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.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, June 25, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, June 09, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, June 07, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, June 04, 2012
Beinn Sgritheall
Peaks: Beinn Sgritheall (974)
Area: Glenelg, Lochalsh
After rockpooling on the shores of Loch Hourn yesterday, it was an easy decision to drive back to magical Arnisdale for a family ascent of this distinctive and notoriously steep peak. I doubted whether we would all make the top, but thought the bealach would make a satisfactory viewpoint while I ran up the main peak and later took the keener E up the smaller Corbett. The weather was perfect again as we set off from this most tranquil of hamlets to weave up towards the very steep spur that leads up the bealach. Loch Hourn twinkling below: the views opening out over Knoydart, allowing me to relive my memorable trip there back in 1998, based around Sourlies bothy. The children did not enjoy the steep ascent, but it levels off half-way up to a contouring path that leads into a perfect little hidden gorge. A perfect family lunch/play spot, so I continued upwards giving myself an hour to get back. Steep striding led to boggier ground near the pass, then even steeper scree slopes - unrelenting - to the lower subsidiary summit. Superb running along the easy ridge, with fabulous views of sea, loch and mountain down to Loch Hourn, over to Ladhar Bheinn, Sgurr na Ciche and the rest of Knoydart, and down to the mysterious northern corries of Sgritheall. Surely one of the best views in Scotland, which gets even better from the true summit: with the Cuillin, Rum, Eigg and Torridon dominant. Sadly, I had to tear myself away and pelted down the screes, tearing my innov-8s to shreds in the process. Steep running down the turfy sections led back to the gorge and a quick lunch before we all walked down the slopes to Arnisdale and a memorable coffee break at the eccentric Tea Shack in Corran. The views over Knoydart, and back up to Sgritheall, were even better from Corran as all the cloud gradually melted away.
Area: Glenelg, Lochalsh
After rockpooling on the shores of Loch Hourn yesterday, it was an easy decision to drive back to magical Arnisdale for a family ascent of this distinctive and notoriously steep peak. I doubted whether we would all make the top, but thought the bealach would make a satisfactory viewpoint while I ran up the main peak and later took the keener E up the smaller Corbett. The weather was perfect again as we set off from this most tranquil of hamlets to weave up towards the very steep spur that leads up the bealach. Loch Hourn twinkling below: the views opening out over Knoydart, allowing me to relive my memorable trip there back in 1998, based around Sourlies bothy. The children did not enjoy the steep ascent, but it levels off half-way up to a contouring path that leads into a perfect little hidden gorge. A perfect family lunch/play spot, so I continued upwards giving myself an hour to get back. Steep striding led to boggier ground near the pass, then even steeper scree slopes - unrelenting - to the lower subsidiary summit. Superb running along the easy ridge, with fabulous views of sea, loch and mountain down to Loch Hourn, over to Ladhar Bheinn, Sgurr na Ciche and the rest of Knoydart, and down to the mysterious northern corries of Sgritheall. Surely one of the best views in Scotland, which gets even better from the true summit: with the Cuillin, Rum, Eigg and Torridon dominant. Sadly, I had to tear myself away and pelted down the screes, tearing my innov-8s to shreds in the process. Steep running down the turfy sections led back to the gorge and a quick lunch before we all walked down the slopes to Arnisdale and a memorable coffee break at the eccentric Tea Shack in Corran. The views over Knoydart, and back up to Sgritheall, were even better from Corran as all the cloud gradually melted away.
Sunday, June 03, 2012
The Saddle to Creag nan Damh
Peaks: The Saddle (1010/3314), Sgurr na Sgine (944/3098), Sgurr a'Bhac Chaolais (885), Creag nan Damh (918)
Area: Glen Shiel, Scotland
After arriving in Glenelg yesterday afternoon, we relaxed by the shores of Loch Hourn in more stunning weather this morning, before I headed off for a short outing above Glen Shiel in the afternoon. Kate dropped me off in the valley, giving me just under four hours to do as much as I could. My plan was to head up the Saddle via the superb-looking Forcan ridge, and then try to get as far as possible along the South Glen Shiel ridge. This went well initially, as the route takes a very runnable stalker's path to the col between Meallan Odhar and Biod an Fhithich. The col gives tremendous views towards the NE ridges and cwms of the Saddle. But my plans for a quick ascent began to be altered as I started the scrambling, because the Forcan ridge was both better and longer than I'd expected, and it seemed inappropriate to rush. Initial slabs lead to a great view and a horizontal ridge, before more sustained scrambling up a steeper section gain the top of Sgurr nan Forcan and a cracking, much photographed onward view. The narrow ridge ends in a scrambling descent, all highly enjoyable, before a sharp crest gains the final easier rocks to the summit. Great views of Glenelg, the Cuillin, the Five Sisters and the South Glen Shiel ridge. The weather again just became clearer and sunnier as I jogged down the easy broad gully towards the Bealach Coire Mhalagain. A sharp pull from here gains the end of the ridge of Faochag ('the whelk': conspicuous and highly photogenic from Glen Shiel). A surprisingly tough extra ascent leads south to more remote territory, eventually gaining the twin summits of Sgurr na Sgine. This is another fine hill, hidden from Glen Shiel, with a craggy southern face. These crags made my onward route problematic, as a long traverse is then required to gain awkward bouldery terrain leading east below the south face of Sgine to a bealach above Coire Toite. An awful, but unavoidable, pull up pathless, rough terrain gains the flat top of Sgurr a'Bhac Chaolais. Surprisingly steep and draining, but good running down the easier eastern ridge finally gains Bealach Duibh Leac and the start of the South Glen Shiel ridge proper. I was running out of time by now, however, so kept a decent pace going for the featureless slopes of Creag nan Damh which mercifully gave way to some mild scrambling near the top. As I descended towards Sgurr Beag I decided to play it safe and contacted Kate to arrange a meeting at the Battle Site, descending into the remote Am Fraioch Coire. This is a superb, wild spot high above Glen Shiel: tremendous views to the Five Sisters. Hot sunshine now as I descended towards the waterfall, feeling uneasy about the onward route. Sure enough, a line of crags meant I had to traverse up the ridge to the west before fashioning an intricate and unpleasant downward route through bands of wet slabs and mossy gullies to gain the sunlit, much gentler lower coire and a delightful path. I pelted down here to arrive at the meeting place bang on time.
Area: Glen Shiel, Scotland
After arriving in Glenelg yesterday afternoon, we relaxed by the shores of Loch Hourn in more stunning weather this morning, before I headed off for a short outing above Glen Shiel in the afternoon. Kate dropped me off in the valley, giving me just under four hours to do as much as I could. My plan was to head up the Saddle via the superb-looking Forcan ridge, and then try to get as far as possible along the South Glen Shiel ridge. This went well initially, as the route takes a very runnable stalker's path to the col between Meallan Odhar and Biod an Fhithich. The col gives tremendous views towards the NE ridges and cwms of the Saddle. But my plans for a quick ascent began to be altered as I started the scrambling, because the Forcan ridge was both better and longer than I'd expected, and it seemed inappropriate to rush. Initial slabs lead to a great view and a horizontal ridge, before more sustained scrambling up a steeper section gain the top of Sgurr nan Forcan and a cracking, much photographed onward view. The narrow ridge ends in a scrambling descent, all highly enjoyable, before a sharp crest gains the final easier rocks to the summit. Great views of Glenelg, the Cuillin, the Five Sisters and the South Glen Shiel ridge. The weather again just became clearer and sunnier as I jogged down the easy broad gully towards the Bealach Coire Mhalagain. A sharp pull from here gains the end of the ridge of Faochag ('the whelk': conspicuous and highly photogenic from Glen Shiel). A surprisingly tough extra ascent leads south to more remote territory, eventually gaining the twin summits of Sgurr na Sgine. This is another fine hill, hidden from Glen Shiel, with a craggy southern face. These crags made my onward route problematic, as a long traverse is then required to gain awkward bouldery terrain leading east below the south face of Sgine to a bealach above Coire Toite. An awful, but unavoidable, pull up pathless, rough terrain gains the flat top of Sgurr a'Bhac Chaolais. Surprisingly steep and draining, but good running down the easier eastern ridge finally gains Bealach Duibh Leac and the start of the South Glen Shiel ridge proper. I was running out of time by now, however, so kept a decent pace going for the featureless slopes of Creag nan Damh which mercifully gave way to some mild scrambling near the top. As I descended towards Sgurr Beag I decided to play it safe and contacted Kate to arrange a meeting at the Battle Site, descending into the remote Am Fraioch Coire. This is a superb, wild spot high above Glen Shiel: tremendous views to the Five Sisters. Hot sunshine now as I descended towards the waterfall, feeling uneasy about the onward route. Sure enough, a line of crags meant I had to traverse up the ridge to the west before fashioning an intricate and unpleasant downward route through bands of wet slabs and mossy gullies to gain the sunlit, much gentler lower coire and a delightful path. I pelted down here to arrive at the meeting place bang on time.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
Aonach Eagach
Peaks: Am Bodach (940/3085), Meall Dearg (953/3126), Stob Coire Leith (939/3080), Sgorr nam Fiannaidh (967/3172)
Area: Glencoe, Scotland
En route to our holiday cottage in Glenelg, and wonderful weather meant there was a good opportunity to traverse this most famous of ridges while the family had lunch at the Clachaig. After staying near Glasgow, Kate dropped me off in Glencoe at the start of the route up Am Bodach. This is too steep to be properly runnable, but I was well rested and enjoyed the sustained effort - gaining height very rapidly to reach the summit of Am Bodach in 49 minutes from the road. Superb views across to Bidean, over to the Ben and the Mamores and beyond. The downclimb from Am Bodach to the col gives sustained and enjoyable scrambling on huge holds. Good running along the broader ridge to the summit of Meall Dearg followed. I'd now caught the early starters and had to apologise for passing so many on the narrow ridge - at least 40 or 50 people. My time was limited, however, so it had to be done! The scrambling was not as continuous as I'd expected, but still excellent - particularly the initial downclimb from Meall Dearg to a good chimney which gains an easy section before the excellent pinnacles, one or two of which are exposed in places but always with huge holds. The weather just got better as the day went on - a real shame I couldn't rest a while to properly absorb the view and enjoy the warm sunshine: rushing seemed somewhat inappropriate in superb weather like this, but there is a balance to be struck on family holidays. The final pinnacle gives exposed scrambling up the right-hand side and, in general, the ridge feels much less escapeable than, say, An Teallach: the pinnacles feel like mini-Alpine style gendarmes rather than optional entertainment. Good running up the easy slopes to Stob Coire Leith then over to Fiannaidh in 1:50 from the road (partly due to hold-ups on the ridge). Terrific views over Loch Leven to Garbh Beinn and over to Cruachan, Mull and Knoydart. Ran flat-out down the very steep scree slopes direct to Loch Achtriochan, just over 20 minutes to the road - 2:19 road-to-road for the full traverse.
Area: Glencoe, Scotland
En route to our holiday cottage in Glenelg, and wonderful weather meant there was a good opportunity to traverse this most famous of ridges while the family had lunch at the Clachaig. After staying near Glasgow, Kate dropped me off in Glencoe at the start of the route up Am Bodach. This is too steep to be properly runnable, but I was well rested and enjoyed the sustained effort - gaining height very rapidly to reach the summit of Am Bodach in 49 minutes from the road. Superb views across to Bidean, over to the Ben and the Mamores and beyond. The downclimb from Am Bodach to the col gives sustained and enjoyable scrambling on huge holds. Good running along the broader ridge to the summit of Meall Dearg followed. I'd now caught the early starters and had to apologise for passing so many on the narrow ridge - at least 40 or 50 people. My time was limited, however, so it had to be done! The scrambling was not as continuous as I'd expected, but still excellent - particularly the initial downclimb from Meall Dearg to a good chimney which gains an easy section before the excellent pinnacles, one or two of which are exposed in places but always with huge holds. The weather just got better as the day went on - a real shame I couldn't rest a while to properly absorb the view and enjoy the warm sunshine: rushing seemed somewhat inappropriate in superb weather like this, but there is a balance to be struck on family holidays. The final pinnacle gives exposed scrambling up the right-hand side and, in general, the ridge feels much less escapeable than, say, An Teallach: the pinnacles feel like mini-Alpine style gendarmes rather than optional entertainment. Good running up the easy slopes to Stob Coire Leith then over to Fiannaidh in 1:50 from the road (partly due to hold-ups on the ridge). Terrific views over Loch Leven to Garbh Beinn and over to Cruachan, Mull and Knoydart. Ran flat-out down the very steep scree slopes direct to Loch Achtriochan, just over 20 minutes to the road - 2:19 road-to-road for the full traverse.
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