Geal Charn (Laggan)

Peaks: Geal Charn, Ben Sgiath

Area: Monadhliath

The Monadhliath is a vast range of empty, uncelebrated hills that starts behind our cottage near Laggan. On our last visit, I'd done the two eastern Munros in the range, expecting little but actually really enjoying the big skies and remoteness. This hill, one of many with the same name, is even more isolated, but is effectively Laggan's home mountain, so made an ideal shortish objective today given yesterday's lengthy outing. I opted to start from the Spey Dam, a short drive from the cottage, and headed up Glen Markie. This was a long preamble, but nice, penetrating the heart of the range. It was a lovely sunny morning and the scenery became quite interesting as I left the base of the big glen to follow a small path up the side of the Piper's Burn. This leads into the eastern corrie of the hill, quite nice, with crags and a little lake. A steep climb out gained the huge featureless summit plateau, adorned with a giant conical cairn at the far end. Views were a little restricted by the topography, and a slight haze, but the true emptiness of the Monadhliath was apparent, as were views over to the Great Glen. I decided to append Beinn Sgiath to the day in an attempt to avoid the out-and-back. This worked well. A little cleft above the corrie had a pool, and Sgiath proved to be another big plateau. I contoured down, following my nose, through completely pathless and arduous terrain, very steeply down An Dirc Mhor and then the lump of Am Maol. At some point in this boggy wilderness I was attacked by what I suspect were deer ticks which proved a problem 24 hours later! For now, however, I just enjoyed the space and the emptiness. A cuckoo was pursued by a meadow pipit and I dipped my legs in the beautiful upper reaches of the Spey before returning for breakfast and a walk around Feshiebridge.

Ardverikie triptych

Peaks: Beinn a'Chlachair, Geal Charn, Creag Pitridh

Area: Ardverikie, Central Highlands

I'd gazed across to these hills from the belay ledges on Ardverikie Wall when we did that most classic of rock climbs two years ago. These peaks are quite far from the Spean Bridge road, although good tracks mean that all three can be climbed relatively quickly despite the distances involved. Ben a'Chlachair is the most notable, a whaleback summit that feels quite remote when you're on it. I jogged the path which we'd taken to the climb, then continued upwards before breaking off up trackless and ultimately very steep terrain which led to the edge of the obvious snow-lined Coire Mor Chlachair. Despite the lack of paths, I got it right, and then enjoyed a superb romp round the lip of the corrie to the summit. Some threatening cloud and a lot of snow over the remote peaks of Ben Alder, but it was all a bit deceptive as the day gradually got better and better. I took the top of the whaleback ridge towards Geal Charn - perfect springy turf in places, rocks in others - and then descended very steep and awkward ground to the vague col that leads into the Ben Alder interior. From here a good path headed east, after which I broke off for the long slog up Geal Charn (one of many hills with that name in this region). This took longer than expected but wasn't too bad. I had a bite to eat on the summit, which I shared with a lone female walker (the only summit I saw anybody on for the entire trip, apart from Ben Hope). I then took a much better direct line down nice turf to the col below Creag Pitridh and ploughed up this final peak in a matter of minutes. It is a little peak, but nicely shaped and gave a pleasant rocky ascent. From the top, superb views in ever-improving weather over Binnean Shuas and Ardverikie Wall and across to Creag Meagaidh, all familiar terrain to me. I descended back to the main stalker's track and jogged down this all the way back to the car - a good 7k or so (26k, 1307m, 3:59). Family walk to the Falls of Pattack after lunch.

Pentland jog

Peaks: Allermuir Hill 

Area: Pentlands

The start of a Scottish trip I had really been looking forward to, and it could hardly have been more auspicious despite being just a short early morning birthday jog at the edge of the Pentlands. We'd arrived in Dreghorn in Edinburgh suburbia in thick sea fret the night before - I believe this is the 'haar' of the east coast, although as I spend very little time 'east' it is all unfamiliar to me. The mist made life tricky navigationally, as I had no map, but followed my nose across the bypass and up tracks which started to gradually climb upwards. I was fairly confident I could find my way to the top of Allermuir Hill, and as I climbed the mist gradually dispersed to leave a superb cloud inversion: all of Edinburgh hidden by the haar, with the tops of the higher Pentlands poking through the mist, and views all the way down to Tinto (done a few years ago). I jogged to the top of Allermuir, the closest proper hill to the city, and took it all in. It seemed to bode very well for the rest of the trip. Reluctantly, I headed down into the mist and took a direct line on instinct back to the Travelodge for birthday breakfast and then a great family day out in Edinburgh (glorious sunshine soon broke through).

Carneddau run

Peaks: Drum, Yr Orsedd, Foel Ganol, Foel Dduarth

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

A dull and drizzly morning, yet again in this dire May. But by the time I got away, late morning, it was beginning to clear and I even got a bit of a tail wind for this most familiar of trips. It is always an excellent outing, much better as a run than a walk as it is one of the longest continuous climbs in Snowdonia - at least 8k from the A55 (47 minutes from the bridge to the summit of Drum). I did a little loop around the summit as the mist cleared Foel Fras, but sadly my time was limited so I headed back - but took the wonderful ridge over to Yr Orsedd to vary the descent. This has always been a great favourite of mine, and the clearing weather led to crystal clarity and wonderful views over the deep blue sea below. I avoided the tarmac on the descent by heading towards Llanfairfechan and back round via the A55.

Tour of Bradwell

Race: Half Tour of Bradwell Reverse (28k/1070m)

Time/Position: 2.49.06 (14th from 63)

Fourth race in eight days, so it does feel as if normal service is gradually being resumed. Welsh races remain notable by their absence, however, perhaps just as well as the weather has been dreadful: the worst May I can ever remember. It had dried out a bit today, though, and was merely cold and cloudy as we set off from Bradwell on a staggered start which worked well. I ran the Full Tour of Bradwell in 2018, which was a pretty memorable 34 mile journey taking in Stanage Edge and many other parts of the Peak. This was a lot more civilised, and I thoroughly enjoyed the race. In fact, it was the most enjoyable race I've done since before Covid. An initial climb over private land led up to a long and gently rising track which wound its way towards the Derwent valley, with views of the Dark Peak edges ahead. It was very pleasant indeed and led eventually to the flat disused railway at Shatton. I remembered this from the full tour, and a relaxed rhythm makes for quick progress up towards the Ladybower reservoir. From here, the route kinks up through the forest to gain open moor below Win Hill. Down through Aston to Hope and then the long but steady climb up to the top of Lose Hill. This was wonderful. I felt pretty good, the views are excellent, and it wasn't raining for a change (although it stayed dull). A fast descent down to Castleton, surely one of England's nicest villages, before another long but fairly gentle climb all the way up Cave Dale. I remembered this well from the full tour and was glad to be climbing not descending, as the limestone is very polished and was very wet: a racing descent would have been awful. I had been keeping pace with Mark from Wardlow, and his local knowledge and company was a great help for the lengthy descent through the quarries from the crossroads back to Bradwell.

Blackstone Edge

Race: Blackstone Edge fell race

Time/Position: 38.05 (47th from 190)

Refreshingly normal, in the sense that 200+ runners gathered at the start in the tiny hamlet of Lydgate and ran this short, intense event as a normal race. No waves, no distancing. After last night's track race, and a little leg loosener around Manchester this morning, it was nice to finally be in warm sunshine as M and I drove all the way round the edge of Manchester to the race, on the edge of the Pennines above Littleborough. I came here in May last year, just after English lockdown lifted: it always feels like alien territory, but I like racing here with fond memories of things like the Haworth Hobble and Heptonstall fell race (both not far away over the Yorkshire border). It is always hard, though, and this was no exception - a comfortable initial path leads to a horrible descent through the 'bog of eternal stench' before a killer climb up to the trig point at the top of Blackstone Edge. Gritstone boulders are never easy to negotiate, which slowed progress along the top, before deep tussocks further slowed the continuation descent. Then it was back up through the bog before finally being able to open things out on the paths back to Lydgate.

Trafford 3000

Race: Trafford 3k

Time/Position: 10.13 (2nd V50)

This was a little disappointing. After my conservative effort last month, I felt I was in shape to go under 10 minutes again. But it was not to be. I was in the slowest heat again, and was perhaps a little too cautious again in terms of the pace. A young lad and I were reasonably well matched and this helped keep things ticking over - again I upped the pace considerably for the last couple of laps (2.55/km pace) but couldn't duck under 10 let alone get close to my PB.

Clwyd Gate-St Asaph

I've never been able to work St Asaph into my 'compass point' runs from home, largely due to the busyness of the roads. But this was a shorter route that has been in the back of my mind for a while. I started high up at the Clwyd Gate in warm sunshine (for a change, although it didn't seem likely to last). I headed north along the OD path, over Fenlli, Famau, Dywyll, Arthur up to Pen y Cloddiau. From here, it is downhill all the way to Bodfari. I had plans to continue to Rhuallt, but didn't feel all that great, a bit tired throughout. So, after a gel, I took the road towards Trefnant. Not particularly pleasant, so I tried to take the riverside path on the east of the Clwyd. Two problems: first, only one bridge as far as I'm aware (and that was destroyed in floods). Second, the path was overgrown. So, reluctantly, I headed back to the road and took the straight tarmac through to Trefnant, then St Asaph for lunch: 28k in a rather slow 2.40 with just under 3000ft of ascent.

Llangollen gallop

Race: Gallop in the Gloaming (5m/250m)

Time/Position: 38.19 (5th from 27 [1st V50])

I arrived with mere minutes to spare to this little bonus event. It was an informal race put on by some Llangollen runners but it took a delightful route, completely different to the very familiar Dinas Bran race route (which I first did almost 20 years ago) from the school. Instead, this heads along the canal - a very fast start - for over a mile towards the Chain Bridge (I was still a little stiff after a full day's climbing at Tremadog, combined with the long drive!). We crossed the Dee then headed up Velvet Hill, traversing in from south to north - lovely views as the skies began to darken ominously. The route then veered back to the east, across the road and then the gentle climb through the woods above Valle Crucis. We started in five different groups for Covid reasons, so it was hard to get a handle on position, but I began to claw places back and ran with Andy from Buckley for most of this section. The race ends down the road from Eglwyseg, steep and fast back to the school in what became another torrential downpour.

Tremadog

Crag: Craig Bwlch y Moch

Routes: Tro (HS 4a:sec), Llafur (E1 5b:sec), Boo Boo (VD:led p.1,2), Rienetta Variation (VS 4a:led), Merlin Direct (HVS 5a:sec)

Back to old haunts, the first visit to Tremadog for a while. Again, the weather dictated a change of plan this morning and we took a familiar detour in search of dryness. It worked a treat, and the day was far better than I expected after waking up to constant rain (it has been a terrible, wet May so far after a wonderfully dry April). I am still very rusty indeed, so we kicked off at the right-hand end of Tremadog with Tro, which I have done at least twice before - a nice climb which Vic led, completely dry, which has a few crucial pocketed holds allowing steep terrain towards the top to be negotiated comfortably. We then upped the grade dramatically, taking advantage of rope above to do Llafur, a technical E1. This was not wise in terms of using my (currently very limited) arm strength, but was a fine pitch that would have been a shame to miss, and I've never done it before. Crisp moves up a corner lead to a lunge for a jug, then lovely slabby climbing on small positive holds to an overhanging groove. This is strenuous but has decent holds and leads out rightwards to good rough rock and a gently sustained finish. Far too steep for me at present, but I did manage it clean. I then dropped the grade dramatically for Boo Boo, the easiest route on the crag. Even I have never stooped this low before at Tremadog, but it has now come to this. A steep groove leads to a climb through a tree (literally) before sloping shelves lead left. The sun came out for the delightful top slab, which is a little vegetated but very simple and gently angled. After lunch, much better was to come, however, as I led the Rienetta variant first pitch up to the Merlin crack in more glorious sunshine. Again, this is easy (and I've done it before) but it was still refreshing and wonderful to be back climbing properly. It's a decent length too, 30m or more, with a couple of tricky moves up the initial rib, then slabby shelves up to the giant flake belay. Then came Vic's lead of Merlin Direct. I've done Merlin at least twice, and both routes share the initial steep layback crack. But whereas the normal route slinks off to the right, the Direct moves up, then left on to the beautiful headwall. This gives spectacular climbing on perfect little holds and is quite glorious. When it came to my turn, I romped up the crack, then strenuous moves up the top section to gain some technical little shuffles left onto the headwall. This is spectacularly positioned and reasonable until just below the top. The last two moves were hard for me with failing strength - indeed I had to change position awkwardly for one move as my left forearm was pumped. Not too surprising in the circumstances. Time flies in these circumstances, but I was horrified to discover it was not far off 5pm at the car: I had to be in Llangollen for 7pm, and I had to do this via a complicated route in what became another torrential downpour!

Eilio-Maesgwm

Peaks: Moel Eilio, Foel Gron, Foel Goch

Area: Eilio, Eryri

I had more ambitious plans for this morning, but the weather dictated a dramatic downscaling, with thunder forecast and angry clouds wreathing the Pass. So I set off from Padarn, through Llanberis and up the little lanes to gain the main track to Bwlch y Groes. My memory of the Eilio race (which I did in terrible weather around this time of year in 2014) is that it takes a direct line to the top. The main track heads west to the bwlch, though, and is longer but gentler. It gives great running, and a bit of sun came out as I turned left for the main climb up Eilio from the north. I felt a little sluggish for this, but it is steep in places especially towards the summit itself (37m from Llanberis). It was misty, but a few clearances made for spectacular views across to Elidir as storm clouds gathered then dispersed. The usual superb romp along the ridge, over the lesser tops of Foel Gron and Foel Goch - a grassy romp throughout, always exhilarating with all the great views (Cloggy etc) in front. At the Maesgwm col, I took the track down (now manicured) avoiding the sting in the tail up Cynghorion. This makes for a more pleasing circuit, I think, particularly if you stay on the track all the way to close up the loop at Ffordd Cleggir. Back to Padarn via Pete's Eats. After lunch, fierce hail and thunderstorms as I searched for hawfinches at Caerhun.

Aintree 10k

Race: Aintree 10k

Time/Position: 36.26 (20th from 396 [1st V50])

The biggest race I've done since the pre-Covid days, this was a great solution to all the current issues. Last time I raced at Aintree was the British XC champs in 2019, so this was a little more relaxed. Some quick runners in my wave, however, which was a continuous flow of runners discharged into 5k laps round the racecourse. It was all a bit confusing, with slower half marathon runners and faster 10k runners all on the course. That said, it worked well given the numbers. My tactic was just to lock into 3.40 per km pace for a benchmark to build on this year. I held a very consistent pace although there was a bit of a headwind at times, and am currently ranked 15th V50 in the UK (probably a reflection of the lack of races!). If I could take half a minute off this soon, I'd be fairly happy, albeit still well down on my PB.

Liberty Hall circuit

Liberty Hall sounds like it should be in New York, but it's actually a ruined hunting lodge in a very remote spot high on the Berwyn. I've been meaning to try a loop over to Liberty Hall for a while, and this was an excellent little outing. I have a few circuits from Corwen that work well, so this adds to the list. From town, a steep but excellent path leads to Pen y Pigyn, a great viewpoint over Corwen and the Dee valley. Above, more conifer forest eventually gives way to open moorland, skylarks and sunshine. Less than 30 minutes from Corwen, I reached Liberty Hall, a complete ruin along the lines of Gwylfa Hiraethog, and a kind of Berwyn summit in its own right. The sun was out after some very showery weather and the views west were superb. A great descent led back to the trees on the south side, then down to the familiar North Berwyn Way, which I've done a few times in both directions. A fast descent to Cynwyd, then along the banks of the Dee in beautiful weather. Finished up Gypsy Lane and Ffordd Ty Cerrig for a 10m+ circuit, 90 minutes.