Jubilee Plunge

Race: Jubilee Plunge downhill fell race (2.2m, -1361ft)
Time/Position: 12:33 (13th from 75 [3rd V40])
Possibly unique, in that it starts at the top of Moel Famau and finishes well over a thousand feet below in Llangynhafal, this race was a lot of fun: the perfect festive event. Jez and I made it a bit longer by parking in Cilcain, running up to the ridge and along OD to the summit, then enduring the cold wind and squally showers until race originator Martin set us all off. A very strong field shot off towards the north before plummeting down towards the Vale of Clwyd to join the very steep final grassy descent of the Llangynhafal Loop race. I never descend particularly quickly, and today was no exception, but I thoroughly enjoyed the race despite this serious impediment! The field packed very tightly, with just a few seconds separating each runner, and although I gained on those ahead when the race flattens out on the fields near the village, I still didn't gain much. After a couple of excellent pints of Facers at the always convivial Golden Lion, we ran back on to the ridge in the gathering gloom of a December dusk, stumbling back to Cilcain in the dark without headtorches.

Round the Walls race

Race: Chester Round the Walls (5k)
Time/Position: 17:58 (17th from 425 [1st V40])
Another weather-related shortening of this famous and long-running (40+ years) local event. But, unlike two years ago, at least the walls themselves were included today: it was the waterlogged Roodee that had to be cut out. It all made for a very efficient outing, driving across from St Asaph in the morning, cutting it fine to do the race, leaving the whole afternoon for eating and drinking. The race itself was really enjoyable, round the back of the Roodee, along the Dee path, before getting on to the Walls at Lower Bridge Street. Pace obviously high from the off, so I tried to keep pace with Adair and a few others past the Clock Tower and Cathedral. I made up a bit of ground on the gentle climb up the narrowest section of the walls to Northgate, then took a couple of runners just after the final steep steps back to the racecourse. The race attracts runners from all over the country, so I was surprised (and fortunate) to find that I was first V40 when the results came out.

Aran loop

Peaks: Aran Benllyn, Erw y Ddafad Ddu, Aran Fawddwy, Drosgl
A very enjoyable Christmas Eve outing for Peter and I, despite the fact that our designs on a midwinter Rhinog traverse were thwarted by bad weather. We left Llanuwchllyn early morning, in rather grim conditions of low cloud and drizzle. But the conditions didn't get any worse, and we jogged slowly up to the top of the first rise before entering the always boggy gentler sections on the lower ridge. This is wet in mid-summer, so today was obviously a tad squelchy after weeks of near-constant rain. Neither of us felt especially good, so we maintained a very gentle pace to the top of the steep climb towards Benllyn. This peak is avoided by the race route, so we stuck to the top of the ridge today, taking in a misty Benllyn, then the broad summit of Ddafad Ddu before enjoying the rocky terrain up to the trig on Fawddwy. A quick bite of cake, then we continued down the ridge before breaking off to the east for superb running along to Drosgl. Poor viz throughout, but good fun. There followed a slightly illicit traverse under the eastern crags of the Aran ridge, with a climb up from Llaethnant to lonely Creiglyn Dyfi, one of Snowdonia's finest lakes, before another short and boggy climb through a little col to gain a superb descent down Cwm Llwydd and Cwm Croes to Talardd and the road to Llanuwchllyn. Perhaps 14-15 miles, around three hours of gentle running, so we even managed a pint in the Eagles before midday.

London run

I always enjoy the opportunity to take in a bit of urban running when staying in Chingford, so set myself a target of seeing how far I could get in 35 mins: by way of half marathon training. It's always a very interesting run, through multi-ethnic Walthamstow and down to Leyton. I got to Leyton tube station before turning around to run back: 10-11 miles at a decent pace.

Llanberis slate climbing

Crag: Llanberis Slate
Routes: First Stop (f5:led), Septuagenarian (f6a:sec), Jagged Face (f4:led), Big Easy (f4:sec)
Tim back in the country for the first time in a few years, so a good opportunity to do a route or two with my original climbing partner! We had no real plans, very little gear, and only a few hours at our disposal. But the day turned out to be a tiny sunny weather window in a wet week, so we abandoned plans for a short walk in Idwal and headed to Bus Stop to do a few short climbs together. Very nice to climb together again for the first time in well over a decade, especially as the sun came out on the overgraded 6a. We followed up with a walk to Twll Mawr, then a limping 10k fartlek session, as my wounds from Sunday's unfortunate and painful fall in the Border League start to heal.

Anglesey run

Arrived back from Singapore yesterday, and left for a family weekend in Henllys after just a few hours at home, so I was still a little jet-lagged when I set off on my favourite circuit in the dark at 7am. A woodcock enlivened the long climb over to Sling, the misty dank conditions a considerable contrast to my last run on Thursday along a sunny and spectacular Singapore waterfront in temperatures of 32C! Through Llanddona then up to the superb minor road above the sea towards Glan yr Afon and Llanfaes. Most of the snow stripped from Eryri, although the forecast for next week looks favourable for winter climbing (no chance of me getting out though!).

Singapore run

A misguided plan to take the MRT out to the Botanic Gardens, then run back to my hotel whilst doing a spot of birdwatching. After a day at a conference, I still had my work shirt on, so was already looking eccentric in formal shirt, shorts and running shoes: carrying a large rucsac completed the look. On emerging from the station, a low rumble of thunder signalled the start of another tropical storm. Terrible timing, as the day had been dry up to that point. So the views of racket-tailed drongo, whistling duck, kingfishers et al were swiftly curtailed. I sprinted through the beautiful Botanic Gardens, pausing occasionally to admire the huge palms, tembusu and mahogany trees, but generally just keeping moving through the heavy rain. I emerged at the Tanglin gate and continued the run, by now soaked to the skin, trying to find Orchard Road. Once there, I realised it really was the Singapore equivalent of Oxford Street, and must have made an arresting sight: completely soaked with rain water and sweat, running fast, wearing mismatched clothes. Eventually the embarrassment became acute so I made a detour down side roads, eventually getting lost and resorting to the MRT dripping water over the immaculate floors and attracting the attention of the security staff.

Famau run

Just failed to break the hour on this headtorch run with Peter. I was quite keen to get a decent run in, with the prospect of a 15 hour flight to Singapore via Qatar tomorrow - and the likelihood of dramatically reduced mileage in the tropics next week! It was very muddy underfoot tonight, with thick mist making life even more difficult around the top (amazing how hard it is to locate the descent path at night in the mist, despite covering the ground thousands of times before in all conditions). Just over 62 mins for the circuit.

Wrexham Cross Country

Race: Wrexham XC (North Wales Cross Country League race 3)
Time/Position: 32:42 (25th from 146)
Having missed the first two XC league events this season, the only reason to do this was to help the team and take advantage of the proximity. It was a pedestrian performance over this flat course, although at least I kept to a reasonably consistent pace and made up a little ground on the final fourth lap. Yet again, my time was more or less the same as the last time I did this race two years ago, although it was a bit muddier today. Indeed, cold and persistent rain fell throughout the race.

Allt Fawr hillwalk

It's becoming increasingly difficult to persuade the children to do any walking at all, so I settled on this little outing from the top of Sychnant after a night in Conwy and a morning jog along Marine Walk and through Bodlondeb. Maximum scenic reward for minimum effort, although milky white cloud replaced the crystal clear morning sunshine as we made our way to the top. A nice picnic gazing out over Anglesey, then we completed a little circuit by descending to the lake and back on the North Wales coast path. Being optimistic, this may have reignited E's enthusiasm for the hills.

Penmaenmawr fell race

Race: Penmaenmawr fell race (10.5m/2000ft)
Time/Position: 1:22:16 (10th from 194 [4th V40])
Heavy rain overnight cleared to leave a beautiful autumnal morning: the northern Carneddau was at its scenic best. Kate dropped New Jersey guest star John and I at the top of Sychnant and we jogged down to Dwygyfylchi so I could show him the start of the route. One of my favourite races, and areas: this was my sixth time in the event, I think. I always flatter myself that I know the hills above Conwy quite well, so it was very frustrating to continually take bad racing lines throughout today's race! It is always run 'in reverse' now, and I find the best lines a bit hard to find this way round. The initial long gradual climb to the top of the quarry went quite well, with superb sea views towards Anglesey and cloud peeling gradually away from the higher Carneddau summits. Boggy underfoot, but I managed to make up some ground initially across the main bog to Bwlch y Ddaefaen, then really enjoyed the fast road running down to Cae Coch and the home leg. I then made a crucial tactical error. Jez's group of four were out of sight, well ahead, and I was with a second group of six of seven runners. Feeling reasonably strong, I went ahead on the first hill after Cae Coch, fifth or sixth at this point, but then stupidly followed the wall. Within minutes, I spied the group behind ploughing up the main path 200m further left. I was left with an exhausting haul over tussocks to regain the group, by which time they'd gained a few hundred metres on me. I tried to make up the gap during the final section: my favourite part of the race, scenically, through the little valley to the fords and down past little Llyn y Wrach to the steep donkey track. But I couldn't catch them, and lost another place before the finish. Ended up slightly frustrated, finishing in more or less the same time as I recorded two years ago: all very enjoyable though, as ever, and after excellent free beer and soup John and I extended the mileage by running back over Sychnant to Conwy.

Capenhurst Border League

Race: Capenhurst 5.5m (Border League race 2)

Time/Position: 31:07 (17th from 356 [3rd V40])

Having not got back from Belfast until late last night, and still rather tired from the intensity of yesterday's race, I wasn't especially optimistic for the second BL race of the season. I started quite steadily and cautiously, as a result of my tired legs, and was very surprised to find that I felt reasonably strong on the second lap. Indeed, I felt better than I have for months - it seems an age since I moved through the field in a race rather than merely hanging on for dear life. I've raced around these roads many times before, so know every twist and turn, and was particularly keen not to get into a sprint finish that I knew I would lose! I managed to pull out a reasonable gap and just concentrated on holding my place for a respectable finishing position. 

British and Irish Masters Cross Country International

Race: GB/Ireland Masters XC Championships, Belfast (8k)
Time/Position: 29:21 (77th from 85)
It was a pleasant surprise, and a real honour, to be selected to represent Wales for the first time - albeit in a style of event that I rarely do. The race itself was inevitably a steep learning curve: despite doing around 300 races in 15 years of running, I have never experienced anything like this level of consistent, super-intense competition throughout the field. The calibre of all the athletes was incredible, as the race was closed to all but the international teams, although at least I was fully prepared for this! I was obviously keen to put in a decent performance, so was a little distressed to find my cold worsening again after last week's Abergele 5. By the time I flew out to Belfast last night, however, my sinuses were clearing and I felt reasonably good when we caught the bus from the city centre to the race. The championships were scheduled to be held at Stormont, which I was looking forward to visiting, but the circuit was sadly waterlogged so it was switched to the Queens University playing fields on the outskirts of Belfast. I was in a 6-strong Welsh team competing in the 40-45 category along with the 35-40/45-50s in the final, fastest four lap 8k race. The course had been badly cut up by the earlier races, and was very muddy and heavy going in places, but generally relatively flat by XC standards. The pace was extremely high from the start, although I managed to hold my own for the first three 2km laps. I concentrated on keeping clear of a big 10-12 strong group of Scottish and Irish runners, initially felt I could sustain the pace, and was quite pleased to be running strongly at first. But the sheer unrelenting speed started to cause me problems as I ploughed through the mud at the end of the third lap. With around 1km to go I began to blow, and slowed. Within seconds the big group that I'd been clear of caught up, then swept past: an indication of the ruthless intensity of the competition, and all rather gutting after the first three laps. A Welsh team-mate then went past right on the line. I was reasonably pleased with my time, given the muddy 5 mile course, but was obviously disappointed not to have put in a better performance to finish higher up the field.

Abergele 5m

Race: Abergele 5m/North Wales 5m Championships
Time/Position: 28:51 (11th from 217 [2nd V40])
My cold got far worse over the course of the week, so I was on full medication for this race. As such, I was pleasantly surprised to record exactly the same time as last year. I didn't particularly enjoy the experience, however, struggling a little bit on the gradual climb up to St George's and just about maintaining some kind of pace on the steep final hill. The finish is good and fast, however, and the conditions were rather like last year: cold, crisp and sunny. Eric stormed past me in the last 200m and I couldn't respond: indeed, the entire field seemed smaller but stronger than last year, as I failed to retain the category title, and my cold got far worse after I finished and the medication wore off! That said, this was a welcome confidence boost in advance of the International XC Championships next week, especially after last week's disaster on the OMM and the sluggish BL opening before that.

OMM Howgills

Peaks: Arant How, Breaks Head, West Fell, Green Bell, Wild Boar Fell, Swarth Fell

An ill-fated attempt at the OMM elite in perfect weather conditions. After my slowest 10k time for 5 years, I'd been feeling sluggish all week with a developing cold, but still wasn't fully prepared for quite how bad I felt within 30 minutes of starting day one. This was a serious problem, as the weather was good (although desperately cold, following a night of -3c spent in the back of Mick's car in Sedbergh), and Mick was fully prepared for the big two days in the hills. However, the scale of the Elite course is such that you need 100% fitness and commitment to have any chance of success. We contoured round a gap between two hills to pick up the second checkpoint at the top of the steep valley below Brant Fell. Superb views as the sun rose and lit the frosty northern slopes of the hills. I began to struggle immediately on the very steep climb west towards Arant How, although perked up for the run down to CP3 in a hidden re-entrant. Then came a massive 8k leg, for which I picked a decent route contouring the western valleys to pick up the big stream valley coming down from Breaks Head. We finally crested this at the obvious col SE of the summit, ending up in terrain familiar from the 2009 Rab. Good sunny running down the ridge, really good, led to more contouring and CP4, after which we ran up Langdale for another sadistic leg involving two huge climbs over West Fell to Bowderdale, then over another ridge to Weasdale before dibbing CP5 below the summit of Green Bell. I was now really suffering, and very unsure about what to do. A series of easy checkpoints lef across the road to leave the Howgills and enter the very different limestone terrain to the east. After finding a rather technical CP5, hidden in a small valley alongside many other valleys, we realised we were actually doing quite well. My route planning early on combined with Mick's excellent micro-navigation to land us bang-on every control with maximum efficiency. But I could not sort my legs and lungs out, as I felt myself enveloped by my cold. The boggy climb up Wild Boar Fell was a desperate struggle as a result. My feet had now had five hours of icing and were completely numb, which didn't help - neither did the fact that the checkpoint involved a scramble down the steep east slope from the summit followed by a trog through a Maritime Alps style boulder field to gain an obvious small lake. I felt like I was damaging myself now, and was also mindful of the fact that I'd be running for Wales in two weeks time, so called it a day on Swarth Fell. I was gutted for Mick, but he understood and had already realised that I wasn't myself. Having been let down by a partner retirement myself in 2007, however, I knew what it felt like. So we trudged back west to the overnight camp before embarking on the ultimate walk of shame, 12k or so back to the car at Sedbergh, ironically increasing our mileage for the day to well over 42k.

Caernarfon Border League

Race: Caernarfon 10k (Border League race 1) 
Time/Position: 36:40 (18th from 256 [4th V40])
A mystifying 40 seconds slower than the Welsh Championship race round the same course six weeks ago, which was itself my slowest 10k for three years. No excuses either, because unlike many of the other runners I didn't do the cross-country race at Colwyn Bay yesterday. Moreover, I've had a few formal intervals sessions in recent weeks, whereas I was just coming off a summer in the hills at the Championships: so it's all rather puzzling, almost 2.5 minutes slower than my best 10k time this year. I started off a little too fast today, perhaps, going through 5k in 17:26, unlike the Champs when was a lot more conservative. I pushed the first hill a bit today, and was in 11th place at this point. But I began to struggle at 6k, losing time and places - this got worse on the last climb at 8k and several runners charged past.

Llandegla biking

MTB Route: Llandegla Blue Circuit
Distance/Climb: 12k/200m
Finally managed to persuade M to have another go on his mountain bike this morning, although it turned in to a minor disaster just as we were enjoying the singletrack. The place was rammed, bafflingly so, and M struggled again on the long gentle climb. I had to push his bike on several occasions. A few whoops indicated he was enjoying the first downhill of the True Blue section, however - but after a few minutes I stopped to watch him on a steep berm. He didn't arrive, and I saw him 200m away with a completely wrecked rear derailleur - the same problem that affected his bike in May. This was a problem, as we were a long way from the car. The volume of riders made it quite dangerous to walk down the track, so I took M for a diversion down the fireroads from Shotton View, managing to find a few short cuts from past knowledge.

UK fell race relay championships

Race: Fell race relays, Shropshire (leg 3-navigation)
Time/Position: 1:13:34 (45th from 155)
Our first appearance in the relays since they came to Llangynhafal in 2008. This year, its Shropshire location meant it became feasible for our small club again and we managed to get six runners together initially. However, we lost two key men to injury last week, so we had to desperately cast around for replacements at the eleventh hour, just managing to gather six runners together on Friday evening. So a somewhat weaker team finally made the startline in Church Stretton, a delightful location on a delightful day: frosty, very clear, very sunny. Simon got us off to a good start, before John and Dawn put in a strong performance on the tough second leg - which echoed parts of the classic Long Mynd Valleys race that I last did three or four years ago. We'd just entered the 'holding pen' when they arrived, and it was time for Jeff and I to set off on the navigation leg. This replicates Mountain Marathon style navigation - in that it contains relatively long macro legs. However, the course was well set out and there were fewer crocodiles of runners, and more route choice, than I'd expected. We set off up a steep climb with a good path to the obvious col between Yearlet and Ashlet. I picked up a trod and we contoured SW to a very steep direct descent to the lovely steep-sided Ashes Hollow, which I remembered well from the Long Mynd Valleys race. Up this to the first checkpoint, gaining a few places, then I was surprised to see 20+ runners ploughing up the steep direct route to CP2. I resisted the urge to follow, opting for the northern continuation of the valley then striking NW up a tiny side valley in a direct line towards the checkpoint. Looking behind me, I saw that I was being followed by another 20+ runners! We crested the boggy plateau of Pole Bank/Long Mynd and had clearly made a decent decision as we were now ahead of several of the teams who'd gone direct. From the summit at Pole Bank, superb fast running along the Mynd to a well-hidden third checkpoint in the upper reaches of Carding Mill valley, before a steep climb up another spur led to more decision-making. I went direct to the south across awkward heather, with Jeff slowing slightly, and went a tad too far east before righting myself to pick up CP4 below Yearlet. The run-in was absolutely superb, taking an obvious exposed contour line along a narrow path poised above the valley before dibbing the fifth CP on top of the small hill above Devils Mouth. Fantastic running down to the finish, with wonderful clear, sunny views over to Caer Caradog and the Lawley - reminding me of the Skyline race and the Cardington Cracker which both take in these hills. Jeff struggled a tiny bit on the steepest descents and climbs, although in general he did really well considering this was all fairly new for him. The final run-in took in some lovely woodland before the steep and atmospheric final descent to the crowds at the finish. An excellent and enjoyable outing, with the team just about squeezing into the top half of the results.

Clwydian run

Rather tired this week after the Manx, but wanted to keep the mileage quite high in preparation for the OMM. The full Famau run last night, along with a longish run with John B on Wednesday and other shorter runs and rides meant I'd avoided a rest day since the Manx. I had some time spare this afternoon, so left Cadole for the Leat path then up to the bridleway before dropping down to Cilcain and following the Excalibur route over to the base of Moel Arthur: a repeat of the run I did last month. An extended route up the front, then down to OD and along to Dywyll. After Dywyll, I began to bonk slightly (having not had a proper lunch after covering an open day this morning), then the energy supplies really crashed below the top of Famau. Gentle jogging until I recovered to drop back down via a few extensions back to the Collie.

Manx Mountain Marathon

Race: Manx Mountain Marathon (50k/8500ft/AL)
Peaks: North Barrule, Clagh Ouyr, Snaefell, Beinn y Phott, Carraghan, Colden, Lhargee Ruy, Slieau Ruy, Greeba Mountain, Slieau Whallian, South Barrule, Cronk ny Arrey Laa, Lhiattee ny Beinnee, Bradda Hill
Time/Position: 6:19:44 (11th from 85)
There are not many things more appealing or satisfying than a long race across the spine of an island, taking in virtually every peak. This is a classic and long-established event: a genuine fell race rather than some ego exercise for yuppies. I've wanted to do it for years, but was always thwarted by the Easter start. So a change of dates this year offered a great opportunity to give it a go. I knew I didn't have the legs or recent mileage to properly race it over this distance, but I did think the climbing should be OK given the Alpine/Scottish days I've had this year, as long as I took it all very slowly! We (Dave, Jez and myself) arrived from Liverpool on Friday, then had an unpleasant alarm call at 5.15am to catch the bus from Douglas to Ramsey. A superb sunrise over the Irish Sea as we jogged along Ramsey prom: an amazing weather window in a diabolical week with widespread flooding, my 2012 weather luck holding yet again. That said, after the climb through the forest and up through very boggy moorland to the steep summit cone of North Barrule, the wind picked up and made life rather unpleasant. Not a direct headwind, perhaps, but enough to make progress pretty difficult along the fine ridge. Through watery eyes, there was a great impression of being on an island: sea on both sides of the ridge and excellent though cold and boggy running along the crest to Clagh Ouyr. This was the windiest spot on the route, and it was a battle just to stamp the checkpoint on the summit. From here, a fast descent led to the Black Hut on the TT route and a steep climb up Snaefell. By now, I was well behind the leading runners and some way ahead of those behind, so route finding became an issue, particularly as a little mist was playing around the summit of Snaefell. I took an ultra cautious bearing before enjoying the superb fast descent down to Bungalow and Brandywell. A short climb up Beinn y Phott, some food, and prospects were looking good. Gentle jogging, just enjoying the unfolding and ever-changing scenery as we gradually headed south over Carraghan before an awkward and tussocky descent led to the beautiful glen at Injebreck. Wonderful warm sunshine as we crossed a little river, then a tough, heathery and lengthy climb up Colden: one of the race's toughest sections. The ridge over Lhargee Ruy and Slieau Ruy was boggy and windy, but went well to a long descent down to the very pretty, pastoral and sun-drenched valley of the Greeba. A level bridleway led to St John's, the half way point. The stiff climb up Slieau Whallian was another crux: I was completely alone for the steep haul through conifers to gain pleasant open hillside and the start of excellent seaviews towards to western coast, which got better from the very boggy and long climb up South Barrule. The final section, from the Round Table to the coastal path, was the finest of all. A wonderful scenic contrast with the mountainous early sections. Classic Celtic coastal scenery, still very hilly indeed as we climbed over Arrey Laa. Indeed, my favourite part of the entire race was the 'bonus' hill, new for this year: Lliattee ny Beinnee, particularly as I got my second wind here. The path skirted the cliff edge, with brilliant exposed views over the sea at Eairnyerey and a terrific fast descent down to the lovely little cove of Fleshwick Bay. One more steep climb up Bradda Hill, tiring now, before the delicious final grassy descent to Bradda Head and the welcome site of the finish at Port Erin. Jez was already there, so we retired to the Falcon's Nest for some fine Manx ale, sunny sea views, and a good feed, before meeting Dave a little later that afternoon.

Barrel run

'Race': Colomendy Barrel Run
Time: 14:54
An informal novelty event organised by John M from the Collie, involving a deep river crossing, the painful transportation of an awkward beer barrel and some appalling smelling running clothes. After a rather long (7 mile!) warm-up out towards Rhydymwyn, I acted as guinea pig for the race proper as I had to get home early. The route was a lot of fun, down towards the steps from the pub, across the Alyn (fairly deep after lots of rain) before picking up the beer barrel at Loggerheads. John had helpfully left the stopper out, so ancient vinegary beer trickled down my ear and into my remaining hair as I hoisted it on to my shoulders. The smell was quite repulsive, so I rapidly shifted tactics and held the barrel in front of me for the rather public run up the main road to Cadole and the pub!

Ala Archa walk, Kyrgyzstan

A whistlestop research trip to the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan, which just happens to be characterised by superb mountain scenery. After an early morning arrival at Manas airport, I made my way to the rooftop restaurant of the hotel to stunning views of the Ala Too range which tower above the capital Bishkek. Although I had little time at my disposal for leisure, I soon arranged for a taxi to take me up to the Ala Archa valley, which is well known as the most accessible way of penetrating the mountains from Bishkek. Sure enough, in around an hour we arrived at the roadhead in a superb valley. The Ala Too is essentially a subsidiary range to the legendary Tien Shan 'celestial' mountains which rise to 7,400m at Pik Pobedy on the Kyrgyz/Chinese border. Here, the mountains were a lot lower, at around 5000m, but the superb crystal clear weather still allowed for some cracking views up to Korona and Free Korea peak from our highpoint near the roadhead. It was, naturally, very frustrating to be unable to get onto the peaks properly - but I was just glad to have had the opportunity to get up here. My young driver, Joldosh, had perfect English having spent a year working at Pret a Manger in Kensington! He'd brought his partner along for the ride, so we all had a delightful walk down through the juniper woods (after which Ala Archa is named), to the glacial Ala Archa river which was a remarkable light blue colour at this point. The trees were just beginning to turn to autumnal shades and the weather was wonderful. It was 30C+ in Bishkek, but here light breezes and the altitude rendered it delightfully comfortable, with deep blue skies and crystal clear views. Walked up and down the valley for a while, realising with some frustration that it would have been relatively simple to have nipped up one of the lower peaks in a day, particularly as the conditions were so good.

Tremadog climbing

Crag: Upper Tier, Tremadog
Routes: Falling Block Crack (S 4a:led), MTN (S 4a:led), Mistook (VS 4c:sec), Madog (VS 4c:sec), Quatre Fois Direct (VS 4c:sec)
With a long flight to Kyrgyzstan tomorrow, and a distinct lack of climbing all year, my heart wasn't really in it today. We only had the morning at our disposal, and I wanted some relaxed leading to try to get back into the swing of things, so we headed to the Upper Tier near Pant Ifan. In my many trips to Tremadog, I have never bothered with it before as it seems such a poor relation to the bigger classics on the main crags. However, it is a lovely spot giving better views than the other crags - along with a much longer (but scenic) walk-in. Groups can be a problem, but we had it to ourselves. More rain as I led the obvious line of Falling Block Crack which takes a juggy wall to a wide crack with one tricky move. MTN gave more relaxed climbing, which was just what I needed. A slabby crack to a ledge before a thin final crack up a second wall led to a mantel finish. Mistook is quite technical at the start, up twin cracks, then finishes up a slabby wall. All these routes are longer than I'd expected, 25-28m, and they pack quite a lot of climbing in: good pitches. Madog took a wet wall on Moelwyn style bubbly rock before taking a right-leaning crack - excellent jamming - to the top. Vic's final lead was the best, another gently technical thin crack before a superb finish up the harder right-hand finishing crack taken by neighbouring route Meirionydd.

Bwlch y Moch climbing

Crag: Craig Bwlch y Moch, Tremadog
Routes: Kestrel Cracks (VS 4c:sec)
Over a year since my last trip to Tremadog and the weather this evening was exactly the same as it was then. The usual pattern is to head here for good weather, but drizzle turned to steady rain as I arrived at Eric's. We had very little time, so Vic suggested heading up to Kestrel Cracks, which I've done before and know stays reasonably dry. As I've done very little climbing this year, I seconded him up the steep but juggy groove which leads to a strenuous back-and-foot move over the little bulge at the top. It was all fairly dry, but steady rain at the stance made the second pitch an unappealing prospect. It's not as good anyway, so we abbed off and retired to the Ship in Portmadog for refreshments.

Clwydian run

An attempt at a longer run to increase the mileage before the forthcoming Manx Mountain Marathon and OMM elite. Not very successful, yet again, and I felt sluggish throughout. Left Cadole for the Leat path then up to the bridleway before dropping down to Cilcain and following the Excalibur route over to the base of Moel Arthur. An extended route over and round the summit, then along OD to Dywyll and Famau before dropping back down via a few extensions back to Cadole. No more than 17 miles, so not a good confidence boost.

Moel Wnion fell race

Race: Ras Moel Wnion (British Championships)
Time/Position: 45:47 (41st from 98)
Perhaps the strongest field I've ever competed in, after 260 or so races. I remember doing some British Championship races many years ago, but I think this was probably more competitive as it was the final race of the season. It was also a Welsh Champs counter, and unfortunately I had to do it because of my disastrous error at Mynydd Troed in April - which rendered my score effectively null and void. The start today, from the fields above Aber, was relentless - going up the track to the west of the Foel Fras race descent. Quite demoralising as I found myself well down the field, feeling very rough, to make matters worse! I struggled all the way up the climb, suffering in the heat (a sunny and hot day for once) and not going at all well. The plateau at the top was a little better, and the usual tremendous sea views enlivened the return trip, as did the views of the Carneddau. Predictably, however, I lost even more places on a very sluggish descent and recorded my lowest finishing position for at least six years, barely squeezing into the top half of the field. I remember doing the old Moel Wnion race in 2007, but that went up from Rachub and included a cracking descent which took in Moel Faban.

Caernarfon 10k

Race: Caernarfon 10k (Welsh 10k Championships)
Time/Position: 36:00 (14th from 201 [2nd V40])
Although this was my slowest 10k for almost three years, I was quite pleased with the performance having been selected to run for North Wales again this year. As with my last appearance in Cardiff 2010, the timing of the Welsh 10k Championships presents a bit of a conundrum: after a summer racing and climbing in the mountains, how do you convert effectively to road without doing any proper speed work? I haven't worked out a solution, so this went as well as could be expected. I felt far more comfortable than at Capenhurst last week: after a quickish first km (3:18) I got into a small coherent group and we plodded along the seafront around 30m behind the tight lead group. Worked a bit with Jez into a light headwind, but (knowing the course well from the border league) I was concentrating on saving energy for the tough second half. After a sharp hill I hit the 5k point at 18:00, the slow pace some reassurance that I wouldn't blow on the second half. In the event, I kept exactly the same pace going over all the hills, and passed a couple of runners on the final sharp climb after 8k. Shame there were no other regional teams present, as our North Wales Veterans team put in a decent performance. We ended up winning the gold medal by default, and I came away with category silver in the Welsh and North Wales Championships.

Moel Famau fell race

Race: Cilcain Mountain Race (5m/1237ft/AS)
Time/Position: 36.37 (7th from 181 [4th V40])
A disappointing minute slower than last year: I could blame a strong headwind near the summit, or unusually heavy going underfoot, but these excuses would be clutching at straws. I initially thought it was my 10th consecutive running of the race, and therefore an anniversary of sorts, but think I must have missed a year - 2004 probably. Even so, the usual good weather failed to materialise this year, and we made our way up in windy and damp conditions. I wore my mudclaws, the weight penalty and consequent slow climb ironing itself out with a quicker than usual descent. I failed to gain more than a couple of places, but did at least find some energy for the final climb back to the finish.

Capenhurst 5k

Race: Capenhurst 5k
Time/Position: 17:04 (26th from 229 [6th V40])
An extraordinarily strong field for this quick 5k this year. In 2010 I ran 5 seconds quicker than this, finished 12th overall and won the V40 prize. This year was a different story, as at least 30 runners stormed off for a painfully fast first mile. I was really suffering, shocked by the pace after a summer in the hills - as always - and struggled to keep up with both John's initially. However, I recovered a bit when the route heads for home after 3k and managed to pick the pace up and gain a few places. Not many though, as the event felt far more competitive even than the average border league fixture and I finished way down the field. A fast, flat 5k is perhaps the ultimate contrast with Sunday's 22 peak 14 hour odyssey? I'd only had 72 hours to recover, so with luck I'll be a bit less tired for the Welsh Champs 10k next week!

Tranter's Round variant

Peaks: Mullach nan Coirean (939m), Stob Ban (999m), Stob Coire a’Mhail (990m), Sgurr a’Mhaim (1099m), Sgurr an Iubhair (1001m), Am Bodach (1032m), Stob Coire a Chairn (981m), An Garbhanach (975m), An Gearanach (982m), Na Gruagaichean (1056m), Binnein Mor (1130m), Sgurr Eilde Mor (1010m), Binnein Beag (943m), Stob Ban (977m), Stob Choire Claurigh (1177m), Stob a’Choire Leith (1105m), Stob Coire Cath na Sine (1079m), Caisteal (1106m), Stob Coire an Laoigh (1116m), Stob Coire Easain (1080m), Sgurr Choinnich Mor (1094m)
Area: Mamores/Grey Corries, Lochaber
Perhaps a bit more honest to call this 'Tranter's Lite', as we missed the crucial final section up Ben Nevis. I've held a vague plan to do a version of Tranter's for some time: as big rounds go, it's quite short and achievable. Peter was keen to go for the full job, and we set this weekend as the only possible mutually suitable date. As such, I never really thought it would come off, given the usual August weather in the area. However, remarkably, my weather luck (which has held all year) continued yet again, and we headed up to Glen Nevis on Saturday afternoon and slept in the car boot for a couple of hours before waking at 4am. A bad start caused by sloppy headtorch navigation and a desire for directness saw us crashing through very steep conifer forests on the side of the glen leading up from Polldubh - but we still reached the summit of the Mullach in 70 minutes. Superb views as the sun began to peek through the clouds above Ben Alder to the east. Wonderful low sunshine lit the ridge as we ran towards Stob Ban and my first ever repeated Munro (I'd nipped up during an astonishingly unproductive and lazy teenage week with Steve back in 1989!). It's a nice peak, rocky and distinctive. Great running down to Lochain Coire nam Miseach before a steep rise gains the Devil's Ridge. This is an annoying but superb appendage to the main Mamore traverse, and had to be done, so we dumped sacks before enjoying the excellent narrow ridge with good scrambling over a subsidiary summit to the fine peak of Sgurr a'Mhaim. It was all fantastically enjoyable, still only 6.30am with the sunlit ridge giving perfect exposed running, and the entire Mamore ridge completely to ourselves. After a snack, we plodded over Iubhair and up Am Bodach before heading out along another narrow rocky appendage - with steeper initial scrambling - over a superb ridge to An Gearanach. A tiring addition to the main ridge, but these two diversions provide the best views of the day. We were still feeling good at this point, but the weather worsened, with clag drifting over the fine peak of Na Gruigachean during our ascent. This was a shame, as the network of ridges continues excellent over to the parent peak of Binnein Mor, and it looked a bit threatening for a while. Compass work was necessary, which slowed us down a bit. Whilst eating on the small summit of Binnein, however, a small tear in the cloud gave us hope and we ran down the steep east ridge before contouring round towards Sgurr Eilde Beag. The three peaks at the end of the Mamores present an unavoidable conundrum on this round: there is just no easy way of combining them. Sgurr Eilde Mor, in particular, is an outlier separated from the rest of the range. Our solution, to contour round the ridge then drop down to Coire an Lochain, was a good one: but still involved a long climb up shifting scree to gain the summit. Great hill, though, and the sun came out for wonderful wild views over to Ben Alder east. Another massive descent to the valley and we picked up the good path over to Binnean Beag, which looks innocuous from afar, barely worthy of Munro status, but didn't feel innocuous during the climb. This was my lowest ebb all day, but two pork pies perked me up on the summit: from where Stob Ban looks an appallingly distant prospect on the other side of the Water of Nevis. So, all the Mamores were done by lunchtime, ten Munros in total. Now for the Grey Corries! A very steep descent down the northern slopes of Beag, draining and stressful, led to a predictable bog trot along the base of this broad glen to gain the river at the Nevis/Abhainn Rath watershed. A wild and remote location: superb in this weather. We were then faced with a monstrous haul up the side wall of Coire Rath, contouring past numerous red deer to gain the broad col below Stob Ban. This was the crux of the whole outing and it was with some relief that we gained the remote summit of Stob Ban (a long way from the nearest road and a very long way from our car in Glen Nevis). My Innov8s were now almost destroyed, and more splits opened up on the steep scree down to a small lake before ploughing up the south ridge to Stob Coire Claurigh. Peter now began to suffer a bit, after being ahead for most of the Mamores. I was surprised to feel great, however: the path feeling deeply luxurious after the trackless nightmare up Stob Ban. At the top, the ridge along the Grey Corries looked mouthwatering and I couldn't wait to get started, running again over several tops and subsidiary peaks. All of this was wonderful: a remote, magnificent switchback ridge that stays high throughout. I enjoyed every minute and still felt good for the much steeper trudge up the fine peak of Sgurr Choinnich Mor: which feels separate to the rest of the Grey Corries but is a beautiful peak. From here we contoured round to the climb up the Aonachs but decided to bail out at this point for the very long and horrendously midgy run through Glen Nevis, past the Steall waterfall, back to Polldubh. Around 17,000ft of climbing, 34 miles, 22 peaks with 14 munros, so still a big day out in the hills. I was struck again by my weather luck this year: crystal clear, stunning views from a galaxy of peaks across Scotland, the Italian Alps, the Maritime Alps and beyond. After fish and chips in Fort William, we drove home through the night via two short naps in Hamilton and Tebay - rather tiring.

Caire de Cougourde

Peaks: Caire de Cougourde (2921m/9583ft)
Area: Maritime Alps, France
Routes: SE Ridge/Voie Normale (uI+)
Alongside Maledie, this was another obvious gap in my Mercantour CV and another very striking rock peak. Indeed, it is such a compelling objective from the Cougourde hut that I felt obliged to do it before breakfast, even though the original intention had just been to rest after yesterday's 'vertical kilometre' run. A peaceful night saw all the mist melt away to leave a starlit early morning. I managed to sneak away from the hut without waking the children but then had real difficulty following the path to Lac des Sagnes. I've done this before, when going up Cime de l'Agnel, but it is rather tenuous in the dark with no headtorch! I picked my way from cairn to cairn, then the light improved as I reached the crucial turn-off towards the Combe du Cougourde. This goes very steeply east, rapidly gaining height below the stunning west face (indeed, as with Maledie, it was a shame to just be soloing the normal route rather than enjoying the obviously superb rock climbing it had to offer). The path is, by Mercantour standards, easy to follow and well cairned. It leads quite quickly to a 20m slabby wall taken on good holds which gives access to the upper cwm. This heads up towards Cime des Gaisses initially before veering north to take a broad spur towards a good traverse path below the hidden east face. The cwm up here is just a deep bowl of shattered scree, surrounded by vertical rock, and is quite an intimidating place alone at 6.15am. That said, after almost 20 years exploring the Maritime Alps on my own, these situations are quite familiar: I can count on one hand the other people I've seen on the 30+ peaks I've climbed in the area. Rough scree, followed by 30m of more solid slabby scrambling, then led up to the Baisse du Cougourde, the onward route still looking utterly unfeasible at this point. It seems so unlikely that a simple voie normale exists, but, sure enough, on emerging at the Baisse all is revealed as a simple broad ridge line leads up to the summit. Before starting up the ridge, I spent a few minutes gaping at the awesome view as the sun rose over the shoulder of Gelas. Again, a cloud inversion on the Italian side meant superb views of the nearby peaks. These got better as I ascended the simple slopes to the right of the SE ridge. This gradually became steeper near the summit as the route snaked left and became more exposed with a few easy rocky steps. The views from the small top were predictably electrifying. The ridge from here, Peak 1 of the Cougourde (the high point), over to Peak 4, looked superb but sadly unfeasible solo. The descent via the same route was surprisingly simple and very quick, and I got to the hut before 8am with the breakfast coffee still warm! After a short rest in the sunshine, we all began the descent which was absolutely delightful in the morning sunshine. We all really enjoyed it, I think, and a second breakfast in the lovely woodland near the Pont Peirastreche prolonged our time in the valley before washing in the river, heading to see the wolves in Boreon, and driving to Nice airport later on.

Cime de la Palu: 'Vertical Kilometre'

Peaks: Cime de la Palu (2132m/6995ft)
Area: Maritime Alps, France
Route/Time: KmV 'Race'/53:31
This was a perfect opportunity to stretch my legs after the rigours of the last two days: a chance to run unencumbered in the gentle 2200m hills above St Martin in contrast to my more usual mountaineering trips up the higher peaks in these parts. After the luxury of a family room at the Gite in St Grat, we had one more trip from Boreon to the Cougourde hut, which necessitated a visit to St Martin Vesubie, my favourite Alpine town. I haven't been here for two years, and was delighted to find that - as luck would have it - the local council has developed a series of trail runs around the green hills that surround the town. As soon as I saw the 'Vertical Kilometre' outing, it became an unavoidable challenge and I changed into my running kit immediately. Kate and the children went to a cafe while I jogged up Rue Docteur Cagnoli to the start of the route. I'd never seen anything quite like it: an accurately measured and marked out route, with each 100m of ascent signposted, up to the 1000m finish just below the summit of Cime de la Palu - a 2200m peak that towers above St Martin. I set out at around 4.5mins per 100m pace, and managed to maintain this up to a more runnable section as I emerged from the treeline at the 700m mark. Breaking the hour seemed like an obvious target but I had three disadvantages. First, no caffeine. Second, some fatigue after the last two days. Third, midday heat. I treated it as valuable training, though, and really enjoyed the effort - which is obviously quite an intense session with an average gradient of 27% over 4.5km or so. The 1000m mark arrives abruptly, sadly just below the true summit of Palu, and I stopped my watch comfortably below the hour on 53:31. Above this, gentle zigzags lead to a broad col below Tete du Marre, the next peak on the ridge, and I jogged over to the summit to enjoy excellent views up the Cougourde valley, our next destination. The eponymous peak is a magnificent pyramid of rock from this point and I began to think that it would make a nice trip from the hut if I could find the time. The Prefouns and Agnel peaks (2008) also impressed, as did the area I'd visited in 2010 around Lac d'Allos further north. The run back down to St Martin, in warm sunshine, was a delight. More by accident than design, I took a different route down from ? which extended the fun, and we had a picnic of local ham sandwiches and myrtille tart under the trees before driving to the Vacherie du Boreon for the walk-in to the Cougourde Hut. This walk was far more popular with the family than the more demanding outing to the Nice hut. I had deliberately chosen the Cougourde hut because of the scenic contrast: whereas the Nice hut is surrounded by dramatic and stark peaks, the Cougourde hut is situated in a truly beautiful Alpine meadow with a pastoral feel - small copses, boulders and babbling streams - with the amazing Caires du Cougourde towering above. One of my favourite spots in the range, and although I've had a meal here before, I'd never stayed. We passed a relaxing and enjoyable evening in the hut, watching the mist gradually envelop the Cougourde and other peaks.

Cime de la Maledie

Peaks: Cime de la Maledie (3059m/10036ft)
Area: Maritime Alps, Provence
Route: NW Face/Voie Normale (PD/uI+)
This magnificent peak is perhaps the most striking on the French side of the Maritime Alps and has been on my target list for many years. It was the obvious choice for a short and intense pre-breakfast outing from the Refuge du Nice. I left Kate and the children sleeping and crept out of the hut in the half-light at 5.40am: no need for 3am starts in the Maritime Alps, particularly this late in the summer. The route round the lake was easy to follow, well-cairned, as is the continuation up to Lac Long - presumably because it is also taken by the normal route up Gelas from the hut. This all helped, as it stayed dark for longer than I'd expected, and I was rewarded by a stunning red sky over Chamineye and Capelet. I was also very struck by the view back to yesterday's peak, Cime Nire, which appears as a spectacular leaning spire of rock from the entry to the wide valley containing Lac Long. Maledie towers above at this point, and the traverse remains relatively easy to follow up to the obvious problematic slabby rock band which guards entry to the upper cwms below the summit. It all added to the intrigue and enjoyment: steep slopes lead up to an intimidating side cwm, followed by a switchback to the east - tricky route-finding - which leads below a steep rock spur to slip into the little valley below the crucial Pas de Maledie (guarded from below by the rock-band). This little cwm was less intimidating than the one I'd left, but very atmospheric, and I rapidly gained the obvious steep couloir leading to the Pas. This gave some fine scrambling, around II, and was relatively solid. At the top of the Pas, I passed into Italy and gained a broad shelf of scree and stunning views over a cloud inversion in the Italian valleys. Monte Viso towered above the cloud, which the low sun had coloured orange, and vague distant glimpses of Gran Paradiso and Monte Rosa were satisfying, as I've climbed both. I was expecting a long traverse below the north face of Maledie - but actually the crucial summit couloir is reached after a couple of hundred metres. An arete, below a big drop, marks the line - the only feasible route of ascent. After a short rocky wall above the remains of a snowfield (which is much bigger earlier in the season), very loose scree and moraine dust leads to another short wall (II). Above lies more insecure scree and the spectacular small summit (90m from hut). This gave me a few of the more memorable minutes of my many visits to the peaks of the Mercantour: truly stunning views over the cloud inversion to the east. Clapier surprisingly impressive, as were all the other mountains I've previously climbed in this small but superb area: Capelet, Gelas, Ponset, Bego et al. I reckon I've climbed more than 30 Maritime Alps peaks since our ascent of Gelas in 1994. The descent of the couloir was distinctly unpleasant, down loose and steep scree, but it went OK - as did the scrambling down from the Pas. A brief breakfast of a tiny cereal bar in the sunshine above Lac Long, and I jogged back to meet the family by Lac de la Fous by 8.30am. A short but intense outing! All the family enjoyed the walk-down considerably more than the walk-up, and we enjoyed a superb lunch of wild trout and mountain herbs at the Gite in St Grat later. Cloud rolled in during the afternoon, and an atmospheric storm enlivened the evening meal.

Cime Nire

Peaks: Cime Nire (2666m/8747ft)
Area: Maritime Alps, Provence
Routes: East Ridge (uI+), NW Gully (uII)
After a week in the Esterel sunshine, we headed up to my old stomping ground of the Maritime Alps for a brief family mountain trip bolted on to the end of our holiday. After taking the children for a night at the Lac d'Allos hut two years ago (their first visit to an Alpine hut) my plans this time were a little more ambitious. First item on the agenda was the walk-in to the Refuge du Nice. The Gordolasque valley is an area I know well, so I was relieved to be able to park at midday on a busy August Saturday. The walk-in went reasonably well. There were a few complaints from the offspring, particularly during the steep zig-zags below the Mur des Italians. The view of the waterfall was scant consolation! The cloudbase gradually lowered during the walk and the atmosphere was quite foreboding as we entered the plain of La Barme, surrounded by spectacular peaks - many of which I have climbed in the past, like Ponset, Clapier, Capelet and Collomb. A short rise gained Lac de Fous and views of the hut. This was the morale boost the team needed, and they were rewarded with a hot chocolate in the hut. After a game of scrabble, it looked like the mist was lifting slightly, so I ran up to Lac Nire before dinner. From here, it is a fairly simple matter to traverse the boulder fields and plough up the slopes to an obvious scree gully, the only real way to access the Pas de Nire between the two peaks of Tete du Lac Autier and Cime Nire. The cloud began to descend again as I reached the pass, so I made a snap decision to go for the lower - but more striking - peak of Cime Nire. This was short but excellent. A fine narrow ridge gave a bit of scrambling to an obvious forepeak, after which grass slopes led down to a pronounced col. The final north ridge looks very steep from a distance, but on closer inspection only the first and last 20 metres give any real scrambling. A few short rock walls, on good but lichen covered rock (I assume this peak is very rarely ascended), led to easier slopes before a steep final wall gave more easy rock climbing to a small summit (45m from hut). The cloud base was only just above the cairn, limiting the views but increasing the atmosphere. After a cautious descent, I decided to give Tete du Lac Autier a miss, mindful of conserving some energy for tomorrow morning. As a result, I opted to take the steeper NW gully leading directly down from the col to the lake as a more direct route back to the hut after analysing the feasibility of the line from a high vantage point. This was very loose in places - indeed the one steep section that looked worrying from above was actually the most solid 10m section of the gully. But it had the virtue of directness and I soon picked up the more solid boulder field above Lac Nire before gaining the GR52 and good quick running back to the hut, where we all enjoyed a superb four course dinner with local lamb and cheese from the vacherie in the valley.

Carreg Alltrem climbing

Crag: Carreg Alltrem, Lledr Valley
Routes: Lightning Visit (VS 4b,4c:led p.1), Lavaredo (VS 4b,5a:led p.1)
A brief visit to this tranquil valley near Dolwyddelan. I led the two classic VS's 20 years ago, but, struggling with bruised ribs, they were the only real option today. The bruised ribs were one problem, another issue was the steady drizzle that failed to clear. The easy first pitch of Lightning Visit was more tricky than it might have been, as a result, with watery pockets and greasy rock. My ribs hurt a little as I followed Mick up the steepish final groove. After a nasty descent down the gully, I nipped up the first pitch of Lavaredo. This route was as good as I remembered, certainly one of the finest VS's in South Snowdonia. Nice intricate climbing up a groove leads to steep moves right to a spike, then a pull back left round an arete - tricky for the grade - leading to easy ground. Mick led the steep top pitch, which takes in some exposed and steep ground for the grade. Up to some flakes, lots of space below, then a hard pull up to more good holds and fine climbing to the top. Abbed down, in some pain, and reluctantly called it a day. Annoying, as the sun had come out, and I'd planned to do a fell race in the evening.

Pen y Fan fell race

Race: Pen y Fan fell race (3.5m/2000ft/AS)
Time/Position: 40:21 (15th from 130 [2nd V40])
Peaks: Corn Du, Pen y Fan
Area: Brecon Beacons
I wasn't too sure how this would go, given my recent Alpine exertions, but wanted to give it a bash as it was one of this year's Welsh Championship series. I'm glad we made the effort to drive down just a few hours after returning from the Alps, as it is one of the best short fell races anywhere, a real classic which packs a great deal of action into 5k. A strong field meant an uncomfortably fast start up steep but runnable slopes from the start in Cwm Llwch above Brecon (E started next to me at the same time in the junior race!). My muscles immediately felt drained of energy, and I had a peculiar aching sensation even in my biceps for some reason. I recovered a bit as the slopes levelled off for the contouring path round to the obelisk on the ridge up Corn Du. This then becomes a steep 'pavement', up which I could only stride in my fatigued state. Some light, humid mist as I crested Corn Du then pelted over to Pen y Fan in a slow 30.04 - 18th at this point. Then comes the classic descent, steeply down rock steps to very steep grass - numerous runners literally rolling down the hillside, or using impromptu (and presumably painful) buttock sledges to descend. I managed to stay upright, just, and took the obvious traverse line due north but corrected myself when I saw others pelting straight down to the base of the cwm - thinking there may have been a checkpoint there. There wasn't, so I resumed the contouring and crossed the river efficiently before enjoying the very fast onward route down gentler slopes to the finish (10:17 for the descent - the 7th fastest, rather surprisingly as I felt I'd taken a bad line).

Alagna climbing

Crag: Alagna village boulder, Alagna Valsesia
Routes: Left Arete (f4:sol), Slab Left (f4:sol), Slab Centre (f5:sol), Slab Right (f5:sol)
Another large glacial erratic, in the mould of the one we discovered at Merletti yesterday morning. This one also had bolted climbs up it, but was far more amenable, and smaller, and gave just a few minutes exercise after I'd relaxed with an afternoon beer following this morning's lengthy Valsesia traverse. The routes on the right on the slab were affected by lichen, the others were short slabs of pocketed granite.

Valsesia traverse

Peaks: Cornello Tailly (2708m/8884ft)

Area: Valsesia, Pennine Alps, Italy

A bitterly cold morning, despite the relatively low altitude of the hut (2500m). I wanted to catch the sun rising over Monte Tagliaferro across the valley to the east, however, so put on all my layers and left the hut just after 5am. Pink and orange alpenglow lit the walls of Corno Biano behind the hut, and the sun gradually rose above the shoulder of Tagliaferro before sinking back behind the bulk of the peak. We left the hut after a brief and painfully brew-less breakfast to continue the planned traverse of the range just before 6am. The route gradually moves south through the cwm containing the massively diminished Otro glacier. Huge boulders scattered throughout the cwm made for difficult route-finding and slow progress, but reminded me strongly of the 'clapier' fields that typify my main stomping ground of the Maritime Alps. Familiar terrain indeed, but this kind of chaotic landscape is never easy to negotiate. We eventually gained the very steep scree slopes up the side wall to the Colletto di Tailly, steep enough indeed to give some scrambling as light relief from the shifting moraine debris. From the small sunlit col, a stunning view to the north over the emerald green slopes of Punta Straling opened up, with the remarkable white wall of Monte Rose rising beyond. This is certainly up there with the best views in Europe, particularly in this superbly clear early morning light. Huw was some way behind at this point, so I took the opportunity to scramble up the ridge to the highpoint of Cornello Tailly, which is essentially the top of one of the many spurs thrown down by the parent peak of Corno Biano (but which appears as an impressive spire from the Otro valley below). After descending to the col, I met Huw for a brief rest. From here, an annoying descent led to the greener cwm containing the Tailly lakes, but we fashioned an efficient contouring line to cut the corner of the cwm and find what I hoped was the onward route up Corno Biano - the day's objective and indeed the objective of this entire two-day traverse. A tiny path led up steep grass to a 60ft pitch up a slabby wall. A cable eased progress somewhat, but it felt safer to ignore it: the wall gave fine scrambling up small positive holds at around II+. Above, the route eased to eventually gain a superbly wild Alpine cwm containing the remnants of the Nevaio di Puio glacier. This is a genuinely remote spot, at least five hours walk from the nearest road. Huw had a rest - the weather remaining perfectly sunny and stable - while I picked my way through the moraines at the bottom of this glacial bowl to a series of steepish snow slopes which led to the south wall of the cwm. It all felt like a rather obscure route up the peak and I could see no evidence of tracks or previous ascents this year: surely this can't have been the first by this route this season? The wall to the south appeared almost sheer, but I initially followed route marks to a steep wall and had high hopes of finding the chains that supposedly eased progress up the crags to the breche. I was well above 3000m by now, and the summit was very close. Sadly, however, I failed to find a feasible onward route: I hadn't packed the rope and was unwilling to commit to the onward route in terrain like this, which was potentially quite serious, without being sure. This was all bitterly disappointing, and I can only conclude that the cairns and perhaps even the chains were buried under the substantial amount of late season snow that remained in the cwm. I made my way back to Huw and we descended to the sun-drenched Tailly Lakes to continue the grand traverse. The path down this side of the valley was, if anything, even more remote and obscure than the route of ascent on the north side of the Otro: it became slippery, tenuous and physically draining, although the views of Monte Rosa remained stupendous and admirably compensated. The path weaved and twisted and was hopelessly vegetated in places, seemingly devoid of any human traffic, but we finally gained the bottom of the valley and an easier onward riverside route to Alagna. This joined the ascent route just above the village, and we got to the deli a few minutes before it shut for lunch.

Passo dell'Uomo Storto

Peaks: P. dell'Uomo Storto (2874m/9429ft)
Area: Valsesia, Pennine Alps, Italy
It was a tricky task to decide what to do with our remaining two days in the Alps. We were tempted to head over to Switzerland, but in the end we decided to maximise the time in the mountains by going for a two day traverse of the lower Valsesia peaks. This was, if you like, the 'green' trip - in contrast to the earlier 'white' trip up the high peaks of Monte Rosa. The contrast was wonderful, and remarkable given the two ranges proximity: indeed, the starting point again was Alagna. We didn't even need the car. We set off just before midday up the wooded slopes which shroud the side of the Otro valley, feeling fairly comfortable after yesterday's exertions. Delightful walking led to the treeline and a stunning moment as we emerged into Alpine meadows near the village of Follu. This, and the other Walser (Germanic) villages around Valsesia reminded me quite strongly of Nepalese treks. No road access, beautiful stone-built cottages, and superb views over to Monte Tagliaferro, a striking rock peak east of Alagna. The walking then became even more Himalayan in character, following broad donkey tracks through a series of beautiful traffic-free remote villages. First came Scarpia, preceded by tranquil Alpine meadows. After a brief lunch, we continued along the tracks - here part of the long distance Tour de Monte Rosa - up to the even more remote Pianmisura. At this point, our route to the bivvy hut broke off and immediately became very tortuous and surprisingly hard to follow. It was considerably overgrown in places, but soon the vegetation died away and the scenery became more high mountain as we gained the wild cwm containing Lac Terrafrancia. Above this, a steep moraine led to another small glacial lake with the Ravelli Bivouac hut on a small spur above. The location was stunning, and our choice of outing seemed vindicated. The views over the Otro valley towards Tagliaferro, Piglimo and Cima Carnera were wonderful, as were the closer views up the rock walls of Corno Biano. The hut was memorable: a small metal tube containing a cosy wood-panelled chamber, gas stove and four beds. We were, needless to say, the only residents (the four hour walk-in presumably prevents overcrowding!). And, according to the hut book, perhaps the first foreigners to have visited for several years. After a break and snack, I headed off on an afternoon outing, up the snow slopes above the hut. These steep slopes led to a small peak above a spur then a remote ice-dammed lake.  I skirted this along a moraine, then gained steep and unpleasant scree up to the tiny breche of the Passo dell'Uomo Storto ('Crippled Man'), a classic high Alpine pass linking Valsesia and Gressoney: two neighbouring valleys with different linguistic heritage and culture (very broadly 'French' in Gressoney, Germanic in Valsesia, despite both being in Italy), an illustration of the remoteness and difficulty of this pass, perhaps! I then scrambled up the sharp peak to the north at 2874m, which was essentially a giant gendarme on the multi-crested ridge between Corno Rosso and the parent peak of Corno Bianco. The north ridge up Bianco looked superb. The weather then closed in, with a brief shower as I descended to the hut. Later, a much heavier shower gave way to a stunning rainbow - truly memorable - stretched across the entire Otro valley with the eastern peaks beyond.

Merletti climbing

Crag: Merletti, Valsesia
Routes: Central Slab (f6a+:led), Left Slab (f6a:sec)
Rather tired after yesterday's exertions, so this morning we allowed ourselves a leisurely breakfast then drove north up the valley to the roadhead above the Pastore Refuge for excellent views of the East wall of the Italian side of Monte Rosa. This face gets almost Himalayan in scale further north towards Macugnaga, but even here the upward views are impressive. I spied a large bolted boulder right by the road near Merletti and couldn't resist having a go at the central line up the steep slab marking the south side of the boulder, maybe 40ft high. This proved far more technical than it looked, with a desperate start at 6b/c or so using tiny sidepulls and foot smears to move above the first bolt. Tired after yesterday, I resorted to a brief spot of aid to gain easier climbing above. Small horizontal ledges then made for easier progress to the top. The route further left was a little easier, but it still had a hard start. We then left for the village to get some provisions before embarking on our next trip up to the Ravelli bivouac hut.

Monte Rosa traverse

Peaks: Signalkuppe (4556m/14947ft), Ludwigshohe (4341m/14242ft), Corno Nero/Schwarzhorn (4321m/14176ft)
Routes: South-West Flank (F+), South-West Ridge (PD-), North-West Flank (PD)
Area: Monte Rosa, Pennine Alps, Italy
A relatively late start by Alpine standards, with a 4am breakfast call, perhaps illustrating the pedestrian nature of this route up the Italian flank of Monte Rosa. But it was still exciting to be back in the high Alps, despite our modest plans for the day, and I savoured the ambience as we set off from the Mantova hut up the Garstelet glacier just before 5am. Small pools of light from the headtorch soon gave way to the half light of early morning, and the eerie blue glow from the glacial scenery and large seracs below Vincent. I kept a slow plod going, but Huw began to suffer again as we began the steep slopes east of Vincent. This was hardly surprising, given our short period of acclimatisation, and he seemed OK after a short rest. We continued in this vein, plodding upwards to the col then curving west past some big crevasses towards the Lyskamm. We passed just below the rocky outcrop of the Balmenhorn before gaining the Lysjoch - the obvious large col where views open out to the north. Passing into Switzerland, we enjoyed the superb new views over the Dufourspitze ahead and Matterhorn left. Some big cloud banks boiled over the ridges of the Matterhorn and Ober Gabelhorn. The contrast between the rocky peaks around Zermatt and the enchanting white world of Monte Rosa was stunning. The dramatic beauty of these upper Monte Rosa slopes is just remarkable: the low sun now reflecting off the fresh snow crystals. Huw continued to struggle, however, and as we traversed below the Parrotspitze life became much harder as the new snow had blown around and drifted in places. Soft and draining plodding is never ideal: even less so at this altitude, and his pace understandably slowed dramatically. After several breaks, we finally crested the steep and windblown slopes up to the Col Gnifetti. Huw couldn't go any further, but I could untie safely up here and enjoyed the final icy slopes up to the summit of Signalkuppe and its celebrated hut. Surprisingly steep and icy, quite sporting: a little over 3 hours from Rifugio Mantova. Great views from the summit, although cloud boiled up again to the east. The desperately cold wind was a real problem, however, and I was conscious of Huw waiting at the col. My feet were getting very cold, so I tore myself away from the views of Nordend and beyond to climb down the steep slope to rejoin him. I really wanted to take in the Zumsteinspitze and was very disappointed not to be able to, but Huw had to descend. As we approached the Parrotspitze, another key target, I asked again - but he was still suffering so we had to continue down. A shame, but as we regained the Lysjoch, sunshine and calm weather, Huw started to feel better and agreed to wait while I collected a few more peaks. I thoroughly enjoyed the lovely symmetrical snow arete leading SE to the summit of the Ludwigshohe. The weather was clearing west, and I was struck by the proximity of the fine looking peak of Corno Nero, probably the most impressive summit on this ridge. I could not resist, so ploughed down to the Zurbriggen col and up the 40m steep slope to the summit. This gave very enjoyable easy snow climbing, perhaps grade II in UK winter terms, and led up to a very airy summit ridge. A spectacular location, with stunning views over the ridge back to Signalkuppe. Stunning clarity of light, with the deepest blue sky imaginable and distant views even to Monte Viso, well to the south. I now had to get back to Huw, which necessitated a climb back over the Ludwigshohe arete. This was tough, and I started to suffer towards the top, but a long downward plod to the Mantova hut was all we had left to do. After a break, we headed down the easier lower route to the Indren glacier and the cable cars: low cloud by now, quite grim higher up. A late lunch of proscuito panini in Alagna was much appreciated, and we then enjoyed a few hours of relaxation at the campsite.

Piramide Vincent

Peaks: Piramide Vincent (4215m/13829ft)
Routes: North-West Flank (F)
Area: Monte Rosa, Pennine Alps, Italy
An acclimatisation outing on one of the the most straightforward of the bigger Alpine peaks. It worked very well in that respect, as our time was very limited (four days in the Alps!) and we had plans to go well above 4500m tomorrow. This very rapid ascent to 4000m+ was always going to be physically challenging, as Huw and I had flown into Milan just yesterday evening, then woken up first thing to get the trio of cable cars from our camp in Alagna up to the top station at Punta Indren. But despite the rapid ascent to altitude we didn't feel too bad as we plodded across the lower Ghiacciaio di Indren from Punta Indren and took the upper branch of the marked route to the short upper glacier. This gave a fine scramble up a steep but broken moraine/wall, for which we removed crampons. Some enjoyable easy rock walls leds to short icy sections then a longer series of ladders, cable and rocky walls to gain the small Garstelet glacier between the Gnifetti and Mantova huts. We roped up, then took it fairly easy for the glacier plod above Gnifetti to the steeper slopes below the seracs which lead up towards the Lysjoch. The weather was superb in terms of clarity, but a vicious wind was clearly going to compromise our comfort slightly. It was great to be back in the high Alps, however - my first trip above 4000m since 1998! As we approached the broad col west of Vincent, views opened out. The Lyskamm was particularly notable, as was the more distant Mont Blanc and Gran Paradiso, reminding me of our ascent back in 1995. The wind made life tricky for the final climb up Vincent, as it whipped across the gap, covering the tracks and cutting through our clothes. Fortunately, we had plenty of extra layers, and the final push through a tiny cornice to the summit went quite well. A bank of cloud was boiling up the Piedmontese side of the ridge lending superb definition to the notable sharp summit of Corno Nero. We didn't waste much time on the summit, and plunged back down to the col, taking it easier for the descent down to Rifugio Mantova as the clouds began to gather above. An expensive plate of excellent gnocchi, alongside an even more expensive beer, made a fine lunch. This was my tactic, sleeping as low as was feasible (still 3500m though) and, alongside a modest intake of ibuprofen, it made for a reasonably comfortable night in this pleasantly updated, though pricey, hut. Good views from the terrace down to Valsesia, Aosta and Gran Paradiso, and up to the Lyskamm and Piramide Vincent, which looks surprisingly impressive from below.

Deestriders Off Road race

Race: Deestriders Off-Road Grand Prix Race 2 (5.6m)

Time/Position: 35.59 (8th from 92 [3rd V40])
A rather confusing series of cross-country loops around the no-man's land between Shotton and the Dee. I really struggled to hold any kind of pace this evening, and had no real idea where I was in relation to the rest of the race as we seemed to do one too many laps at the far end of the course. I've never indulged in this long-established local evening series before, partly because it's not the most appealing locale, but it does make for a good speed session. One big loop along the Dee was followed by a shorter series of wooded loops with sharp XC turns and little banks and hills. Then a long loop back towards Chester through a bog. Not exactly my cup of tea, and I lost several places in the last mile or two. Very humid throughout, or maybe that was just me struggling with the pace!

Ras Foel Fras

Race: Foel Fras fell race (12m/3100ft/BL)
Time/Position: 1:48:58 (2nd from 52 [1st V40])
Peaks: Drum, Foel Fras, Garnedd Uchaf, Moel Wnion
If last Sunday's win was unexpected, pulling into the lead in this long fell race after Garnedd Uchaf was even more surprising. It's my third or fourth time at this event, and it's one I really enjoy - with the very long but fairly gradual climb up Drum from Aber leading to big gaps between runners and some often quite challenging conditions on the higher tops spicing things up a bit. I gradually moved through the field on the climb, which is runnable throughout even for me, and was in second place as a fierce squally shower came in as we got to the top of Drum in less than 45m. I gradually started gaining on the chap in front during the boggy, hard climb up Foel Fras but he stayed away as the weather really closed in for the aquatic run over to Garnedd Uchaf (Carnedd Gwenllian as it now is). I finally caught him on Garnedd Uchaf in dire weather: heavy rain turning to hail, strong winds. There's no good route down to the traverse path, so I just ploughed through the boulders trying to keep the right line. I was getting colder and colder, and had memories of this race in 2009 - when a ferocious squall at exactly this point decimated the field and led to a few hypothermia cases - so I put on my jacket and checked the bearing briefly as I was now alone at the front of the race. This delay may have ended up costing me the race, but at least I was then comfortable and confident about the navigation. I upped the pace down to Llwybr yr Aryg and a marshall, then kept a good pace to the bwlch below Moel Wnion. I seemed to be well out in front as the sun came out, and to my surprise it looked like I was going to win a race for the second time in six days. I jogged up to the summit of Wnion, risking a backward glance and not seeing anyone in the big landscape. But then I looked over to the right, and saw that a) I was 100m left of the checkpoint and b) a previously unseen Eryri runner was storming up a more direct route up Wnion! I pelted across to the checkpoint and began the descent, but was inevitably caught and passed within a couple of minutes. Try as I might, I couldn't catch him on the very long descent, and was now uncomfortably hot in my coat and buff! Ended up a good 50 seconds behind, in second place at the finishing tape back in Aber village. I knew my time was a PB for the course, but suspect the time given was too fast: I didn't properly record my time but I don't think it was sub 1:50 as the results suggest. A great event as always, a real mountain race in one of my favourite areas.

Snowdon run

Peaks: Yr Wyddfa (1065)
An opportunistic post-work run up Snowdon from Llanberis. After meeting in Lixwm, five of us set off from the town at 6.45pm in unexpectedly benign conditions of high cloud and high humidity. The initial climb up the metalled road seemed even steeper than it does in the race, but the tourist route soon levels off to give superbly enjoyable running up to the steepening at Allt Moses. We split into two groups, with Jez, Neil and I keeping a steady jog going throughout the steep climb to Clogwyn station and up the nasty scree beyond. I always think this is the crux of the race: indeed I tend to walk parts of this section. The forecast, it became clear, was completely wrong. Instead of 100m cloud base and steady drizzle, we found superb conditions of light shifting mist and a gathering cloud inversion. Quite spectacular as we crested the steep hill to the summit ridge, with mist peeling away from Clogwyn y Garnedd. It's been a while since I've been up Snowdon in the evening: it's always a reminder of what a great peak it is. Nobody on top, just a few runners around, and tremendous views down to Glaslyn and over to Crib Goch. A huge cloud bank to the east: with Cader, Aran and Berwyn visible above. Swirling mist over Nantlle but, again, the summits were above the cloud. We were up in just over an hour, spend 15 minutes or so enjoying the scenery before the cold wind sent us scampering down for an exhilarating descent to Llanberis where we met up with Rich and Rob just after 8.30pm. We even had time for a quick recovery pint in Ysgeifiog.

Craig y Bere climbing

Crag/Peak: Craig y Bere, Mynydd Mawr
Routes: Angel Pavement (HS 4b:led p.1,3,5), Pinnacle Ridge* (D:sol), Sentries Ridge (D:sol)
Another one of those rather obscure mountaineering routes that has lurked somewhere in the recesses of my mind for 25 years or so. I was last up at Craig y Bere 12 years ago for a mass ascent (including Kate) of Sentries Ridge. It's a strange place, rather disconcerting with its crumbling pinnacles and shifting scree: hence the gap between visits. But when I climbed the Eastern Arete of Y Garn a couple of years ago, I looked again at Angel Pavement from the other side of the valley: it's a tremendous line, an obvious weakness which takes a linked sequence of slabby gangways to negotiate the most impressive and coherent section of the cliff. Quite humid as Mick and I walked in from Planwydd, mercifully dry after weeks of unsettled weather. A steep early climb leads to a good contouring path towards the unappealing looking first pitch. I led, finding it a tad better than it appeared. Not much gear, as expected, but no technical difficulty and it could actually be adequately protected with an inventive use of small cams. Scrappy ground led to slabs, then a short juggy wall to a grass ledge. All the rock needs testing, but most of the loose stuff has been shed over the years. Mick's second pitch was better, and very photogenic as he traversed out above Nantlle to gain a good clean slab. This gives interesting easy climbing and another long 46m pitch to a small ledge below the obvious wet overhang. I then led the crux third pitch, supposedly 4b. Damp slabs below the overhang lead to a tapering of the slab line as it narrows and steepens to form a rib. The crux moves are so brief as to be barely noticeable: a steep pull, with abundant gear (for once) leads to big holds and broken ground - emerging at another small ledge in a superb position looking across to the Nantlle ridge and over the rest of Craig y Bere. The fourth pitch takes a broken rib to nasty grass slopes then a shattered corner, while my short fifth was even more scrappy. Very much a climb to go to with a mountaineering head on: it does have a little whiff of seriousness for the grade, but is so technically simple that it just adds to the route. The climbing may not be especially satisfying, but it is a rewarding experience, and I proposed to continue the day in the same vein. We both descended a steep scree gully beyond the finishing pinnacle, exposed initially, then merely awkward. Mick left for home after lunch at the sacs, and I bombed up the first section of Pinnacle Ridge, finding it rather too loose for comfort. At the upper headwall, I sneaked off down a side groove and headed over to Sentries Ridge. Mick had taken most of the gear, so with a light sack I raced up the ridge in just over 10 minutes. I'd forgotten what a good scramble it is: one of the best in Snowdonia, marred only by its escapeability. I took the gendarmes direct, moving left over the gully for the highest, most crumbly one before realising my error and regaining the crest. Not particularly loose nowadays, certainly compared to Pinnacle Ridge. I ran to the top of Mynydd Mawr and enjoyed five minutes total peace before running flat out back to the car via the lovely curving grassy ridge above Craig y Bere. Great views down to Cwellyn and great downhill running throughout.

Riverbank Race

Race: Riverbank Race/Eddie Faure Memorial '10k' (Rhuddlan)
Time/Position: 33:20 (1st from 57)
I've wanted to do this event for a while, as it starts so close to the ancestral home, but didn't really expect to be pulling into the lead after the first short lap around some fields led to a long flat stretch along the gravel cob which lines the River Clwyd. Billed as a multi-terrain race, this was a new version of the course which soon left the cob - and escaped a sharp headwind - to traverse a series of fields before gaining a muddy embankment which led back to Rhuddlan. This felt more like a traditional cross-country race at times, after the rain we've had. I hadn't wanted to take the lead so early, but found myself completely committed after less than a mile. As the headwind turned into a tailwind I relaxed on the first lap then tried to push it a bit into the headwind on the cob second time round. It was all a rather novel experience, as I have only ever led races briefly in the past, so I just concentrated on not panicking and maintaining a reasonable gap on the second lap. After all the recent running in the hills, the mud was no real obstacle, but the flat pounding is always a shock in summer so it was with some relief that I entered the caravan site for the final time. My first ever overall win in any sort of race, after 14 years of running, and as such a rather surprising day out. The race certainly wasn't 10k, as this would have been a PB on a tough off-road course. Somebody said it was 5.8 miles, which sounds about right.

Hotfoot up Famau

Race: Hotfoot up Famau fell race (3.5m/1500ft/AS)
Time/Position: 38.13 (5th from 96 [2nd V40])
It's that time of year again: the races come thick and fast, with little recovery between events. Fortunately, this splendid little outing - the first of Martin's summer series - is so short that you don't get much time to feel sorry for yourself. As it happened, I felt a lot better than I have done recently, taking a few seconds off my previous best time, and really enjoyed what was probably my 4th or 5th time in the event. With this race now attracting 100 or so runners, the manic start up the path from Penbarras gets harder and harder each year and I was well down the field for the dash down into the valley - the path is so narrow that it's hard to overtake. It's this early plunge that makes the race unique though, and by the time we gained the open slopes at the top of Moel y Gaer we started slowly passing a few of the fast starters. At last, I felt like I had some strength in my legs and enjoyed the soft peat of the steep descent to Nant y Ne. Kept it going quite well up the valley, although I was well behind the leading trio by now, and felt reasonably comfortable in the gully before maintaining my place on the long, flat-out descent.

Ras y Berwyn

Race: Ras y Berwyn (13m/3500ft/AL)
Time/Position: 1:59:47 (11th from 98 [3rd V40])
The second race of this year's Welsh Championships and, after a disastrous performance at Mynydd Troed, it was important to at least get round this long course reasonably efficiently. All this was secondary to the fact that I was really looking forward to the race, as this area is notorious for its access problems, with this the first ever event taking in these very runnable peaks. Peter had done a great job of organisation. Indeed, we had reccied it with him in March. Since then, however, significant changes had been made to the route to assist nesting birds. So it was that we started from Llandrillo then headed up the delightfully runnable tracks south below Cefn Pen Lletty to eventually enter the open hillside and the inevitable, immediate bog: including two waist deep river crossings. Weeks of rain rendered the subsequent long climb via Cwm Tywyll to the top of Cadair Berwyn an energy sapping trudge. I got caught by Simon E and three others as I crested the summit, now sunny, in 52m. This helped as I tried to stick with the group for the superb running south along the ridge towards the climb up Moel Sych. The ridge then curves east, the highlight of the event, with great views down into the wild cwm containing Llyn Lluncaws. Good descending, though awkward, down to the lake before a tough climb back up to ridge at Moel yr Ewig. I began to catch the group here, and went ahead during the awkward contouring east of the main Berwyn ridge. A tough climb up to CP5, surprised that the route didn't take in Tomle (as the reccie did), before enjoying the other big highlight of the old Ffordd y Saeson down to Bwlch Maen Gwynedd. I struggled a bit on the final climb up Cadair Bronwen but, to my surprise, made up some ground on the superb long descent over Moel Pearce. This gives exhilarating flat-out running down wet trenches, followed by streaming paths and finally the rough road from Moel Ty Uchaf back down to Llandrillo. I measured my length once, but no harm done, and gained one place to just dip inside two hours. A superb addition to the calendar.

Up the Beast fell race

Race: Up the Beast (4.5m/1500ft/AS)
Time/Position: 37:33 (6th from 74 [2nd V40])
An unmissable local event, always a pleasure, despite the fact that it is possibly the steepest fell race in North Wales for short sections (it's still dubbed a 'trail race' in certain places, amusingly enough). I thoroughly enjoyed the initial run through the woods, and the first steep scramble through the limestone crags that gives this race its 'character', but blew comprehensively on the final run back through the woods. Might have been tired after last week's activities in the Highlands, but can't really use that as an excuse - the main issue is that I'm losing time on all the descents at the moment. Simon E went past on Bryn Alyn, but I managed to stay with him until the descent of the Beast when he pulled away. I rather hoped I might catch him on the run-in, but instead I slowed to a crawl and was passed by another runner to end up 6th. I was three places down on last year, well over half a minute slower.

A'Chralaig

Peaks: A'Chralaig (1120m)
Area: Cluanie, Lochalsh
I had time for a very quick outing on our journey back home from Glenelg. This probably wasn't the ideal choice, as it was too close to the start of the long drive, but I thought the weather might be worse further south. Kate and the kids had a drink at the Cluanie Inn while I treated A'Chralaig as one big training blast. In this respect, at least, it was ideally suited: a big brute of a hill with an unrelenting steep climb from the road NE to gain the surprisingly long and enjoyable south ridge. I managed to run the vast majority of this, having enjoyed a rest day on Skye yesterday (apart from a walk with E up the lower summit of Sgurr na Coinnich above Kylerhea). Indeed, I really enjoyed the gentler running up the long ridge. I hadn't quite appreciated the sheer size of this hill, much higher than the South Glen Shiel ridge opposite, and took 40 minutes to reach the cairn from the road. Clag on top, sadly: I would have been better off waiting until further south for my outing after all. I'd promised Kate I'd be back at Cluanie in around an hour, so pelted flat out down the ridge - superbly exhilarating with the mist clearing and some sunshine peaking through, revealing the Inn way below, framed in front of Thursday's peaks. The entire descent gave wonderful downhill running and I was back at the pub about 25m after leaving the summit. A long drive home to flood-hit Wales followed, sorry to be leaving after another tremendous Highland week of perfect weather.

South Glen Shiel ridge

Peaks: Creag a'Mhaim (947m), Druim Shionnach (987m), Aonach air Chrith (1021m), Maol Chinn Dearg (981m), Sgurr Coire na Feinne (902m), Sgurr an Doire Leathain (1010m), Sgurr an Lochain (1004m)
Area: Glen Shiel, Lochalsh
After a rest yesterday, pottering around the brochs and coastline of Glenelg, another early start this morning saw me preparing to dash along the South Glen Shiel Ridge. This was the scene of my abortive traverse on Sunday, when I simply ran out of time. This morning, however, I was a bit more relaxed, having arranged to meet the family at the Cluanie Inn for lunch. Contrary to the forecast, the weather had remained superb and, even better, a cloud inversion seemed on the cards as I set off from Cluanie in amazing conditions of mist and sunshine. The old road to Tomtoun is very runnable, albeit 6k or more in length, and I set off at a brisk jog watching tendrils of mist drape A'Chralaig and the other big peaks north of Loch Cluanie. I entered the mist at the road's highpoint, and viz dropped instantly to a matter of a few feet. This made identifying the correct path tricky, and I wasted some time ensuring I was on the right route before continuing to run upwards in a bid to pop out of the mist. I did so around the 500m mark. So began an enchanting few hours as the valley cloud and light wisps of higher mist formed a beautiful foreground to the distant views down to Ben Nevis. The nearby peaks of Spidean Malaich and Gleouraich were even more photogenic, however. A thick sea of cloud remained in all the valleys as I crested the summit of Creag a'Mhaim in 75m from the road. Good running then led to an unexpected narrowing of the ridge up to Druim Shoinnach - a fine ascent with nice views of the lochans in the cwm south. Some mist on the summit, which melted away as I continued down the grassy ridge towards the day's highpoint at Aonach air Chrith. Stunning clarity of light now: the cloud inversion still present, deep blue sky above, this most famous of ridge traverses completely to myself. Indeed, I was perhaps the only person witnessing the inversion at this hour of the day? I set a reasonable pace, jogging the descents and flat sections, but had no real need to rush: just as well, given these very special conditions. The peaks along this ridge do not have a strong individual identity but the route is tremendously enjoyable. Some surprisingly narrow and rocky sections at times, and great views over to Loch Quioch and back across to the Five Sisters. I took in the smaller summit of Sgurr Coire na Feinne before ploughing on to the much higher Sgurr an Doire Leathain. Great views across to Sgurr an Lochain, easily the most distinctive peak on the ridge, towards which I now made my way. After a quick bite on the summit, I picked out the most comfortable way down to Glen Shiel (having done the remainder of the ridge last Sunday). I went down the very well defined, steep east ridge, which levels off lower down to a moraine-like grassy ridge just below the lake. A nice little corrie. I then contoured around boggy ground to pick up some deer tracks across the very steep spur coming down from Doire Leathain. All this was saving me a mile or two of road running! From here, it was a relatively simple matter to pick my way down to the road through the lower conifers, emerging east of the Lapain car park. Superb crystal clear views of the Five Sisters as all clouds melted away, yet again. The run back to Cluanie along the road was not too bad, and I made it back before midday.

Five Sisters of Kintail

Peaks: Sgurr na Ciste Dubh (1027), Sgurr na Carnach (1002), Sgurr Fhuaran (1067), Sgurr nan Saighead (929), Beinn Bhuidhe (869)
Area: Glen Shiel, Lochalsh
The forecast had long been predicting a change in the weather for this afternoon. I wasn't too bothered, having already enjoyed three superb outings, but thought I'd make an early start in advance of the supposedly incoming front. Furthermore, I didn't want to compromise the family holiday, so left very early in low temperatures (-1C!). Began ploughing up the slopes to the Bealach na Lapain before 5am, although in my haste took a path too far left that had obviously been beaten out by munro baggers as it quickly contoured left to finally gain the ridge at the col between Spainteach and Sgurr na Ciste Dubh. This was annoying, as I wanted to do the full ridge, but as I emerged at the small col into the sunshine all was forgiven. Frost decorated the ridge, and the low sun provided wonderful views in all directions. A light morning mist boiled up from Glen Affric, lending a magical atmosphere to the traverse. Tendrils of mist lapped up the ridge to the north, while views south to the Saddle and Sgritheall remained crystal clear. I scampered up to the fine rocky summit of Ciste Dubh (1hr from road) to enjoy the show with a breakfast banana. Onward prospects were superb, as this is undoubtedly one of the finest ridges in the UK. Sgurr Fhuaran, in particular, is a cracking, dominant peak. Some short scrambly sections down to the pronounced col below Sgurr na Carnach, which gives a short but steep ascent and is another fine viewpoint and pronounced individual summit. The light mist was still lending a magical quality to the traverse as I embarked on the long mild scramble to the top of Fhuaran, still only just after 6am with the entire ridge to myself. I took every rock step as direct as possible to maximise enjoyment, but it was necessary to seek out difficulties. As the highest peak on the ridge, so obvious from the Mam Ratagan pass, Fhuaran is a marvellous viewpoint, some say the best in Scotland. For me, the view down Loch Duich towards the Cuillin was most notable, but light mist showed off the remote Affric peaks to perfection. Distant views to Ben Nevis and Liathach also impressed. I could have descended from here, but opted to prolongue the traverse by descending the fine, steep ridge and sticking to the crest to give some unexpected but good scrambling up Sgurr nan Saighead - which has a distinctive outline, throwing down a series of impressive ribs on the Affric side. Looked like some good winter gullies hereabouts. From Saighead I continued over the subsidiary peak of Beinn Bhuidhe. This took me even further down Glen Shiel but I was enjoying the ridge so much I didn't want it to end. I opted to take the ridiculously steep direct descent direct to Glen Shiel from here. It was indeed direct, but a completely trackless blend of tussocks and heather - an unpleasant echo of 'time-saving' navigation tactics on mountain marathons. Once in the glen I forded the river and hopped over the fence to the road. Cue a very long run back along the road to my car - at least 10k, maybe more. I was back at the cottage in Glenelg before 10.30am, in time for brunch.