the clouds and a  stiff breeze, running now to keep warm. Short break at the top then off down the rocky Ptarmigan Ridge. Looking back the summit cleared, stick like figures just visible on the top. Out for about 2 1/2 hours.

Looking back to the summit from Ptarmigan Ridge, more pictures here.

Dumyat Dash

New shorter route for this Autumnal race up and down Dumyat from Menstrie. We set off going back towards Striling, after a few minutes steep single file track we are on to a wider trail traversing along the Southern flank of this popular wee hill losing most of the hard fought height already gained before turning up a deep gulley attacking Dumyat from the South. Steep at first then eases off allowing a steady trudge, pop out the gulley and head for the top joining the usual Dumyat Hill Race route for the last 50 yards. Straight over the top and down the back, a grassy trail takes us to the same narrow wee trod we started on. About 47 minutes for 3 miles with 1500' of up and down. Good day for my first race for a couple of months, sunny with a cool breeze, super views from the top of Dumyat.

10 Mile Handicap

Club Handicap race round the Horseshoe, late night so didn't expect much of a performance and I was not disappointed with a 92 minute plus trundle round the undulating 10.4 mile route, damp and breezy, into the wind on the way back just increased the pleasure no end.

Undulating Trails

Well into Sunday before I could get a run in, set off for Ben Lomond, a bit breezy at Rowardennan and a change of plan, a run along to Inversnaid and back, last time I ran this was in 2008, first half forest road then the trail twists through trees along to Inversnaid. A lot of water about and not a lot of views or other walkers/runners, I think I only passed two rangers and four walkers today. Showers on the way out, a bit wetter on the way back until the rain went off for the last half mile. Ran inside 3 hours for the 14 miles, 3000' of ascent, a few pictures here.

Chasing Seaplanes

Ime and the Cobbler from Succoth, 12 miles and 5000' feet, timed to intercept the Cameron House Seaplane either on the way out or back, depends which way it went, but with only 40 minutes to get from Ime to The Cobbler, top to top. Set off in plenty of time with a faint blue sky through the mist above. Felt harder than usual beating my usual splits despite trying to take it easy. Great views through gaps in the swirling clouds.

Ben Lomond from Ime

Butterbridge and road to Loch Fyne from Ime

Ime from The Cobbler

Passed a few walkers on the way but managed to arrive at a deserted Ime summit, peace and quiet while I waited on the Seaplane, didnae see it, did see a walker from Buckie on a trip to gather a few of his last munros. Off down to Bealach A' Mhaim and a direct line to the Cobbler, trotted up the back steps arriving on schedule, a chat with some walkers while I waited for the Seaplane, I didnae see it. Ran back down after a few more photos, great day, mixture of cloud and sun, no wind made the waiting ok.  A few more pictures here.

Misty Mountains

Forecast was low cloud and showers, looked better as I set off, driving along Loch Lomondside, low cloud, at least it was dry. Changed route to Narnain and The Cobbler, easier to navigate the 10 miles and 4500' from Succoth. Only a few cars about should make for a quiet day on the hills. Paused at the Narnain Boulders, starting to rain and into the clouds. Misty trudge, visibility 20 or 30 yards and breezy until behind Narnain's bulk. No-one up here today, touched the trig and turned back towards Beallach a Mhaim. Easy run back down, turning at each of the mini the cairns I noticed on the way up, a train ticket stuck in a hole a marker that I was on the right track. Planned to run the Cobblers back steps, walked most, voices at the top, a couple of people eventually emerging from the cloud near the Needle, others unseen. A small gap in the clouds at the top of the Cobbler back stairs, stopped for a picture.

Steady run through the Glen and down the winding path back to Succoth inside 3 hours. A few more pictures here.

Ben Lomond

Weekend away, Monday Ben Lomond run, looked like it might clear, into cloud from halfway and that's how it stayed, a few walkers about and a couple of other runners, warm at the bottom, thankful for the cooler breeze from the plateau up, refreshing swim in the Loch to finish, out for a couple of hours, 7 miles and 3192 feet.

5 Mile Handicap

Club 5 miler, only 4 3/4 really but a good test of fitness, set off in reverse order, the aim of the handicapper is to give the timekeeper a problem, everyone finishing together. Worked out quite well, everyone finishing within a couple of minutes of each other and their handicap times.

Lusstrous

A post by Dave Sargent of his continuous run 7 times up and down Blencathra, once on each of its ascent ridges attracted my interest. I looked at  map of Glen Luss and the Hills I run round most of the year. A route began to take shape, all the hills overlooking Glen Luss in one continuous circuit, 18 to 20 miles and 9000' of ascent.

I had run all of it at one time or another, just get fit enough and have a go on a good day. Couple of attempts didn't work then today a free day, good forecast and enough thousand feet in the legs. Late start, 10 am, the Lomond Valley filled with cloud, climbed Beinn Dubh up into the sun. Round the Corries, picnic at Mid Hill and back into the Glen for the short road section to Beinn Eich. Steady walk up BE, another picnic, down over Beinn Lochain to Cruach A t-Sidhein.

Just over half way distance but more climb, 5500' , low point here and thought about bailout options, luckily they all involved a bit of effort (pain) and hassle, so just one more hill and I would think about it again. Same negative thoughts for the next two climbs, Beinn a'Mhanaich and Beinn Chaorach, both over 1200', pathless, hot and running low on water. Followed some sheep on a nice zig zag trod up Beinn a'Mhanaich about 1200 feet in 3/4 of a mile rather than the steeper direct route through the crags I was thinking of, good move, a bit longer but managed to keep moving. Beinn Chaorach, not as steep but more of a struggle, worked my way up beside a fence, resting at every big white fence post.

This was the last main top, I new it was undulating from here, about 5 miles with 1000' of ascent and 2000' of descent over 5 tops.

Finished just under 9 hours with a swim in Luss Water, two and a half litres of fluids not enough and cereal bars didn't go down well, jelly babies better but probably not enough. A few more pictures here.

Ben Nevis race 2014

Fort William for race weekend, Glen Nevis campsite on Friday evening, clear skies, watched the moonrise over Sgurr a' Mhaim to pasta and a cold beer.

Raceday, a bit of cloud, showers forecast. Went down early to register, before the crowds. Walked down to the start about 12 an hour before the off, rain started but not for long, off by the time we were paraded to the start by Lochaber Pipe Band. Away we go round the park and up the road, a mile or so to the gently climbing Ben path, took one short cut, came back to the same people who took other ones, ignored the next short cut and lost maybe 10 yards, but easier ground to cover. Steady plod round windy corner towards the half way lochan before the race route cuts the corner to the Red Burn, gained about 10 yards following a couple of Lochaber runners round a rocky dip. Reached the Red Burn within 20 secs of my target, had a drink before the steep claw up the Red Burn Screes. Sitting in a long line of runners the pace felt slightly too easy, managed a few overtakes trying not to lose too much time without blowing a gasket. Pushed on for the last half mile as the gradient eases, reached the top a couple of minutes or so down to plan. My laces had been caught on a rock and thought about re-tying, just tucked them inside my shoes as they were nice and tight. Gloves on, brakes off for the helter skelter run off the hill. Five of us ran down the screes in a group, let one guy past who was moving a bit quicker. Reached the grassy bank and a couple more went past, another drink at the bottom. Back on the tourist path, watch the slippy gritty boulders and the meandering tourists, path becomes smoother and push hard to catch and pass a few before the road, now 5 minutes behind but felt ok and ran a good few down by Claggan, last push round the park to finish inside 2 hours 36 my best time for 7 years, racefood, up, 2 jelly babies and 1 jelly bean, down 2 jelly babies.

The Cobbler

Poor forecast, possibly glimpses of something better later in the day. Afternoon run up the Cobbler, The rain got heavier the further I went through the Glen, past the Narnain boulders, lashing, suppose I should put my jacket on. Passed a few walkers, watch out mister it's really cloudy up there, windy up there, watch oot fur ma twa pals there only wearin trackies, good fun really, wet and windy but not too cold, reached the back stairs, slow jog up to the middle peak, a couple of pics then steady trudge back down, on the way back, skies tried to clear and the sun almost came out, 8 miles, 3400' of ascent in a couple of hours. On the way home visited or rather spied on the boys overnight camp at Butterbridge. Pictures here.

5k

2nd Club race in a few days, starting  in groups, never easy, 20 or so minutes of tempo running, about 15 seconds outside my target.

Club Duathlon

Next race in Club GP, the Duathlon, 4 mile run, 8 hilly mile cycle. Staggered start and staggery run for me. Fared slightly better on the cycle, 31 minute run, 33 minute cycle, good fun.

Stob Ban and the Grey Corries

Improving forecast and a pass oot! Glen Nevis Campsite Fri night, early night, early rise and a taxi to the top of the glen. The plan, to run up Glen Nevis past Steall to Tom an Eite, across the glen to start the climbing over Stob Ban and the Grey Corries, if anything left Aonachs, CMD and the Ben, 22 miles and 10,500'.

Jog walked up the track rucksack heavy packed with food, water, spare clothes, maps, bivvy bag and headtorch. Across boggy moorland to the first climb up Stob Ban's NW flank, a herd of deer high above.

Clouds sitting on the tops of the Grey Corries 500' above. A sleet and hail squall blew through as I started the steep scree run off Stob Ban to the beallach, jacket and leggings on, break for food and drink, then the sun came out for the climb up Stob Choire Claurigh, ( pron stob corrie clorry) and the start of the Grey Corries ridge that extends to four munros and four other tops before the Aonachs.

Showers would blow through for the rest of the day. The grey colour comes from the quartzite rocks and stones that shroud these tops and doesn't make for steady running, more of a jog, walk, shuffle, and the odd scramble while taking in the views. Each top on the ridge appears as a puzzle that unravels the closer you get. The ridge narrows in places but not too narrow that you have to hold on.

Nav error leaving Stob Coire Easain, takes me off the ridge down steep shattered boulders on its NW flank, I dislodge one the size of a rucksack and watch it crash down a couple of hundred feet below. A rainy squall blows through, lose about half an hour here, going too slow to keep warm as I pick my way carefully down, change of gloves at the bottom and manage to generate a bit of heat on the climb back up to the ridge. Decide to keep going for now and run over the last couple of tops towards the Aonachs and climb out the gullies on the way to Stob Coire Bhealaich, met a Ramsey Rounder three hours into his hoped for sub 24 hour run looking remarkably fresh having covered the Ben, CMD and the Aonachs.

 I looked at the cloud topped Aonachs above and decide to drop back down to Steall and run down Glen Nevis instead, finished just under 10 hours for same distance as planned, 22 miles, but only about 7500' of ascent. More pictures here.