Wobbler

Race: Robbie Webster's Wobbler

Time/Position: 43.58 (13th from 100 [1st V50])

A tropical deluge made this more memorable than expected, strangely echoing the last time I did the race a few years ago, when heavy summer rain rendered the start a bit of a quagmire. This time I was handicapped by snapped elastic on an old pair of shorts, meaning I had to hold them up like a soiled nappy. This was really annoying, to the point that I couldn't really open up (although it is an unusably stupid excuse). I felt fairly good, and wasn't too far down on previous times for the race, despite the wet nappy. Some good competition, although I was beaten by faster finishers before the finale on Beacon Hill above Frodsham.

Deganwy Dash

Race: Deganwy Dash (5m)

Time/Position: 28.58 (5th from 255 [1st V50])

A hint of rain and a southerly breeze this evening, my first time at this nice race. It is similar to the Conwy parkrun, although it heads south from Deganwy prom along the estuary using the gravel bike paths, uneven in places. As such, despite its flatness it is never going to be the fastest course, and the twisty bridge adds to this. I really enjoyed the race, felt fairly good, and found myself pushing the pace with a couple of others until pulling away a little on the return leg (it heads to the RSPB reserve, then returns). A short bike ride back to Hod and the Albion.

Tattenhall Tough Team

Race: Tattenhall Tough Team

Time/Position: 1.03.56 (4th from 222 [2nd Team/1st Vet Team])

This has long been one of my favourite events, sadly missed over the last couple of years. The team element makes it great, and a nice complement to the castles relays last Sunday. I've found myself in various combos over the years, and this year our trio was me, Jez and Richard Shearer - a combined aged of 155, so very comfortably competing in the vet category! On the long road haul out to Burwardsley, we kept a good steady pace going, letting our younger Buckley rivals streak ahead, along with some other quick teams. It seemed to me that we were comfortably first vets, so we just knocked the pace back a bit for the draining tarmac up to the Pheasant. The off-road section follows, with the sharp climb up to the Sandstone Trail before great running down the sandy paths to the start of the Railway, very possibly the most notorious local climb of all, much harder than the dreaded gully on my Hotfoot race. Looking up, I could only see one team ahead: that seemed odd, but at this stage I wasn't sure where we were in the field. The 'railway' is a misnomer: it is actually an incline that gets ludicrously steep at the top, where the grim reaper helps runners up the final step. Rich slipped back a bit, but recovered remarkably for the next section which leads to the fields back down to Burwardsley. These were far more overgrown than normal, but we stayed in our trio, which is what the race is all about (and doesn't often happen). Once we hit the road, we pulled away and it became apparent we were in second place overall. Our Buckley rivals had taken a wrong turn, as had Vale Royal. Rich and I were matched step for step, and the road run-in was brilliant as a result. Jez slipped behind a little, but we finished in a comfortable second place overall (first veterans), a couple of minutes down on my best time for the course (with Dave and Chris in 2017, although I once broke the hour on the old course). A great evening, and very warm rather than dangerously hot - which was what the forecast was warning.

Llithrig-Helgi

Peaks: Pen Llithrig y Wrach, Pen yr Helgi Du

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

A beautiful evening building, but this was perforce a short outing from Capel Curig - after a short 3k burst from Pensarn by way of inadequate speedwork in the morning. I took the standard path on the right after a short run up the A5. This traverses the hillside before heading up, fairly gradually, towards Cowlyd. It tends to be a bit boggy in places, and was today. Towards the Cowlyd outflow, Llithrig rises and the climb becomes steep and hard. I reached the top in 47 minutes from the A5, not too bad, and was rewarded by superb views as the sun came out in earnest. Particularly good down to Cowlyd and Cwm Eigiau, and up into the jaws of Ogwen, one of the best views of the valley. Linking Llithrig and Helgi Du is always enjoyable, and I kept a decent pace going to make the link in 16 minutes or so. From the summit of Helgi Du, superb views to Craig yr Ysfa and Llewellyn but not long to enjoy them. I descended down Y Braich, the long, broad, grassy and eminently runnable ridge that heads from the summit of Helgi Du in a beeline to Ogwen. Years, perhaps decades, since I last did this: it takes 12-13 minutes to the path junction just above the farms. A rather unfortunate finish down the A5 back to Capel, but I was pushed for time (1.50 for the outing).

Welsh Castles Relay (Builth-Drovers)

Race: Builth-Drover's Arms (Welsh Castles Relay, Stage 14)

Time/Position: 1.15.09 (22nd from 55)

This must be the hardest leg of the 20 stage Castles Relay. I did stage 11 from Newtown to Llanbadarn a few years ago, which climbs continuously for most of its length but is not as tough. What makes this stage so hard is the fact that it involves an undulating 10k first, with some short but sharp hills, and only then does it embark on a 5k+ climb straight up Mynydd Eppynt. This was my worst finishing position in the three legs I have done in the relays, by some distance, but I'm not too disheartened as it really did seem a particularly strong field, with lots of the bigger clubs putting their stronger runners out for it (unlike me for Buckley!). The other thing is that the positions were settled relatively early on, and despite what felt like a very slow climb indeed up to Eppynt (I really struggled on it in places) I didn't actually lose places overall. Through Builth, a large group pulled away almost immediately, and then it was a case of keeping a decent pace ticking over through Cilmeri (site of Llewellyn's ambush and death) until the sharp turn to the south at Garth, then over the Irfon, after which the prospects are bleakly obvious. The road on to Eppynt begins to climb immediately, but stays relatively gentle as it kinks left across the hillside. Then comes the crux, straight up the steep road above the Duhonw valley, at a similar draining gradient throughout before it kicks left with one big hairpin just below the summit. My teammates gave some welcome support at this point, a nice boost! After this, a fast downhill section with the iconic Drovers Arms now visible in the distance, but not reached until a final mile long climb. I felt much better for this, however. After a drink, I now had the not-so-simple task of returning to collect my car in Builth. Cross country routes are made difficult by the fact that it is mostly a military range, and the supposed trails seemed barely used (to be fair, they are quite new). So I took the bridleway east near Fron to join the tiny road leading through the Irfon valley back to Builth, often close to the river. I took it very gently, and it was all very pleasant: well over 30k in total. Buckley finished in an excellent 15th place overall.

Deeside ORGP

Race: Deeside Off-Road Grand Prix 4m (Race 1)

Time/Position: 24.52 (5th from 74 [1st V50])

Many years since I last did these races - I think I completed the series in 2013, but have never been back. The event now takes a really good four mile giant lap, along the Dee to the tortuous loop of the meadows near Shotton, then back to the banks of the Dee for a long haul towards Queensferry bridge and back along the flood defences. Flat as a pancake, which was fortunate after last night's effort, which I still felt in my legs.

Up the Beast fell race

Race: Up the Beast (7.5k/480m)

Time/Position: 42.22 (7th from 88 [1st V50])

Probably the race I've done most often, 12 or 13 times, almost every one since its launch. Another personal worst, but given the many route changes over the years that is not too concerning, and I wasn't too disastrously far off my previous times for the event. It is always a tricky one to pace, as the temptation is to go hard for the first lumpy section through the woods. That is exactly what I did, and paid for it on the first steep climb, up the 'Beast' itself. You do get to recover a bit through the crags, however, and actually I don't think I was too far off my normal pace for this, or the next airless climb. The grass was longer than normal, which is tiring in itself, and I found myself fairly isolated in 6th place. The time was really lost in the last section through the woods, where I struggled (worse than normal) and slowed considerably. Some other runners missed a few of the arrows leading to a certain amount of confusion at the finish, although I did win my category.

Arrochar Alps

Peaks: The Cobbler (Central and North), Beinn Narnain

Area: Arrochar Alps, Scotland

The Cobbler is one of Scotland's most recognisable peaks. Its profile always puts me in mind of the Watzmann in Bavaria. We did the full traverse of that famous icon of the eastern Alps in poor weather in 2017, an indelible memory. By contrast, the Cobbler is tiny and inconsequential, but it does have similar legends attached and a remarkably similar profile! I left the camp in Glen Etive fairly early, the intention being to break the journey home at the Arrochar Alps, which I'd never visited before - another one of those southern Highland gaps this mini-break was intended to fill. The weather was stunning, banks of fog through Rannoch Moor breaking to crystal clear cloudless sunshine: an amazing day in prospect. I parked by the shores of Loch Long near Succoth and began to lengthy zigzags through the woods which lead up to the Allt a'Bhalachain, which babbles down the valley. To the right, Beinn Narnain, and ahead the classic three-peak profile of the Cobbler. I reached the Narnain boulders in 40 minutes or so, then took the steep and scrambly path straight up below the North peak to gain the main ridge. Then it was straight up to the central and highest summit, which is topped by a large pinnacle. The tricky nature of the scramble up this means it is arguably the hardest summit in mainland Britain to reach. I imagine it gets busy too, but I was so early I did it immediately. It involves crawling through a hole in the rock, 'threading the needle', to gain a fairly exposed ledge on the far side. Then it is just one, perhaps two, actual scrambling moves to climb up to the summit. All good fun, after which I had a snack on the grassy slopes nearby, before jogging over the easier North summit, which is gained via shallow rocky slabs. Superb views, with Arran and the Paps of Jura clearly visible, and Ben Lomond impressive. Steps lead down to the Bealach a'Mhaim, from where I continued the day to take in Beinn Narnain, again a far more interesting peak than I had anticipated. Steps and paths led fairly quickly to the broad summit of Narnain, and more excellent views across the southern Highlands. I descended off the eastern ridge, not expecting much but finding a remarkably long and continually interesting descent. It goes initially over the craggy spearhead buttress, then weaves down through various rocky outcrops to a more level, grassy section. All the while, superbly clear views in glorious sunshine. Steps then lead to a boggy and rocky direct final descent straight back to the lochside car park, then the drive home.

Etive peaks

Peaks: Ben Starav, Stob Coire Dhearg, Glas Bheinn Mhor, Meall na Tri Tighearean, Stob Coir'an Albannaich

Area: Glen Etive, Scotland

Three wonderfully contrasting mountains. Although it had been fun filling in the obvious southern Highland gaps, I also felt the need for a proper Highland dose, as the year is not complete without it. If I'd had more time, I would have headed up to the north-west again, but felt that - given the constraints - the bottom end of Glen Etive would offer what I was seeking. Ben Starav was an obvious gap that I'd missed in the past, a superb mountain that looks every inch of its height as it rises from what is, after all, a sea loch. I found it difficult to park after a longish drive from Strathyre, despite the fact that the bottom of Glen Etive is actually a pretty remote place. I have been down the glen a long time ago, the late 80s probably, but not all the way down. It is now a rather busy place, but all that is left behind after the river is crossed at Coiletir and the NE ridge of Starav begun (after a very boggy low-level trudge westwards). The ridge is relentless, 1000m of virtually continuous ascent. I quite enjoyed it, though, and was glad I hadn't pushed the boat out too far yesterday. The views just get better and better and the cloud began to break too. Indeed, the view across the valley to pyramidal Glas Bheinn Mhor and the plateau-like Albannaich was really striking. In addition, the entire length of Glen Etive up to the 'Buachailles' is also a very famous view. Towards the top, a rocky ridge gives a little basic scrambling, reminiscent of the Gribin. The panorama from the summit is superb: a particularly brilliant view of Ben Cruachan (which I did in 2003) and down the loch to the coast. A fabulous array of peaks inland to Ben Nevis and beyond. Rum visible, bringing back memories of my wonderful day there last July. Fluffy clouds and bright sunshine, absolutely wonderful, and the mouth-watering prospect of the ridge to Glas Bheinn Mhor, with most of the really hard work done after dispatching the NE ridge. Starav is a giant tent-like peak, and an easy trot leads to the other 'summit', before a great, quite narrow ridge leads to the subpeak of Stob Coire Dhearg. This was superb in the sunshine, and followed by a steep descent above a craggy cwm to the pronounced Bealach Ghianheamaich. The continuation of the ridge is much more grassy, but also quite steep: first up to the top of Meall na Tri Tighearean, then rather tiringly to the summit of Glas Bheinn Mhor, another fine but contrasting peak - classically pyramidal and grassy, a perfect counterpoint to Ben Starav. The descent is rockier, down to the very obvious bealach below Stob Coire Albannaich. It had clouded over, and rain was threatening, but after a very welcome drink from the stream and a snack, I ploughed up the steep initial climb to gain the large gently sloping plateau which leads, rather confusingly, to a final broad ridge and the summit of Albannaich. This is another contrast, a long hill with a fabulous view over the Blackmount peaks. A gigantic black cloud swept in from the east as I was climbing - it was obvious I was going to get wet, so I tried to outrun it, pelting down towards Beinn Chaorach. The route was very indistinct, and the rain caught me quite quickly despite the speed of my descent on perfect springy turf. I should have continued over Chaorach but instead dropped down the extremely steep slopes leading to the Robber's Waterfall. This was wet, tussocky and as steep as it looked from above (and below). Eventually I gained the bottom of the valley and the rain passed, drying me out after a real drenching. Sunshine for the return to the car, after which I camped in an idyllic spot further up Glen Etive. An excellent river bath, mackerel and rice, and a tiny dram made for a delightful evening with views up to Creise and beyond.

Ben Lawers/Tarmachan Ridge

Peaks: Meall Corranaich, Ben Lawers, Beinn Ghlas, Meall nan Tarmachan, Meall Garbh

Area: Lawers/Tarmachan, Scotland

My intention was to do the entire Lawers range from the north, but sadly the road across the top was closed so I had to change my plans: no matter, this was still a delightful day. The Lawers range is a little like Ben Lomond for me, something I have ignored for years fearing big crowds and boring slogs. So I was pleasantly surprised by the entire area, after driving up from my hotel in Strathyre through Killin. The lower slopes have been managed and sealed off from the deer, so the vegetation has regenerated, leaving wonderful birch woodland full of redpoll and cuckoo. I really enjoyed it, and set off under blue skies through the birch to gain the open hill at a crossroads. I followed the gentle straight path up to the obvious Bealach, opting to do Meall Corranaich first. This was a good choice, with wonderful views over Ben Lawers and An Stuc, as well as the empty country north, from the col. A steep climb gained the summit of Corranaich (63m from the car) which I had to myself (despite dozens heading up Ben Lawers on this, the first day of the Jubilee long weekend). Great views in all directions. A quick jog down, then the superbly enjoyable contouring path below Beinn Ghlas to the obvious col. I felt quite good, and ploughed up the final steep climb to the summit in good time. The day had clouded over a bit, but the views in all directions were predictably superb - the ridge down to An Stuc with Lochan an Cat below looked superb and I regretted not being able to see through my original plan. But a different plan was forming, so after a rest and snack on the summit I pelted across to Bheinn Ghlas in 22 minutes, then down to the car from the summit of Ghlas in 38m. It started to rain just before I got there, and then pelted down for half an hour. After it stopped, I got the stove on, had some rice, tuna and coffee, and initiated the second part of the day, an impromptu change of plan. On the other side of the road rises the Tarmachan ridge: this is very eye-catching from Killin, a lumpy and attractive miniature range. Quite how lumpy and attractive, however, I hadn't realised. It was a delight. I was conscious of not burning all my matches at this stage in the trip, so dropped the pace right down to a walk up to the munro of Meall nan Tarmachan. The path leaves the scented birch woodland and then gains a broad ridge over a pronounced subpeak before a steep shelf twists round to the summit: great views back across this morning's peaks and down to Loch Tay. From here, prospects are wonderful: the knobbly ridge stretched out in front like a miniature mountain range, dotted with little lochans and crags. Meall Garbh attracts the attention with its sharp peak, and I sauntered along the ridge through the lochans before taking in the steep little climb to the tiny summit. Much as I loved this ridge, I was conscious of saving a bit of energy, so escaped down the obvious western ridge: this was also excellent, with Loch Tay stretched out in front and the sun re-emerging. A long walk down the track back to the car, then a desperate refuel on a revolting burger and chips in Killin.

Ben Lomond

Peaks: Ben Lomond

Area: Trossachs, Scotland

In 33 years of Highland visits, I've always avoided this famous and popular peak, the most southerly munro. This is partly because of that popularity (I prefer my hills empty) but also because it is actually quite tricky to reach from the south: not really 'on the way' anywhere. It worked perfectly this afternoon, however. I drove up in the morning and was drinking coffee in Dumbarton not much more than four hours later. A windy drive south around Loch Lomond (the contrast between the loch's north and south side is always fascinating, this southern end is reminiscent of southern England, pastoral farmland). I'd never driven up the eastern shore before, and set off up the standard tourist path from Rowardennan at mid-afternoon. High cloud and warm temperatures, with the day improving and hints of sunshine. The path, very well travelled, curves round fairly gently up to an obvious steeper rise towards a vague plateau. A short level section and then a final climb curving round to the summit ridge: 1.13 at a steady, fairly relaxed pace, I didn't want to spend too much energy for obvious reasons. The view from Lomond is superb, genuinely panoramic as a result of its location right on the edge of the Highlands. Gentle flatlands to the south, then a vast panorama up to Cruachan, Lui and Ben Nevis. The Arrochar hills are particularly impressive from this angle, and I intended to take some of them in on Friday. I descended the more direct route over the subpeak known as Ptarmigan: this was a pleasant surprise, enjoyable and interesting, twisting over little lumps and hummocks with superb views down to Loch Lomond and across to the Cobbler's distinctive profile. Lower down, grassy slopes lead to boggier sections and a long haul back to the lakeside and car. It might have been better to do this the other way round, but it was still a lovely start to the trip. An easy drive to a fish supper in Callander, looking out at Ben Ledi from the little lake in town.