Helsby climbing

Crag: Helsby
Routes: Flake Crack (VS 4c:sh), Twin Caves Crack (HS 4b:sol/sh), Dinnerplate Crack (HS 4c:sh)
Flake Crack is probably Cheshire's most famous climb, although such a claim should be seen in relative terms! I've done a few routes at Helsby over the years, but it's not somewhere I've spent much time. However, I had a couple of hours spare today, and with a long spell of dry and sunny weather continuing, it seemed like a good choice (as it tends to be slimy and green in winter). I was alone, so did Flake Crack on a loose shunt. Although short, the route deserves its minor classic status: a perfect sandstone crack and a very strong line. Easy climbing up a lower pillar, nice moves up pockets and interesting knobbly sandstone, leads to the juggy crack itself. This is not too polished, and gives excellent juggy laybacking: made slightly easier by the ripples and rugosities on the left wall. An exciting finish, particularly with the rope trapped in the deep crack! The route to its left (Twin Caves Crack) felt a touch harder to me, despite the grade (these routes may have been upgraded now). The crux comes low down: a fierce pull (on jugs, admittedly) and high step left to overcome a mini-roof. Then fine climbing on great holds to a steeper finish. Again, cleaner and more solid than is typical for sandstone. Less sustained, perhaps, but with a harder crux. The same could be said for Dinnerplate Crack, which again has a very steep start involving a haul up big rounded jugs to high footholds then easier climbing up to a final slab. A jog round Helsby Quarry to finish.

Rab Mountain Marathon, Glyderau

Race: Rab Mountain Marathon, Day Two
Time/Position: 125pts in 4.26 (12th from 175 [2nd Veteran])
A great day and an elegant traverse of the Glyders in perfect morning sunshine that was spoiled slightly by a careless error right at the end (actually, after the finish) which cost me the first Veteran prize. Local knowledge was a huge advantage, even more than yesterday: I immediately knew where all the checkpoints were and just constructed what I felt to be the most logical route, prioritising the bigger value controls. No excuses, as these cwms have been my playground for almost 30 years! After a spartan breakfast in the half light at 6.30am, I jogged along the old Nant Ffrancon road initially, then steeply up the stream into Cwm Coch below Yr Esgair: a tough climb up to a 20 pointer. Then superb running, the highlight of the weekend, taking the little contouring path around all the east facing cwms towards distant Cwm Clyd. The sun rose over Tryfan, I was completely alone but totally confident about the onward route: superb! I went 'off piste' into Cwm Clyd, a hard slog up difficult ground, and dibbed the CP in this lovely wild cwm, one of my favourites. I knew I would get across to Bochlwyd quickly, and did so, pelting down to Idwal in 10 minutes then taking the shortcut path above Clogwyn y Tarw (which we descended as recently as May). The CP at Bochlwyd seemed to be in wrong place, but was easily located, then it was up to Bwlch Tryfan under deep blue skies (much cooler than yesterday). The next CP at Llyn Caseg Fraith was perhaps the scenic highlight of the weekend. Still early morning, so the famed view of Tryfan and Bristly Ridge across the blue lake was crystal clear. I had loads of time, and dithered about getting an obvious 15 pointer a few hundred metres down the Mymbyr side. I decided against it, which was the first decision to cost me the category win (although at least this one was a little more understandable, as I knew the run-in to Capel along the ridge would be harder than the map suggests). After contouring Foel Goch, I helped some lost competitors find an awkward CP in a wide re-entrant. Then it was the run for home along the superb, but boggy, ridge. Three more checkpoints were close together among the knolls and gullies of the lower slopes: the bottom one was particularly hard to find. But despite wasting ten minutes searching numerous re-entrants for the checkpoint, I had well over half an hour left when I finally located it. I sauntered down to the finish above Capel and dibbed for the final time. Immediately afterwards (as I was walking back to the car) another runner (still going fast, clearly not finished) passed me and said 'aren't you going for the easy ten pointer?' I looked down at the map and realised to my horror that I hadn't marked a checkpoint less than 1km away along the valley bottom. I'd just discounted all 'Carneddau' checkpoints at the start of the day without thinking, not realising some were 'live' and right next to the finish. All I had to do was walk along the road and back, and I had 35 minutes spare in which to do it in perfect comfort! I asked if I could carry on, but unsurprisingly it was impossible as I'd dibbed at the finish. As it happened, somewhat inevitably, this cost me first Veteran place - but at least my own stupidity is the only thing to blame.

Rab Mountain Marathon, Carneddau

Race: Rab Mountain Marathon, Day One 
Time/Position: 190pts in 5.38 (11th from 175 [3rd Veteran])
There is something remarkable about the last weekend in September. This was my sixth Rab Mountain Marathon, always on this weekend going back to 2008, and every one has been characterised by near-perfect weather. Last time it was on home ground in 2012, I made my worst ever mistake on a mountain marathon and ended up well down the field. The main issue today was likely to be whether I had the legs for a long outing, as it could hardly be more of a contrast from the Wirral series I've been concentrating on. The organisers seem determined not to repeat 2012's rather restricted field of play, and did a fine job: in essence the decision was whether to run day one in the Carneddau or Glyderau. I opted for the former, on the assumption that it would be more runnable. This was not the case, but it was indeed a harder day. Set off from Capel Curig in glorious sunshine, and ran down Ogwen for a bit before taking the path towards Cwm Eigiau. Very nasty terrain, bog and tussocks, and Peter went past me at this point as we both went for the same first three checkpoints. Stunning views down Ogwen to Tryfan: crystal clear light. After another CP higher up, I crossed the bwlch below Helgi Du and initially tried to contour across for a CP on the Cwm Eigiau side. There are too many crags hereabouts, however, so a higher line was necessary. After dibbing, it was steeply down into Cwm Eigiau then a heads down plod up the bridleway towards a big value 30 pointer hidden among the knolls high above Llyn Dulyn. Quite hard to find. I then ran across the boggy ground to emerge as planned near the shelter on the top of Foel Grach. From here, good running down the spur north of Cwm Caseg led to another CP. This is one of my favourite areas: wild and remote in Welsh terms. The next CP was given an unusual descriptor: micro-saddle. I dropped down the scree to Cwm Caseg and without thinking too much, ploughed straight up the steep hillside to the ridge of Yr Elen heading for the obvious 'micro saddle'. The CP was actually a good 100 metres lower down the ridge: an annoying error. From here, I ran flat out to gain another CP in a huge and complex sheepfold near the climactic final climb of the old Carneddau race route. Then it was a long contour to Cwm Llafur below the Black Ladders. I made another mistake here, going too high for the CP and wasted time - all for a mere 10 points. Seemed odd that this was such a low value CP: I should have ignored it. A run down Llafur then round to marshy territory and two more checks. Above, a 20 pointer lurked. I had the time but did I have the legs? I concluded that I couldn't be bothered, and instead virtually walked down to the final CP above Nant Ffrancon (again hard to locate, hidden below a spur) and finished way too early: with over half an hour to spare. Still, I found myself in 10th place overall overnight. A very pleasant evening at the camp in Nant Ffrancon with Peter, Huw and others, even found space for a small measure of Penderyn as I was missing the crucial match that night. It did get rather cold later on under a huge moon and clear sky, especially with my less than ideal bubble wrap mattress.

Wirral Multi-Terrain Series, Arrowe Park

Race: Wirral MT Series, Race 4 (Arrowe Park, 4.8m)
Time/Position: 26.20 (9th from 204 [1st V40])
This has been a brilliant series: it seems odd that I've never done the races before. If anything, the races are tighter and the competition (almost) as intense as the border league. The routes are all very varied and genuinely multi-terrain. This one, two laps round Arrowe Park on the western side of Birkenhead, was another parkland route. A big loop of a field took us into the woods for some dark and muddy tracks: fast and gently downhill almost all the way. The usual frenetic pace at the start, so I tried to relax into it and hang back a bit: my usual tactic, although it's not a tactic to take too far over these short distances. I felt quite fresh and pushed on as we emerged from the woods to a series of fields which leads gently but continually uphill back to more woods and the second lap. I went past the quick Richard Webster on the first lap and managed to maintain a reasonable pace for the second lap (the woods now very dark!). Felt faster but a little more comfortable than the other races, though the 'speed' may have been illusory given the dark. I finished the series with the maximum 25 points from three category wins, so won the V45 category (9th overall). The series has punctuated a rather intense month of racing: this was my seventh race since the start of September!

King John's Castle fell race

Race: King John's Castle (4.6m/865ft)
Time/Position: 41.44 (2nd from 30)
Beautiful late summer weather made Llanarmon yn Ial even more tranquil than usual this morning. For various reasons, I've never done this fine race before - although it takes in some of my favourite Clwydian paths. Lots of other events this weekend, so a small field left the Raven pub down the road to the little twmp, site of an ancient Welsh castle supposedly rebuilt in the twelfth century by English King John (hence the race title). Up and over this, then along fields, through thistles and up a very steep road towards the Gweryd Lakes. After a contouring road, it was straight up to the summit of Moel y Plas. Ian Houston was well out in front, with a Buckley trio of me, Simon E and Andy chasing. I felt I'd gone off a little too hard and was suffering in the heat of the climb, but just about held it together as Simon pulled away. From the top of Plas, the race heads south momentarily before wonderful running along the ridge to Moel Gyw and the familiar steep descent down the ridge back towards the village. I closed the gap gradually, and we were equally matched throughout this section, but thick vegetation meant we both missed the tape over the stream towards the finish. This meant a longer extension down a track to gain the road further north: we lost half a minute or so, although just about kept our places. From here, I managed to open up a very small gap on Simon during the fast half mile along the road to the finish at the pub. Wound down with the prize giving and some excellent soup in the sunshine.

Wirral Multi-Terrain Series, North Wirral Coastal Park

Race: Wirral MT Series, Race 3 (Wallasey, 4.3m)
Time/Position: 25.26 (11th from 195 [1st V45])
Very tight in the V45 category, so all to play for in this third race. Back to the seaside for this one. It starts on the beach just west of New Brighton and then allows for a great deal of latitude in terms of route choice as several hundred runners stormed along the vast expanse of sand heading towards Hoylake. I went a bit too far left, trying to avoid any of the soft sand, then veered back right through some channels to join the main pack of runners. I was well off the pace initially, perhaps 30th, but I gradually worked my way up as we left the beach then headed inland on dune paths towards the Coastal Park. Down a road, then tracks led back through fields to the dunes and an excellent narrow path above the beach - towards the setting sun. The race ends with a mile of hard running back along the beach to the very distant finish: felt like we were running across the Sahara! I gained on Richard Webster of Wallasey, who had a one-point lead coming into this race, and went past him with about 500 metres to go. It's neck and neck (equal points) going in to the final race. Beautiful sunset over the Irish Sea.

Ras Fawr Llanddoged

Race: Ras Fawr Llanddoged, Conwy Valley (12.5k)
Time/Position: 49.39 (3rd from 40)
The little lanes above the Conwy Valley give wonderful views over the Carneddau: one of my favourite areas, so I've been meaning to do this long-established race for many years. Finally got the opportunity to coordinate it with a family outing today, and thoroughly enjoyed the event. Given its location, it's hardly surprising that the race is tough and hilly. Fortunately, the Gran Fondo bike event in April 2014 took the same initial hill from Llanddoged up to the top road, so I had prior knowledge of its gradient! A very steep start leads to a couple of brief (very welcome) interludes before climbing viciously again. It goes on for at least 3k, then continues (albeit less viciously) along the ridge. I pulled into third place on the hill, and there I stayed, well behind the two leaders but with a comfortable gap on the rest of the field. Beautiful running, in complete isolation, on empty lanes with the Carneddau stretched out in front. The final 5 or 6k is largely downhill, although there is one sharp sting in the tail just before the finish.

Barrel race

'Race': Colomendy Barrel Race
Time: 14.14
A reprise of John M's novelty barrel race, last run in 2012, on which I have the dubious honour of holding the record. Took a few seconds off that this year in controversial circumstances (in that I cheated by taking a short cut up the steep steps rather than the road back to the pub: in my defence I would question whether this gives much of an advantage when carrying an empty beer barrel!). From the pub in Cadole, a select band of 17 competitors enjoyed fast running down to the leat. Flat out along this then across the Alyn river to pick up an empty beer barrel of your choice in Loggerheads. No beer dregs leaked out this year! I did, however, end up inefficiently carrying it in front of me like a giant baby again.

Wirral Multi-Terrain Series, Royden Park

Race: Wirral MT Series, Race 2 (Royden Park, 5m)
Time/Position: 29.35 (17th from 230 [3rd V45])
A monstrous case of the DOMS after the Ben race, despite Sunday's leg loosener up Ben Ledi. I certainly hadn't recovered in time for this, the second race in the Wirral series, but went along anyway and plastered my legs with Deep Heat in a desperate attempt to relieve the pain. A long warm-up with Simon and Andy helped loosen the tight quads a bit. It was a gorgeous evening on the Wirral, and the heathland of Thurstaston Country Park is surprisingly scenic with a miniature sandstone edge giving views over the Dee Estuary. Felt a little like Fontainebleau in places! This route is even better than the beachside of race one: really varied and interesting. It goes through sandy woodland, tree roots and twisting paths, before climbing up on to the sandstone escarpment - rather like a mini fell race at this point, with some large sandstone steps to be negotiated steeplechase-style. This wasn't ideal given the state of my legs, neither was a brief rocky descent to a road. A flatter woodland section back to the start field allowed me to regain my equilibrium, and I made up a few places on the second lap. I finished seven places down on race one, well behind the runners I finished with at that race, and third rather than first in my category, but it was the best I could do in the circumstances. Another great race though, and therefore very popular: there must have been almost 400 runners including the separate women and juniors races.

Ben Ledi

Peak: Ben Ledi (879m)
Area: Trossachs, Scotland
My quads had taken quite a pounding on the Ben race descent, so a warm-down was vital to stop me seizing up for a week. We had a long drive home in store, though, so despite the perfect weather a smaller peak seemed prudent. Ben Ledi occupies a superb position at the southern extremity of the Highlands and seemed ideal for our purposes this morning. It is the first real mountain reached after Stirling and the view south from the summit is over Loch Venacher and the lowlands. It is a very pleasant objective, eye-catching from Callander and beyond. We parked at Corriechrombie at the bottom of Loch Lubnaig and adopted a vigorous walking pace up the lower slopes of Ben Ledi. Kate had enough after the first steep 'staircase', so went back while I jogged up to gain the open hillside above the conifers. After steep scree, the path switches back sharply to take the obvious broad summit ridge northwards. Great views north-east to Ben Vorlich and the Breadalbane hills taken by the OMM in 2011, and west to Ben More, Stobinian, Cruach Ardrain and other mountains I have enjoyed in the past. The first summit cross I have ever seen in protestant UK (although I think it had just been adapted from an old fence post!). One hour from the car, and the mist rolled in for the five minutes I was there! Jogged down, trying to loosen the legs and mitigate the inevitable DOMS after the Ben race, in around 40 minutes.

Ben Nevis race

Race: Ben Nevis mountain race (10m/4500ft)
Peak: Ben Nevis (1344m)
Time/Position: 2.05.46 (95th from 486)
A bonus weekend in the Highlands at the end of summer and, as luck would have it, high pressure began to build just as Kate and I arrived at our cottage in Glen Dochart. The event, perhaps the most famous mountain race in the UK, is notoriously difficult to get into, and I'd only got in via a cancellation in April. I hadn't done enough specific training to record a decent time, which was a shame given the superb conditions, and I knew I would descend slowly with the continuing weakness in my ankle but was looking forward to it regardless. Jez also had a place, so we met him in glorious sunshine near the start in Claggan on the edge of Fort William. After following the pipers round the field, we set off for a lap of the shinty pitches then the road to Achintee and the start of the normal tourist path. I descended this after doing the Carn Mor Dearg arete way back in 1989, but I haven't been back since, so didn't really have many preconceptions beyond the obvious fact that it would be an arduous and rocky descent. The race was very enjoyable with a real sense of occasion. The conditions were incredible: deep blue sky, rather too hot on the lower section up to the Red Burn but perfectly cool above. The track above Achintee climbs fairly gently and is generally runnable, but is rough in places, similar to its Snowdon equivalent. I dipped my head into the Red Burn, where the route takes a giant kink then changes character. Above, it steepens considerably as you gain the sloping roof of Ben Nevis itself. I just kept a steady pace going up the steep and arduous scree until the path veers right and the angle eases for the long haul up the final slopes of the half dome-like summit. The final km or so is across the almost flat rocky plateau. I gained the summit in a rather slow 1.21. The descent went as well as could be expected. I gained quite a few places on the steep scree, which is terrain I thrive on, then slowed (as everybody does) for the very steep grass which gives a direct route to the Red Burn. After this, the angle eases for the rocky track back to Achintee: this is where I lost time and places, awkward in new shoes. I made up for the lost time a tiny bit on the road back to Fort William, but it was too little too late. Great race though: Ben Nevis, Yorkshire Three Peaks and Man v Horse were the three 'away days' we targeted this year. Didn't do very well in any of them, but thoroughly enjoyed all three. After a post-race dip in the river, we headed to the Clachaig for wild boar and haggis, accompanied by An Teallach beer, gazing up Glencoe in stunning late afternoon sunshine. Conditions were exactly the same when we last visited the Clachaig after running the Aonach Eagach in May 2012.

Wirral Multi-Terrain Series, Thurstaston

Race: Wirral MT Series, Race 1 (Thurstaston Beach 5m)
Time/Position: 29.23 (10th from 217 [1st V45])
This is a long-running series of races restricted to a group of local clubs, every week in September, at different Wirral locations. All the races are multi-terrain, varied and excellent - but for various reasons I haven't been able to compete in the past. This opening race starts at the Wirral country park in the same place as the May race: but then heads up the 'beach' in the opposite, northerly direction. Rockier and more awkward this way round. After a mile or so into a headwind with the sun setting over the estuary, it heads up steps then along the Wirral way cycle path back to Thurstaston. Two laps, which helped me pace it. I moved up the field and felt surprisingly strong for the second lap, which was very refreshing given the year I've had. Indeed, I've waited all year for a half-decent performance and finally got one here: possibly my best race of 2015, certainly since Twin Piers in January. Kept passing runners until the last half mile, and just managed to squeeze into the top 10 in a fairly strong field, just male club runners drawn from Merseyside, Wirral and Flintshire clubs.