Nicosia run

Baking hot for my last morning in Cyprus. I had crossed back over to the Greek side yesterday, and set off for an early run heading south towards the Athalassa forest park. This is the obvious green lung of the city, and I spent an enjoyable hour or so jogging round the little valleys and pine woodlands in the morning sunshine before heading back to my flat within the old Venetian walls.

Kyrenia mountains run

A few days in Cyprus, spent mainly on the northern 'Turkish' side. After a night in north Nicosia, I strolled a few hundred metres to catch a convenient dolmus to Girne/Kyrenia. This is not far from Nicosia, and the road heads towards the giant Turkish flags on the hillside facing the city, before going over a pass to descend to this attractive harbour town. I had no car, so planned to run all the way up to St Hilarion then along the Kyrenian ridge by way of last minute training for the Preseli Beast. But I had work appointments to fulfil first, and it didn't really work out that way despite the early start. I jogged through the town, then picked my way gradually up suburban roads extending into the low Kyrenian mountains above the town. This worked to an extent, but I should probably have headed further west before starting the climb, as the tracks I tried to follow all petered out before gaining the top of the ridge. But, at least I got up into the mountains for a bit: interesting birds and great views out over the Med and across the rest of the limestone Kyrenian range. It was a tad too hot for comfort, temperatures building each day, and I was relieved to duck into a cafe when I got back into the fringes of Girne.

Shepherds Crag climbing

Crag: Shepherds Crag, Lake District
Routes: Ant Highway (MVS 4b:led p.2), Jackdaw Ridge (D:led p.3 only), Donkey's Ears (S:led p.1+3), Derision Groove (VS 4a,4b:led p.1)
A stunning morning in Buttermere. Not a breath of wind, perfect clarity, perfect temperatures, spring birdsong and peaks reflected in the lake. We drove along an empty Honister pass and parked below the famous roadside (almost) crag of Shepherds. I haven't climbed here for 24 years or more, and have only done a few routes at the venue, which is probably the most popular in the whole of the Lakes. It is a little battered and polished, but still pretty good. Inevitably a tad shady and cool as I followed Vic up the first pitch of Ant Highway. This is steep and awkward to start, with a couple of moves to gain a good hold. Above, it eases to a nice gangway and little wall. My pitch was easier still, up a sharp fin-like ridge to the top. Further left, I merged the first two pitches of Donkey's Ears, which rambles up an easy-angled section of rock to a small chimney to a stance below a cave with the two 'Donkey's Ears' above. A thrutch through these, rather claustrophobic and physical, after which I led to the top in a nice position. Famously excellent views over Derwent Water from the top of the crag, with Skiddaw beyond: another perfect day developing. Our time was limited, however, as was our energy. So we finished up with the fine line of Derision Groove. I led the short first pitch up an awkward slabby corner to a ledge, then up a steep, clean groove on good holds. The top pitch builds to a climax, with the crux right at the top of the wide groove line. A wobbly jug leads to some awkward moves diagonally left, surprisingly exposed and tricky to second. Nice line and a good climb. We drove back before lunchtime to avoid the traffic.

Borrowdale climbing

Crag: Quayfoot Buttress, Borrowdale, Lake District
Route: Quayfoot Buttress (VD:led p.1+2)
We can be excused the modest grade here, as we had just finished the fell race. After a relaxing scone and coffee next to the river in Grange, however, a shining spire of rock with two climbers inching into the afternoon sunlight called out to us on the drive back to Buttermere. A five minute walk later, and the crag turned out to be Quayfoot Buttress, which we knew nothing about. An obvious relaxing trade route crept up the left-hand side so I led off up a gentle wall with one tricky move past a tree to merge with the second pitch up a side groove. A delightful belay as the sun dropped, although Vic then introduced some stress into proceedings by taking a much harder (E2) line up the main face, with a single 9mm rope, no chalk, and various other disadvantages. He retreated, and we finished up the real easy line, which sidles up a shady side groove to gain a nice slab and the top. This was more than enough for one day, so we retreated to the Fish in Buttermere.

Anniversary Waltz

Race: Anniversary Waltz fell race (11.5m/3800ft/AM)
Time/Position: 1.58.31 (56th from 444)
If I run a more enjoyable race this year, I will be surprised. This was a treat: a superbly runnable and elegant circuit, most of which I knew fairly well, on a wonderful spring day of perfect clarity. Conditions could hardly have been better, so I thought I should at least try for the fairly obvious sub-2 hour target, despite the fact that I was in 'tourist mode' as ever when racing in the Lakes. After a big breakfast at the Buttermere YHA, we drove over Newlands to Stair (where the Rab was based a few years ago, and where I spent Freshers Week in 1988!). This race is perhaps the most famous and popular 'medium' fell race in the Lakes, so there is a huge (by Welsh standards) field of around 500. The start is above the village in the valley below Catbells and the volume of numbers means it is hard to get a clear run initially. I thought I might as well 'bank' the first few miles on track and road so went off reasonably hard with my modest winter road speed still present. At the end of the valley, past the Little Town church, the tarmac finally gives way to a track and the glorious Scope Beck valley. Although I have done these peaks numerous times, I have never been up this way. In today's conditions, it was lovely. A steep climb up the side of the valley, using hands in places, gains the excellent main ridge up Robinson with a few rocky rises demanding a spot of scrambling. Glorious views in all directions. Reached the top of Robinson in 44 minutes. The route then opens out and becomes distinctly runnable again. The detour to Hindscarth is fast and fun, and the quick line to Dale Head is equally good. I have very powerful memories of this ridge: having crossed it during the legendary cancelled OMM in 2008, linked arm in arm with three other runners to prevent us getting blown away! The descent from Dale Head is very steep, with two different options. I went left and more direct, which is arduous and perhaps the toughest section of the race. The finish is excellent, along the great ridge with famous views of Derwent Water and Skiddaw (taken the other way round when the Rab was here). I seemed to be well inside the two hours as I crested Catbells with 10 minutes to go, but I hadn't realised the finish was back at the village! An exciting and fast (8 minute) descent from the rocky top of Catbells saw me down. An elegant horseshoe and brilliant, varied race. After a hotpot lunch, we headed for scones and coffee in sun-drenched Grange before a spot of cragging to round off the day.

Swindale climbing

Crag: Gouther Crag, Swindale, Cumbria
Routes: The Fang (MVS 4a,4a:led p.2), Kennel Wall (S:sec)
Selected purely on the basis of its easterly location (with a weak weather front approaching from the west) this proved an inspired choice. I have done two mountain marathons based in nearby Wet Sleddale near Shap, and it is an interesting area which feels (to my outsider's eyes) like a distinct border zone between the landscape and culture of the Dales and the Lakes. But apart from those visits, this was new territory for me and Vic, and neither of us had been down the very quiet Swindale before. The valley is a dead end, which obviously cuts numbers, and Gouther Crag is semi-hidden and west facing up on the valley side. As we arrived at the crag, we were amazed and slightly appalled to find a team starting out on Truss Buttress, which I had wanted to do as a gentle warm-up. They had a very slow novice on board, so we gave up and headed over to the main buttress. This is not very big - perhaps 50m high - but is an impressive sweep of rock with some very attractive lines. Another team was at work! Extraordinary for such a remote location. So Vic led the first pitch of The Fang, which is rather easier than its better known Tremadog namesake. An easy chimney leads to a steeper wall, and good moves diagonally left on big holds. Superb, unpolished rock and a nice position. A higher crack leads to a platform, after which I merged the last two pitches. The finish moves right to take a few steep moves up an arete after which the finishing ridge is broken but still fairly interesting. Strong winds and cold hands, but just a little light drizzle: at least we were climbing on an unpromising day. Kennel Wall was just as good, taking a clean sweep of rock up to a steep final crack. It looks much harder than it actually is. Rain threatened, so I pelted up the route after Vic in five minutes. We then jogged back down to the car and drove over to the YHA in Buttermere, no easy task, to get there (just) in time for the evening meal: crucial, given tomorrow's race (the main reason we had headed up to the Lakes).

Clwydian run

A desperate last-minute attempt to get some miles in before the forthcoming Preseli Beast. Normally, at this time of year, I would have marathon training in my legs. Not so this year. This was nowhere near enough to alter that lack of preparation, but accompanying Jez at least meant the pace was brisk throughout! From Cadole, we ran along the leat to Pantymwyn, up to Cilcain, the all the way to the top of Moel Arthur before joining the OD path for the long but always enjoyable haul up Moel Famau. Perfect weather throughout, a lovely spring day.

Tryfan scramble

Peak: Tryfan
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
A remarkably inaccurate weather forecast saw us arrive in Ogwen in full clag and drizzle which failed to clear. Rich fancied a scramble so we headed up to a moist heather terrace, making gradual progress. He is not able to do much in the hills these days, so slowed down for the walk along the terrace, deciding to forego the summit. So we arranged to meet at Bwlch Tryfan and I headed up the Little/North gully scramble alone. This is always good fun, even in the rain and mist, with its discontinuous scrambling up three chimneys allowing the upper part of North Gully to be gained quickly. From here, a skirting path leads to more scrambling and an emergence between Adam and Eve (if you get it right). I know every inch of this route very well, and made the summit in 15 minutes from the terrace, jogging back down the South Ridge, still in mist, to join Rich at the stile for lunch.

Fron Four race

Race: Fron Four fell race (13k+/3000ft)
Time/Position: 1.16.51 (12th from 50)
This race stays high for a long time, giving a varied (albeit slightly contrived) route which provides great panoramic views over all the different valleys in this corner of Snowdonia. It is quite a new race, so I hadn't done it before: indeed, I have only been to the remote village of Fron once before, when we did the esoteric classic rock climb of Adam Rib on Craig Cwm Du a few years ago. It reminded me of the Caucasus then, and still does a bit: all unenclosed fields and wild mountain views. It was a cold April day, but sunny and clear as we set off along the runnable tracks to the low summit of Moel Tryfan with great views over Llyn and the sea. From here, a fast descent heads in a beeline for the big climb up Mynydd Mawr. This is tough and long, despite the relatively small size of the hill. I didn't climb particularly well, and couldn't stay with Simon or Steve. Over the top, then a brilliant and exciting descent down the spine of the ridge (the 'elephant's back') to the end of the spur overlooking Cwellyn. From there, the route contours the Nantlle side of Mynydd Mawr, with new panoramic views yet again as the race remains unusually high - an excellent feature of the race. There is no real path, and it is hard to pick a decent line through the tiring blend of heather and scree. I caught up with Steve and we pelted down to the end of the spur overlooking Nantlle. From here, the route heads back over the summit of Mynydd Mawr before a superb descent all the way down to Fron. Slightly tricky route finding but the weather remained perfect and Moel Tryfan is a useful point of reference.

Carneddau run and bothy trip

Peaks: Foel Fras, Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Grach, Carnedd Llewellyn, Craig Eigiau
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
I had only recently become aware of the existence of a rare Welsh bothy in Cwm Dulyn. I knew the cottage, having passed its remote location on several occasions, but didn't realise it was an official maintained bothy. It seemed essential to visit, so a group of us combined a convivial night there with a double run over the Carneddau. We met in Conwy, mid afternoon, then drove up to Cwm Eigiau. From here, a short run, just a couple of miles, led to the bothy below Cwm Dulyn. After dumping our kit, we headed off on a longish run over the Carneddau - skirting sombre Llyn Dulyn to pick our way through the broken crags further north. The fence line then leads tiringly to the summit of Foel Fras, with some mist playing around the boulder fields. The cloud base descended and lifted continually as we enjoyed the always excellent running across the spine of the Carneddau: great views out to Llyn and the Irish Sea as we followed the Foel Fras race route over Carnedd Gwenllian and then up to the shelter on Foel Grach. Then came a real bonus: two dotterel scuttling around the rocks on the ridge. I have come up here specifically to search for dotterel over many years but have never seen one before. This is a couple of weeks early, but the buff breasts and supercilium were immediately diagnostic: I tried to pass on my enthusiasm. We had a bite to eat in the shelter, then continued the brisk pace to the top of Llewellyn: cold and misty but still dry. Great descent down towards Craig yr Ysfa then an exhilarating end to the run as we dropped very steeply into remote Ffynnon Llyffant (I have only been up here a couple of times before, for the easy snow gullies that offer good winter sport). This is a tremendous spot, worth lingering in, one of the most remote in North Wales. From here, an easy and gradual climb leads to the plateau-like and rarely visited top of Craig Eigiau, now in full sunshine with spectacular cloud formations peeling away from the higher tops. We pelted down to the bothy, to find it jam packed. A convivial and enjoyable evening ensued, and we hobbled back to the car in low cloud and persistent drizzle early next morning.

Foel Lus fell race

Race: Foel Lus (Joe Brown midweek series, race 3: 3.5m/2000ft)
Time/Position: 26.30
My debut in the Eryri midweek series after 14 years of mountain running: not too sure why it has taken so long! I had returned from the Balkans on Sunday, and we all headed across to Conwy this morning. As this race starts in Capelulo it seemed rude not to have a quick blast. An excellent short circuit: fast and furious, taking the start of the Pen race route then branching off to take in the summit of Foel Lus before descending to the north and picking up the superb level contouring path visible from the A55. This must have some of the best views in North Wales, right out over the Menai Strait and beyond (perfect clarity tonight: sunny and cool). I picked up a few places, benefiting slightly from my meagre remaining road speed, before a grassy descent down towards Fairy Glen and back to Capelulo.

Galicica mountain run

After a couple of days in Albania, I headed back over the border from Pogradec via the monastery of Sveti Naum. A long wait for a bus meant I didn't arrive in the village of Pestani, perhaps 10 miles into Macedonia, until 2pm. One restaurant was still open: they rustled up a superb meal consisting of 12 cevapi, a mound of fried potatoes and a massive bowl of Macedonian salad. I waddled up the twisting streets above the lake to find my accommodation (not easy!) then set off for a run in the hills of the Galicica national park, which fringes the village. At around 5k, I gave up after the rain (which had slightly marred my morning trip to Korce in Southern Albania) started again. This time it was sleet, and it was clearly snowing higher up. I scampered back, promising myself that I would return next morning at 6am. After a subzero night in a £7 room with no heating (but a fine view of Lake Ohrid), I set off as planned just after 6am. The early morning was very cold, and nobody stirred in the village as I quietly slipped through the streets to pick up the vaguely marked trail I'd found yesterday. In theory, this led for 15k to the top of Magaro, the dominant peak, but as it loomed bright white in the distance it seemed a big ask even with my usual running approach, given that I had to be in Skopje that afternoon. Instead, I adopted a more realistic approach: running at a brisk pace uphill and seeing how far I could get in one hour. This went well, although it was very cold in what were essentially a series of north-facing forests: all moss and lichens, with a sharp ground frost. Views of the lake were intermittent but superb, with the accursed mountains of Albania snowcapped to the west. At a rough guess, I ran via Visoka Krasta to Koritski Rid and turned round at a small spur/side peak above Korita, although I didn't have a decent map. The sun finally hit me on the descent, giving wonderful views of the whole of Lake Ohrid. Then, after a quick shower, I left my room and headed down to the unbelievably tranquil lakeside in the morning sunshine, waiting for transport to Ohrid and Skopje.

Tremadog climbing

Crag: Craig Bwlch y Moch, Tremadog
Routes: Christmas Curry (S:led p.1), Treemudrock Finish (VS 4c:sec), Valerie's Rib (HS 4b:led p.3), Tro (HS 4a:sec)
After yesterday's torrential rain, today brought warm spring sunshine. It seemed likely that the mountain crags would be wet, so reliving a few old easy favourites at Tremadog seemed a logical, if unimaginative, option. I was extremely rusty, having not climbed properly for many months, so kicked off with the first couple of pitches of Christmas Curry. I first did this just over 25 years ago, in February 1992. An easy chimney leads to a few moves left up a steeper wall to the belay (merging the first and second pitch). Having previously done both the normal finish and the completely different Micah finish, Vic led up the central Treemudrock (Plum Duff) finish for a change. This is a fine and under-rated pitch, steep and very direct. The final crack is quite sustained at the upper end of VS, but the rock is superb: solid and unpolished, with just a bit of vegetation given its lack of popularity. A mixture of jamming and bridging, with the odd use of small face holds, allow for a reasonably smooth ascent. The day was now almost hot, so we nipped down and across to the direct start of Valerie's Rib in an attempt to knock it off before lunch. Another route I have done several times before: the direct start makes it quite a bit longer and leads via slabs to the crux traverse which leads right to a stance at the base of the main rib. The traverse is always a tad delicate, but the rib gave its usual delightfully delicate climbing: lovely in the sunshine. I led the scrappy final pitch up  a series of wet walls, before we descended for lunch at the van. We finished with the good single pitch of Tro, at the far right of the crag: also done before. As its name suggests, this is a neat route for the time squeezed, which we both were, as usual. Superb clarity of light as we drove back through Snowdonia.

Chester Parkrun

"Race": Chester Parkrun (5k)
Time/Position: 18.01 (2nd from 195 [1st V45])
With a longer than usual Clwydian run last night in my legs, and torrential rain this morning, this was yet another less than ideal set of circumstances to do a Parkrun (my third). Soon, I will have to do one with some preparation and try for a decent time. The Chester course takes two laps of the small country park near the hospital - sadly, I didn't realise each lap included a cross country section. In the rain, this was boggy and slippery throughout, and I had just my racing flats on: this was unfortunate as otherwise I had a reasonable run given the circumstances. The lack of grip on the XC section cost 20-30 seconds I reckon.