Carneddau run

Peaks: Foel Grach
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
The cloudbase was well below Allt Fawr and Foel Lus as we drove along the A55: a grim prospect indeed, although the forecast implied the possibility of a cloud inversion above 800m. So there was some optimism despite the clag as Peter and I ran along the contouring path above Aber falls to gain Cwm Afon Goch. Steady drizzle and thick clag - but this is always a nice place to be. It's been a few years since I last did the 1000m peaks race but I think I picked the right gully to gain the plateau between Yr Aryg and Bera Mawr - undoubtedly the fastest way to Llewellyn. This is a great navigation test, taking a southerly bearing until you hit Llwybr yr Aryg, the ancient path that cuts across the northern Carneddau. Not the slightest sign of a clearance, we were soaked to the skin as we plodded across the featureless hill. Satisfying to get it right, though, and a classic test of hillcraft, particularly as the track bifurcates at various points. Once on the main path, we made good progress although the weather remained awful and we were glad to reach the haven of the refuge on Foel Grach. Wet and with no sign of a clearance, we opted to shorten the circuit and pelted west down very runnable slopes to gain the mini-gorges at the top of Cwm Caseg, one of the wildest spots in North Wales. We then contoured round to gain the path towards Bethesda above Afon Wen. From here, we contoured high up to gain the little col below Moel Faban - finally out of the clag and drizzle. The ancient paths circling Moel Wnion give a superb run-in back to Aber: dried out in the Albion. Not as good, or as long, as the similar 20m circuit I did in August, but still a good way to end the year.

Cylch Llangollen Round variant

Peaks: Moel y Faen, Moel y Gamelin, Moel Morfydd, Moel Fferna, Vivod Mountain
Area: Berwyn/Llangollen
A shorter version of the full round: perhaps best described as the Glyndyfrdwy loop. Last September's solo completion ranks as one of the best outings of the year: this wasn't as far, and wasn't as enjoyable (I felt sluggish and heavy all day) but it did contain all the best mountain sections and at least as much climbing as the full route. Jez and I set off from the top of the Horseshoe Pass in misty conditions, with an unfortunate headwind for the climbs over Gamelin and Morfydd. I struggled almost immediately, but then perked up for the flatter sections further west as the route loops over the ridge and takes in some superb terrain down to Carrog. The climb up Moel Fferna is very long, but is gentle throughout and we both enjoyed it. Claggy and cold on the summit, but it's becoming an increasingly familiar place despite its obscurity and relative remoteness (four times this year - compared to once or twice in the previous 30!). As we headed east, we dropped below the cloud for a while and some sunshine dappled the Vale below. This section, along the North Berwyn Way, is excellent - the third time this year we have run along it. Then it was back up into the cloud over Vivod, powered by Christmas cake, and then the long descent down to Llangollen. I refuelled with a drink, then we headed up the canal to take the tracks and paths that head east of the Abbey to eventually join the road to Pentredwr. The climax, up the Old Horseshoe Pass, is tough - rendering this version, although much shorter (21 miles?), almost as hard as the full 33 mile Round. I've cycled this in the past - it is a relentlessly steep end to a long run.

Round the Walls race

Race: Round the Walls Chester (4.5m)
Time/Position: 27.07 (12th from 500)
The usual Boxing Day family outing, always enjoyable - especially if conditions allow for the full race. Work continues on the Northgate bridge, but apart from that a full circuit has been possible for the past few years. I was a minute down on last year's time, when I finished 8th, and even slower than my quicker days a few years ago, but given recent form it wasn't too bad. The Roodee was a bit slippy, but the racing along the walls was as exciting as ever - Pete and myself had a grand battle, neck and neck below the clock until I pulled away a bit on the lap round the edge of the Roodee. Kate came in a little later and we then replaced all the calories.

Carneddau run

Peaks: Tal y Fan
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A week on, and another attempt to maximise the difficulty of a small peak! This time, it was Tal y Fan, a hill I have been up dozens of times from every conceivable starting point - except one. So today I left the coast at Aber, another sea level start, and plotted a course for the top: quite some distance away. I felt tired throughout, and the initial climb up the old Foel Fras race route is never fun in these circumstances. It was a case of grinding it out, as heavy showers swept in from the west. Some fine sunbursts from the track, and it cleared briefly as I crested Bwlch y Ddaefaen. Then a very heavy shower, snowing higher up on Foel Fras, for a long and wet run down the road taken by the Pen fell race. Then, another change: sunshine briefly for the climb up to the ridge - which was cold and blustery (sleet) but entertaining with its rocky dips and hollows. I descended to the quarry and had intended to go all the way down to Sychnant, but changed my mind - motivated by cold hands and feet - and instead ran west along the maze of ancient tracks that spread across the northern slopes. These rarely go where you want them to (they presumably link sheepfolds and shelters together?) and it was therefore a long slog west back to Bwlch y Ddaefaen and a long descent to Aber for lunch at yr Hen Felin. Later, a six miler from the Collie - another tiring Wednesday.

Mortimer's Forest trail race

Race: Mortimer's Forest trail race, Ludlow (9m/1500ft)
Time/Position: 1.13.11 (36th from 360)
There aren't many fell races in Wales and the Borders that I haven't done - but this is a long established event that I have somehow managed to miss in the past. It gave a very enjoyable end-of-year 'away day' with some unique features: hovering somewhere between trail and fell in tone. Shropshire races are always scenic and well-attended, and a big field left the school in Overton, south of Ludlow, on muddy tracks which led to the first major climb up Poison Bank. From the top, a long contouring section gives brilliant running around an open hillside with views over to Clee Hill. Then came the 'big dipper', three short and very steep hills that come in quick succession with no break between them. At the top of the final climb, drained of energy, comes the gradual climb back through the woods to the race highpoint. Vic and I ran together with me acting as 'pacer', and he caught me again for the final section which gives exciting running along twisting forest tracks to the abrupt finish above the school.

Conwy Valley-Carneddau run

Peaks: Pen Llithrig y Wrach
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
An exercise in making the most of a small hill. Or to put it another way: Pen Llithrig y Wrach the hard way! Early in the morning, I parked at the base of the Conwy Valley in Tal y Bont (10m above sea level), then after a mile-long warm-up started the vicious (in places) climb up to Cwm Eigiau. This contains two or three very steep hairpins interspersed with gentler sections, but gains height quickly. Above the road levels off and the terrain opens out into the glorious lower reaches of Cwm Eigiau: ahead a perfectly straight track leads to the old dam. We were last up here for the bothy trip in Easter 2017 - and there were three cars parked up this morning. Maybe closing the road would keep it quieter? Excellent running through the magnificent scenery of Cwm Eigiau. The peaks were clagged in, the head of the cwm a tad oppressive, although the cloudbase appeared to lifting very slightly. It's been quite a while since I last ran this way, although the Rab Mountain Marathon took in some of the same terrain. I took the contouring path on the eastern slopes, through some thick heather to gain the very steep and untracked climb up to Bwlch y Tri Marchog. This is a wet slog and gained a cold bwlch with the clag just above, allowing for vague views down to Ogwen. The climb up Pen Llithrig was claggy and chilly, and I didn't hang around at the summit, taking a bearing north-east to avoid the crags, before plunging east down steep scree and heather to gain Llyn Cowlyd - a wonderfully remote spot. From here, the descent to Dolgarrog is long but gloriously runnable and enjoyable. The Cowlyd path is boggy and leads eventually to the hideous pipeline, a grotesque intrusion. The track eventually leads to the top of the Pipe Dream fell race route, which gives a slippery and steep descent to Dolgarrog and Tal y Bont: three hours and an excellent, largely runnable circuit. Later, a 6m+ headtorch run from Llanarmon yn Ial. Tiring, but I told myself it was all good training for Brecon-Cardiff in February.

Ty Croes border league

Race: Ty Croes/Trac Mon Anglesey 5m (Border League race 3)
Time/Position: 30.56 (41st from 261)
A tiny glimmer of an improvement today, although still a massive three minutes down on the 27.58 I ran the last time the league visited this course. As a race track, the circuit is unusual and the surface as smooth as silk. I suspect the course was a tad longer today, measured at five miles, and it was blustery in places making the two climbs hard work and inevitably having an adverse affect on times. Beautiful views over a rough sea and across to Llyn, with the occasional sunburst. My 70th Border League fixture, I think. After the race, it was straight back to Henllys for luxurious steam bath recovery. And, early next morning, a wonderful recovery jog up to Aber Falls then the mini-circuit above the valley.

Cardington Cracker

Race: Cardington Cracker fell race (9m+/2600ft)
Time/Position: 1.37.04 (50th from 271)
Made the mistake of checking my previous times for this race before setting off. Bad move, because I ran 1.22 in 2011 and knew I wouldn't be able to get close - although I would never have predicted 15 minutes slower over a 9 mile course! It was very wet and muddy underfoot, which would account for a few minutes, but essentially this season's lack of speed really showed itself again. It's a great race, my favourite Shropshire outing, with two savagely steep climbs up the Lawley and Caer Caradoc, followed by the gradual ascent of Hope Bowdler hill and the brilliant run-in along a vague ridge back to the village. Myself and Vic ran it together, which was good. It never felt uncomfortable, just slow. The weather was dank and drizzly, so a quick recovery pint of Shropshire Lad in the fifteenth century Royal Oak was particularly welcome.

Tryfan climbing

Peak/Crag: Tryfan (East Face)
Routes: North Buttress (VD:led p.2,4), Terrace Wall Variant (VD:led p.2)
A cloud inversion looked like a possibility this morning. It is always worth gambling in these circumstances, and I know from past experience that the East Face of Tryfan is the most perfect place in these conditions, so Vic and I headed up from a drizzly and dank Ogwen at 9am. Thick mist as we trudged up towards the Heather Terrace where a slight lightening in the cloud gave us hope. Then, just as we got to the start of Grooved Arete, we popped through the cloud. Stunning views, some of the best I have experienced in over 30 years of Snowdonian activity. Teams were already on Grooved Arete, so we went for North Buttress, which was one of the first climbs I did: 1989 perhaps. The first pitch goes up a tricky groove, then I led the second, which gives very pleasant climbing up a delicate rib to a groove. It is all typical Tryfan climbing - easy and relaxed, all the time above a spectacular blanket of cloud. Sadly, the route then becomes broken and a long grassy section leads up to the Terrace Wall. It was windy here - quite cold too. So we settled for Terrace Wall Variant, which is quite hard to find. I have a vague feeling that I have done this before, and I think we struggled with the route-finding then too. It goes up a slabby crack to a ledge, then a steep wall. Vic led this pitch, then I led the traverse right in a fine position, to the Grove of Bollards (the spikes at the top of Belle Vue Bastion - a route I did a few years ago). Then a steeper little groove to the top. All this time, the cloud inversion had boiled away below, gradually dissipating from a thick bank of cloud enveloping the whole of Ogwen to tendrils of mist peeling away from Bwlch Caseg Fraith. We took the skirting path to the top of Tryfan for a sunny but cold and windy lunch. Then it was down the West Face for a long and circuitous route back in glorious late autumn sunshine: all the peaks crystal clear.

Upton border league

Race: Chester 'Spring' 5m (Border League race 2)
Time/Position: 31.14 (86th from 441)
The unwelcome milestones continue to fall. This was my slowest five mile race in 20 years of running, and my worst league position since around 2006. My flight from West Africa landed in Manchester at midnight, and I thought that if I woke in time I would do this - which takes the Spring 5 course on a route I know very well indeed. In fact, I calculate I have done it over 100 times as it was my regular lunchtime run when I worked at Kingsway. As a race, I have also done it many times but have never found it particularly quick, especially when it gets a bit muddy: but I didn't expect to be quite this slow, despite the circumstances and relaxed approach. No speedwork all year, the flight, and the continuing after effects of the 50 miler are my only excuses: feeble, given that everybody else had raced yesterday and Friday!

Gambia run

Not an obvious place to run, but I actually saw somebody jogging along the road towards the airport as the sun came up first thing this morning. After breakfast, I took a bush taxi through Yundum to Abuko and then spent a very pleasant few hours birding - covering the entire reserve. I then decided to jog back along the main road, past multiple little shops and all the hustle and bustle of West African life. Next day, it was into Senegal: through Kafountine and down the Casamance river to the very remote animist island of Kailo.

Round Rotherham race

Race: Rowbothom's Round Rotherham Ultra Marathon (50m+/81k)
Time/Position: 9.35 (39th from 160)
A properly long ultra was the only thing missing from my 'running CV', compiled over 500 races and 20 years, so it was good to make my debut here - even if the setting was not a very glamorous one. In fact, I actually ran a double marathon of 53 miles because I made a huge route finding error half way round. This was upsetting, but apart from the error I really enjoyed the race - and my rudeness about the setting was entirely misplaced. In reality, it is a massively varied route, continually interesting, a real treat for a geographer - sometimes very scenic, sometimes urban and gritty, with everything in between. After a drive across the Pennines, a meal outside Sheffield and a night sleeping in the car, we set off in the dark at 7am from the lake in Wath upon Dearne. My plan was just to plod along for 30 miles and then see what I could do. It worked reasonably well, although my legs never felt great, possibly still affected by the marathon 13 days ago. It gradually got lighter as we headed to Elsecar, a gentle introduction down tracks, then Thorpe Hesley as the sun rose above the horizon. This led to a magnificent sunrise at the precise moment we ran along what was probably the most scenic section of the race, a vague ridge above the village of Scholes: stunning autumnal views with the low sun, light mist and stone houses of the village. A climb to Keppel's column and then the first checkpoint. After crossing the M1 the route becomes more urban at 18k past Meadowhall and Tinsley: canal side running in places. After the second CP, we passed Treeton Dyke lake past more industry into the interesting Rother Valley country park at 30k. I was feeling pretty good across the fields leading to Harthill and the halfway checkpoint. Another good feed (I was eating well!) at another excellent checkpoint, and then a long rural section through endless fields - the only time I felt a bit hot all day (conditions were generally ideal, fairly cool with sunny intervals). After the airfield at Netherthorpe I began to hit my first bad patch at the marathon distance (42k). A gel helped, but I then made my big error at the Lindrick golf course. I lost the route, and asked a greenkeeper where the tunnel under the A57 was (this was key to the route). He sent me way off to the left, and I made the map 'fit' the landscape, as often happens, running well over a mile off course. I finally realised that it must be the wrong way and, with no local knowledge, was forced to take the demoralising decision to retrace my steps, asking a golfer if there was another tunnel. I tried running down the A57, dangerous to the point of impossibility, so had to take evasive action which cost even more time - at least 30 minutes and 3 miles extra. This was infuriating but did give me an adrenalin boost which continued after the next CP at Woodsetts. The rest of the route is mainly scenic, fields up to Langold Lake, then woods through Firbeck. This, around the 34 mile mark, was the furthest I had ever run before, so it wasn't too surprising that I began to hobble and walk in places. The final section was delightful at times, though, past scenic Roche Abbey in glorious sunshine, then Maltby and another feed, and then more rural scenery around Hooton Roberts before an urban finish through Swinton and back to the start in Manvers. I was slow on the last section, but not disastrously slow. All in all, a great event, very well organised with a real local Yorkshire feel and a sense of tradition - it's been going a long time. My error cost me a lot of time and places, I think I would have finished around 9 hours without it. But it only cost me one position in the Runfurther British ultra championships, which I completed with this race, my first ever 'long' ultra - I finished 7th male in the 2018 series, which was a satisfying way to mark the end of the season.

Tryfan

Peak: Tryfan
Area: Eryri
An early morning outing after dropping Kate off. It was a little too close to Saturday's 50 miler, but a perfect autumn day was forecast, so I just headed straight for the North Ridge. It is just over 30 years since I first did this - and I have no idea how many times I've been up Tryfan since then (well over 50). I picked my way up, sticking to the crest then taking the nice groove up the right-hand side of the North Tower. The summit was a delight: I had it to myself initially, and there was still some high cloud around, which gave some beautiful patterns of sunshine and shadow over Y Garn and Elidir Fawr. My usual descent: down North Gully and Little Gully, always fun, and then a leisurely walk back to Ogwen in glorious conditions as the cloud melted away completely. Beautiful autumnal scenes.

New Brighton 5m

Race: New Brighton 5m (Border League race 1)
Time/Position: 29.44 (66th from 411)
My worst finishing position in 12 years: close to 80 league races. It was only two years ago that I managed to finish in the top 20 for every fixture. Despite that spectacular decline, I was actually fairly pleased with the time, having not done any speed work all year - very hard to adjust from the plodding ultra pace I have trained myself for this year! I just aimed to get under 30 minutes as it was the only realistic target. I couldn't remember doing this exact course before, although I have done variants of it in BL and Wirral leagues. It goes from the little lake along the prom towards Leasowe, then back inland towards Harrison's Drive. A very slight headwind for the finish along the prom although conditions were generally ideal for fast times, with the course as flat as a pancake.

Chester Marathon

Race: Chester Marathon
Time/Position: 3.01.48 (252 from 3800)
After the humiliating experience of missing out on a qualifying time (for the first time in years) at London in April, I felt I had to squeeze one more marathon into 2018. The obvious problem is that I've concentrated on ultras, and therefore have distance in my legs but a complete absence of speed. The solution? To run at the same slow, plodding 7 minute mile pace throughout. It worked surprisingly well, particularly as I only managed three longish road runs in preparation. A night in my own bed, still asleep at 7am, was a great help, as was the ten minute drive to the start. Conditions were absolutely perfect, in contrast to London: I was shivering in 2C at the start and the day was clear with light winds. It is a great route, similar to the old half marathon route (which I did many times) in places as it heads out towards Pulford. But it also takes in much of the city centre, in stark contrast to the old marathon route which I ran in 2010 (the first ever Chester marathon and my V40 debut!). Under the Eastgate clock, out through Handbridge and Eccleston along roads I know very well and often train on, then over the border to Rossett and along the lanes towards Holt and Farndon. There are a few sharp hills on the return leg, a bit of a struggle for a while, but I took in more gels than is usual for me and - after going through half bang on 1.30 - didn't lose too much ground on the return, which takes the lanes east of the Dee through Aldford to re-enter Chester around Huntingdon to finish back at the Racecourse after taking in the banks of the Dee and our regular family picnic spot. So, no great shakes (8 mins down on PB) but job done in the sense that a London qualifying time was regained, and it was nice to wear the Welsh vest for the first time in six years (as a cross-border marathon, the British Masters Championships were incorporated into this race).

Cylch Llangollen Round

Peaks: Eglwyseg Mountain, Cyrn y Brain, Moel y Faen, Moel y Gamelin, Moel Morfydd, Moel Fferna, Vivod Mountain, Y Foel (33m/53k/5300ft)
Area: Berwyn/Eglwyseg
This is one of the best outings in North-East Wales. It is occasionally organised as a challenge walk but would work well as a long race hovering somewhere between short ultra and very long fell race - similar to the Haworth Hobble or Long Tour of Bradwell. It would have been more sensible to get a final long road run in today, with the Chester marathon imminent, but the weather was absolutely perfect - a wonderful late summer day - so I couldn't resist a solo outing over something I've wanted to do for a while. I did half of it with Peter and Steve on Christmas Eve - but that first half from Pontcysyllte to the Ponderosa is the easy bit. A gentle run up through Trevor woods to gain the Panorama and superb early morning views of the crags, Dinas Bran and the vale. From here, it gains the escarpment above Trevor Quarry with the usual expansive views in crystal clear air. Great running along the edge of the crags; there is a more direct route here, which I missed, thereby adding a little more to the day's total! Over the top of World's End, then up the Offa's Dyke path towards Cyrn y Brain. Fantastic views to Snowdonia from the top, unusual clarity. A pepsi and a bakewell tart at the Ponderosa, hardly a balanced brunch, but some fortification for the long but always fun haul over the very familiar hills of Moel y Faen, Gamelin and Morfydd. From here, the Round diverges from the Gamelin race route to head north of Bwlch y Groes towards Bryneglwys (a small navigation error lost me time here), before curving round the northern edge of the hills to Bwlch Coch. From here, a small path through woodland eventually gains wonderful views of the Dee Valley with Carrog nestling below - this section was new to me, amazingly. Another pit stop at the excellent Grouse pub, ham sandwich this time, and then it was over the river to Llidiart y Parc and the very long haul up Moel Fferna from the north. I remember trying to do this many years ago and finding the paths blocked in several places. Now, it is all clear. The conifer forests gave some shade, although it never got uncomfortably hot, just glorious running conditions. It is at least 5k uphill to Fferna, the day's highpoint - which always gives a nice sense of space and remoteness - I have never seen anybody else on this hill. The route then joins the North Berwyn Way, which we have done twice already this year, so it was a familiar plod along the excellent tracks east above the Ceiriog Forest to Vivod Mountain. I was beginning to tire by now, and dehydrated despite a pint of water and a coke in the Grouse (I only carried a map and jacket all day). The final leg was tougher than expected: a tiny path through bracken below Y Foel (taken by the Ceiriog Canter if memory serves), before a horribly long road section from Finger Farm above Glyn Ceiriog. Apart from the wonderful views of the Ceiriog Valley, this was dire: tiring and dehydrated. But it is at least direct, heading directly east with a couple of welcome off-road diversions before dropping steeply to Froncysyllte, and a finish over the aqueduct. Not the fastest of times, 6.5 hours of running, but given that I was alone and didn't want to empty the tank before the marathon, not too bad.

Wirral Multi-Terrain Series, Arrowe Park

Race: Wirral MT Series (Race 4: Arrowe Park)
Time/Position: 28.22 (44th from 197)
In this year of ultras, anything short and fast is a humiliating experience. Three years ago I came 9th at this race, but was 35 places down on that today, the fourth time I've done this enjoyable race around Arrowe Park on the edge of Birkenhead. It felt like a useful session in advance of the marathon.

D'Aguilar loop, Brisbane

Not really a run, as this was too good to hurry, and more to the point I was busy familiarising myself with an entirely unfamiliar avifauna. I was staying in Woolowin, my second night in Brisbane (after an earlier layover on the outbound leg), and took a combination of train and bus out towards 'The Gap'. From here, a jog uphill gains the edge of D'Aguilar national park. Obviously, this was a mouth-watering prospect, but I'm afraid it will have to wait until we are in a position to visit Australia properly! Instead, I contented myself with the Walkabout Creek visitor centre and a walk round the lovely Araucaria Track. This skirts the Enoggera reservoir for a while and takes a big loop through hoop pine and eucalyptus forest. Dozens of bird species - superb fairy wren, bell bird, brush turkey, comb crested jacana and many, many more. In addition, two huge lace monitors (goanna - giant 6ft lizards), water dragons and short-necked turtles.

Vanuatu run

My last day in the South Pacific, and a beautiful clear dawn. I'd already done a bit of walking to the Mele Cascades, round part of Lelepa Island and a few other delightful locations. Today, I jogged from my lodgings on the Erakor Lagoon past a huge Chinese building down towards the Bay of Erakor itself. The usual issues running in developing countries - uneven surfaces, discontinuous pavements, holes in the ground. I then took a circuitous route through villages back to the middle of Port Vila, where I had Tuluk and Laplap for breakfast, sitting on the seafront in warm sunshine.

Bukit Timah, Singapore

The mighty highpoint of Singapore, all 164 metres of it. As a layover outing, it's an ideal little leg stretcher (and an area that I missed when I was last in Singapore six years ago). After an early arrival at Changi, I entered the reserve early, around 8.30am in typical weather - bruised sky, humid, threat of rain. The rainforest is actually well preserved here, although the route up is typically Singaporean, manicured and immaculate. After walking up the steep steps to the summit (very jet lagged having not got much sleep on the flight from Heathrow) I jogged down and had a nap in one of the open shelters: very relaxing, listening to the soft tropical rain and the breeze through the ferns. Then it was down to begin the dining tour: roti prata for breakfast, then satay bee hoon for an early lunch.

Pot Hole climbing

Crag: Pot Hole Quarry
Routes: The Dog (HVS 5b:sec), Right Wall (E1 5c:sec), The Watzmann (VS 4b:sec), Tre-Ffynnon (VS 4b:sec)
A very brief workout on these old, polished routes: all done dozens of times before. Rather warm, and my finger remains problematic. We then did a shortened version of the Collie run up Findeg in beautiful evening sunshine with clear views to Arenig.

Tal y Fan run

Peaks: Tal y Fan
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A gentle recovery jog after yesterday's race and a night out in Conwy. I parked at Sychnant and jogged along the paths to take the curving track up the front of the hill, exploring a few hidden corners as I did so, including the old quarry and some excellent potential campsites. A relaxing 10 minute break at the top, watching the mist roll over Carnedd Llewellyn: but on Tal y Fan, all was clear and calm.

Cilcain mountain race

Race: Cilcain Mountain Race (Moel Famau)
Time/Position: 38.17 (14th from 159)
This is probably the race I've done most often - maybe 12 or 13 times since my debut in 2003. As such, this wasn't too bad in the circumstances albeit considerably slower than I used to be capable of. Conditions were good - cool, cloudy but still dry underfoot. I climbed badly, losing places, but had a reasonably quick descent (helps when you know every inch of it) and picked up a few places.

Criffel

Peak: Criffel (570)
Area: Dumfries, Southern Uplands
A well-known Dumfries landmark, Criffel towers above the Solway Firth and famously looks much bigger than its modest height would imply. It is somewhat reminiscent of Slieve Donard or Yr Eifl in the way it rises from sea level, and it offered an ideal leg stretcher on the way home - involving an interesting detour through unfamiliar terrain around Dalbettie and Beeswing. The route up Criffel leaves from near Loch Kindar, south of the lovely village of New Abbey. It is very direct, but also very boggy. The first section was eminently runnable, even for Peter and myself (both rather tired), as it takes a good track alongside the attractive Craigrockall burn. Above, the open hill, which was very wet indeed, comparable to the worst parts of the Pennines. Usually, I'm told the views over the Solway Firth and Lake District compensate. Today, just more thick mist all the way up (although it had finally stopped raining, at least). We were on the summit in 35 minutes or so, and took another 20 to get down.

Galloway hills

Peaks: Benyellary (719), The Merrick (843)
Area: Galloway, Southern Uplands
It seems strange that circumstances have never brought me to Galloway. It ticks lots of my boxes: a quirky and unusual area, a distinctive genius loci, interesting cultural snippets, wild mountain landscapes. There's nothing bland about Galloway, and today we left Creetown fairly early to drive into a deserted Glen Trool. If anything, the weather was worse than yesterday evening: steady, driving rain, and a cloudbase virtually down to the car park. Our initial plan had been the hugely ambitious Ring of Fire, which takes a giant loop round the range. In the conditions, that seemed unlikely, but the start - up Merrick from Glen Trool - seemed a sensible use of time, as it's the highest peak (in the whole Southern Uplands, actually) and by far the most popular objective with a well-trodden path. This skirts the Buchan Burn initially, an atmospheric tumbling river in these conditions. Good running through the mist and rain - very wet underfoot - to the Culsharg bothy. Then up steeply through a plantation to gain the open moor above. A steady haul gains the top of Benyellary, rather bleak in these circumstances with a distinct chill in the wet and windy air. We were now in the Range of the Awful Hand, running along the well-defined ridge ('the Neive of the Spit') which eventually heads up broad moorland to the Merrick. It was very grim up here, which was a real shame as it meant that a massive downgrading of plans was necessary. We ran back to Glen Trool via a food break in the recently re-roofed bothy, and then extended the day the way the conditions dictated: along the clearly defined and relatively sheltered Southern Uplands way. This did at least allow us to penetrate the Galloway interior, albeit in a sanitised way. Atmospheric native woodland with rushing torrents gives way to open moorland (and a goshawk sighting) with views up to the Rig of the Jarkness and other superbly named features (Galloway has perhaps the most evocative names in the UK with its historic blend of languages presumably a contributory factor). The route climbs gradually to a pass, after which Loch Dee is revealed, powerfully gloomy in these conditions, with the cloudbase just above and tree-covered islands just emerging from the mist. We ran all the way to the White Laggan bothy after which I began to feel the pace (perhaps still recovering from last week's ultra) so we went our separate ways back to Glen Trool. Peter went over the hills, I contented myself with a jog back along the lower route: still a good 17-18 mile day.

Cairnsmore of Fleet

Peak: Cairnsmore of Fleet (711m)
Area: Galloway, Southern Uplands
Evening arrival in Creetown. Abysmal weather of low cloud and driving rain, glowering skies, empty farmhouses, daylight limited, the full foreboding Galloway atmosphere and a memorable run. Cairnsmore of Fleet is a huge whaleback of a hill, the most southerly 2000ft mountain in Scotland. This was right at the start of an impromptu trip with Peter, and my first ever visit to Galloway (although I'd been to the nearby Lowther Hills in the 2007 OMM). From the start, north of Creetown, we set a good pace (necessarily given the lateness and the conditions) through dank woods and open fields to gain the extensive Bardrochwood. The path is excellent throughout, even when the open moor is gained, although torrents of water cascaded down it along its entire length. The wind picked up and the temperatures dropped as we ran across the exposed summit, which is enormous, more like a plateau. An exhilarating descent into the teeth of the gale, which we both thoroughly enjoyed and therefore kept the decent pace ticking over: we got back to the car around 90 minutes after leaving it. An evening spent in the time-warped Ellangowan hotel, eating steak pie in the deserted dining room with fizzy lager (the only option), was an appropriate coda.

Letterbarrow run

A micro-break in the Lakes to introduce the children to the concept of budget hosteling (family camping trips expired in Pembrokeshire in 2011 - Kate said she would never camp again and she was true to her word). It had rained all day, so after soggy trips to Sizergh and Hill Top we settled in to the Hawkshead YHA on the shores of Esthwaite Water (the 7th English YHA I've visited in the last few years). I stretched my legs with a brisk run up the miniature local fell, Letterbarrow, which was an excellent 37 minute up-and-down blast through the village and out on the High Wray road. The last few hundred metres joins the open fell with minimal visibility, thick mist and constant light rain. At the summit, famed for its views over Windermere, thick clag. Next day, a lovely morning walk round an uncharacteristically empty Tarn Hows with a tiny glimpse of sunshine towards the end: the cloud base just failed to clear Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam.

Long Tour of Bradwell

Race: Long Tour of Bradwell (54k/7000ft)
Time/Position: 6.43.12 (14th from 87)
This race feels like a 17 mile fell race followed by a 17 mile trail race: it gave a brilliant day out, my fourth ultra of the year, possibly the hardest and probably the best. It helped that the day dawned superbly clear, yet fairly cool, after a pleasant night at Hardhurst Farm and the Traveller's Rest near Hope. The route is supremely varied, taking a giant loop around the Hope Valley including most of the highest points in every corner (hence the large amount of climbing). It is a bit like a giant extension of the classic Edale Skyline fell race, which I did in 2009. Tracks lead south-west from Bradwell past the quarry and a long, steady climb gains the Limestone Way quite high up, from the first checkpoint brilliant grassy running leads down to the very pretty limestone valley of Cave Dale - awkward rocky descent - to Castleton. The lengthy 'softening up' process continues with another long haul over the next ridge, to Hollins Cross near Mam Tor, then down to Edale before another long climb up Grindsbrook. This temporarily echoes the Edale Skyline race, heading round the Nab and steeply up trackless ground towards the Druid Stone on the edge of the Kinder plateau. A steep and direct descent back to the valley at Woodhouse Farm then up towards Backtor. At this point, I followed a confident looking runner up the wrong bridleway - an annoying mistake, after which I got the detailed directions out and followed them religiously for the rest of the day, along with the map which remained in my hands throughout. Some complex but satisfying route-finding, which continued for almost the entire route with very little marked. Then it was a scenic highlight, over Lose Hill in perfect clear conditions, then south-west to Hope and along lanes above our campsite to Aston and a long climb along the slopes of Win Hill to the forest above the reservoir. After checkpoint six, this joins the Thornhill Trail, which gave very quick running south to branch off for Bamford village. I felt good here, half way through the race. Little lanes then climb up to reveal a great view of the whole of Stanage - somewhere I first visited to climb almost 30 years ago. It was a real highlight to take the gradually climbing track to the top of the escarpment, then run along it all the way to Burbage Bridge. I've climbed here as well, and also did the Burbage Skyline fell race a few years ago, so I knew the wonderful sweeping descent down a track to the edge of Sheffield where a road leads to a delightful stream and, eventually, the deciduous woodland of Padley Gorge. This was all entirely new to me, and was very pretty. Upper Padley is the next village, before more delightful riverside running leads upstream to the edge of Hathersage, and through Leadmill to Hazelford. More woods eventually gain the tiny village of Abney, before a final long climb back onto the moors and a steep descent to Bradwell. A memorable day out, taking in some unfamiliar (to me) terrain, and wonderfully varied throughout - with White Peak and Dark Peak equally represented.

Craig y Forwyn

Crag: Craig y Forwyn, Llanddulas
Routes: Route 66 (VS 4c:sec), Sunset Strip (HVS 5a:sec)
We are gradually ticking a few more routes here, despite the fact that the central and best section remains banned after all these years despite the change of ownership. Today was sadly rain affected and was particularly unlucky - a deluge in the middle of a dry day. My finger injury persists, so I was happy to remain a passenger as we did the trade VS Route 66 for the third time, with its steep wall, delicate traverse and easy corner. Vic then led Sunset Strip, which is in the mould of the neighbouring Duchess which we did early this summer, but is more sustained. It starts up Route 66 before a delicate traverse left gains a steep wall before an excellent positive crack. This leads to a steep slab, with a fairly hard crux which requires a precise combination of moves using two perfect pockets. It began to rain just before I reached the crux and got gradually heavier as I grabbed the edge of the flake - not much for the feet and quite powerful for a short time. The rain began in earnest for the easier finish: a great, varied pitch. Sheltered for a while under the roof below the groove, then bailed out to do the Nick Beer 10k route round the Orme, inevitably drenched in glorious sunshine.

Tegg's Nose fell race

Race: Tegg's Nose (8m/1600ft/BM)
Time/Position: 1.06.18 (21st from 129)
An enjoyable fell race attached to a sheepdog trial on the edge of the Peak, at the point that the Macclesfield suburbs meet the open countryside. It is quite runnable, and a pleasantly accessible 'away day' for Simon and myself, but with little speedwork recently I suffered on the return leg. The race heads out along roads and fields towards Tegg's Nose itself, a little country park with the feel of a small gritstone edge further east, and good views over Macclesfield and the Cheshire plain. A loop round the nose, then a surprisingly steep descent down the valley and a hot climb back through woodland to regain the hill. Eventually, the route joins the outward leg which is where I began to struggle with some climbing remaining. A good few runners went past as I plodded along the fields leading back to the road.

Snowdon run

Peaks: Yr Wyddfa, Moel Cynghorion
Area: Snowdon, Eryri
It's been a while since I ran the tourist path from Llanberis, and seven years since I last did the Snowdon race (I 'retired' after running 1.22 in 2011, which I felt was the quickest I would ever do it). After dropping Kate off at work I parked at the far end of Padarn and ran through the town. Even though the weather was claggy and the hour early, the usual crowds dotted the path in a virtually continuous line. A squally shower hit below Hebron, and then cold mist and strong wind marked the rest of the climb. I ran down the same way until finding the crowds unbearable above Llyn du'r Arddu. To avoid them, I ran across the lip of the cwm, great views of both buttresses (I was last here for Longland's Route four years ago), then across steep grass to the Ranger path to join the Pedol Peris route up Moel Cynghorion where the weather finally began to clear. Brilliant running down the ridge to the col at the top of Maesgwm, leaving the perfect long run back to Llanberis along the Maesgwm path.

Sawyer Mountain run

Peak: Sawyer Mountain (2618ft)
Area: Adirondacks, New York
After the morning run up Prospect Mountain, we drove to Indian Lake and had a wonderful few hours exploring the glorious environs in perfect weather. The upper sections of the Hudson river, near its source, give way to picturesque lakes, one of which (Bullhead Pond) we walked to via pristine woodland. After a picnic outside Indian Lake, we drove to Sawyer Mountain, which I ran up - more pristine woodland and a brilliant leg stretcher and Adirondack sampler. A short way beyond the summit, I got the view I wanted, north over the unspoiled wilderness to Snowy Mountain and Wakely Mountain: quintessentially North American. Then it was back to Warrensburg for Elk Sliders, chicken wings and Space IPA.

Prospect Mountain run

Peaks: Prospect Mountain (2030ft)
Area: Adirondacks, New York
This little hill essentially marks the start of the Adirondacks, a vast mountain wilderness in upstate New York. It is the first landmark after the endless Hudson plains stretching inland from New York through Albany, and as such has considerable significance, with a road to the top and the remnants of an old cableway. I didn't know any of this, however, and just used it as a brief early morning training run as the closest trail to our motel in Warrensburg (although Kate and I had walked up the even closer Hackensack Mountain the evening before). A strange start from the edge of the resort town of St George, using a covered pedestrian bridge over the freeway, then an intense uphill blast on a big trail through woodland. Very direct initially, until a few rocky twists and turns gain the top of the summit road (29 minutes of running). At the top, lots of picnic tables, car parks, chipmunks, and huge views over Lake George, New York state and the Adirondacks. Very obvious that this marks a transition zone between populated NY state and the near-wilderness of the Adirondacks. I pelted down, back to the car, and back to the hotel for breakfast at 8am and a trip north into the Adirondacks proper.

Mount Randolph run

Peaks: Mount Randolph (3081ft)
Area: White Mountains, New Hampshire
Storms across New Hampshire yesterday, so my planned assault on the northern Whites had to be curtailed at the tree line after I stretched my legs up the famous Air Line trail, which starts from the road near our motel. We did some excellent family walks in between torrential showers: the Lost Pond from Pinkham notch, and two short trails from Crawford Notch. Today, I left the motel at 6am and ran through atmospheric woodland along the trail to Lookout Ledge. This took far longer than I'd expected, but when I arrived the conditions were fabulous. The night's mist and cloud was burning away and the sun lit the granite ledge as I arrived. Thick cloud remained over the northern Presidentials, but huge views over unbroken forested hills to the east - the Carter Range and Mount Moriah - emerged from light mist. Wonderful ambience with the low morning sun lighting the trees. I then switched to the Crescent Ridge trail up to Mount Randolph, named after our 'home' village. This remains wooded, all rather alien to one accustomed to continual mountain views, but very atmospheric and very North American. As I got higher, I re-entered the mist and could see nothing from the wooded summit. The path wasn't particularly clear, especially when compared to the Air Line, although the markings were adequate and it was all very runnable. I rejoined the Lowe trail and thoroughly enjoyed pelting down it to the Durand road, where I extended the run by another three miles (boreal chickadee, american redstart and other interesting birds). Then it was back to check out of the motel, enjoy a stupendous breakfast at the Water Wheel in Jefferson, and drive to Vermont.

Mount Jefferson traverse

Peaks: Mount Jefferson (5712ft), Mount Clay (5532ft), Mount Washington (6288ft)

Area: White Mountains, New Hampshire

Rather shameful, the first time in three decades of mountain activity that I've used mechanical assistance! But, I did at least run up Washington from the north, and the day's particular circumstances at the start of our US road trip provide three excuses. Storms were forecast tomorrow, there was no way the children would walk up Washington, and we'd driven over from the Maine coast in the morning. The drive up Washington's Auto Road is enjoyable, not particularly stressful by Alpine standards, although in a $50,000 Chrysler the mind was still focused! The tree line is left, reminding me very much of Mont Ventoux, as the open hill is gained: dwarf shrubs and granite boulders. On top, wonderful blue skies although distant views were a tad hazy. Close at hand, however, the Presidential range was very clear, particularly to the north where the more shapely peaks are. We had a picnic away from the hordes on the top, but I had a strong desire to get further away from the crowds, so ran over to Mount Jefferson. This was wonderful, a brief taster of the range. The terrain is rather awkward underfoot, so progress is slower than might be expected: rocky almost throughout. The path contours the sub-peak of Mount Clay to gain low trees and a rocky section at the col below Jefferson. I wasn't even sure what mountain I was on, having made a snap decision based on the appearance of the ridge. I felt quite good though, having just run a gentle acclimatising 5k round Lake Quannapowitt yesterday, and got to the bouldery top of Jefferson in around 50 minutes from Washington. Good views north to Adams and Madison, and down to Randolph - where our motel (called 'Jefferson View') was located. I varied the return, over the deserted top of Mount Clay, just a subpeak of Washington but with good views down into the pronounced Jefferson ravine. Took an unwise direct route back up Washington, which allowed me to partially regain the moral high ground.

Druid fell race

Race: The Druid (8k/1200ft)
Time/Position: 39.33 (6th from 75)
After yesterday's long run, I started at the back of the field tonight, on a very familiar race that I have done many times. As such, I was surprised to feel reasonably good, particularly by the standards of this off-form year, and started to move through the field as the race climbs over Foel Fenlli. There wasn't much to lose with our holiday imminent, so I gave it a real blast on the descent. The race now finishes back at the pub so I didn't have the demoralising experience of comparing my time with previous years!

Carneddau run

Peaks: Drum, Foel Fras, Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Grach, Carnedd Llewellyn, Yr Elen, Moel Faban
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
The cloudless, perfect conditions of recent weeks gave way to dull, misty and more familiar weather as I set off from Aber this morning. Up the Foel Fras race route initially, always a long climb, but every inch of it is familiar and I was glad of the cooler weather. The cloud base flirted with the top of Foel Fras but never quite covered the ridge as I continued along it, feeling better as the morning went on and starting to pick up the pace. I reached the top of Carnedd Llewellyn in 90 minutes, then pelted along to Yr Elen, always one of my favourite Eryri summits. From here, I continued down then cut across to finally get to a water source at the bottom of Cwm Llafur. From here, the terrain was less familiar. I crossed to the track on Gyrn Wigiau, then ploughed across the open moor just above Bethesda to the small col below Moel Faban. From here, perfect runnable tracks contour the Moel Wnion to eventually rejoin the end of the old Foel Fras race route back to Aber. Less than four hours, an excellent circuit.

Raven Crag climbing

Crag: Raven Crag, Langdale
Routes: Revelation (HS 4b:led p.1), Bilberry Buttress (VS 4c,4b:led p.2), Holly Tree Direct (HVS 4b,4c,4b:led p.1)
Just another perfect summer day: sunlit dew as we left the tents in Grasmere, the yellow grass shimmering in the morning sunshine. After a big breakfast, we drove back over to Langdale, and walked in to Raven Crag from the Old Dungeon Ghyll. If I've waited a long time to revisit Gimmer, it's been even longer since I last climbed at Raven Crag: in fact, it was perhaps the second or third venue I ever visited, doing Middlefell Buttress and Evening Wall with the university climbing club in 1990! The crag has more to offer, and we started on the far right hand side with the excellent Revelation, which is well named as it offers a continuous series of big holds. I led the first pitch up a scoop and delicate slab, before Vic led the second which starts up a strenuous slanting crack and continues up easy ground to another short, steep wall taken on big holds: great start. Bilberry Buttress is the classic VS of the crag, at the top end of the grade. The initial crack is off-width, polished and awkward. The second is steeper, demanding some crack technique until some superb finishing holds can be used: surprisingly strenuous for the grade. Vic linked the two together, and I led the top pitch which moves right to another crack, slightly dirty, up to a detached flake and final slab. Finally, we went for Holly Tree Direct, one of the crag's most obvious lines. I combined the first two pitches - initially up a slab which was supposedly 4c but felt easier, and then up a pillar leading to an obvious pinnacle (this bit might have been Original Route). Above, the obvious groove is undercut, so requires a subtle solution which took some figuring out. I had to retrieve Vic's gear from the top of the steep ramp, then downclimb to traverse a steep slab on small holds: with my finger injury, this was difficult. A long step gains the groove, which is easier but sustained VS. The finish traverses left to easier slabs. Jogged back to the car and got home in two hours, the roads deserted as England played in the World Cup quarter final.

Gimmer climbing

Crag: Gimmer Crag, Lake District
Routes: Bracket and Slab Direct Start (VS 4b:led), Bracket and Slab (S:led p,3), South East Gully (M:des), Asterisk (VS 4b:sec), D Route (S+:led)
Gimmer is not just one of the best crags in the Lakes, it is one of the best in the UK, with superbly varied climbs of all grades. Puzzling, therefore, that I've only visited once before, with Tim in the 1990s to do the famous crack and a few other routes. This morning, an early start from home saw Vic and I walking in from Stickle Barn before 10am on yet another glorious morning, the grass scorched yellow throughout Langdale as the heatwave continues. It's a long walk-in from here, but gentler than the other approaches, and it exposes the main south-east face brilliantly, with the upper reaches of Langdale below. The walk from this side leads neatly into the routes around Gimmer Chimney, so we started with Bracket and Slab, which features in Classic Rock but was, I think, new to me. I took the direct start, which takes a thin crack up a clean slab and gives a lovely pitch at a mild VS, with some delicate moves and precise footwork: a great start, merging with the second pitch. Vic then led the 'bracket', which traverses an awkward flake to gain a left-slanting groove. I suspect I went slightly off route on the next pitch, traversing right to a long, tricky step to gain a crack leading up to twin chimneys. Vic then led a long final pitch up the easy right hand chimney to gain delightful sun-drenched slabs which led to the top, before an absorbing descent down the South East Gully. This requires some thought and care, a series of rock steps, descending facing in, to an exposed traverse and more tricky downclimbing. After lunch, we moved round to the steeper west face, where Vic led Asterisk. This is a superb pitch: move after move of great climbing on jugs, absorbing and enjoyable throughout. After a recess, the route briefly joins the arete before ploughing directly up on great holds in a great position to a brief crux right at the top. From Ash Tree ledge, the next routes take a bit of working out, but I eventually opted for D Route, which was - to say the least - a good choice. It is delicate initially, with a tricky step left on undercut holds, but this gains the wonderful 'forked lightning crack', which - although rather hidden from below - is one of the lines of the crag. It is simple but brilliant throughout, with abundant protection, up flakes and little pinnacles, all the way to a belay just below the top of the crag: a fantastic three-star combination of routes. We abbed off a big chain to Ash Tree ledge, then traversed across to the top of Asterisk, where an awkward abseil led back to the starting point in the shallow gully. We descended straight down to Mickleden, steep but direct, and walked back along the scorched valley to Stickle Barn. That night, we camped outside the YHA in Grasmere.

Cagliari run

A post-GCSE mini-adventure with Morgan, and - not wishing to push him too far - I left for a pre-breakfast run on the morning of our second day. I'd hoped to run along the obvious headland to the south of our flat in eastern Cagliari, but that proved problematic, so instead I ran along the harbour edge then along excellent cycle paths past the huge football ground, a venue famously used in Italia 90 (now defunct, I think). A further path by a major road leads to the Montargius lagoons, where I could see distant flamingos and nearby gull-billed terns. Excellent running along canal paths. Back to wake my companion for breakfast at the cafe near our apartment, before enjoying a splendid day trip to Iglesias in the Sardinian interior.

Aran wildcamp

This is becoming something of a tradition: a midsummer solo wildcamp in Eryri. After an unusually hot Collie run, I headed over to Llanuwchllyn in glorious evening sunshine, beginning the run at 8pm as the sun began to drop. I took the race route, with the intention of finding a camp with views to west and east, my usual stipulations. The obvious problem was a lack of water: it is unusually dry across the hills at present, and I eventually settled on a spot on the western side of Moel Ffenigl (very close to the highpoint of this March's shortened Ras yr Aran - in fact, that was the last time I was up here, less than four months ago, in a windchill of -20c and heavy snow showers). A surprisingly stiff easterly blew up, so I pitched in the lee of a rocky outcrop (allowing for a bit of bouldering in the evening sunshine). The midges weren't too bad, and I found a trickle of water in a nearby stream for my morning brew. The sun dropped below Snowdon and Arenig: a magnificent evening. Sadly, however, the easterly disturbed my sleep a bit - although that did mean I caught the sunrise as I enjoyed a dawn run along the ridge. The sunrise was as spectacular as the sunset, and a full moon shone above Cader to the west.

Ogwen climbing

Crag: Bochlwyd Buttress/West Face Tryfan
Routes: Two Pitch Route (S 4a:led), Cannon Ridge (S 4a:led p.2,3,4), Jamie's Route p.1 (S 4a:led), Buzzard's Buttress p.1+2 (M:des)
A pleasant day of gentle mountaineering around the lower reaches of Ogwen, which was just as well with an ongoing pulley rupture sustained at Maeshafn. The weather has been absolutely stunning: a sustained period of high pressure with magnificent clarity of light and no end to the dry spell in sight. Steve is still new to Snowdonian climbing, so I took him up to Bochlwyd for a warm-up, leading the delightful two-pitch route. I'm almost certain I've done this before: it is a lovely relaxing climb, a nice long pitch up a series of small grooves with excellent protection throughout. We then ploughed through the awful heather towards the west face of Tryfan. I am gradually ticking off the routes here, and this time we added Cannon Ridge - a pleasant outing with a mountaineering flavour. Steve led a long scrambly pitch up a pinnacled ridge, then I led up a chimney to gain a ramp line and small belay. Then a devious pitch with a mantel and little traverse to a flake before one tricky move up a slabby crack gains easier climbing. To finish, Steve led his first proper trad pitch up the tight chimney. Good climb, albeit contrived and escapeable - although most Tryfan climbing is. An awkward descent down an untracked gully, a quick lunch, and it was time for the first pitch of Jamie's Route, which takes a very attractive and eye-catching slab, probably the best feature on this side of Tryfan. The route takes a rather awkward off-width crack to a chockstone, then climbs a pleasant groove and slabs with sharp little flake holds. I continued up the route for a bit, much easier above, before we descended further right - down the fine scramble of Buzzard's Buttress.

Moel y Gamelin fell race

Race: Moel y Gamelin (10m/3000ft)
Time/Position: 1.27.57 (8th from 83)
Not sure how many times I have done this race (7 or 8) but I am almost certain this was my slowest ever. I didn't feel too bad after Friday's race, although that might have been something to do with the gentle pace. It was hot, but not as bad as I'd expected and not as bad as I have known it (the far side of the race on the northern slopes of Gamelin can be like a furnace, but today we had a slight breeze). Beautiful clarity of light as the wonderful spell of weather continues, and actually an enjoyable outing (again, probably due to the slow pace). Very steady over the ridge to Gamelin and Morfydd, then I began to pick up a few places, feeling quite good. Myself, Simon and Richard were together for a while at the far end of the course in the wild country above Carrog. I managed to keep things ticking over for the return but was a tad dehydrated for the always-desperate climb back over Gamelin.

Tattenhall Tough Team

Race: Tattenhall Tough Team
Time/Position: 64.16 (14th from 221)
Pressure was on for the TTT this year: one of my favourite local races, but as a team event it is always likely to expose a lack of speed. In the event, I was nearly five minutes down on my best time for the course but middle finisher for our team ('the good, the bad and the ugly'), sandwiched between in-form clubmates Chris and Eddie. I felt a little better than expected for the long road section up to the Peckforton Hills, in glorious evening sunshine. Very dry underfoot for the off-road section, with the usual horrendous climb up the infamous 'railway'. Chris and I reconvened with Eddie at the top of the Railway, as is conventional, but I found the rest of the race hard going and dropped a few places. Perhaps the sixth time I've done this great team event.

Maeshafn climbing

Crag: Maeshafn
Routes: Rambler (S 4a:led), Flying Block (E1 5b:sec), Royal Plume (E2 6a:sec), Knotty Problem/Laxix (E1 5b:sec), The Corner (E1 5b:sec)
Even though I've been coming here for 30 years there are still some routes I haven't done. I've no great desire to lead them, but a quick training session with rope above worked well today in unexpectedly cold and drizzly (very light) conditions. I led up Rambler, which has never been any more than VD and still isn't, then we did Flying Block with its strenuous crux over the block using a side pull. Easier climbing above. Royal Plume is desperate in my view, really hard almost throughout with a particularly tricky crux which is simultaneously technical and strenuous, and it remains technical above it: surely undergraded. We then did the mantelshelf start of Knotty Problem which leads logically into the right-curving crack taken by the E4 of Laxix. This is an obvious combination, no more than E1 5b. Finally, the awkward E1 of the Corner, which has tricky and constricted moves up the corner to a hard traverse right on small holds to an easier finish.

Dee Valley Way/North Berwyn Way

Peaks: Moel Fferna, Vivod Mountain
Area: Berwyn
After running the 15 mile North Berwyn Way point-to-point a fortnight ago, it seemed fairly obvious to extend it into a longer 30 mile loop from Llangollen by combining it with the Dee Valley Way. A useful way of keeping the distance work ticking over with a few more long races coming up in this, my ultra year. Jez and I set off in the early morning from Llangollen with light rain falling. Over the Dee then along the canal towards Rhewl. The Dee Valley Way is a tad contrived, as various sections take mini off-road loops north of the minor road through Carrog: more pastoral and gentler than the North Berwyn route. These loops are not always well-marked and we failed to find the route a few times until branching off at the Sun Inn, Rhewl, to take an excellent track over the hills to the west. A few more detours around Glyndyfyrdwy and along to Carrog, before the more logical quiet road down to Corwen, which nestles in its valley attractively from this side of the river. Then, the half way point, crossing the Dee into Corwen, where I purchased chocolate milk and a snickers for a much-needed boost. The return leg was a carbon copy of our traverse two weeks ago - in almost identical weather. The very long climb is, however, a lot harder with 17 miles in the legs! Some mist on top of Moel Fferna, then steady rain and thick clag over Vivod. Jez went ahead for this long section, but I still got back to Llangollen (in heavy rain) in a pleasingly efficient 4.35.

Rainbow Walls

Crag: Rainbow Walls, Llanberis
Routes: Taken Over by Department C (f6a:led)
After such a productive and enjoyable Skye trip, squeezing a lot into a short time, I was due a failure and this was it. The plan was ambitious: an afternoon trip to the slate with a stop off in Conwy for an attempt at the f6b on Noticeboard crag I have been looking at for a while. Conditions were perfect, I was fresh, and the route was well-bolted and excellent - superb rhyolite - but I could not quite commit to the move above the fourth bolt to the obvious ledge. I pledged to Steve that I would only have one ground-up onsight attempt, which was not a good idea! I kept to the pledge, and lowered off, tail between my legs. Slate was even less successful. We tried to walk to Rainbow Walls from Dinorwic in perfect weather, fluffy clouds and a cooling breeze. I'd been down before to the Bela Lugosi area, but couldn't remember the way. We ended up descending all the way to Padarn, then re-ascending via the correct, but complex, route from the bottom. This all took ages, of course. Eventually, I led the unusual f6a on the Cig-Arete walls. It goes up a dolerite seam with unusual and thought-provoking moves to a crux pull on to the upper slab via small holds. The upper slab is a real surprise - gently inclined but quite technical and delicate, and moss-covered (albeit dry after recent weather). I then failed again, on Gwion's Groove, for exactly the same reason at exactly the same grade. I made the high first clip, then did the crux up the strenuous lay-backed mini-arete, but did not want to commit to the final run-out. An utterly inefficient, time-wasting afternoon out!

Welsh Castles Relay

Race: Welsh Castles Relay, Stage 11 Newtown-Llanbadarn Fynydd (12m/500ft)
Time/Position: 1.19.45 (16th from 66)
I've wanted to sample this event for years, and the recent dramatic expansion of the club means that it is now likely to be a regular occurrence. For the full flavour of the event, you probably need to devote the entire weekend to it - that wasn't an option for me, so I drove down to Newtown on Saturday evening, watched Stage 10 finish, and set off on Stage 11 in the early morning mist at 7am after sleeping in the car. This is a great mountain stage, probably the most suitable for me given current lack of speed. It climbs out of town on the A483 towards Dolfor - and carries on climbing for most of its length. We emerged from the mist quite quickly, and the rest of the race was run in perfect sunny conditions, not too hot in the early morning. I kept a steady pace throughout, settling in with another runner, and we helped each other a lot, just ticking over not wanting to risk a blow up. Towards the end of the climb, I started to push on a bit, feeling better than I have recently, then pushed again as the race levelled off with a few miles to go before the finish at Llanbadarn Fynydd. Possibly a tad too conservative, but I've been so far off the pace recently that I probably got the pacing about right and at least it meant I finished the stage strongly. The atmosphere is great throughout, with an entourage of support vehicles passing as the race continues southwards. It would be nice to do it properly and sample the atmosphere one year: by contrast, I finished my stage before 8.20am and was home for breakfast by 10am.

Maeshafn climbing

Crag: Maeshafn
Routes: Mathematical Workout (E3 6a:sec), Calculus (E4 5c:sec)
A brief top-roping session on routes that have always been too hard for me, and in a sense still are. The E3 is simultaneously very technical and strenuous, up a thin crack with little for the feet: coming in from the left is a tad easier. Then, small honeycombed holds are reached along with a tenuous undercut. The crux comes next, which was dogged by me, up to a long reach for a flat hold. This is the key to the route, and after standing on it the upper slab is gained - this is still technical but easier than below. I found Calculus slightly easier with rope above, as its grade suggests. There are no moves quite as hard as the E3 crux although it is strenuous and sustained. A layback on the smooth arete, quite awkward and strenuous, leads to a good foothold and a hard pull. Again, the smooth wall above is easier than the climbing below. Just a quick session before the Collie run up Moel Famau.

Tinto run

Peak: Tinto (711)
Area: Southern Uplands
Tinto is a familiar feature of the landscape south of the central belt, and gives a perfect short 'leg stretcher' on the journey south. A glorious drive from Skye yesterday evening: fish and chips in Broadford, then a magical tour through familiar parts of the Western Highlands in soft evening light. After a car bivouac outside Crianlarich, I woke at 4.30am, was devoured by clouds of midges as I performed my morning ablutions, and decided to crack on instead of bothering with a claggy, midgy run over An Caisteal (my original intention). Instead, I pushed on down quiet early morning roads and pulled up at the primary school in Wiston, Lanarkshire, at 7am. This is not the standard way up Tinto, but the route is fairly obvious after the lodge is negotiated. A series of inclining cow fields leads to a steeper section at the open hill. It was cool and breezy, with some cloud boiling up to the east, but no hint of what was in store. In the event, as my run slowed to a walk for the steep final climb, I began to suspect I might be in for a treat as cloud wisps lapped up from the valleys. At the summit, which is a huge cairn, a glorious cloud inversion - particularly solid to the east. It had taken me less than 25 minutes running from Wiston, so I just enjoyed the spectacular effects for a few minutes. Stunning and a totally unexpected bonus from such an innocuous hill. To the south, the Uplands stretched out above the sea of cloud. I ran back via a more direct route to Wiston, over the main path through the scree 'crag' back to the village before the primary school opened for the morning.

North Cuillin traverse

Peaks: Knight's Peak (914m), Sgurr nan Gillean (964m), Bhasteir Tooth (917m), Bruach na Frith (958m)
Routes: Pinnacle Ridge (D:al), West Ridge (M:sol), Naismith's Route (S:led p.1)
Area: Black Cuillin, Skye
The agonies of choice became even more acute today, as circumstances meant it was my last day on Skye - a whistlestop trip. One option was climbing on Blaven, but Vic had the whole week at his disposal so I opted for another mountaineering outing with a dash of spice. A good option, because for me Sgurr nan Gillean is the best mountain in Scotland. I first climbed it via the normal south-east ridge in 1993 and have done all the other contenders for that accolade - I just think its appearance and elegant ridge routes to the summit, with no easy options, make it a great mountain. As such, the full traverse - up Pinnacle Ridge and down the West - is quite special, completed all three ridges on the mountain for me, and was just the first part of a memorable day. Pinnacle Ridge itself is one of the most eye-catching lines in the British Isles, much closer to an Alpine route than a British rock climb - PD+ rather than Diff. We walked in from Sligachan taking the route I'd used to Am Basteir in 2015. From the blunt spur at the entrance to Coire Bhasteir, we moved up to the obvious ribs that lead to the top of the first pinnacle. This is not necessarily the normal route but gave some excellent scrambling. The weather was not as perfect as it has been: grey, with a spot of very light drizzle, although it improved slightly later and the cloudbase remained high. We roped up and I led a nice pitch to gain the top of the second pinnacle via a series of walls and chimneys. The ridge is broad at this point, and just a walk, so we moved together - this became Alpine style as the route steepens towards the third pinnacle. Some slabs and a nice open groove gain the top and a sudden dramatic change in character as the ridge plunges down to a breche between the pinnacle and Knight's Peak, which looms beyond the gap with a big drop to the north. We had very little information about the ridge, as it was a last-minute decision, so initially it was unclear where the route went. There was abseil tat, however, and after some scouting around, we descended where the nail scratches were - and once abseiling down it all becomes much clearer and less dramatic. The wall descends to an open chimney which the abseil continues down to gain the tiny col between the two peaks. I led a pitch up the obvious traverse line up right to a flake, then good easy climbing up slabby rock. Vic continued with another long easy pitch on good rock to the top of Knight's Peak itself, surely one of the hardest summits in the UK to reach (although I believe it lost its Munro top status recently). This is a great place, and another gulf separates it from Gillean. This time, however, it can be negotiated by downclimbing and traversing round a gendarme to gain another 'breche'. From here, the route finding is complex - I climbed down the gully before ascending a vague orange groove. There were very few anchors, and I eventually emerged at the traverse path which marks the end of the route. After bringing up Vic, we continued to traverse, airy in places, to the West Ridge. I went up this to the Window, then came down for lunch. We descended the rest of the ridge, abbing down Tooth chimney to avoid a very slow guided party, then took the traverse path on snow patches and scree below Am Basteir on the Sligachan side (I failed to find this route in thick mist in 2015, hardly surprising as it is quite tenuous). After the snow patch, the steep scree is hard work and leads underneath the unappealing King's Cave chimney, which was likely to be our abseil descent route.We left our sacks at the Bealach nan Lice, and took the ridge towards the Basteir Tooth, another legendary feature of the Cuillins and almost certainly the most intimidating pitch on the ridge if the classic Naismith's Route is taken. I led an easy first pitch traversing right over lots of space to a spike, then Vic led through. It is, of course, far easier than it looks from below: a simple groove leads to a traverse, then a surprisingly tricky move (perhaps taken too far right) to a ledge before the final, obvious finishing cracks in a tremendous position. Pulling over was a real surprise. The summit of the Tooth is above, but reached via a gently sloping roof - not precipitous at all. Still, another great place to be, and to have to ourselves. I'd done Am Basteir in 2015, so we slithered down to an abseil point. A short ab led down to King's Cave Chimney, a dank and gloomy cleft between the Tooth and Am Basteir. From here, another 25m abseil, free hanging initially, led down the dripping cleft to the traverse path we'd just taken. All very efficient again, and after a snack we ambled to the top of Bruach na Frith, a munro and one of the simplest of Skye summits. A little sunshine tried to force its way through the clouds, and Vic and I went our separate ways: Glen Brittle in his case, and back down Fionn Choire in mine. I decided to run down, not wanting to miss fish and chips in Broadford. After a short rocky section, I could open out and emerged into the greenery of Coire na Circe where I crossed the Allt Dearg Mor and gained the Glen Brittle path for fast running back to Sligachan, where the view of Glamaig towering in front brought back fond memories of my birthday attempt to break the hour in 2015. I washed in the river, dined in Broadford, and drove to Crianlarich. A memorable three days in the Cuillin, with a necessarily strategic approach taken to the maximising of limited time and the desire to fill the most obvious (30 year) gaps in my British mountaineering CV.

In Pinn to An Dorus

Peaks: Sgurr Dearg (978m), Inaccessible Pinnacle x 2 (986m), Sgurr na Banachdich (965m), Sgurr Thormaid (926m), Sgurr a'Ghreadaidh (973m)
Routes: East Ridge (M:led), South Crack (HVD:sec), South Ridge (2:sol), South-West Ridge (3S:sol)
Area: Black Cuillin, Skye
Spoilt for choice: so little time, and such perfect weather. I have waited years for a decent spell of weather in the Cuillin, so it was a tricky decision balancing the desire to move quickly with the desire to do certain things I'd missed in the past. In the end, we went for a mountaineering day, heading up the steep direct climb up Sgurr Dearg straight from the hut, a path beaten out (presumably) by parties intent on the Inaccessible Pinnacle. Indeed, two guided parties were well ahead of us as we began - another leisurely and late start. The weather was perfect, although rather hot and sweaty, but we ploughed upwards and passed both parties before the ridge steepens and narrows to good grade two scrambling up basalt grooves and gabbro walls to Sron Dearg. Eventually, it emerges on a more level ridge with fabulous views across to Alasdair and Thearlaich, The In Pinn emerges ahead and good scrambling leads to the top of the ridge with the west side of the pinnacle directly in front. This has been an obvious gap for me for literally decades, so it was rather weird - but very wonderful - to get it to ourselves and romp up it in minutes. Nobody was around, so we skittered down the slab to the start, roped up, and I led to the top on my old 9mm in one giant pitch. It all took no more than five minutes, but was still hugely enjoyable as the east ridge is obviously wonderfully positioned - essentially a classic arete with huge juggy holds and a lot of space all round. Great views in all directions. After bringing up Vic, we abbed off, then headed straight back for the South Crack. I thought this would be dirty and rarely, if ever, climbed, but I was wrong: it is an excellent 30 metre pitch, a connoiseur's route up the In Pinn, steep but juggy and a very strong line. I then led to the top, again, and we abbed off the chain before the first guided party had even started. Two ascents of the In Pinn in less than an hour - a very cool start to the day! Time for lunch as we watched the guided parties go up, then it was the mouthwatering prospect of a northwards ridge traverse to An Dorus in spectacular conditions as cloud filled the valleys around Blaven. Easy walking along the airy ridge leads to a few steps and then the South Ridge of Banachdich, We took this direct which is exposed in places and leads to a couple of false summits before we finally moved left and enjoyed the simple scramble to the summit, which is quite different in character from most of the rest of the range. It is precipitous to the east, but a gentle ridge down to Glen Brittle meant that there were numerous walkers up here, one of the easiest Skye munros. Great views over the ridge, and a tricky section comes next, with the line not immediately obvious. A descent, then an awkward traverse over scree leads to a narrow gap before the excellent scramble up Sgurr Thormaid, an impressive peak from this angle. A small summit, then easier scrambling down towards the Three Teeth. These are passed surprisingly easily on the left, before the perfect scrambling up the sustained and splendid south-west ridge of Greadaidh. This is one of the narrowest sections of all higher up, with a knife-edge connecting the south summit with the main top. We took a diagonal line up to the crest, all brilliant, then the airy crest before a short chimney and a traverse regains the gap between the two summits. The northern side is simpler, with shelves leading past the 'wart' to a slabby descent. At the bottom, I knew a tricky wall lurked, because I chose to leave it in 2015 when it was soaking and the freezing wind howled through the gap of An Dorus. Today, it was still steep, but completely dry and a doddle to regain An Dorus. The descent was the same as 2015, after I'd climbed Mhadaidh in dreadful weather: tiresome screes lead to gentler slabs and then a delightful stream (and rehydration). The lower cwm was baking and tinder dry, and we were back for an earlier finish than yesterday.

Cioch climbing and South Cuillin ridge

Peaks: Sron na Ciche (859m), Sgurr Sgumain (947m), Sgurr Dubh an Da Bheinn (938m), Sgurr Dubh Mor (944m)
Area: Black Cuillin, Skye
Routes: Cioch Direct (S:led p.2,4), Arrow Route (VD:led p.1), Collie's Route (M:led), Integrity (VS 4b,4b:sec), TD Gap East Side (VD:sec)
The archetypal 'big day', and a wonderfully varied curtain-raiser to a short but successful Skye trip. I had prevaricated about any kind of Scottish trip this year, with the children not wanting to come, but as the forecast was so good, and the weather so stable in a blocking high, the 11 hour drive seemed worth it. Vic was already up, and Skye seemed the best option with torrential downpours inland (one of which I'd driven through yesterday). So, rather unexpectedly I found myself making my fourth visit to the island, but the first in properly stable weather (in 1993 we endured a week of continual rain, in 2015 it was mixed but very cold). Walking in to Coire Lagan on the first morning was a delight: red throated divers on loch an fhir bhallaich, with the sea turquoise beyond, and Rum and Soay glittering. Then, it is round the corner into Coire Lagan, one of the finest bowls of rock in the UK. I have vivid memories of a brief clearance here in 1993 as we walked in for the north ridge of Sgumain. Today, it was baked dry, and we were glad of the shade as we set off up the first pitch of the grand old classic Cioch Direct. This takes a series of grooves and chimneys in a 500ft romp up towards the Cioch itself. A tricky first move gains an easy open groove and good moves on the wonderful gabbro - above, easier climbing to the stance. I then led a shorter second up two tighter grooves to a good flake belay: good climbing on more superb rock. The crux comes immediately afterwards, a steep and tight chimney which is awkward with big sacks, which we were both carrying. But we squeezed through using holds on the right wall. Finally, I led a long and exposed final pitch which heads leftwards over slabs to twin cracks, which give interesting climbing to a slabby finish and a terrace. Above, a scrambly pitch gains a wider terrace and the full grandeur of the crag and environment becomes clear for the first time. Up right, the shadow of the Cioch itself, arguably the most famous rock feature in the British Isles. Directly above, the perfect slab taken by Arrow Route. We were intent on the classic combination, so I led an easy first pitch to belay at the break, before Vic padded up to the top - superb open slab climbing, delightfully simple but in a wonderful position on perfect rock. Then comes the real thrill of standing on the narrow neck below the Cioch, which I now led up to via an easy crack system, the top of Collie's Route. We had it to ourselves as I bought Vic up - a wonderful, memorable experience. The sun was just beginning to peep over the top of the crag, and it lit the Cioch as we sat on its roof (the size of a small room) suspended above the crag. After lunch, we continued up the final part of the combination: Integrity, which starts from a recess above a diagonal ledge. The first pitch is outstanding: perfect clean rock, steep initially up to a pocketed slab. The pitch lengths were wrong in our guidebook so Vic ended up leading the second too from a cramped stance as I didn't fancy the move over the roof wearing a sac. The real belay is directly above: annoying. A series of chimneys then leads to the top in a stunning position. Above, an easy pitch to gain the plateau on top of Sron na Ciche in fabulous weather - light mist was now draped over Sgurr Dearg and brushing the top of Alastair above. We relaxed in the sunshine as the day was young, we'd only taken a few hours for the combination (Cioch Direct was dispatched in an hour). Then, it was time for the mountaineering aspect of the day and I was desperate to get to grips with the ridge in these conditions. We headed up Sgumain via some fine scrambling (last here in 1993), then down to the traverse path below Alasdair which leads to the main ridge just south of the T-D gap. Vic suggested we reccie this famous section of the ridge, so we moved along towards it, finding an initial pitch up an easier gap (on which we moved together) before abbing into the famous Thearlaich-Dubh gap itself. Sadly, another party were on it and were moving unbelievably slowly, so we took the frustrating decision to head back up the south side, a short VD climb, before following the ridge south to Sgurr Dubh an Da Bheinn. This section is broad and uncomplicated, although the subsequent branch to the munro of Sgurr Dubh Mor is far more complex and would be hard in mist. Pinnacles are avoided to the right, then a traverse path leads to superb scrambling as we took as direct a line as possible to the summit. Short walls and grooves, generally perfect gabbro, brilliant fun even though we were tiring. Then, at the sharp summit, as the sun began to drop, stunning views down to Coruisk and Sleat to the east. We then picked up the less than obvious traverse path back to Bealach a Gharbh Coire, almost certainly not the best route, tough terrain throughout, particularly at the end of a long day. I'd intended to sprint up Sgurr nan Eag but the thought of food and drink got the better of me: we were dehydrated, inevitably, so jogged down to the stunning Coire a'Ghrunnda, its sky-blue water glittering in the evening sunshine. Below the tricky slabs, a stream, and relief (although the midges soon moved us on). A long walk-out under deep blue cloudless skies ensued, and it was close to 9pm by the time we got back to the Glen Brittle memorial hut, where I slept in the van to the sound of curlew and drumming snipe.

Sron Garbh run

It had been my intention to break the long drive to Skye with a run over some Southern Highlands peaks. But after a late breakfast in Moffat, and lunch on the shores of of Loch Lomond, slow moving showers came in as I set out up An Caisteal from the layby south of Crianlarich. The cloudbase was quite high, so I kept running - torn between wanting to do something and wanting to save energy for Skye. The rain became a bit more steady as I left the path for the steep climb up the nose of Sron Garbh, obvious from the main road. As I crested the ridge to get a view of Twistin Hill and An Caisteal, there was a clap of thunder. A good sign, I thought, and turned round for a running descent back to the car. Still, a nice way to stretch the legs and bonus energy saved to spend over the next few days.

North Berwyn Way

Peaks: Pen Creigiau'r Barcud, Moel Fferna, Vivod Mountain
Area: Berwyn
An excellent point to point run over remote terrain from Corwen to Llangollen. We left early in the morning, to find the hills above Llangollen clagged in but the hills further west clear - the result of the perfect eastern airflow which is leading to great conditions in the western fringes of the UK. The route crosses the A5 then gives a nice flat warm-up along the banks of the Dee - very pretty on an early May morning - to Cynwyd. From here, the route climbs steadily but never too steeply through Cynwyd forest towards the most remote parts of the Berwyn (indeed, much of the route was new to me although I have been up the hills before). Jez and I kept a decent pace going throughout and detoured to the top of Pen Creigiau'r Barcud - an obscure spot indeed - before rejoining the main, very runnable path towards Bwlch Cynwyd. Atmospheric conditions here, as the moist, misty air from the east hit the clearer air to the west. We ran to the top of Fferna in shifting mists, then it was into damp clag for the rest of the trip - heading east above the Ceiriog forest to Vivod (last visited during the Ceiriog Canter race). From Vivod, it is all downhill in a direct line to Llangollen, finishing with the very steep bridleway from Ffynnon Las. Less than 2.5 hours car-to-car: this would make an excellent loop combined with the Dee Valley Way, ideal ultra training. Refuelled stylishly with dosas and Keralan curry.

Moel Siabod walk

Peak: Moel Siabod
Area: Moelwynion, Eryri
We would normally be in Scotland during Whit week, but this year it was unfeasible for numerous reasons, so my birthday treat (which has been a family hillwalk for the last few years - Creag Dubh last year, Ben Hiant in 2016) was going to have to be a tad more local. I felt Siabod would be ideal, so we did the classic circuit through the quarries and above Llyn y Foel. The weather was lovely first thing, but began to cloud over and become disappointingly hazy as we began the mild scramble up Ddaear Ddu, the gentle ridge leading to the summit. I thought they would have enjoyed this, but instead they found it a tedious grind! It does have the virtue of directness though, and moods improved as we ate our lunches on the summit. No real views, sadly, because of the haze. The family were then further boosted by the discovery that my promise of an easy descent was grounded in reality! Straight down to the cafe, and I ran back for the car before enjoying the cake.

Dyserth climbing

Crag: Dyserth Castle Slab
Routes: Genesis (f6b+:led), Isabella Rose (f6a:led), Llewellyn ap Gruffydd (f6a+:led), Tegengle (f6a:sec)
I'd intended to embrace the steepness of Ty Newydd, but after thunderstorms yesterday it was wet when we arrived in the morning, steam rising from the temperate rainforest in this secluded valley. So it was on to plan b, which involved revisiting the Castle Slab. The weather was warm and sunny, and I started off by repeating Genesis, the hardest route here but absurdly overgraded at 6b+. It has lovely technical moves, crisp and crimpy, and a tricky crux, but it isn't sustained and would barely warrant 6a in Provence. Time was very limited, and I led the longer routes to the left (again) before Steve took the lead for Tegengle. After lunch, I ran from home to Chester for a family walk.

Mynydd Myfyr race

Race: Mynydd Myfyr hill race, Trefonen (4m/500ft)
Time/Position: 24.18 (8th from 50)
I knew I would suffer on this short race, having done no speedwork for months, but I also knew it would do me good with a couple of team events coming up as a break from the ultras. I'd never done it before, although I have done most of the events that take in the hills of the Oswestry hinterland: always very pleasant. This was no exception, as it leaves Trefonen up lanes and tracks to take in a longer loop round to the top of the miniature mountain of Mynydd Myfyr (the race remains on the 'English' side of the border throughout). From here, it descends through fields and lanes back to the finish outside the village pub. Warm and humid, although we avoided the thundery showers passing through.

Craig Ddu climbing

Crag: Craig Ddu, Nant Peris
Routes: Zig Zag (VS 4b:sec), Rift Wall (VS 4c,5a,4a:led p.1)
Always satisfying to grab some routes at this notoriously slimy, slow-drying crag, but it was particularly so today as it started to rain as we finished Rift Wall. Even better, both routes were new to me. In the past, I've done a few routes here on a few different visits to the crag, which looks so unappealing and black (as its name suggests) from the road. The left-side of the crag is particularly bad - the routes feel a tad disconcerting although the climbing is often fairly easy and the pocketed, juggy rock is actually excellent. Still, I had no great desire to lead Zig Zag, which Vic did in a single pitch. Sadly, he didn't reach the top so I had to climb to the first ledge to allow him to belay - all on instinct, we couldn't hear each other. Good juggy rock leads to a short groove and steep move to gain a vague diagonal ramp which leads to a wet and insecure section even after a long dry period. Easy climbing throughout and a worthwhile outing. Rift Wall is a better route, which nudges classic status and has three unusually varied pitches with interesting climbing throughout. I led the first, up a pocketed wall to a ledge, then a steep move up a shorter wall to gain a big flake and a traverse line leading back right. This is harder than it looks, but gives good, steady climbing - steep in places with the wall impending above - to gain a pinnacle and then a hidden slab further up on the right. The crux comes immediately afterwards, and Vic took this second pitch. A steep corner crack is tackled by tricky bridging moves to a high side pull, then better holds and fun, juggy climbing. It ends abruptly at a slab, after which the entire route eases (fortunately, as it was now raining - the end of the dry spell). The route ends with an exposed traverse left round an arete on huge flakey holds. The rain became steadier as we descended, so we called it a day, happy to tick off two rarely-in-condition minor Snowdonian classics.

Llanberis Slate climbing

Crag: Australia, Llanberis Slate
Routes: Cyber World Slate Heads (f6a+:led), Unnamed route (f5c:sec), Steps of Glory (f5:sec), Plastic Soldier (f6a:led)
An opportunity to stay at the perfectly located Vagabond's hut above Nant Peris, and glorious conditions as we arrived mid-afternoon. The hut is at the foot of Elidir Fawr and a lovely walk leads up to the slate quarries from its front door, through a notch to Twll Mawr. Slate was the obvious choice given the lateness of the hour, and we climbed up to the Sidings, quite high up in the spectacular bowl of Australia, somewhere I have climbed a lot, and one of my favourite spots in the quarries with its views across to Eilio and Snowdon. The 6a+ groove of Cyber World has a hard start. I borrowed a clip stick for the first bolt, then tenuous bridging and smearing leads eventually to a good hold. I may have taken an overly pure approach to the groove, as the right wall is easier. Bigger holds then lead up to the strenuous roof, unusual for slate, with excellent moves right to gain the steep arete: simultaneously balancey and strenuous. I also did the obvious line further right up the blunt arete to the same lower-off, as well as the easy f5 up the stepped ledges (done before). All four of us then walked up to the Skyline buttress. Vic led the f6a on the right, while I took Plastic Soldier immediately left. Simultaneously climbing at the same pace, both belayed by a different Steve: a recipe for confusion! I've done these routes before, they are excellent long pitches, 40 metres, well bolted, with delicate and elegant climbing in a wonderful location at the top of the quarries. The sun was setting over Anglesey as I topped out - only to find that I'd forgotten the belay plate! A memorable walk down as the sun dipped towards the Irish Sea, beautiful colours, with Crib Goch a deep orange as we arrived back at the hut.

Lucca run

Hard to imagine a more pleasant urban run than this. We were staying in the wonderful Tuscan town of Lucca for three nights, and it just happens to be encircled by 4.2km of perfectly preserved rennaissance walls. This was ideal for running, and scores of runners and cyclists were out enjoying the beautiful early morning weather as I set off on the second morning. I did the same route on Saturday morning: a mile warm-up from the hotel to the walls, then the loop, and then back to resume our exploration of Tuscan food culture. Today, I gave the walls a proper blast, and completed the entire 4.2km loop in 16 minutes - not too shabby considering my lack of speed at present. Then, it was off to the train station for a day trip through the hills to Florence, refuelling on tripe and lampreddotto.

Frogsmouth climbing

Crag: Frogsmouth Quarry, Runcorn
Routes: Green Slab (f4:led), Trilogy (f4+:led), Just After Fifty (f6a:led*), Just After Fifty (f6a:sec)
Climbing in Runcorn: I never thought I would see the day. This, however, is an unexpected and interesting venue - perhaps even unique as a bolted sandstone crag. It becomes obvious quite quickly that the routes are sandbags, uncompromising and meanly graded. The 6a's feel more like 6c's, or that was my impression on this very brief reccie. We kicked off on the easy slab furthest right, a secluded locale which gives a couple of warm-ups, even those are on rounded rock. The quarry itself is tree-lined, sheltered, and surprisingly pleasant as an evening venue in warm sunshine: not the urban horror show I'd expected. The steep side wall with sculpted features was steep and harder than it looks. I led Just After Fifty, with a hard and dynamic start, lunging for side pulls until a frieze of jugs and pockets is reached. The route doesn't relent, though, and steepens again to a flat hold with a steep finish. I rested a couple of times, briefly, on the lead: it felt more like 6b or even 6b+ to me, although the routes do have quite precise sequences and it may be that I'd missed the solutions. I did it again cleanly with rope above before we finished: my second time on sandstone in as many days, very unusual for me as this has never been my favourite style of climbing.

Helsby climbing

Crag: Helsby, Cheshire
Routes: Wood's Climb (HVS 5a:sh), Wafer Wall (E2 5b:sh), Crack of Doom (S:sh), Little Light (MS:sh)
Another venue I visit only occasionally - intermittent visits going back to an early solo of Grooved Slab 27 years ago. It is an acquired taste which I have never quite acquired, and this short afternoon trip saw me shunt a few routes I haven't done before. Wood's Climb was the most notable, a minor classic of the area. This needs good conditions, but was still green, a bit dirty and insecure today despite the sunshine. As a result, the early crux moves over the first bulge felt hard on a loose shunt - shallow pockets for the feet, awkward side pulls, easier when tackled from the left. Above, the groove is easier but quite delicate initially until better holds on the left wall lead to the top. On the lower tier, Wafer Wall was also a bit green but gave lovely climbing on the shunt, delicate and balancy on tiny edges and pockets. The Crack of Doom is a horrible slimy thrutch up an off-width crack, grade irrelevant, and Little Light a more pleasant micro-route to the left. Finished with a jog round Helsby quarry, still a bit tired after Saturday.

Sandstone Trail challenge

Race: Sandstone Trail Ultra (34m/55k)
Time/Position: 5.08 (5th from 193)
There is always something particularly satisfying about a point-to-point race, and this famous route works really well as an informal short ultra: in essence, a south-north traverse of the whole of Cheshire, from Whitchurch over the Shropshire border to Frodsham in the far north of the county. I ran the better known short (17m) Sandstone race way back in 2008, but have wanted to do this event since it was revived in 2011. Given the emphasis I've placed on distance this year, the Sandstone was an essential addition (as the third ultra of five planned for 2018) and I got a place just after entries opened back in December (it sells out in a few hours). An early start from Frodsham and a bus to the start in the centre of Whitchurch in perfect May running weather - crystal clear and cool - was a nice beginning. The route starts along the Shropshire Union canal, a gentle warm-up and much more interesting than I'd expected it to be, past little pubs and pastoral scenery with birdsong in the early morning: all immensely tranquil and relaxed, a far cry from the usual frenetic road and fell racing. It then heads north away from the canal over endless fields towards the first CP at Bickleywood. I was easing into the race nicely, and picked the pace up for the next long section over fields to Hampton Heath with Larkton Hill in front, indicating a change of tone where the race loops past Maiden Castle and the scenery picks up. Excellent running over the escarpment of Bickerton Hill, above the crag where I bouldered this time last year - big views west to the Clwydians. This whole section is a delight, with wooded sections leading to unexpected views then ridgetop running before plunging back into woodland again. After CP2, the route curves round to take in the Peckforton Hills above Burwardsley before heading towards the prominent Beeston Tor. I remembered this section from the 'other' race, and it marked the half way point. I was still feeling pretty good, which was just as well as a long, flatter section follows - west of Tarporley heading north to Kelsall and eventually Delamere. I began to catch some of the runners who'd past me earlier on. I was pretty sure that Jez and three others would stay clear (well clear!) but I eventually found myself in front of the rest with one other chap who knew the route through Delamere well (although it is actually better marked now than it used to be - I had been a bit concerned about making minor errors here). From the exit at Manley Common (CP5) I knew the route very well - along the B5393 to cut north across a series of fields with views to the industry of the Mersey marking the natural conclusion of the trail. I use the final section above the Frodsham crags to the monument as a training run on my way home from Warrington, so with no concerns about the route I turned on the afterburners to secure fifth position. From the monument, I decided to get the pain of the final descent over with as quickly as possible, the scent of pie and peas in my nostrils! A good fell race-style plunge through the woods and into the tarmac of town, arriving at the Frodsham community centre in a reasonable 5.08. The third ultra of the year for me, and the most enjoyable yet: it reminded me of the two ultras I've done in previous years, the Laugavegur and the Manx, in that all are point-to-point events with a clear sense of purpose and direction.