Corndon Classic fell race

Race: Corndon Classic, Shropshire (6m/1850ft)
Time/Position: 50.58 (26th from 123 [4th V45])
These lovely hills are tucked away in classic border country, not far from Welshpool and Montgomery. The race makes a brilliant little pre-christmas outing and, although not feeling great after slightly too much beer the night before, I really enjoyed it. The field was bigger than expected, and probably a lot bigger than the tiny Shropshire hamlet of Priest Weston can handle. I was happy just staying mid-pack as the race has a steep start up a little lane which leads to a slippery and very steep field of mud. A short level section leads to the main steep climb up Corndon itself, which dominates this corner of Shropshire at over 500m. After weeks of heavy rain, and some showers this morning, a little sunny interval allowed for great views over the Stiperstones in one direction and mid-Wales in the other. I've cycled around the Stiperstones and Long Mynd in the past, and done a good few Shropshire fell races: but these immediate valleys were new to me. Really struggled on the climb, feeling very slow and sluggish, but perked up a bit for the fast grassy descent down to Corndon Cottage, with a great view of the border country all around. I felt much better on a long road section which led to the short, sharp climb up the hill of Roundton, but I still couldn't generate any speed at all. A steep descent to a boggy XC section along the stream of the Pant, then doubling back round via a long tarmac climb to Cowlton. From here superb grassy tracks with great views led to the last climb up Lan Fawr and a tricky descent down the very slippery and muddy opening hill above the village (which has an excellent cosy pub, the Miner's Arms, in which to recuperate.)