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.

Rhinns of Kells

Peaks: Corserine, Millfire, Milldown

Area: Galloway, Scotland

Galloway ticks a lot of boxes - mysterious, tough terrain, devoid of people. After a memorable short trip with Peter in 2018, I'd been keen to return and with a massively constrained window for a Scotland trip this year it seemed a good choice. Having effectively abandoned yesterday's Cader race, I had a reasonable amount of energy for this outing, which penetrates the wild interior from Forrest Lodge above Dalry. Forest tracks lead from the remote-feeling car park up past a lodge to the edge of Loch Harrow. Ahead, Corserine looms - an elongated plateau. A good path led up the side of a broad grassy cwm containing the Polk Burn to the vague ridge of Polmaddy Gairy and then the huge whaleback summit of Corserine on which it is difficult to determine the highest point. The weather was cool, with high cloud and little wind, although mist was descending over the Merrick and the Range of the Awful Hand further west: Galloway has fantastic names, as a result of its historical linguistic/cultural mix. The next section, along the Rhinns of Kells ridge, was very enjoyable. I cut the corner above Loch Dungeon and really enjoyed the views west over the wild heart of Galloway. We ran up the Merrick in 2018 so it was nice to look across to it. The terrain to the east is more rolling, culminating in the Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. I had the entire ridge to myself, saw nobody all day, and it was easy and enjoyable over the lonely summits of Millfire and Milldon. At the Lochans of Auchniebut I took an unwise shortcut before the summit of Meikle Millyea, direct down to Loch Dungeon. This was very unpleasant and craggy, dropping into a steep gorge at one point, necessitating evasive action, steeply down tussocks and bog to eventually gain the short of Loch Dungeon. This was a great spot, wild, the only sound coming from several sandpipers, mist rolling in over Corserine. I headed back via a complex route weaving round Loch Dungeon shores to Loch Minnoch. Then forest tracks above Mid Burn and McAdam Burn led back to Forrest Lodge and a short drive to Ayr.

Ras y Gader

Race: Ras y Gader

The less said about this the better. I ended up 30 minutes slower than my 2017 time. I had a reasonable start up to Ty Nant in 20 minutes, then slowed dramatically, really struggling in the hottest weather of the year so far (summit in 1.10, my best is eight minutes quicker). This then became even more disastrous on the descent, where I effectively abandoned the race below the zigzags with an upset stomach. I walked the remainder, until reaching the final tarmac section.

Prestatyn (BL race 6)

Race: Prestatyn Border League (5.9k)

Time/Position: 20.51 (39th from 309 [1st V50])

Having missed the rest of the season because of my illness, unable to try to repeat my category win of last year, it was a relief to finally get back to border league action on the last race in Prestatyn. I was pleased with the performance too, and felt better than I have in a long time (as opposed to desperately hanging on). That said, I couldn't have gone any faster. The race was an extended version of the parkrun route with a shorter loop at the western end, fairly similar to other league events from the Nova over the years (I remember the crucial climax of the 2015-2016 season here, when it was very close in the V45 category). I went off fast, 3.20/km pace initially heading west, then eased through the gravel near the golf course, then picked it up a little towards the finish.

York parkrun

'Race': York parkrun

Time/Position: 18.22 (19th from 645)

Potentially a very fast course indeed - in fact, probably the fastest parkrun course I've seen. But we were here unexpectedly, I didn't have my proper kit or shoes, and only cobbled it together last minute by way of clearing the head after three very stressful days spent almost entirely indoors! I wasn't at all surprised that it was by far my lowest parkrun finishing position ever - a massive field, quite a number of whom were clearly going for quick times. Essentially it is a lap and a half around the giant York racecourse, all tarmac, with wind the only potential downside. I didn't feel great, running in old style 'flats', but was satisfied enough with another basic speed session, one second slower than Birkenhead last week! Definitely a course to return to properly prepared.

Llwybr Llechi/Slate Trail

The plan was a good one - a two-day attempt on the slate trail, starting and finishing in Bethesda with an overnight stay in Blaenau half way. It worked a treat until the weather came in on Monday morning, torrential rain in stereotypical Blaenau fashion. I could have got back to the car, but I would undoubtedly have cut corners and the whole point is to do this route in its entiriety, so I will have to return. Anyway, day one went superbly, leaving Bethesda in perfect spring weather, climbing through the slate up towards Lon Las Ogwen and Zipworld. Then, with Carnedd Dafydd above it was into the familiar route up the old Nant Francon road, last travelled in the December snow. At Ogwen cottage, which I reached in an hour, I had a short break, before the next section along the A5 and then the old road to Capel Curig. So far, so familiar, as was the next section up the side of Crimpiau. From here, though, a lovely path weaves through the moor and woodland north of the A5, with interesting views back over the Carneddau and over to Siabod. Very light drizzle at times, before the descent down to Ty Hyll and then the riverside path to Betws. I remember doing Traditional Route from this path above Swallow Falls years ago - I suspect we were the last people to climb it! Down to Betws and a much needed refuel, still before midday. From Betws, nice paths lead along the Conwy to Fairy Glen and then woods to Conwy Falls. Then it is up the Machno valley and the section with most personal resonance, and also the quietest and best section of the route. A track on the west of the valley eventually climbs above Penmachno itself (small route finding error due to a fallen sign) and then another big climb above Carrog and Cwm. The sun was out now, and this section was superb - including the steep climb through Rhiw Bach quarry above Cwm, where taid worked and a place visited with dad. Cwm is a very special place - I was reminded of it when I visited Ushguli, one of the most extraordinary places I have ever been, tucked away at the end of a remote valley in Svaneti, Georgia. Admittedly, the drama there is accentuated by Ushba, the giant peak that blocks the end of the valley - but the comparison is a valid one, an isolated community of dark stone cut off from the rest of the world. At the top of the climb, the pass is breached and a level section through woods leads to the new Cwt y Bugail/Graig Ddu quarry via a very steep incline, and then the very long descent down Cwm Teigl to Llan Ffestiniog, round the side of Manod Mawr. More sunshine and easy jogging down the tarmac, cutting the corner slightly to head direct to Llan. I was tiring now, so the next section took a while. It was new terrain for me, through the glades and dells of Cwm Teigl and the characteristic oak woodland of the Vale of Ffestiniog - at the very best time of year in the best weather. It was all a bit twisting and involved though, tiring at the end of a long day, and I was glad to reach Blaenau after eight hours, 56k and 1650m of effort.

Birkenhead parkrun

'Race': Birkenhead parkrun

Time/Position: 18.21 (5th from 560)

Very familiar territory from multiple border league fixtures - one of which once went this (clockwise) way round, the converse of the borders loop. However, despite all those races, I'd never done the parkrun before, which always attracts a huge field. I deliberately went off fast for the first lap, then tried to hold on for the second, by way of some inadequate speedwork. This worked reasonably well and I was fairly satisfied with the time, given current circumstances.  

Y Garn

Race: Y Garn

Time/Position: 33.41 (12th from 65)

A quad destroyer if ever there was one, I last did this in 2008 when it was a standalone weekend race. It is now part of the Tuesday evening series, and takes a rather odd route to the summit - up extremely steep grassy slopes left of the normal path, gained by a short contour. The race has an impact way beyond its tiny length, as is often the case with events of this kind - and the damage and muscle soreness caused reminded me of the aftermath of the Jubilee Plunge. Conditions were ideal, cloudy and fairly still - but there wasn't much time to enjoy the views of Nantlle from the little summit ridge. About 25 minutes up, and around 8 from the summit to the finish. Literally not a single section of flat ground, and not many gentle inclines - the descent takes a little boulder field and then plunges down, or near, the normal route. Legs like lead at the bottom, despite the extreme brevity of the course. Tried to loosen them with a jog along OD from Bodfari to Rhuallt next morning.