Club 5k handicap

It's been a while since I last did a handicap event, but I do remember doing this course a few years ago. It leaves the bottom Famau car park by the track climb towards Cilcain, a hard effort in itself, before a very fast descent curves round to the base of the main track. After this, I had forgotten how long the next climb is - and it now has an awkward rolling surface of fairly large stones. I started with Jez and Gerard, and finished between them in mid-pack, which is where I almost always finish in handicaps! 9th from 21 in 20.33, the 4th fastest time. Not too bad given the 180m elevation and awkward surface.

Princes parkrun

'Race': Princes parkrun

Time/Position: 18.38 (4th from 358)

I seem to be unconsciously ticking off the parkruns within a 30 mile radius of home, and this was a particularly enjoyable example, combined with some social visiting and a little tour of the 'Welsh streets'. That came first, on the warm-up through the little terraces on the edge of Toxteth. Then came the parkrun, Dave L's local, a very pleasant two and a half lap circuit of Princes Park (Sefton Park's smaller relation) in blustery conditions. It was the standard post-50 performance and I was first in the age-graded race, whatever that means. I've done far more parkruns this year than ever before - I was only ever an occasional parkrunner in the past as I always felt they interfered with proper races, but as I ease off for the 'fallow year' they will make an excellent replacement.

Round the Walls

Race: Round the Walls (4m)

Time/Position: 24.03 (14th from 556)

The third consecutive Walls race for which I have been recovering from illness. In 2021 I was recovering from Covid, in 2022 glandular fever, and this year a short but unpleasant vomiting bug which struck after Friday's long run. To my surprise, however, I had a good outing - and felt fresh and perky throughout. Perfect conditions for a change, albeit a bit wet on the Roodee, and it was the same course as last year - the most satisfying of the many variants I have raced on my 13 or 14 appearances at this race, one of the oldest in the area. I pulled away from Jez on the racecourse and then upped the pace, perhaps to an unwise extent, for the riverside path to the Grosvenor Bridge. Then it is up on the walls at Lower Bridge Street. I had a great circuit, and as ever I really enjoyed the exciting racing along the walls, taking a couple more places and keeping a decent pace ticking over to the finish back on the Roodee. I was beaten by a mystery V50 but finished ahead of all V40s and V45s. Kate and Morgan had excellent races too, M finishing comfortably in the top quarter despite a distinct lack of training. 

Llandygai-Eirias Park

The traditional pre-Christmas long outing, our decision today was made for us because 50mph+ westerlies were raking north Wales and rendering the mountains out of bounds. A linear run seemed advisable, along the lines of our North Llyn epic of 2020. I parked in Llandygai just outside Bangor and Jez and I set off along the North Wales Path, following which was our basic plan for the day. It is quite poorly marked, but we found our way under the A55 then alongside the Ogwen, fairly raging after much rain. The path weaves up towards Bethesda through some unfamiliar terrain but with a very familiar backdrop of the high Carneddau, shrouded in mist. After a long but intermittent climb it finally heads eastwards along the minor Aber-Tal y Bont road before branching off for superb running along the tracks that encircle the northern edge of the Carneddau. These contour high above the Menai Strait and always give exhilarating running, but particularly so today with the tailwind. The route then kinks south towards Aber Falls, hard with a headwind. Again, I had done this section before and it is brilliant, delivering us to the foot of the falls. Back down the tourist route then up along the Foel Fras climb towards Bwlch y Ddaefaen. I began to tire a bit for the next section which was much harder than I had anticipated. It descends to the deep valley of Nant y Coed above Llanfairfechan, then climbs up to the Druid's Circle in pretty grim weather, before taking a slightly circuitous route to the top of Sychnant. I was really tiring, partly because I hadn't felt great since Wednesday night, partly because the NWP took longer than anticipated. Whatever, I took the road back to our planned break in Hod, and Jez joined me five minutes later - 20 miles down, but well timed for a bite to eat. After this, fresh socks and road shoes represented rebirth, and we initiated 'plan b', a direct route back to the second car at Eirias Park (where Jez had parked this morning). I felt much better through Junction and then up Pabo Lane to Mochdre, despite its rather painful little gradients. Then an easier finale through the mean streets of Colwyn Bay to Eirias Park. Almost 44k/1500m elevation, rather surprisingly. An excellent and memorable outing to add to the pre-Christmas tradition which goes back many years now.

Widnes parkrun

'Race': Widnes parkrun

Time/Position: 18.02 (4th from 256)

The scenic delights of Widnes ('the dirtiest, ugliest and most depressing town in England' according to an 1888 source) lured me to Victoria Park, venue for what I had been told was a fast, flat parkrun. It was indeed but sadly I felt a little lethargic this morning. Still, it was nice to see Dave L and I did quite enjoy the three-lap circuit of the park, which goes past a duckpond and has plenty of space for overtaking. I would say Bala is a tad quicker, for me anyway, but this is still potentially a very fast parkrun and a nice little outing from home.

Skiddaw

Peaks: Little Man, Skiddaw

Area: Skiddaw, Lake District

As with Langstrath, it's been decades since I was last on Skiddaw. I do remember being a little uneasy about whether I had actually been to the true summit or not that day in the 1990s, as the clag was very thick (and it has to be said that it's not the most exciting mountain). Today, going via Little Man, I realised that I had almost certainly only climbed the forepeak of Little Man that day so had actually never properly done Skiddaw (although the memory is naturally hazy). After another nice evening and breakfast with Vic in the Borrowdale Hostel, I set off for the car park at Latrigg above Keswick and Applethwaite. The weather seemed to be clearing a little after a wet night, although there was a lot of hill fog around. I adopted a jogging approach, intent on a fairly quick trip to the summit before driving home. The huge path is pretty steep initially, and after one spectacular clearance to the east when the sun broke through the mist, I re-entered the clag which remained set in. After the initial steepness, it all eases as it continues upwards. I took the left-hand branch towards Little Man, where I realised this was very likely where I had actually got to all those years ago. I realised this because, in the mist, it seems a very distinctive peak. In reality, there's a fairly long descent before a long section of treacherous sheet ice/neve in the col between the two peaks. The final haul to Skiddaw proper takes some time and I reached the trig in 56m from the car. I descended direct down the quickest possible line, superb running, in 27 minutes. About 1.23 in total.

Esk Pike maxed

Peaks: Esk Pike

Area: Borrowdale, Lake District

As with Great End this time last year, Esk Pike is a lesser known peak surrounded by more famous and distinguished mountains. And as with Great End, I couldn't remember doing it before. So, again as with Great End, I decided to make it the target of a longish loop to maximise its value. I wanted to go from the door of the hostel (my favourite in the Lakes) so did so after a nice breakfast with Vic. I jogged to Stonethwaite and then embarked on the track to Langstrath. This, rather like its name suggests, feels a little Scottish and is not typical of the Lakes. It kinks markedly to the west quite quickly and opens out to a broad valley with views of Esk Pike and Bowfell at the head. I had only been up it once before, with Tim in the late 90s, when we came to do Cam Crag Ridge, a well known scramble. That was an option today, but the weather was shaping up nicely so I wanted to go further. A mid-layer of mist was giving some spectacular views and it was cold and crisp, infinitely better than yesterday. Langstrath is gentle but long, and it narrows towards the top when the path becomes surprisingly vague (most people head up Stake Pass before the upper section). I was heading for Angle Tarn but unfortunately entered the mist at this point - it was so thick that viz was dramatically reduced and I had to be quite careful to find my way to the lake. In fact I virtually walked into it before I properly saw it, such was the denseness of the mist. The main path from Mickleden represents a huge contrast, engineered and very popular (although not today!). As I climbed above the tarn, the mist began to peel away with stunning views of Bowfell as it poked through into a blue sky. A little higher I found the turn-off for Ore Gap (I was here just after lockdown for my solo Langdale Horseshoe) and ploughed up this, some verglas at the top. It clouded over as I turned right for the rocky summit of Esk Pike but the summit still gave great views to Scafell Pike, the Langdale Pikes and Skiddaw, as well as Morecambe Bay in the distance. A nice little terrace gives a comfortable descent to Esk Hause. From here, I perhaps should have extended the day but I didn't want to overexert myself and was moving quickly. Great Gable made a superb backdrop to the rest of the descent, which is very comfortable and fast. It is also familiar down to Styhead Tarn, another major crossing point and familiar from several classic long fell races that I have done. From the tarn, I got down to Stockley Bridge and Seathwaite in around 25 minutes, then continued along the road to Seatoller and back to the hostel. Over 21k but less than 900m elevation - in 3.10. A delightful amble around Rosthwaite and the Derwent followed, more convinced than ever that this is the best time to visit the Lakes, mid-week in mid-winter.

Haweswater loop

The hinterland west of Shap is where the Yorkshire Dales meets the Lakes, or that's how it seems to me as an outsider. I have been here before - once to climb on Gouther Crag, and twice for mountain marathons based around Wetsleddale. This was a perfect way to break the journey to Borrowdale today - the weather was abysmal, the high tops out, and it gave a brilliant little outing. I remember running down the far end of Haweswater in one of those mountain marathons, most likely the Rab in 2010. Today I parked in Burnbanks and took the full 10 mile circuit of the lake anticlockwise, remembering that the valley is the site of the drowned village of Mardale Green, the Cumbrian equivalent of Tryweryn. The western shores are traversed by a little rocky path, flooded in places today, and have a wonderful wild feel at the far end, accentuated today by the weather conditions which remained dreadful, torrential rain throughout. The path gets quite narrow, surprisingly so, as Mardale Head is approached, all completely empty. The lakeshore twists and turns up here, until it finally reaches the road head. From here, it is quiet and undulating tarmac all the way back. Almost 17k/337m in 1.41. Then a leisurely drive to Borrowdale via Penrith as dusk gathered.

Wrexham BL

Race: Wrexham 9.5k (Border League race 3)

Time/Position: 33.58 (56th from 334 [1st V50])

The last time this fixture was held was just days before the first Covid lockdown in March 2020: it was a weird occasion and I actually packed it in after one lap (partly because I had done Ras yr Aran the day before). It takes a different industrial loop to the old rural circuit a tad further east. But despite the familiarity of the unglamorous industrial estate, I quite enjoyed this and had a grand old battle with Jez for the category win. It was nip and tuck the whole way until I pulled out a small gap in the last mile. Pace was a little slow, but it was great that the race went ahead after a hard frost, fog, and lengthy cold snap. Currently leading the V50 category after three races, with Buckley comfortably in top team spot in the overall and veterans competitions.

Baschurch XC

Race: Boreatton/Baschurch 7.5k XC (NW League race 2)

Time/Position: 30.17 (54 from 177 [3rd V50])

Three consecutive Saturday cross-country races, in three different vests, allowing me to briefly indulge my Tour de France fantasies. In the red of Wales two weeks ago, the green of North Wales last week, and the blue of Buckley in the North Wales league today. As with the other two races, this was a pretty average (at best) performance, sluggish throughout. I still remember the last event at Baschurch, which was a classic mud bath complete with river crossing and wall jump. This was nearby in Boreatton, not quite as memorable but still a good course albeit a bit short. It had a few tough climbs and was (surprisingly) not all that muddy, so I wore fell shoes rather than spikes. I slipped on some of the soggier corners (around a little lake) but probably gained the time back on a short gravel track section. A lovely day, with far-reaching views over Shropshire from this big PGL centre in the grounds of an old stately home. I found the pace hard to handle again, and finished miles down the field after a particularly slow final lap of three.

Moel Gyw Blind Relay 80th

'Race': Moel Gyw 'Blind Relay' (4m/800ft)

Time/Position: 33.10

John Morris's 80th birthday, so he'd organised something suitably memorable to mark the occasion - a headtorch 'blind relay' from the Raven Inn to the top of Moel Gyw and back. Tokens were handed out randomly in the first field, meaning you didn't know who your partner was until the end. I think my partner was Tim Hargreaves and I think we may have been joint first or second, but none of this was entirely clear, which seemed appropriate! We did win a Hulson's pork pie and some cash, which we immediately gave back (the cash not the pie). The route took the usual KJC race route until the bwlch, after which it headed north to take an obscure 'path' through the heather to the top of Gyw: this is where we began to catch up with the tail end of the first group, leading to chaotic scenes on the 5 inch wide micropath. I thoroughly enjoyed the descent back to the pub, around 11 or 12 minutes from the summit direct via the turnip field. It always feels as though you are travelling ridiculously fast when racing by headtorch, an illusion of course. A very nice evening.

Welsh regional XC

Race: Welsh Inter-regional Cross-Country Champs 9.5k (Dolerw, Newtown)

Time/Position: 41.27 (89th from 180)

Another week, another championship cross-country fixture. This was a huge contrast with Glasgow for several reasons, although my performance was similarly 'adequate', nothing more. The last time I represented North Wales in the regionals was 2016 in Brecon, quite a gap. Compared to the internationals, the regionals are a lot less intense, but the (very large) field is still very strong and the conditions in Dolerw park on the banks of the Severn were appalling after a lot of rain. The course took one smallish loop with the usual frenetic argy bargy at the start, then three slower big laps around the edge of the park - and after several earlier races conditions had descended to 'quagmire' in numerous places, knee deep mud at times, ankle deep for much of the rest. This kind of thing is uniquely draining and a gradual slowing is inevitable. I lost some places on the last lap but never imploded fully, although never felt particularly strong either. So although it was almost the opposite of Glasgow in XC terms, it felt similar in terms of performance - mildly disappointing but not disastrous. I scored in 4th place in the green and orange vest for the 45-55 North Wales team, and we did enough to win the silver medal, which was a nice bonus.

Hart Fell

Peaks: Swarte Fell, Falcon Craig, Hart Fell (808m)

Area: Moffat Hills, Southern Uplands

My original plan had been to combine the cross-country champs with a few mountains in the Arrochar Alps. However, Kate agreed to join me for the long weekend so it seemed inefficient to head north this morning, despite perfect November weather - hard frost, crystal clear initially. Instead, we headed south from Govan and branched off at the time-honoured halt of Moffat. Despite numerous visits over the years, I'd never actually done Hart Fell. So Kate dropped me off at Capplegill (a four house hamlet) and after some deliberation I found the 'route', a tiny path up the very steep hillside adjacent to steep Hang Gill (all the names in these parts have much in common with northern England). A sustained and very steep climb led to an easing but then horrible tussocks and bog slowed progress again, all quite tiring after yesterday's race, at which I had obviously put in a big effort! Finally, at the plateau of Swarte Fell, everything improves dramatically. Superb views down to the deep Blackhope valley, very steep on this side (crags even). On the other side rises Saddle Yoke, with mist curling over its summit and that of White Coomb beyond. At the head of the valley Hart Fell looked quite distant and I wasn't sure if I would make it in the time I had (90 minutes!) while Kate went shopping in Moffat. I ran across the plateau, sticking to the edge where I could, then comes an easy climb over Falcon Craig (it is spelled like that). From here, Blackhope gives way to a shallower upper cwm (Cold Grain) below a broad col (the intriguingly named 'Hass o' the Red Roads'). From the col a final steep climb leads to the true Hart Fell 'summit', a vague highpoint clearly above the trig to the north. Hart Fell is a giant whaleback essentially, but I had nice views of the Lowther Hills and Solway Firth. The sun came out and the views improved further as I hobbled through the tussocks on untravelled and pathless terrain down Cold Grain (the upper cwm) to the top of Blackhope. This was all rather splendid, excellent scenery, surprisingly wild for these hills, even mildly dramatic in places with craggy hillsides and plummeting rivulets. It would have been nice to complete the Blackhope horseshoe (which looked excellent) but I didn't have time so made a beeline for the track that I had spied from above. On gaining this, good running led all the way back to Capplegill and I made up for lost time (although it still took 1.45 for the 12k/760m route so I was slightly late).

International XC Glasgow

Race: British+Irish Masters Cross-Country Championships, Tollcross Park (8k)

Time/Position: 30.23 (48th from 68)

My aim on turning 50 was always to be picked on merit for Wales (as opposed to 'substitute') and to give a decent performance in the international cross-country championships. That was completely stymied by Covid, which meant 2020 and 2021 were cancelled, and then I got glandular fever which put me out of contention for last year's race in Dublin. So this was my first opportunity, and I was pleased and honoured to be selected albeit at the effective end of my current age category before the 'fallow year'. I still have nightmares about the 35-50 race at Aintree four years ago, where I was moving at interval pace but looked behind me after 500m to see an empty field as I battled to stay in touch with the group. Belfast in 2012 was pretty tough too, and I was probably at my best then. This year I wanted to at least vaguely compete in the 'older race' and not get completely blown away. Inevitably, there's a temptation to go off too fast as the field is so competitive and so small - there really is no hiding place. It was a beautiful autumn day in Glasgow, cold and crystal clear, and the course was conducive to fast running despite two hills and around 300ft of climbing. Conditions underfoot were better than I'd expected too. This all meant that I ran the first 2k lap in 6.53, far too fast for me at present (3.24k pace) although trying to keep pace with Jez, who I was ahead of last week. I struggled through the second lap snd then knocked back the pace a tad, a bit of race management! The long drag on the third lap was probably the toughest part of the race, after which I perked up for a better last lap. I felt I should have been half a minute quicker than this and was totally eclipsed within the age category, but that said I was at least vaguely competing, as I'd intended, and I did score for the team. I haven't actually done a proper cross-country race for quite a while due to the reasons above - two more to come in the next 14 days.

Lowther Hills

Peaks: Lowther Hill, Green Lowther

Area: Lowther Hills, Dumfries and Galloway

An obscure microrange tucked away in the south-west between Galloway and the Southern Uplands proper. But despite its obscurity it wasn't my first visit - I came here for the 2007 OMM, a learning experience which went fairly well until Gary got a touch of hypothermia and we packed it in before day two began. Today, by contrast, the weather was delightful, cold, sunny and frosty as we drove up the Mennock Pass from our hotel in Dumfries (Caerlavarock yesterday, somewhere I've wanted to visit in November for decades). Kate was up for a hillwalk, and I was resting before tomorrow's high-pressure race in Glasgow, so an amble up the Southern Upland way was ideal. Misty at first as we set off from Wanlockhead, famously the highest village in Scotland, a somewhat counterintuitive fact, but a fact nonetheless. It's an atmospheric and very quiet lead mining village, and the path heads up between a weaving private road. That gives a clue to what awaits at the summit, a giant radar station. This was doubly weird today, as the mist didn't clear - so why saw a glint of light and then the giant golfball appeared in front of us through the mist! I was confident it would clear eventually, so we took in the side road (literally a tarmac road) to Green Lowther, which has additional masts and other unsightly hardware, before returning to the golf ball - and on the return it did finally clear, some spectacular effects as the mist peeled away and views opened out across to Galloway west and Tinto east, which is always recognisable (I jogged up it 4 or 5 years ago). A very pleasant ambling descent with Kate, although my hands were frozen, red raw.

Birkenhead BL

Race: Birkenhead Park 5.5 (Borders League race 1)

Time/Position: 32.30 (62nd from 480 [1st V50])

A record border league field, and by my reckoning one of the most competitive ever, up there with the post-Covid Capenhurst 5m race (when I ran 28.40 but finished 60th). I'm not too far off 100 appearances in the league now, so do have a fair amount of races to draw on by way of comparison! This was similar to that Capenhurst race, although more pedestrian from me, a slightly odd race where I felt unusually comfortable by recent standards (where I have often been hanging on for dear life) but didn't really feel able to push the pace for whatever reason. After the usual frantic start and quick first lap, the field settled down and Jez and I embarked on a miniature battle of our own. As usual in the league (and especially in this fixture) the tiniest slackening sees others fly past, and a slower third lap lost me a few places. I had opened up just enough of a gap to finish 1st V50, which is never easy in the league, although certain elite supervets were absent. Well down on my course PB, but it wasn't a personal worst either, and the course was very wet and slippery today. 

Dash in the Dark

Race: Dash in the Dark, Race 1 (6k+/200m)

Time/Position: 30.10 (6th from 97)

One of the nice things about these races from Llandegla is the constant course alterations, almost never the same route twice. I have been doing them for many years, although missed last season through illness. This route seemed meatier than that of two winters ago, with an initial descent (like old times) followed by a long climb to the northern edge of Llandegla. From the edge of the road, the route climbed back towards the lake where it took a confusingly circuitous route around the eastern edge before a long southern loop through the forest to finish back at the centre. All of the sections were familiar from previous events, but weren't necessarily taken in the same order! Ian H pelted off very rapidly to win overall so I just concentrated on keeping a reasonable pace ticking over with Sunday's border league fixture in mind.

Prestatyn parkrun

'Race': Prestatyn parkrun

Time/Position: 18.53 (1st from 132)

My V50 course record from May last year still stands, somewhat surprisingly. The Prestatyn coastal course has changed slightly since then, with less time in the dunes away from the prom, so I wondered if it would be quicker. I wasn't very fresh after a full Collie run last night, and the dunes section is now a bit more awkward I felt, with grassy sections and sand. It's only short though, so not much of an excuse. I caught the guy in first place at the point the route heads out towards Talacre for a new extension. Felt comfortable throughout, but also not really able to push the pace for whatever reason, finishing 6 seconds down on my own CR. Warmed down with a delightful 10k hilly jog up Moelfre Isaf then over Mynydd Bodochrwyn in the 'empty quarter' east of Llanfair TH.

HK-Ruthin

A shorter variant on my 'compass point' linear runs from home. Over the years, these have included HK-Denbigh, HK-Hilbre, HK-Llangollen and HK-Pheasant. Ruthin is much closer, only 25k by the quietest route which had to be on road today after a great deal of rain (which caused yesterday's cross-country to be cancelled). It does involve a fair amount of climbing though, initially up to Buckley to avoid the busy main road. From here, the familiar undulations and fast descent to Mold. Then comes the hard climb up to Gwernymynydd and Loggerheads before branching off for the crux climb through torrents of water up to Bwlch Penbarras. Lovely views today, and then comes the steep descent down the old road to Llanbedr and all the way down to the middle of Ruthin (just over two hours). Relaxation followed.

Chester parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun

Time/Position: 18.57 (3rd from 209)

I'd been looking forward to the cross-country in Colwyn Bay today, a selection race for the internationals in Glasgow next month. But torrential rain saw it cancelled, so the preparation was wasted. Can't be helped, though, so a slow plod around a muddy 'B+' course at Chester kicked off the weekend instead, combining nicely with our open day.

Ladybower 'half'

Race: Ladybower 25k trail

Time/Position: 1.59.46 (17th from 605 [1st V50])

I wouldn't normally do a commercial 'trail' race (I don't even like the americanism, generally speaking). But this was another rather nice prize, chosen after my category win at the Nantwich 10k earlier this year. Even better, I thoroughly enjoyed the outing and felt much better than I have done recently, in fact it ended up as perhaps this year's most enjoyable race. This was largely because it was such an excellent route, very well marked and organised, and perfect weather helped (very lucky again, as it rained all day on Friday). A big field set off at 9am (early pre-6am start from home) from Bamford along the old railway (which I remembered from the Half Tour of Bradwell a couple of years ago). Then a climb up to the dam wall at Ladybower, and a mixture of trails and paths led north along Derwent Lane as the lake becomes quieter and more remote. Eventually, it left this and headed steeply up the slabs by Grindle Clough. After a boggy traverse path a superb descent (dry, sandy and very fast) led to the road up to Hollow Meadows. From here, the route stayed high and scenic, heading up to Stanage End - the 'remotest' part of the famous crag and a place of special significance for me, as it was here that I did some of my first rock climbs in the late 1980s. No time for nostalgia, however, as the path across the top of Stanage followed (more memories, this time more recent ones of the Full Tour of Bradwell ultra in 2018). Running alongside gritstone edges is often tricky, with deep puddles and lots of tricky boulders blocking easy progress: especially today after Friday's deluge. At the end, though, a fast descent down Long Causeway and a rapid final section via Coggers Lane back to a circuitous finish in Bamford. I thought I was much higher up the field, perhaps 7th or 8th, so was rather surprised that so many runners were ahead of me. The runners behind were much closer than I thought too! Winning my category was a bonus though, especially on such a great race. It reminded me strongly of the Red Kite trail race in mid-Wales, on which I also had a good outing a couple of years ago - around the same distance, a similar combination of runnable but tough terrain.

Siabod from Dolwyddelan

Peaks: Moel Siabod

Area: Moelwynion, Eryri

The most obscure and tiring way up Siabod, by some margin. Even I had never been up from Dolwyddelan before. It starts well, on steep paths above a stream then firetracks through conifer forest to gain a small but distinct route curving westwards onto the open hill. Above, Siabod looms and the south-east ridge comes into view, a good target. The weather was superb: tendrils of mist in the valley from an early cloud inversion, melting away into a clear autumnal sky, great views over the Moelwyns and Machno hills. After a little gorge the path becomes indistinct and hard to follow, the terrain complex and lumpy. It doesn't last long, though, and I soon gained the SE ridge a little way up from its base. This always gives a nice, basic scramble and did so today: I had it to myself in glorious weather. I was tired though, after intervals on Tuesday and a Coed Talon social last night. From the empty summit, I took the long westerly descent all the way down to the col below Carnedd y Cribau, superb views of the Snowdon group. A horribly steep descent on tussocks led to lonely Lluniau Diwaunydd, one of Eryri's more obscure locales. Perfect clarity, but the price for the solitude is bog and very awkward progress along the shore to finally gain a long twisting track down to Blaenau Dolwyddelan, then a cross country bonus path avoiding the road and providing brilliant views of the castle. A little over 2 hours for the 16+k loop, definitely the hardest and quietest route up Siabod: I saw nobody.

Fferna loop

Peaks: Moel Fferna

Area: Berwyn

A tiring but enjoyable trot around the northern Berwyn. I've been intermittently exploring these obscure hills for years and this was yet another variant: you are almost guaranteed to have them to yourself. The initial road run from Corwen to Llidiart y Parc is a little tedious but fine, with a good pavement and views of the Dee and Old Railway to keep your mind off the A5. Then comes the long haul up Moel Fferna, probably the crux of the 55k Llangollen Round which I have done solo twice. It takes some time, through pheasant woods to gain the featureless open hill. Some mist on top of Moel Fferna, and I was really tiring for the run along the North Berwyn Way towards Cynwyd, made harder by the fact that the paths were largely under water! A descent through the woods gains a sharp right turn to the well-marked tracks the ultimately lead to Liberty Hall, the ruined hunting lodge which is really a minor top. I was really tiring now, so didn't enjoy the long descent back to Corwen as much as I should have done. I have only ever done this in ascent - it is a great route, taking in the viewpoint at Pen y Pigyn.

Ruthin parkrun

'Race': Ruthin parkrun

Time/Position: 18.33 (2nd from 96)

After a full, and fairly quick, Collie classic outing last night I felt compromised this morning. I had pondered going back to Bala but I was too tired to make it worthwhile so settled for a perfunctory plod around the Ruthin course instead. I ran 17.59 here in February but was nowhere near this today. Headed to Corwen after a Chatwin's breakfast bap.

Caernarfon 10k (BL 1)

Race: Caernarfon 10k (Border League race 1)

Time/Position: 36.44 (38th from 315 [2nd V50])

Having missed almost the whole season last year, it was great to be back. I was a little disappointed with the time, a few seconds slower than the North Wales champs on the same course in August: brand new shoes, more specific training and decent conditions should have seen me run faster. Still, I scored in 8th place for Buckley and was a fairly comfortable 2nd V50 in the usual competitive league field. I also felt more comfortable than I did in August, albeit still at my post-50 'ceiling'. Farndon last year remains the only exception to that ceiling. I always enjoy the course, and have done it many times, although far more often in the opposite anticlockwise direction. This is probably only the 3rd or 4th time I've gone clockwise - it is potentially faster and there was a bit of a tailwind along the Foryd, which can be enjoyed as long as you have held a little back on the early hills.

Arenig direct

Peaks: Arenig Fawr

Area: Arenig, Eryri

An unconventional parkrun warmdown, after a quick Bala breakfast. Above Llidiart, a short jog down towards the quarry, then up the zigzags through the quarries. Above, the crags of Pen Tyrau. I had vague memories of the wet gullies up here, but it must be 25-30 years since I came up this way. I opted for the central one with old fenceposts. This was aquatic, really quite unpleasant unless you're a frog, and becomes very steep at the top. Strangely satisfying though. At the top, I should have followed the fence line to Pen Tyrau top but instead cut the corner to the cairned top of the northern spur - nice views despite cloudy skies. It was cold for the easy crossing to the main summit, after which I jogged back to the car in around 37 minutes from summit to road.

Bala parkrun

'Race': Pont y Bala parkrun

Time/Position: 17.45 (1st from 81)

This is potentially a very fast course, and the weather was favourable this morning - cool with light winds (I'm guessing a strong westerly would whip across Llyn Tegid and adversely affect times!). As a result, I broke the V50 course record (and my parkrun pb, although both very narrowly) but was left feeling that, had I been fresher, I might have taken 15-20 seconds off this time. Tarmac the whole way, flat running alongside the Dee, although three tight turns probably take 10 seconds off. I was in front after around 1k and then extended that to well over a minute: 85.16% age-graded, very nice event.

Chester parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun

Time/Position: 18.47 (5th from 361)

A desultory trot by way of overcoming jet lag and beginning the process of regaining some speed. I did some running in Indonesia but it was limited for obvious reasons. Tired this morning, so I deliberately held back and plodded round a little slower than my average time for the parkrun I have done most often. Fifth overall but first age-graded.

Campuhan ridge

Only the vaguest of non-mountainous 'ridges' but a delightful runnable outing from my hotel in Ubud. Along the Monkey Forest road initially, then a detour until I found the bridge and temple that marks the start of the much-trodden path over the Campuhan ridge, not too many tourists initially. Above a little settlement, the scenery gets even better. Indeed the further I got north of the ridge, the better the scenery - beautiful rice fields, forests and temples, all the Balinese cliches but undeniably delightful. I jogged back to the settlement, where I had pisang goreng (fried bananas) in front of a superb view. Around 14k by the time I got back to the hotel for a refreshing dip.

Ijen

Peaks: Gunung Ijen, west top (2726m)

Area: Merapi, East Java, Indonesia

The 12.15am start was pretty brutal, particularly after a night on the train on Friday, but a £20 tour was the only realistic way for me to get up into the ring of volcanoes that forms the Merapi caldera in the Far East of Java. There are numerous reasons for the early start: cooler weather, a view of the sunrise, but mainly the chance of seeing the 'blue flame' at the bottom of the sulphur crater. I wasn't overly bothered about this but as it happened it was showing particularly well at present, a fact that also brought hundreds of extra Indonesian tourists up to the start point. This was highly atmospheric, and very cold as we gathered in the Alpine style hut for coffee at the start (after a steep drive up from Banyuwangi Kota train station, where I was staying at Nitha's homestay). At 2000m+, even in the tropics it is cold at 1.30am: luckily I had plenty of warm mountaineering clothes carried specifically for this. Hundreds of tourists made life difficult for the climb up to the lip of the crater, but to my pleasant surprise the pace was actually not unbearably slow. Above, a stunning display of stars in supremely clear air. As the steepness gave way to a traversing path, I resolved just to enjoy the novel experience of being with hundreds of other people on a volcano, little lights everywhere - almost like a very busy route in the Alps. At the lip of the crater, we started the surprisingly lengthy descent down to the acidic lake and sulphur crater - this was timed to perfection despite the crowds. From time to time, clouds of choking sulphur washed over: I didn't find this as disorientating as I had been led to believe, but it was still unpleasant. I had a gas mask, which helped a little. Despite the crowds, it was pretty memorable - and at the bottom the blue flame roared, in and out of view as the steam rose in giant plumes. It was far more impressive than I had expected, and apparently unusually impressive at present - one of only two places on Earth that the phenomenon occurs. It is ignited sulphur gas, that escapes through cracks at 600C. Molten sulphur is then mined by a group of workers, who carry huge sacks of it back down to sell, fewer (I suspect) than there used to be, as some now act as guides instead. After a while, the fumes get a bit intense so after good views of the flame I climbed back up out of the crater (500m+) and then slipped the leash after a bit of coughing, eyes still stinging. The highest peak was unfeasible so I scampered west up an obvious sandy ridge. This was brilliant, and led to a marked 2726m peak. Lower down, a spur led to sheer drops directly above the acid lake, turquoise in the pre-dawn light. It was all quite stunning, as was the view from the lip of the crater alongside the crowds as I rejoined the group. A simple descent back down to fried bananas in the hut, back to my homestay around 9am. Then it was straight into a taxi to Ketopang, then the Bali ferry to Gillimanuk. Then the bus to Mengwi on the edge of Denpasar, then a taxi to Ubud. 

Wigan 10k

Race: Wigan 10k

Time/Position: 36.50 (24th from 1629)

This was my rather nice prize for finishing 1st V50 at the Wigan half marathon in March: free entry. But whereas that was a very varied and hilly course, a grand tour of Wigan, this was flat, potentially fast, but rather boring as an out-and-back via the Latics football ground. I started off well, probably a bit too quick, and faded on the return from the ground. The minor false flat back to Mesnes Park finished me off. Big event, with lots of runners and a nice atmosphere at Mesnes Park.

Y Garn

Peaks: Y Garn

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

Another iconic Welsh peak for EE, whose personal tally is gradually catching up with M and K! After a wet morning, and a nice run through the lanes of Bryn Seiri, it was clearing as we set off for Idwal. Sharp showers seemed likely, however, and one hit as we embarked on the steep steps that start the East (Banana) ridge. I always used to descend this, but have taken recently to go the other way round. It is very steep, but short and sharp. E struggled a little, but generally found it easier than last time. She enjoyed the views from the summit, as cloud dropped then parted - quite atmospheric for the always-superb view over Ogwen. It was a bit cold so we trotted down to Llyn y Cwn for lunch before dropping below Twll Ddu back to Idwal.

Cilcain Mountain Race

Race: Cilcain Mountain Race

Time/Position: 39.16 (17th from 197)

Still the race I have done most often, and this was the 20th anniversary of my first running of it (also one of my first ever fell races, in 2003). I struggled again today, even though I was well rested. Slow on the climb, slow on the descent.

Llangollen parkrun

'Race': Llangollen parkrun

Time/Position: 18.09 (5th from 98)

A fairly new event, just a few weeks in, which is formally called the Old Railway Trail parkrun as it follows the defunct line. A very strong field, rather unexpectedly, which meant that the start was far faster than I had intended or anticipated - 3.20/km pace all the way out to Wenffrwd. As a result, I started to struggle for the twisty little climb at the far end, and slowed just a little for the double loop run-in. Not the most satisfying of courses, but nice enough (gravel, but quite fast) and it offers delightful warm-down options! I opted for a 6k+ loop around the tranquil lanes of Ty'n Ddwr circling the little hill back to town.

Eglwyseg Mountain

I have often heard of the 'Airman's Grave' on Ruabon Moor but have never specifically looked for it before. It's not easy to find, marooned between the urban fringe on the east and Eglwyseg west. In addition, it's visible from the air, not so much from the ground. I started from Llangollen, up the steep road south of Dinas Bran, to gain my favourite OD section which I followed below the crags all the way to World's End. I always love this, and have long considered it north east Wales's finest scenery. At World's End, I took the little path that cuts east through the little valley and emerges from woodland at the open moor. Continuing on the same line, I calculated it would bring me close to Airman's Grave, and this proved correct. It's right in the middle of the moor, quite featureless but an interesting spot. From here I jogged across the bog to Eglwyseg Mountain itself, marked by a small cairn, and then westwards to eventually pick up the Cylch route which I took above the escarpment all the way down to Panorama and then my car near the school.

Caernarfon 10k

Race: Caernarfon 10k (North Wales championship)

Time/Position: 36.36 (9th from 210 [1st V50])

Only the second time I have ever done this route clockwise (from memory), which gets the hills out of the way early and means you benefit from a tailwind back along the Foryd. I went off a little too hard given lack of specific training, which was a shame as it meant I couldn't push along the Foryd, which should have been relatively comfortable. In fact, towards the end I really blew badly, just managing to hold it together but losing 20-30 seconds (I was aiming for half a minute quicker than this). I did have the consolation of first V50 in the race overall and the championships, to go with the 5k champs in Llanrug.

Cefn Cyfarwydd

Peaks: Cefn Cyfarwydd

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

An obscure locale indeed, tucked away at the end of the Creigiau Gleision ridge and only really accessible via the brutally steep road that heads to Cowlyd reservoir from Trefriw. To call this minor is an understatement: I didn't even know it existed. It may be the steepest road climb in North Wales, up there with Bwlch y Groes, and it goes on for quite a while. I still felt tired after Saturday's race but time was very tight and I got to the highpoint of the road in 25 minutes from Trefriw before ploughing through tussocks to eventually pick up a good narrow path to the little cairn which marks the top of this obscure (and unusually named) little summit. It would have been nice to take in Creigiau Gleision but instead I descended via very obscure tracks and paths (some overgrown) back to the normal Crafnant road down to Trefriw.

Ras Foel Fras

Race: Foel Fras (12m+/1100m)

Time/Position: 2.07.41 (9th from 35 [2nd V50])

Another massive 'personal worst' but at least I enjoyed myself on a fell race today. I nearly won this race in 2012, leading over the top of the final peak, Moel Wnion, and have run sub-two hours several times on it. Not a chance of that today and I deliberately took it easy, conscious of recent distressing issues on fell races, as well as the sheer length of the initial climb up Drum. A new start this year, from the bridge, meaning that the climb starts immediately, up the horribly familiar steep tarmac towards Anafon. I took this very steady but then felt fairly good for the gentler eastwards climb along the Roman Road. The weather had been awful first thing with torrential rain and high winds, but it was clearly starting to improve as I turned up towards Drum. The wind made life a tad tricky but nowhere near as bad as had been forecast. I kept it very steady, continuing the cautious theme up to Foel Fras, where the headwind became more marked. I then ran to the top of Carnedd Gwenllian, unnecessarily as it happened - there was no checkpoint. This meant I was completely alone and although the cloud base was above the top it is always tricky to get the best line down. I went too far left in an effort to avoid the rocks, then curved round in broadly the right direction for Moel Wnion then picking up the ancient Llwybr yr Aryg. Two more runners appeared at this point, careering down a better line, and we all charged towards Gyrn at a decent pace. A boggy climb up Wnion, then a good direct decent in rapidly improving weather, now sunny. Almost 20 minutes down on my theoretical best time for the course, although I was never entirely convinced about the old race timings. And this was a shorter route too! My detour to the top of Gwenllian may have cost me a few minutes, and the descent perhaps a little more, but I was deliberately taking it steady to avoid blowing and really enjoyed the outing. 

Ogwen run/walk

Peaks: Y Foel Goch, Pen yr Ole Wen

Area: Glyderau/Carneddau, Eryri

An unusual double-header. EE had been enthused by her Lakes trip and wanted more mountain action, but I also had a long run planned. This offered the perfect compromise, starting opposite Glan Dena while Eve watched a comedy. I ran up the steps alongside Tryfan Bach to gain Cwm Tryfan. This gives a nice gentle climb until the steep headwall, always bringing back memories for me of the old 1000m peaks route. It's not much more than half an hour to Caseg Fraith, after which the route opens out to the familiar grassy whalebacks of this end of the Glyderau. Wet underfoot after all the rain but bright and breezy for the climb up Y Foel Goch with its superb views back to Tryfan. An excellent descent led to Bwlch Goleuni (I had intended to descend to Capel but was running out of time). A tussocky descent led to the old 'road' through Nant y Benglog then back to meet Eve via Gwern Gof Isaf. A quick drink and then we set off for the walking part of the day, up the familiar east ridge of Pen yr Ole Wen, a new mountain for EE and considerably more challenging than Helm Crag! She struggled a little on the long haul to Cwm Lloer but then perked up (as the sun came out) for the 'bad step' and upper ridge. We had a quick picnic on top, curtailed by flying ants, as mist dropped over the highest peaks. I then suggested descending direct to Ogwen Cottage - not the best decision perhaps, but she didn't complain. It isn't a great descent (or ascent) but it is very direct and does give nice views. Probably only the 3rd or 4th time I have ever descended direct to the Cottage. This might explain why I took some bad lines, and we were both thirsty (a very humid day) but eventually we got to the road where I ran back to Glan Dena for the car.

Grasmere hills

Peaks: Helm Crag, Gibson Knott

Area: Grasmere, Lake District

A delightful outing, coming as it did after a morning tour of Beatrix Potter's 'Hill Top'. EE surprised me by saying she wanted to stay on and do some walking rather than just driving home, so we headed back to Grasmere and parked on the Keswick road. Helm Crag is just the perfect miniature hillwalk, and I'd never done it before despite many visits to Grasmere (I recall bivvying in the playground in the late 1980s!). From the little lane, a nice hotel is reached before steep steps gain a contouring path round to the broad summit ridge. This is a delightful place with wonderful views over Grasmere, Fairfield and Helvellyn. The weather was now wonderful, warm and sunny with a gentle breeze. The top is a mild scramble, but further on is the 'howitzer', the true summit with a harder (very short) scramble up the learning pinnacle. EE had lots of surplus energy so we decided to extend the day along the ridge towards Gibson Knott, another lumpy summit, all knolls and hidden dips. We then cut down pathless terrain to Green Burn, none of this was any problem for Eve despite marshy terrain and bracken. We gained the valley path eventually, which led delightfully back to little lanes which meant we didn't even need to walk down the main road.

Great Rigg circuitously

Peaks: Stone Arthur, Great Rigg, Heron Pike

Area: Fairfield, Lake District

EE had agreed to accompany me on a Lakes micro-break, staying initially at the Langdale YHA (actually almost on the slopes of Loughrigg Fell, and possibly the only hostel in the Lakes I haven't previously visited). After a lovely day pottering around Grasmere yesterday, I woke early and jogged down Loughrigg Terrace with its superb view of Grasmere and Helvellyn. From here, I ran along the lakeside then road north through Town End to the Swan. This is where the path up Stone Arthur begins, a well-trodden and well-constructed route which gains height quickly. It's about a mile and 400m elevation to the 'summit' (actually just a distinctively rocky spur) and took 25 minutes. From here I took the broad ridge NE to the much higher Great Rigg, which I have done several times before as it is on the Fairfield Horseshoe. Light mist flirted with the summit, but ahead the enticing prospect of the ridge to Nab Scar. I have done this several times and it is great, even better contouring the subpeak and then cutting back down to Alcock Tarn, which is what I did today, making it up as I went along. Little paths led down to beautiful Bracken Fell above Grasmere, from where I eventually rejoined my outward route. This involved an extra homeward climb back up to Loughrigg Terrace and the hostel, just over 2 hours after leaving. EE was still asleep! After breakfast in Ambleside, we strolled around Tarn Hows.

Pie and Peas

Race: Pie and Peas MT 5m (Moulton)

Time/Position: 30.21 (20th from 375 [2nd V50])

I last did this famous Cheshire race way back in 2006 and could remember virtually nothing about it. I think it rained though, and heavy rain marked the start this evening too as the unstable summer weather continues. The course has changed a bit over the years I believe, but essentially it remains a multi-terrain five mile blast along paths, gravel tracks and minor roads. It attracts a strong field, and I set off pretty fast from the playing fields in Moulton through the village to a path, muddy in places, which ends at a very fast descent towards the Weaver Park and then the Weaver Way itself along the river. This is nice, and I felt pretty good - conscious of the climb back up through Vale Royal River Park to Niddries Lane (the fast descent already taken). Kept it going reasonably well to the double lap of the playing field to finish, and actually really enjoyed the outing. Just squeezed into the top 20, and was fairly pleased with the time given the off-road nature of the course and the wet conditions, but missed the category win by well over a minute. The pie and peas are now served cold in a bag: I remember them steaming hot in the village hall. Still nice after reheating though!

Rhes y Cae 10k

Race: Rhes y Cae MT 10k

Time/Position: 38.31 (1st from 60)

A very rare overall win - only my 4th ever, excluding parkruns. Admittedly, this was a fairly informal affair, attached to a village show, but at my age I'll happily take it. More importantly, it was a great route, really varied and enjoyable. A young lad went off fast and I followed, down a long bridleway (Ffordd y Graig) which becomes a small road south of Lixwm. Some climbs led to Ysceifiog, then the run for home, north of Lixwm to pick up Ffordd y Bwlch back to the showground. Around 600ft of climbing, so it's never going to be a fast course, with perhaps a quarter of the route off-road down bridleways and paths. I led from around the first kilometre and was fairly pleased with my time in the circumstances - always quite memorable to cross the line first, despite the informality of the race! It worked well as a rural outing for Frances, particularly as we then did a circular route up Moel y Parc from Bodfari in weather reminiscent of April - bright and very breezy.

Yr Wyddfa

Peaks: Yr Wyddfa

Area: Snowdon, Eryri

After the race shortening last month, I came back for a rare outing on my least favourite route up Snowdon. The weather was grim, yet again (an awful spell of summer weather), but not as bad as it had been on race day. Cloudbase: just above Llanberis, although it did slowly lift. Sadly, I found that I was still suffering on the hills - I just seem unable to keep any kind of pace ticking over on longer hills. As a result, I basically walked to halfway house, then tried to up the pace for Allt Moses. This went well to the tunnel at Clogwyn, but then I slowed dramatically for the rest of the route to the summit. Weather was poor throughout, very wet initially. I tried to match old times back down to halfway house (and failed) and then walked back to Llanberis. How I ran 1.21 on the race in 2011 is completely beyond me.

Wirral Seaside 5k

Race: Wirral Seaside 5k (Leasowe)

Time/Position: 17.53 (13th from 225 [2nd V50])

Dreadful weather this evening - constant rain, crosswinds and lying water. I decided against the Ponderosa, as I have done that many times, instead opting for this - another long-established race (actually a summer series) that I have never done, despite often doing the September Wirral series. It gave a splendid outing, out to Leasowe lighthouse and then eastwards along the seafront towards New Brighton. After a pleasant warm-up with Dave, I was pleased to feel pretty good for the easterly romp along the seafront towards Harrison's Drive (one of the more familiar September races). The race often benefits from a strong westerly, which sadly was not present today - instead a crosswind, not particularly helpful, from the south/south-east. Some water on the route, and lots of sand, and this slowed times a bit. Still raining heavily at the finish, but a nice chat with Dave as we took the long jog back to the car in Leasowe.

Chester parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun

Time/Position: 18.35 (4th from 167)

A perfunctory run round the B course in the rain before the bluedot festival, hopefully the start of a block of speed training in advance of some road races. I think I prefer the B course, particularly with a smaller field (as it was today) because the overtaking is a bit easier.

Green grass fell race

Race: Green green grass of home, Llangynhafal (5.3m/480m)

Time/position: 49m

Another dreadful struggle, on a course I ran in 43 minutes the last time I did it in 2015 (after running to the start from Cilcain). I do wonder whether the route is slightly different, though, or the bracken far higher, as I'm not convinced this was 6-7 minutes slower! That said, I did feel Snowdon in my legs - I had predictably developed a dreadful case of the Doms after Saturday's descent. I could barely remember the course, which starts at the familiar place above Llangynhafal, but I went reasonably well up the track until it gave way to bracken. Then comes the very fast descent down the Clwydian hills route, before the wheels came off on the long climb back up to join OD on the ridge. I couldn't remember this at all - and found it hard, very overgrown and a real battle. I revived a little for the ridge and the Tir Gofal traverse, before slowing again over Moel Dywyll and the bracken descent back to the start.

Ras Yr Wyddfa

Race: Ras yr Wyddfa/International Snowdon race (shortened)

Time/Position: 54.34 (118 from 468 [4th V50])

I 'retired' from this event after running a few seconds under 1.22 in 2011. I was fairly certain that I would never be able to better that, and I still think it remains one of my better mountain running performances. In the event, I never got to put the theory to the test today after 'emerging from retirement', as the nasty conditions meant the race was shortened to the start of the climb to Clogwyn, about 1km beyond halfway house. This all meant that the pace was more frantic than it might have been, especially the descent. I climbed well initially, but only to the top of the steep tarmac out of Llanberis. After that, I reverted to recent type, struggling to hold any kind of decent pace. I reached halfway house in 28.15 from the start, then slowed for the windy and very wet final trudge to the turnaround (35m). The descent went much better though - still very wet with high winds swirling around unpredictably, but a pretty quick 13.07 from halfway house to Victoria Terrace in Llanberis, a little more of course for the whole descent which gets very fast indeed in some places, particularly the steep tarmac but also higher up where it was so enjoyable that it almost made up for the shortening. There is a price to be paid for this sort of thing: muscle damage lasting several days!

Mala Paklenica

This is the wilder side of Paklenica, vastly quieter than the main gorge we visited for climbing in 2019. I knew this, but was still guilty of mildly underestimating it. It runs parallel to the main canyon and is both smaller and tighter: rock climbing is banned. It begins innocuously enough, with a well-marked path along the base - very hot initially. It then begins to weave around and becomes quite technical in places. One large chockstone/drop has to be overcome by a scramble up the right wall, and another up the left. It was all surprisingly involved and time-consuming. Some traverses above the base of the gorge ease progress before a steep climb up scree and woodland on the left. After this, however, much more boulder hopping eventually leads to a watersource in a cave. Just when you think it is over, it draws you back to the base for the trickiest sections, some big boulders and awkward rises. At least it was all in the shade! It has a very remote, wild feel, and I adopted a highly cautious approach for obvious reasons. I saw nobody at all, for the entire outing, and above the gorge you are committed (but the going gets far easier). An easy dry stream bed leads eventually to a junction with the even wilder Orljaca. Instead, I took the side path northwest with views opening out to Sveto Bordo and the high peaks (which I had half wanted to do today - they would have taken hours though). Eventually, after a big climb zigzagging through the woods I reached a major, reassuring path junction at Skilijin Docic, a broad col/plateau. I headed southwest towards Rimenic, skirting just below the minor peak of Kuk od Dubrave. The going was far easier now, although still rocky. I disturbed an unidentified animal at one point. The route continued, through remote feeling terrain, staying fairly high on the plateau with nice open views contrasting with the canyon. After Riminic, it heads steeply down to Jukici, a long haul, after which a short road jog leads back to the park entrance. Around 2.5 hours, 15k/1500m (although again my altimeter may be a little out). 

Vidakov Kuk

Peaks: Vidakov Kuk (845m)

Area: Paklenica, Croatia

I did the eastern end of this ridge in abysmal conditions last time I was in Paklenica, April 2019, getting up Zoljin Kuk but never being entirely clear where I was. This could hardly have been a bigger contrast and made a perfect outing for Morgan to join me on. This is partly because of the minor road that climbs from Starigrad and allows for a civilised start, after a hefty burek breakfast. Yesterday I ran up little Veliki Vitrenik, which we could see from our balcony, and we all did the Mirila loop - both of which also use this same minor road. We parked way up at Zupanov Dolac and started up the path in hot weather, taking a short cut direct towards the peak. At a path junction, views open out into the main gorge, nice for M to see. The path hugs the craggy ridge of Vidakov Kuk, going well to the east before cutting back sharply up the ascent gully, which gives an easy ascent of an otherwise craggy and unassailable summit. Some iron steps overcome a chockstone, then good scrambling up the final gully up to a short ridge with some mild exposure. The small summit was superbly positioned with great views over Bojin Kuk and the Adriatic, giving us a new perspective on where we'd been. We descended the gully then looped round butterfly-festooned meadows (avoiding the short cut) back to the car - straight down for lunch and a swim.

Dinara (Sinjal)

Peaks: Dinara (1831m)

Area: Dinaric Alps, Croatia

My lengthy detour to Knin was centred around the grand massif of Dinara, which includes the Croatian highpoint but also represents a scenic contrast with the Velebit as it sprawls along the Bosnian border. Rather than the distinctive rocky landscape of Velebit, Dinara's character is more subtle - broad ridges and broken limestone faces. After breakfast at Slatki Snovi, a short drive led through Kijevo to the roadhead at Glavas, close to the Bosnian border. From here, the summit is invisible and I knew I was in for a long haul of 8-9k over a fearsome vertical interval. The old fortress at Glavas is gained quite quickly, a spectacular location which once controlled this border route, then a pleasant open valley which was a tad cooler after a very humid start. The unpromisingly named peak of Slime, on the border, was draped in cloud, which was a bit worrying, as were towering clouds over Kalun to the south. In the event, though, there was nothing to worry about and it remained a far better day than yesterday - which was lucky, Above the valley, a spring, and then a traverse through rough limestone to high pastures (some ruined enclosures) and then a shallow ridge of limestone. This is a steep and tiring climb and leads to the crags of Osjak, which lend the mountain a dramatic rocky west face which I could see from the balcony in Knin. The route then levels off through a series of green, grassy hollows, one of which contains the Grubac hut, a superbly equipped open bothy which it would have been nice to have stayed in. From here, the rest of the route was excellent - really enjoyable. I could see Knin far below, the crags of Osjak lent some definition to the broad ridge that bent round to the distant summit. It was reminiscent of the Carneddau, and in places the ridge narrowed and became very well defined, easy going on limestone. Cloud was drifting in and out, adding some atmosphere. I past a couple, the first people I had seen, but remained mindful of the distance and relative remoteness, solo, all day. The climbing keeps coming though, and a forepeak finally gives access to the true summit - marked by a tiny 'pillbox'. Superb views, although intermittent cloud interfered to an extent. The range stretches out across the Bosnian side, wild and remote. The crags lead down to Knin. All delightfully open and airy. I should have gone down a different way, but instead I retraced steps - still enjoyable, although close to 17k and well over 1600m of climbing (close to 1900m according to the Garmin, which can't be correct). I stopped at the hut for a break (it had a well but actually I'd carried enough, along with the spring in the valley). Back in Glavas, I had a bite to eat then headed back to Knin for some relaxation before the family's arrival tomorrow morning.

Zir

Peaks: Zir west top (770m)

Area: Lovinac, Croatia

I was woken in Krasno by an unexpected sound: rain. A front came in during the night and the weather was clearly unsettled despite the perfect cloudless clarity of the past two days. Very lucky indeed, as today was a transition/rest day, with my next stop well to the south in Knin. From the motorway, I spotted the conspicuous isolated limestone spire of Zir and thought it might be an ideal short little layover, a rest day outing. It didn't quite work out like that, as it is surprisingly hard to access, but I had to exit the motorway for Knin anyway, and saw signs for Zir, so followed them. The road became gravel, so I opted to jog towards it instead - this was tiring after the last three days so the pace was slow. It was fairly flat though, through farmland, and eventually I reached the path which twists in an annoyingly indirect way to the ridge. Another problem now presented itself: a thunderstorm was brewing. This was over Paklenica to the west but I am very cautious when it comes to lightning in the hills, always leaving a big safety margin, and Zir is a highly conspicuous spire rising from the plains. I passed a cave entrance through the woods and the route then gains a ridge of limestone. At the top of the west summit I called it a day, tired and with thunder rumbling around. I retraced my steps for a longer than intended outing (nearly 12k), then had lunch in the scruffy, historically Serb town of Gracac. The onward journey to Knin was marked by torrential rain which stopped when I arrived, so I was able to visit the beautiful Krcic waterfall in comfort.

Premuziceva staza/Mali Rajinac

Peaks: Gromovaca (1676m), Crikvena (1641m), Mali Rajinac (1699m)

Area: Northern Velebit, Croatia 

A wonderful and memorable day, hugely varied and satisfying, combining a famed through hike with three very different peaks including the northern Velebit's highpoint. The day dawned clear as crystal again and I set off into a perfect morning, anticipating a bit of a treat along the Premuziceva staza. This is a famous path cut into the otherwise awkward and unforgiving karst terrain. It beings innocently enough, with woodland tracks east of Veliki Zavizan, but then it kicks up into a wonderland of copses, peaks and sculpted limestone. In this weather, in the early morning, it was almost implausibly beautiful, and I had it all to myself. This section to Crikvena is known as the best bit of what is actually a multi-day trek down to Paklenica. I had no real plans beyond the vague desire to do a long loop beyond Crikvena. Initially I just delighted in the unfolding scenery as the path twisted and turned through little karst valleys and over short rises. At the top of one, a side path leads up Gromovaca via a delightful short scramble, taking slabby limestone through dwarf woodland to a more open summit. Views of pristine woodland stretching right down to the sea, and the sun glinting off the Lika hills much further south. From here, the route gets even more stunning, past a miniature side valley to the stunningly situated Rossiya hut - just a bothy really. I looked for water in the well, as I was already running low, but the only two residents said they had too much (5 litres) and gave me a bottle. As well as being very generous this was a staggering stroke of luck, as I had already realised I'd have to curtail the day from Crikvena due to not packing enough water for the weather (the heat and humidity was building, and there's no water at all in these sorts of karst landscapes, obviously enough). So I now had options. The first task was to bag Crikvena at the end of the best section of the Premuziceva (he was the engineer who built the path). This came after a descent into woodland then a sharp rise up a gangway in space up to a tiny col. From here, a surprisingly steep and rather exposed scramble takes clean and open slabs up to gentler stepped walls to the summit of Crikvena: at least British grade two but with one or two bits of ironmongery to ease progress. I then had a dilemma. I considered a longer loop to the east but in the end decided to retrace steps to the Rossiya hut then try to find the path that cuts eastwards towards Mali Rajinac, which I really wanted to do before leaving the area. I hadn't seen it on the way out, but located it easily on the return. It gave a giant extension, losing a vast amount of height initially as the path descends endlessly into the valley to the east - sunken almost out of sight of the Premuziceva, almost troublingly deep. I had to check my position a couple of times in the thick soundless woodland - nobody around, bracket fungus and other flora to inspect. At last, it bottomed out and I joined a more defined path leading up to the big track of Skrbina draga which links Lubenovac with Zavizan. From this, I suspected I could get up Rajinac and this proved to be the case - although not without a significant climb after all the height I'd lost crossing eastwards. The character of the day had changed utterly. Gone was the exquisite beauty of the karst, but it had been replaced by lovely woodland and alpine meadows. The initial climb through woods gains a big open meadow festooned with hundreds of butterflies. After a snack, a long and tiring additional climb through more steep woodland eventually gains a broad ridge to Mali Rajinac - tedious and tiring at the top. Great views across unbroken woodland and a remote, wild feel, enhanced by the fact that I had still seen nobody since the Premuziceva (and even then only 3 or 4 people). I retraced with care back to the meadow, then headed as directly as I could back to Zavizan through more dappled beech woodland. Some of my clothing was gone when I got back to the hut, but that couldn't spoil a great day. I jogged the 5k down from Zavizan back to Babic Sica where I had started 30 hours before. I had eaten nothing but an austere diet of bread and sausages, so headed straight to the local cafe when I got back to Krasno for Velebit beer, chips, salad and cevapi.

Northern Velebit

Peaks: Velika Kosa (1622m), Balinovac (1602m), Veliki Zavizan (1676m), Vucjak (1645m)

Area: Northern Velebit, Croatia

This part of the Velebit is utterly beguiling, stunningly beautiful. I had wanted to visit since visiting Paklenica further south in the same range in unpleasant weather in spring 2019. After a 3.30am start from home, I drove up the Zagreb motorway from Zadar and turned off for Krasno, fortunately having the presence of mind to pick up a giant loaf of fresh bread and some repulsive sausages from a tiny village shop. I originally planned to walk in from Krasno to the Zavizan hut but a conversation in the national park office persuaded me otherwise, so I drove to the park entrance at Babic Sica. A beautiful walk through beech woodland was the perfect aperitif, after which a high meadow gave stunning views over the Adriatic, glistening deep blue far below. Above another meadow, the Zavizan refuge - which doubles as a weather station. The warden's English was more limited than my Serbo-Croat (10-15 words), but I had reserved and got a slot in an upper bedroom with two Danish chefs. After dumping some gear, I formulated a plan as it was only early afternoon and the hut didn't serve food (only drinks). I opted for the obvious little circuit of peaks close to the hut, just perfect for the time I had available, and mindful of last night's race, the early start, and a likely 'big day' tomorrow. The first hill, Velika Kosa (or just Kosa - 'hair'), is just a few minutes from the hut up an easy slope - but immediately views open out down to the Adriatic and the island of Rab. The rest was just mesmerising - a delightful saunter down limestone steps and slabs to an open meadow, then a very broad couloir of superb textured limestone that gave surprisingly good scrambling, really enjoyable, weaving up shelves towards an open gully, then a steep little groove to the top of Balinovac. Quite sporty but again continuing the dreamlike theme. This summit has even better views as it is closer to the sea, seemingly poised directly above it. Little Goli Otok and massive Krk were also visible as shimmering islands in the Adriatic. Across a deep green valley, Veliki Zavizan loomed. The terrain was easier down to it, then through the botanical gardens full of rare localised flora to the steep ascent which goes through beech woods then turns seaward for the final climb to the top, the highest of the day. I retraced my steps then headed in a beeline for the hut to the northeast as the sun began to drop. It was never unduly hot, just delightfully warm, and the clarity and searing quality of light was stunning throughout. This continued all evening - I had a local beer, ice cold, with my rather austere evening meal of bread and sausage. Then I sauntered up to the top of Vucjak, the peak directly above the hut, for an even more staggering view. The sun was now setting over the Adriatic, I was tired after the early start, but the tranquility and view westwards was right up there, perhaps close to my all time top 10, and that is up against some extremely stiff competition after 53 years of action! A group of American teens spoiled the stay in the Zavizan slightly, but I did get a free bowl of pasta from their Croat guide which was very welcome. I retired early for an interrupted night's sleep - a lilac and pink sunset over Rab from the window as I dosed, a small herd of ponies with bells grazing the meadow.

Wobbler

Race: Robbie Webster's Wobbler (Frodsham Hills)

Time/Position: 43.33 (13th from 106)

At last, a pleasing 'fell race' performance, even if this is hardly typical of the breed - more like an extended cross-country course with its multiple intense short climbs and fast descents. Possibly the 5th time I've done it, and this is more or less equal with my best for the new course. Last year was characterised by torrential rain (and snapped elastic on my shorts) but this year conditions were perfect - dry and not too humid. I deliberately held off for the first section, which loops back to the monument via a steep climb, and then concentrated on trying to catch Neil who was well ahead at this point. After the very familiar haul down Jacobs Ladder and alongside the golf course, I did catch him and we stayed together for the grassy climb back up to Joe's Walk. This was all pretty full on, and I was close to my current limit, but never went beyond it and caught a couple more fast starters here too. I was really pleased to be able to keep the pace ticking over and to be close (or matching) previous times rather than recording another 'personal worst'.

Moel y Gamelin

Race: Moel y Gamelin (16k/860m)

Time/Position: 1.32 (5th from 43)

Yet another big 'personal worst' for the course, a race I have done many times. I'm not too discouraged, however, as this is always a race of thirds, and it was only the 'third third' that destroyed me (after a 5000 metre elevation week). I felt I went fairly well over the Moel y Faen-Gamelin-Moel y Gaer-Morfydd ridge (exactly 30 minutes from the Ponderosa to the far end of Moel Morfydd), then kept a decent pace ticking over for the long, and very dry, cross-country section out towards Carrog. In fact I began to catch the 4th-placed runner here, and did catch him eventually on this fast, flat section - but it proved to be only a very brief flirtation with 4th place. At the road, as the route climbs back through the bracken, I hit the wall (a not-infrequent occurrence at this point in the race!). The rest was a desperate struggle, haemorrhaging time all the way back over Gamelin and along the ridge to the finish.

Monte Brancastello

Peaks: Monte Brancastello (2385m), Pizzo San Gabriele (2214m)

Area: Gran Sasso, Italy

After something of an enforced rest day yesterday, marooned in Casale St Nicola (where we did a 7k trot into the untrodden woodland to the west directly below the main face of Corno Grande in very hot weather), we checked out and headed up to Campo Imperatore, well over an hour away but only a few miles as the crow flies. It is an extraordinary landscape, famously reminiscent of Tibet or Mongolia, an undulating treeless plateau, devoid of water. Extraordinary display of wild flowers, prime time of year. We parked below the top and headed up to Vado di Corno, a tiny col of vivid white limestone. In theory we could have got here from Casale but it would have taken four hours rather than 20 minutes! That's the nature of the range. From here, a superb 5km ridge unfolds towards Brancastello, a mouth-watering prospect. In fact, the whole outing, although short, was hugely enjoyable. Initially, a narrow path goes just below the crest before moving onto it around Rigo Rosso. From here, the climb kicks up and Brancastello looks very like a Ross-shire Munro. It is never particularly arduous however, and I was up in around 90 minutes with Steve just behind. A big snowfield fringed the summit of bright white rock. The weather was much hazier now, lacking the clarity of Tuesday, but the views along the rest of the ridge to Monte Prena were excellent and it would have been nice to have continued (but the location of the car prevented that!). In front, Corno Grande and the Portella ridge, with the Abruzzi hut visible. We took in the side peak of Pizzo San Gabriele on the return, and at the end of the spur looked directly down to our hotel in Casale St Nicola almost 2000m below, with the motorway snaking down to Pescara. I trotted back to Vado di Corno, light jogging at times, supremely enjoyable. After an espresso at Campo Imperatore we drove two hours straight down to the baking 35c heat and manic driving of Roman suburbia.

Intemesoli/Cefalone double

Peaks: Monte Portella (2385m), Pizzo d'Intermesoli (2635m), Pizzo Cefalone (2533m)

Area: Gran Sasso, Italy

The obvious objective today, and indeed of the whole trip, was Corno Grande. However, the amount of snow, and its softening condition, was giving me doubts. This morning, a word with the hut warden confirmed it. There was a huge amount of snow on the northern slopes, he said, and the alternative direct route ended in snow-covered gullies. We had axes but I only had kahtoolas (Steve had crampons), so a 'plan b' was required. Over breakfast, I formulated it: up both peaks that we could see from the refuge, with Intermesoli particularly notable (especially with the sun setting behind it), a gigantic pyramidal peak such as a child might draw. An obvious high ridge linked the two. Further, the main route up was south-facing, although snowfields still seemed a potential issue. The morning light was sensational as we took on the Portella ridge which is gained immediately from the high perch of the superbly positioned refuge. This was hugely enjoyable, minimal effort, stunning views, narrow and well-defined. A descent led to the Portella itself, an obvious col and crossing point. After this, a branching route led NW towards the next col, the Sella della Cefalone, located between our two objectives. As soon as we dropped north, big snowfields covered the route - I put on the spikes but the gradient was shallow. All supremely enjoyable, below the east wall of Cefalone, working our way round and up to the col. Another much steeper snowfield barred access, but I worked out an alternative up a rocky spur, quite steep. From the Sella, Intemesoli looked superb, and a lovely ridge led across to the next broad col, the Sella del Grilli, another major crossroads. From here, the route up Pizzo d'Intermesoli looks fearsomely steep, with three separate rockbands. It looked disturbingly like a giant version of Iceland's Baula which I flailed up this time last year. In reality though, the route was reasonable, picking its way up the steep terrain neatly. It was relentless though, and in fact the only relief was provided by the three rock bands which provided more solid mild scrambling up linked shelves. After 30 minutes of effort, I reached the madonna on the summit to stupendous views across to Corno Grande, where big snowfields (and a shear line at half height) justified our decision not to attempt it. It was very hot by now, although a breeze kept it from becoming desperate. I spent longer on top than I normally would, waiting for Steve to arrive. Monte Corvo looked good to the west, and more importantly the ridge to Cefalone looked entirely feasible. We descended surprisingly comfortably to lunch at our sacs (and a little group of curious chamois). Then it was back along the ridge to Sella dellla Cefalone and the start of the north ridge up to the summit. This turned out to be superb, and actually a tad more challenging than it looked. It was initially simple, but a snowfield required a detour up gravelly slabs. Regaining the route at an intriguing double gully, I headed down one, round a spur, then up another! A series of little walls, great scrambling, led to an easing then the summit. All very satisfying and another splendid peak, this time poised directly above the southern villages and distant L'Aquila. We took the normal route down, more good scrambling initially down little gullies and rocky shelves, then steep zig zags gained the brilliant airy but level traverse path which led east over multiple side valleys back to La Portella, fabulous views down to the valley throughout. I waited for Steve then set off at a fast clip back to our car which we had left at Fonte Cerrato yesterday. Very fast down to the Passo del Lupo (no wolves!) then steeply down the Vallone della Portella. Baking hot, and the path teased by weaving in to the cool woods then back out to the baking hillside. Some relief to get to the cafe and sink two soft drinks before driving across the other side of the range to Casale St Nicola.

Monte Aquila

Peaks: Monte Portella (2385m), Picco Confalonieri (2422m), Monte Aquila (2494m)

Area: Gran Sasso, Italy

I deliberately did less research than normal for this trip, my first time in the Italian Appenines, and I paid a price for it on day one as we arrived in Fonte Cerrato. The cable car was closed, and I hadn't fully realised that Campo Imperatore was just a short walk from the Rifugio. So we walked in instead - up the Vallone that the cable car ascends, a brutal 1300m vertical interval. This was desperately steep initially, and pretty hot and humid, a tough start to the trip but also a good tester. We had a little break at some old buildings and then the valley opens out and becomes more pleasant and less steep. In fact, it was enjoyable, with nice views down to the valley base and then a traverse of some side valleys to a final spur - where the futility of our morning and the reality of Campo Imperatore was revealed! After a break, some prosciutto, provolone and foccaccia, we took the zigzags up to Rifugio Duca della Abruzzi, a superbly situated hut on the Monte Portella ridge. We sauntered to the summit for fabulous views out across the centre of this most compact of ranges - the only major European mountain range I have never visited. After leaving some gear at the brilliant little hut, as atmospheric as any of the many I have visited, we sauntered along the ridge crest itself taking in the minor top of Confalonieri. The sun began to come out in earnest, mid-afternoon now, giving superb views of Corno Grande. An easy final climb led to the whaleback summit of Monte Aquila with its grandstand views of the rock walls. We sauntered back, avoiding the crest, and then made a serious assessment of the snowfields, with tomorrow in mind. Stunning sunset after our evening meal of minestrone, polenta and sausages. 

Bronwen max

Peaks: Cadair Bronwen, Tomle, Foel Wen, Mynydd Tarw, Rhos

Area: Berwyn

Always looking for excuses to explore the tranquil far end of the Ceiriog valley, this vague plan to maximise Cadair Bronwen had been in my mind for a while. It worked perfectly, on another very hot day. I left Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog at lunchtime and headed up the very long road to the top of the Wayfarer's Pass (Nant Rhyd Wilym). This is tarmac initially, right up to the last lonely farm at Swch Cae Rhiw where the route becomes a rough gravel track leading to the famous pass. The lower valley is exquisite, particularly in this weather, low hills, oak woodland, the infant Ceiriog river, all shimmering in the sunshine. Higher up is bare moorland but I felt good, much better than I have done recently, and reached the pass in an hour. From here, a trudge across moorland with two rises over subsidiary hills, leads to Cadair Bronwen. We are approaching drought status, so these hills are far less boggy than they usually are. Some haze rendered views over Eryri hazy from the top of Bronwen where I took a break (it was so hot I actually carried some water!). Then down the familiar descent to the contouring path of Ffordd Gam Elin and up to Bwlch Maen Gwynedd itself, another ancient crossing point. Instead of descending to Cwm Maen Gwynedd, I took advantage of the tinder dry conditions and trotted along the ridge - over Tomle, Foel Wen and Mynydd Tarw - reversing the standard horseshoe last done with Morgan in January. I then extended the ridge to the final peak of Rhos down tiny micro-paths before picking up unexpectedly good tracks curving round to the east below Maen Gwyn back to the village. A superb route, thoroughly enjoyable, and although I was moving fairly slowly I felt good throughout: 21k+/800m.

Wincle Trout

Race: Wincle Trout (10.5k/550m)

Time/Position: 1.03.43 (28th from 291)

A very well-known and long-established race on the edge of the Peak that I'd never got round to doing before, so it was nice to put that right today - although the heat and humidity made life difficult at times. With a mid-afternoon start in a picture-postcard location, that heat was always going to be a problem and after a fast start from the fete down to the Dane and along fast, flat tracks, I started to struggle a little. Fearful of a repeat of Ras y Gader, I consciously eased off and the shade of woodland helped. At the far end of the course, the route headed through Lud's Church, a gritstone gorge, as cool as a fridge, which I had heard of but never visited. It provided brief but wonderful relief from the heat, after which the race climbs again to gain a high open ridge: the end of the Roaches. This gave some superb running, some breeze, and views of Danebridge and the finish far below. A steep descent down steps led to the second river crossing of the day, through the Dane, and then a brutal final climb up to the finish at the fete. A beautiful location, almost like a Disney image of rural England, and a great race. I was quite glad I had opted for a cautious, pedestrian approach in the weather and actually finished higher up the field that I had expected to.

Nantlle ridge/Slate Trail

Peaks: Y Garn, Mynydd Drws y Coed, Trum y Ddysgl, Mynydd Tal y Mignedd

Area: Nantlle, Eryri

Yet more stunning weather: weeks without rain or humidity, and a lovely trip over the best bit of the Nantlle ridge, which I had to myself. From the Rhyd Ddu car park, I took the standard, logical route up Y Garn - the way I remember the race going many years ago, unlike my recent running of the midweek Garn race which instead clambered up trackless terrain further east for no obvious reason! From bottom to top took just under 25 minutes: it's a steep slog but very possibly the fastest way up any Snowdonian peak. From the top, the world is your oyster - great views of Yr Wyddfa and across to Craig y Bere on Mynydd Mawr, where I've done a few obscure routes. Below, the NE ridge, another obscure but memorable climb which I have done. Ahead, one of Snowdonia's best views - the ridge to the fang of Mynydd Drws y Coed then across to Trum y Ddysgl - all shimmering and pristine in the continuing wonderful weather. It was cool, almost cold, but stunningly clear. I trotted along the ridgeline, intending to do a double traverse, but felt a bit tired by Tal y Mignedd so decided to take the superbly runnable grassy ridge from the obelisk (imagine building a jubilee obelisk above Nantlle now!). From the east end of the Mignedd lake, I trotted past the campsite to eventually pick up the long, winding section of Llwybr Llechi/Slate Trail which ultimately leads back to Rhyd Ddu, but only after a long westward climb over boggy terrain (even after weeks of drought) to gain forestry then tracks from Mynydd Mawr back to the village: around 2 hours (14k+/1250m) at a reasonable clip.

Llanrug 5k

Race: Llanrug 5k (North Wales champs)

Time/Position: 18.02 (18th from 193 [1st V50]) 

This was a somewhat experimental outing, for various health-related reasons, so it was pleasing to at least start off well at a decent pace. I had never done the route before so opted for it ahead of the Beast on the same night (which I have done many times). The fast start (3.25km pace) gives way to tiny lanes, uneven surfaces, and a few hills - all of which meant that times were down on where I might expect to be at present. Much more undulating than Capenhurst, for example. It was a nice course though, on a truly beautiful evening. After completing a triangular loop, a fast descent leads to a ramp which cost me sub-18, my entry-level standard for the evening. Still, it felt like a decent session and it was nice to win my category again in the 5k championships (I was also 1st V50 in the Covid-era virtual 5k champs and 1st V45 at Ffrith 5k champs in 2016).

Tryfan scramble

Peaks: Tryfan

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

The head was willing to take advantage of the perfect conditions but the post-race legs, regrettably, were not. So I contented myself with a short scramble and a long stay on the summit, drinking in the views which continue to be remarkably clear in the northerly airflow and blocked high pressure. Up the very familiar short-cut path to the gully leading to Heather Terrace, and then located the start of Nor Nor gully from memory. I've done this a couple of times before: a lovely little I/II scramble which takes four clean little walls on the left of the gully itself. At the top of the tricky last one, a hidden quartz slab on the left gains the upper gully after which I weaved left up unfamiliar territory (more good scrambling) to emerge at the North Tower. A lovely stay on the summit, superb clarity in all directions, then down to Bwlch Tryfan and the direct descent down the scree to Cwm Tryfan.

Llyn Brenig race

Race: Llyn Brenig Trail (9.5m)

Time/Position: 60.44 (5th from 87 [1st V50])

The perfect weather continues, so I should probably have worn road shoes for this 'trail' loop, which I last did 12 years ago. I ran sub-58 minutes on that occasion, but the course was slightly different, from memory. Now, it starts and finishes at the visitor centre end of the dam wall. I went off a bit too fast, meaning I paid a price as the flattish lakeside tracks give way to the rollercoaster path section along the far northern shores of Brenig. I remember this as the crux of the race from my two previous runnings of it all those years ago. I struggled a bit on the hills, rarely feeling particularly comfortable, but I was reasonably secure in 5th place (miles behind the top four though). I kept it steady rather than fast on the return leg along the western shore.

Carneddau loop

Peaks: Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewellyn

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

Something of a time-trail over a loop I have done many times, going back 35 years: in fact, this is probably the Snowdonian outing I have done most often - or variants of it. The plan was to put a bit of an effort in to the top of Pen, move reasonably quickly over the ridge to Llewellyn, then run at a steady/slow pace down to the road. The weather has been stunning for quite some time now, a northerly airflow stopping things from getting too sticky while also rendering all views crystal clear with no haze, a wonderful combination creating almost perfect conditions. I took a direct approach to the style from the A5, then stuck more closely to the standard path - unusually dry - up to the bad step and ridge beyond. Kept a decent pace throughout and got to the summit in 41 minutes from the road, which was quite pleasing. Enjoyed the stunning clarity across to the Glyderau, then trotted over Carnedd Fach and Dafydd for another short break. Then the long haul out to Llewellyn in exhilerating conditions - a cool breeze and incredibly clear views under an azure sky. Had it all to myself, as well as the summit. I took some good lines on the descent down to Bwlch Eryl Farchog and its little scramble. I then plunged down towards Ffynnon Llugwy and the steep access road that leads back to the A5. A helicopter was picking up ballast here, and I was warned to 'be mindful' by a workman, but it didn't interfere and I got to the road 31 minutes after leaving the summit of Llewellyn, less than two hours for the loop. 

Rhinog Fawr return

Peaks: Rhinog Fawr

Area: Rhinogydd, Eryri

The return journey over Fawr, which loomed over our campsite. After a sunny breakfast (woken by bird song in the cwm) we headed direct up the steep, almost scrambly, path that leads upwards then rightwards to gentler ground. Mist rolled in as we were slogging up, disappointingly, and it was almost cold on the summit with no views at all. We plotted a route down (encountering the feral goat herd) towards Llyn Ddu, which took a while to reach, this being the point at which the Rhinogydd begin to take on their true wild character: rocks, crevices and thick vegetation slowing progress. We took a wide gully down to the lake, mist hovering just above it, then eventually gained the Bwlch Tyddiad (Roman Steps) path which led to a track and then another good path past Pistyll Gwyn back to the car.

Rhinog camp

Peaks: Rhinog Fach, Y Llethr

Area: Rhinogydd, Eryri

A glorious spell of settled weather, perfect conditions for a high camp. The Rhinogydd are the perfect location for this, as they always have a sense of occasion. My visits have been sporadic over the years, but it is always memorable - we traversed the entire range from Barmouth to Traws a decade or so ago. This was far less ambitious, Huw and I walked in from the Bronaber side late afternoon as high cloud gathered. We walked in to Bwlch drws Ardudwy, the ancient pass over the otherwise impenetrable range. After scouting around various sites, lack of water being a big issue, we finally settled on a flat spot below Rhinog Fawr with a little trickle of water nearby. I am fairly certain I've camped here before: maybe 1989 or 1990 in a different technological context! After this, we set off with lighter sacs for the direct approach to Rhinog Fach: this is very steep for a mile but gets high very quickly. Views were superb, with the sun dropping over Llyn and Bardsey. Ahead, every detail of the Cyfrwy crags on Cader Idris was illuminated by the slowly settling sun. Below, Llyn Hywel, one of Wales's finest mountain lakes. We trotted through the rocky outcrops then began the steep haul up Y Llethr, the range's highpoint, which levels out to a grassy trot at the top. We headed back to the col between the two peaks, then down a side path to the shores of Llyn Hywel, where others were camping. This was disappointing but inevitable these days with social media giving people 'ideas', and a couple more tents were scattered around the valley containing Llyn Cwmhosan. We had Bwlch drws Ardudwy to ourselves though. By the time we got back to the tent, the sun had dropped, and the midges were out in force - leading to an uncomfortable and very quick evening meal of couscous and tuna before escaping to our respective tents. 

Chester parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun

Time/Position: 18.39 (5th from 334)

A perfunctory plod around the Chester parkrun 'A' course, in dry and warm conditions. Started off fast, deliberately, then knocked it back a bit - very congested on the second lap. Well down on my course pb but still felt like a decent speed session.

Cairnsmore of Carsphairn

Peaks: Cairnsmore of Carsphairn (797m)

Area: Galloway, Scotland

There are three Cairnsmores in Galloway. We did Cairnsmore of Fleet in abysmal weather in 2018, but this one is the biggest, and lends itself to a famous local saying. I parked just north of Carsphairn village, then jogged/walked up the track that leads past the Water of Deugh and the extravagantly-named Green Well of Scotland (a muddy pool!) below some subsidiary hills. At the end of the track, a giant deer fence then a steep slog up to the broad summit of the Cairnsmore. According to an information board at the start of the track, Snowdonia is visible on a clear day. Maybe. Today saw light cloud and hazy views back over the Rhinns of Kells and Sunday's hills, sun trying to peek through. I took a different, looping route down that was far better than the track, over Black Shoulder, Dunool and a more defined final hill that I think was Willieanna. This was all excellent, and eventually I rejoined the track. Around 1.40 or a little more for the outing. After this I meandered through Galloway in the sunshine, and stopped at Ullswater in the Lakes for a leg loosener up Gowbarrow Fell in lovely weather before completing the journey home.

Arran Traverse

Peaks: Suidhe Fhearghas, Ceum na Caillich, Caisteal Abhail, Cir Mhor

Area: Isle of Arran, Scotland

Well over 30 years since I was last on Arran, a ridiculous gap for such an accessible and wonderful island. Then, I remember drying out for hours in the public toilets, crossing A'Chir in terrible weather and climbing several damp routes on Cir Mhor: we also did most of the main summits in a three day trip. The exceptions all lie around Glen Sannox so that's where I headed after arriving on the 7am ferry from Ardrossan, creaking after a stupendous full Scottish breakfast on board. The bus dropped me off near the seashore and I headed straight up Glen Sannox into a beautiful sunlit morning, not a cloud in the sky and all the peaks arranged from left to right. Starting up North Glen Sannox would have been much better as I quickly realised I would have to traverse horrible pathless ground to the north if I was to gain the start of the Suidhe Fhearghas ridge and do it in its entirety. This was predictably tussocky, boggy and horrible - but enlivened by a superb female hen harrier, which was some compensation. And at the col, near a defunct baryte mine, I picked up a path which quickly became very steep but also well-defined and clear. It did indeed lead to the top of Fhearghas, a fantastic viewpoint over the Firth of Clyde back to the mainland. Ahead, the ridge was wonderful, quite narrow in places, well-defined throughout and hugely enjoyable. Across Glen Sannox, the ridge of Cioch na h'Oige and Goat Fell. Ahead, the main business of the day with the looming pinnacle of Ceum na Caillich, otherwise known as the Witch's Step. A forepeak led to the start of the ridge up to the obvious pinnacle, definitely one of the more dramatic spots in the British mountains. Some easy scrambling led to the top, and then I tried to find a way down. It was fairly obvious that this was climbing terrain and, with no partner and no rope, there was no question of feeling my way down even if it was technically easy (particularly in descent). So I looked for the traverse path and took this, only a little detour with an awkward little wall in descent leading to the gully that regains the main ridge line. More steep scrambling, excellent in places, leads to a more level section of ridge and then the final climb to the three granite tors that represent the summit of Caisteal Abhail. I scrambled up to the obvious highpoint and enjoyed the fantastic views. Some high cloud, but the sun was poking through from time to time. Across the top of Glen Sannox looms Cir Mhor, one of Scotland's finest peaks. I did it twice on our last visit but I'd never been up Caisteal Abhail before. Below, the long and shallow Glen Iorsa and then the west shore of Arran and Kintyre beyond. From the adjoining 'Hunter's' ridge, Cir Mhor is at its best, and a steep climb leads up to the small summit via some rock walls. I remembered it clearly from all those years ago - it is a superb place and, as with everything else, I had it to myself. Superb views over all the peaks, as it lies in a central position. A raven dropped in to see me, sitting a metre of two away. I trotted down to the top of Fionn Coire and then, mindful of energy levels, descended down to Glen Rosa, avoiding A'Chir and Tarsuinn (which I had at least done before). I was conscious of the last few days, and knew it would be a long haul back to Brodick (and I had already done 1350m of elevation). As a result, the descent down the whole of Glen Rosa was a delight, and a contrast to 30+ years ago, when I remember trotting down here in biblical rain and howling gales. At the bottom, birch woods and little waterfalls, and then a long trudge down minor roads to Brodick. I saw a ferry in port at the far end of Brodick, realised I just had time to catch it, so broke into a run for the last mile or two, hopping on dripping with sweat a little over 4 hours (21k/1360m) after starting from Sannox. Beef chilli was a nice way to replenish energy levels on the way back to the mainland.