Green grass fell race

A reasonable performance in my first race back after the various trips abroad, with 18th place (51mins) in the Green grass of home fell race - which is basically a 6 mile figure of 8 based on a double climb up Moel Dywyll on the Clwydian ridge. This was the 3rd and last of the Clwydian summer trots fell race series: I was 14th in the first (Druid) and missed the second. I feel I've lost most of my speed since being away, and tried to pick the running up last week to compensate - managed about 35 miles including a Buckley intervals session, an 11 mile run around Hawarden and Broughton, and a run up and around Hope Mountain. Snowdon race on Saturday.

Tatra traverse

Back home now after a superb traverse of the Slovak Tatra with Pete. After meeting at Krakow airport, we began the traverse from Skalnata Chata, following the popular waymarked trail NE to the secondary peak of Vel'ka Svistovka - superb views over the traverse which was to follow. Descending into the Zelenom Plese valley in worsening weather, we bagged beds in the hut - then I went for a quick trip up the Cervenad Dolina to bag the splendid peak of Jahnaci stit (2230m), sadly in thick mist. But a great little ridge, weaving in and out of rocky towers and short traverses. Met Pete back at the hut. Next day, the crux of the route. We hired a guide to accompany us up Vel'ka Zmrzla dolina - a legal requirement if leaving the waymarked route in the Tatra, sadly. But the day was superb - albeit in slightly dodgy weather. Up a steep ridge on chains to gain the upper valley, then snowfields and another steep ridge to gain the stupendous 'breche' of Baranie Sedlo. The weather began clearing for the descent to lunch at the Teryho hut where we left the guide. Then west over the equally spectacular col of Priecne Sedlo via Pfinnova Kopa, then down SW to Zbojnicka Chata where we spent the night in the loft. Final day saw us continuing wesr to the third spectacular pass - Prielom. Then tortously up via Pol'sky hreben to bag the excellent peak of Vychodna Vysoka (2429m). Then a huge but superb descent north down Bielovodska dolina to the Polish border at Lysa Polana. After a night in Bibiana's hometown of Kropachy in eastern Slovakia, we headed back to Krakow after a really memorable Tatran traverse.

Alpine days, Esterel rock, Provencal walks

Back from a wonderful family holiday in Provence. Enjoyed by all, with lots of walks in the Esterel mountains, swimming, snorkelling and various outings. Managed two Alpine trips, one with a small bivvy in St Martin Vesubie (!) before climbing Cime du Mercantour from Boreon via the Cerise and Mercantour lakes. Descended the remote Erps valley after a brief detour to bag the rocky side peak of Caire Negre du Mercantour. A fabulous day in a remote part of the park. The other Alpine day also started from Boreon, walking up to the Col de Salese then the steep SW ridge of Pointe de Rogue to the very awkward terrain and route finding on the Serre de Rogue over to the main peak of the Cime du Rogue: again, another new and interesting area. Climbed the Cime du Pagari du Salese, before linking this to the Col Fremamorte via a narrow, scrambly ridge (I or I+), finally bagging the easy peak of Cime Fremamorte before descending via the sylvan glades of Camp Soubran. Another tremendous outing. We all went to Haute Provence, walking up Blaque Meyanne for views of Lachens, Brouis etc. And indulged in some family rock climbing. Morgan got up his first route, an F3 at the Gorges du Blavet (La Capelle - a children's venue). Also climbed at Dramont and Theole in the Esterel. Great easy bolted venues, esp enjoyed the 20m long Arc en Ciel at Theole. Lots of nice walks, and good hill runs up Pic de l'ours and Pic du Cap Roux. Morgan and I found some caves above St Baume. Lovely weather and a great time. Off to the Tatra this evening!