Elidir via Creigiau Gleision

Peaks: Elidir Fawr, Y Garn

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

A rather unusual circuit, but rewarding as a result, and it was nice to push the pace a bit for a change. It was a route of two halves really, starting from Ogwen Cottage then cutting up the untracked hillside above Hafod taking sheeptracks and tiny paths to eventually gain the base of Creigiau Gleision, one of Eryri's most obscure crags. I've done a few routes up here, winter and summer, the best probably being Needle's Eye Arete, a semi-classic scramble which I did with American novice John Boyle a few years ago. The whole place is pretty esoteric, crumbling and neglected. I headed up the main gully, quite atmospheric, then traversed out left to take the South Arete at its base. It is easier and less intimidating than Needle's Eye, which I could see across the broad gully. A few little shelves and rises, then it weaves back right to a narrow solid crest. All quite pleasant, and there are tremendous views across Nant Francon and up Ogwen. From the top, a nice traverse path misses the summit of Foel Goch and leads to the main Elidir-Glyder highway. I upped the pace from the col, but felt sluggish on the long haul out to Elidir. The weather was improving all the time, the early cloud melting away and sunshine easing the windchill (a cold but fairly clear snap). Around an hour to the top of Elidir via this very circuitous route, and then I triggered memories of the Pedol Peris (which I haven't done for at least a decade) by taking the runnable route down to the bwlch then the gentle climb round the side of Foel Goch up to the screes that lead to the summit of Y Garn - just under half an hour peak to peak, probably just a little slower than I used to do it when running the Pedol (which I did three times in total). A knee injury flared up on the descent to Llyn y Cwn (7 minutes) but didn't really get worse as I hopped down the boulders and steps past Twll Ddu to Idwal. I can never go particularly fast on this section, but the knee wasn't agony and I have always felt it easier to go quickly down this section (which has definitely got easier over the years, with step construction, a new bridge, and even gravel in places). So I got from the top of Y Garn to the cottage in 34 minutes or so at a steady but unspectacular pace.

Graianrhyd-Chester climbing loop

Upping the cycling mileage and elevation given my plans for the year, although I am still deliberately keeping things gentle and modest for now, until I am ready to return to the longer rides. This is because I am conscious that it has been some years - seven or more - since I last did 100 mile days. This morning I concentrated initially on climbing, taking the hideous Horeb climb up Hope Mountain/Waun y Llyn. This is much easier to run then cycle, and I think my pb for running is actually quicker than on two wheels. Even on the lightweight Scott, it was hard work. Down to Llanfynydd, then the shorter but still very nasty climb up to Cae Hic. Then it was along to Graianrhyd and then the superbly enjoyable road to Llanferres: lovely surface, lovely cycling, lovely scenery throughout. Less pleasant through Cadole to Mold, then up to Buckley. From here, I extended the day but reverted to flat terrain, through Saltney to Chester, then back home via Lache Lane: 60k/2800ft.

Chester parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun

Time/Position: 18.47 (7th from 352)

A perfunctory plod around the B course, by way of keeping things ticking gently over in the fallow year. To my slight surprise, and slight annoyance, conditions were perfect: the mud section was very dry, and the temperature was cool so it was a good opportunity to record a fast time (but current fitness levels do not allow!). It was also a rare dry day, sunny even, so Kate and I then exploited it by taking in the hills above Llanarmon yn Ial, with a pint in the Raven to follow.

Snakes and Ladders

Route: Snakes and Ladders ('VD')

Area: Llanberis Slate

A unique (mild) adventure and a wonderful tour of the most obscure and fascinating areas of the quarries, some of which I had never visited before. I wasn't really expecting to do it this afternoon, as the weather wasn't very nice and my companions had done it on their previous hut visit. But after the morning bike loop and a spot of lunch we ventured out from the hut and walked up to the quarries in persistent drizzle, emerging at Dali's Hole. Normally, I object to English names in Eryri. However, I make something of an exception for the quarries for several reasons: first, the quarrymen gave some of the areas 'English' names anyway (like Australia); second, lots of the rock features may not have been named; and finally, many of the climbers names are inventive and/or funny. We hopped the fence by the hole (a blue lagoon with surreal dead trees when the water is lower). This used to be a sports climbing area, on which I have done some good routes, but all the bolts have been chopped.  We walked round the top then entered the lower tunnel which leads into California, a giant bowl of slate preceded by a steep atmospheric traverse around a pit. Snakes and Ladders then begins in earnest, with the hardest section. Three via ferrata rungs lead to a hanging chain of thick iron rungs. It is too heavy to pull on and too awkward to haul up, especially with the rock soaked by the rain (slate being notoriously frictionless in the wet). Vic led, and Steve and I followed, me hauling upwards until I could grab three protruding giant iron spikes. Above easier ground leads to another haul on the chain, then a tunnel that leads to an ab station. This first short abseil leads back to the terrace above Dali's Hole. A contrived but essential start to the full experience! Vic had already found the Tunnel of Love, which is invisible until you spy a tiny crevice. We slid through this, almost a caving squeeze, into a wet tunnel with daylight at the end, which led into the vast expanse of Australia. I have climbed on all the lefthand levels but have never been down to the base before. It is a spectacular spot, which evokes a kind of industrial glacier, a wasteland of slate boulders, which some of the names reflect. Tricky route finding and awkward terrain along the base, then we picked a steep route to left of the 'rognon' which eventually gained the Salt Pans, a level, boggy plateau. Some old buildings are reached, and then the first ladder, a solid affair which leads to the next level on the East Face of Australia. It was so wet that I protected the top section with makeshift via ferrata gear, clipping the rungs. Then an exposed terrace leads rightwards to a double ladder (a transition is made from one to the other, which I protected as the second ladder starts in space). Then we reached the atmospheric Pen Garret hut (possibly a caban, not sure) where some quarrymen's boots are still present, along with the Hogiau Pen Garret signatures. All of this had huge personal resonance and a very strong connection for me. Even though Taid didn't work the Llanberis quarries, the life and culture a few valleys away was the same. I'd heard of Pen Garret before but never been up this far (although again we were now looking across Australia to the upper tier on the West side, which I have climbed numerous routes on). From here, we moved right again, back above California, then dropped down a scree path to a grassy plateau, and then leftwards along a grassy corridor with a misty Yr Wyddfa ahead. Then begins the most memorable section, all new terrain, all hidden to the casual visitor. It started raining in earnest, wind howled through the gap, and we approached the lip of the 'Lost World', another giant chasm. Two abseils lead via a shelf to an easy chain and then the base of the Lost World, an incredible place, slowly being reclaimed by nature. It was a relief to be out of the wind, as it was getting quite cold, but the oppressive weather made it even more atmospheric. There is one escape, over boulders to another tunnel which leads through a huge rock wall into Mordor, an even more remarkable and hidden corner. In this case, the enormous walls are ringed by a circular plateau, with a pit dropping still further to the bowls of the earth. Instead of descending this, however, an escape is possible, by traversing above the pit to a final set of ladders. These are the longest and most intimidating of all, with some missing rungs and rope attachments. One leads to a step to the next, after which a little plateau gains two shorter ladders and the 'Khyber Pass' at the top of the quarries. This is the end of the action, and our descent led pleasantly down the quarrymen's steps to eventually regain the main track which leads gently down to the hut and another gastronomic extravaganza, this time with a Middle Eastern theme. 

Nant Peris bike loop

This is supposed to be a cycling year, so it was perfect timing to join our vagabond dining group on a morning ride from the hut through Llanberis to Llanrug. Nice views of Caernarfon, and then comes the sharp double climb over to Waunfawr, steep in places. The roads were quiet, so it was a great opportunity to do this route which I wouldn't contemplate at the weekend. From Waunfawr to Beddgelert the route essentially reverses the Snowdonia Marathon, gently undulating with a very fast descent into Beddgelert. Then the beautiful scenery up to Llyn Gwynant before the long climb begins. This went pretty well and was good training for my planned summer Pyrenees cycling trip. It is steady for the most part, and it was a great time to do it, relatively quiet on a road that can get very busy. From Pen y Gwryd, I turned up to Pen y Pass where we regrouped before enjoying the effort-free descent down the Pass to Nant Peris and the sharp final climb to the hut. Only 50k but with a fair amount of climbing.

Pico do Papagaio

Peaks: Pico do Papagaio (982m)

Area: Ilha Grande, Brazil

After three days in Rio, I headed off to Ilha Grande, still in Rio state but an immense contrast with the chaotic metropolis (Brazilian states are enormous). The entire Costa Verde on the adjacent mainland is beautiful and mountainous, and this theme continues on the island (half an hour by speedboat from the little coastal town of Conceicao do Jacarei). Arrival is into the small settlement of Vila do Abraao, the liveliest place on the island but still a tranquil spot, as there are no metalled roads or cars anywhere on Ilha Grande. The journey took some time (at least four hours) so I spent yesterday relaxing and was raring to go first thing in the morning, and it was a stunning start weatherwise, deep blue sky and a light breeze. A long switchbacking track for around a mile leads to the start of the narrow trail through the rainforest (perhaps not strictly defined, but the closest realistic description). This was a fairly extraordinary experience, mildly intimidating at first as I had no idea how well travelled the route was initially. For all I knew it may have been rarely ascended. Lots of birdsong, although most species remained elusive at first. The forest was very dense and the humidity quickly became stifling, in fact almost unbearably so where the trail steepened - which was often. A gorgeous little stream valley, chattering clear water, provided some relief. After about 40 minutes of effort, a runner descended past me, instantly setting my mind at ease about the route's popularity. That said, there was no way I could have even considered anything more than fast walking in this humidity. Above, I could see sunshine dappling the trees and after an awkward bouldery traverse the route kinked and it was clear I was on a broad ridge - even though the forest was so dense I still had no views at all. The humidity dropped noticeably at this point, a blessed relief, although it remained hot. I began to sense the summit was near and eventually spied a giant anvil-like rock feature that marks the true summit and gives the peak its name ('parrot'). At this precise point the route becomes unclear for the first time. I took the side path initially (which in retrospect was the correct one) before having second thoughts and taking a very steep direct route up to a clean granite slab and, finally, views out across the sea and over to the mainland. In the humidity, all was shimmering, the peaks of what I assume is the Serra d'Agua suspended above a soft-focused Atlantic. Unbroken pristine forest in every direction. I climbed the slab up to a wall, and then retreated. I later found this was just a few metres away from the circuitous, indirect route taken by the standard path I had missed. A far more comfortable descent, past a friendly nine-banded armadillo and a possible grey-cowled wood rail. A breeze made life a little more comfortable and the crystal blue sky later clouded over for my afternoon birdwatching ramble, 5k through the forest towards Palmas, returning at the col after seeing coati and numerous new bird species including various tanagers, woodcreepers, and a probable (stupendous) black hawk-eagle. Refuelled with a caipirinha and moqueca fish stew.

Pedra da Gavea

Peaks: Pedra da Gavea (844m)

Area: Tijuca National Park, Brazil

Supposedly one of the world's highest mountains rising 'directly from the ocean' but I fear that is a bit of local parochialism (it would even be challenged by certain Skye peaks). Whatever, it gave a superb outing at the start of my Brazilian trip, and also a truly memorable view from the summit. It is nowhere near as internationally famous as the Sugarloaf or Corvovado (Christ the Reedemer) but it is much higher than both, and looks very impressive from the famous beach of Ipanema, the first place I went to on arrival in Rio. Pedra da Gavea is right out in the southern suburbs of Rio, bordering the national park of Tijuca, pristine forest and one of the world's largest 'urban' national parks. I adapted to the excellent Rio metro immediately, and took it to its endpoint at the Jardim Oceanico. From here, a brisk 2k along the road and across the Muzema (I think) river lead to houses in the district of Joa and a steep climb which led to an initial checkpoint. Above, steep Flemish style cobbles led up to a more formal checkpoint, which was just opening as I arrived at 8am, a huge stroke of luck. Another world is immediately entered, a thick forest canopy with breadfruit hanging from the trees and brown capuchins in the trees. Above, a small party of coatis broke cover and moved quickly into the undergrowth. In the canopy, numerous bird species although as ever tropical birding is a rather frustrating experience. It was superb, and the sun broke through the canopy as I climbed. I overtook some early starters although a runner passed me too (I was going at a brisk walking pace, not really running). It was humid but not unbearable. The route continues steeply to reach an awkward slab and then a sort of rocky stream gully with running water. It eventually emerges at a clearing (the Mirante da Lage) with a view of the gigantic monolithic peak marking the main western summit directly above. The route then opens out slightly and the angle eases as the path curves eastwards towards the sea and below the giant rock walls. Then a plinth gave an outstanding view landward to Tijuca, pristine forest and a wonderful landscape. A little higher, and an even better view, with the terminating rock wall framing a dramatic view down to Rio as the mist cleared below. I could see right across to the distant Corcovado with Christ the Redeemer emerging from the tendrils of mist. At the end of this section I finally reached the locally notorious Carrasquierra, a 40 metre slab. This has a crack running down its length but is more broken on the right, where I took it. I was surprised by the fact that two or three moves were genuinely tricky, perhaps grade 3 scrambling in British terms although not particularly exposed despite the fact that the Atlantic Ocean stretched out to infinity below. Open cracks and polished holds, all very reminiscent of Tryfan Bach! Mist was flirting around as the angle eased at the top, but behind a staggering view down through the clouds to the little peninsula of Guaratiba and the town of Vargem Grande (perhaps). The path narrows and continues on a slightly exposed traverse line through thick vegetation above the ocean. After the traverse it climbs again steeply through ancient tree routes up an open gully with more easy scrambling to finally gain the plateau-like summit, characterised by low vegetation. The little green bushes (bromeliads?) on black sand strongly recalled the Canary Islands, far away across the Atlantic! I went up to the sharp rock at the eastern summit, then gently down to the open plinth that most people take photos from. This is a truly staggering spot, poised directly above Sao Conrado beach and the peak of Morro dos Irmaos (looking tiny from above) which guards the end of Ipanema, which I could also see. Ahead, the vast Atlantic, and just inland and over the ridge the endless sprawl of Rio across all of its hills, truly the Cidade Maravilhosa. I was a little concerned about descending the Carrasquierra with crowds coming up, so headed back down. It was fine, with one small group of five coming up. The rest of the descent was simple and I took it nice and easy, saving energy. I took a slightly different route back across to Muzema and back to the metro, where I refuelled with guaravita and a palm heart and chicken empadinha.

Waun Oer-Maesglase ridge

Peaks: Mynydd Ceiswyn, Waun Oer, Cribin Fawr, Craig Portas, Maesglase, Moel Cwm yr Eglwys

Area: Maesglase, Eryri

Classic bank holiday crowd avoidance strategy, always very satisfying. This was particularly the case today in bracing sunshine on Easter Saturday, as I started from the busy car park above Tal y Llyn after dropping my gravel bike off in Dinas Mawddwy. It is years since I have been up on this ridge, almost certainly 1994 en route to Rheidol where I was working at the time. It is obscure, but as a point-to-point it gives a brilliant outing of around 14k. You start high, but tussocks and bog make the going awkward until gaining the path below Ceiswyn. This is a minor summit with great views over Cader. Then the going becomes delightful, not too boggy on a defined little path over to Waun Oer, marked by a large cairn with great views over Rhinog and Aran. I saw a lone walker here, the only person I encountered all day despite the hordes elsewhere in Eryri. A very steep descent and short climb leads up Cribin Fawr after which I think I was breaking new ground, remarkably enough. I certainly have no memory of the rest of the ridge, including Maesglase. It was all excellent, especially the cwms and ridge leading to Maesglase, and from the dominant peak I took the very steep descent down to the minor summit and continuation ridge that leads all the way down to the road and then Dinas Mawddwy. A drink and crisps in the cafe, then it was all the way back to the car on the bike. If anything this was harder than the ridge, as my gravel bike is far too heavy for climbs like Bwlch yr Oerdrws, which leads back to the Cross Foxes. The next climb up Tal y Llyn wasn't much fun either, really hard going, painfully slow, and unpleasantly busy roads too.

Bala parkrun

'Race': Bala parkrun

Time/Position: 18.43 (2nd from 103)

In the spirit of the fallow year, almost exactly a minute down on last September's time, which was a narrow age group course record. Those records have now been erased, of course, but I intended today to be a mild session in advance of a run in the hills on what was a nice, clear Easter Saturday. It was pleasant enough into a gentle headwind and I kept a respectable pace ticking over.

Northern Carneddau

Peaks: Drosgl, Bera Mawr, Yr Aryg, Foel Fras, Llwytmor

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

The instinct is always to go clockwise around the northern Carneddau, but today I reversed it, partly because of a ferocious south-westerly. It went reasonably well but I was very tired, and the wind very strong. From the A55 I headed up towards Moel Wnion, intending to climb to the high traverse path thereby avoiding the unpleasant gorge that drops down from the Drosgl-Wnion col. Annoyingly, I didn't go high enough so had to negotiate the gorge anyway! So lots of wasted effort before I even got to the slog up Drosgl via the ancient Llwybr yr Aryg. The going gets easier here, with a short climb over Bera Mawr and Yr Aryg before I took an unwise shortcut towards Foel Fras: never a good idea. The wind raked the summit, knocking me over, and led to a pretty unpleasant haul across to Llwytmor, where it remained ferocious. I found an old shelter on Llwytmor Bach, which gave temporary respite, before a very steep, very direct descent down to the conifers back to Aber.

Berwyn loop

Peaks: Cadair Bronwen, Cadair Berwyn

Area: Berwyn

You don't go to the Berwyn in winter expecting dry feet, but I tried a few little variants on my standard 10 mile Berwyn route today in a futile attempt to minimise the bog. From Llandrillo I took the familiar steep road and tracks towards Moel Ty Uchaf. Here the sun came out, illuminating the stone circle. I took a steady approach in the spirit of the fallow year, basically fast walking. Higher up, instead of the direct route up Cadair Bronwen, I took the main bridleway contouring (and descending) above a side valley until a short climb gains Bwlch Maen Gwynedd. From here, I ascended the route I normally descend, up to Bronwen's summit (less than five minutes from the bwlch, running most of the way). The rest of the ridge was predictably boggy, hard work all the way to the trig on Cadair Berwyn. Great views, nice and clear now - the best day for a while. Because of all the recent rain, the descent was even boggier than normal - and it is normally very boggy indeed! So much so that I took a different route back to Llandrillo, lovely tracks (dry throughout) which emerged at Cadwst Fawr farmhouse in Cwm Pennant. Then along the Ceidiog back to Llandrillo.

Hoylake BL

Race: Hoylake 7.5k (Borders League race 6)

Time/Position: 27.44 (53rd from 363 [2nd V50])

The final fixture marking a memorable league 'grand slam' (or triple crown?) season, with Buckley winning the overall team championship plus the veteran's league, and me winning the V50 category. There were several other factors today: Hoylake was where I ran my first ever border league race in 2006. And I also maintained my record of counting for the team overall in every fixture. Also, I think this was my 90th ever borders race, so getting quite close to the century. It is only my third season category win though, following the V45 prize in 15-16, and the V50 prize in 21-22. Having said all that, this was not a great race for me, certainly the least enjoyable of the season. I went off too fast, unusual for me, then really struggled on the incoming leg despite just a mild crosswind blowing along this exposed section of prom. From the lifeboat station, this new route headed east along the prom before taking the inland gravel path up to Leasowe lighthouse, reversing the summer seaside 5k route temporarily. Then it was back to the prom for the long run-in: the wind was light, but as I was tiring it was enough to really slow the pace from 3.25 to 3.45. I was passed by at 8-10 on this section, which was a shame on the last race of the season.

Eilio CW

Peaks: Foel Goch, Foel Gron, Moel Eilio

Area: Moel Eilio, Eryri

Various circumstances dictated a quickish 90 minute outing this morning. So I opted to run the Eilio ridge clockwise from Padarn, removing some of the silly extra bits from the Maesgwm Muddle race (which I ran in 2017). I jogged through town before turning off for the YHA and repeating our bike climb from Thursday, all the way up the gravel to the bwlch at the top of Maesgwm. Considerably easier on foot than on wheels! Unlike Thursday, almost no wind and high cloud, with mist just covering the top of Eilio. I kept a steady pace going up the valley, where the Muddle race descends from its unpleasant side-trip to Cynghorion! After a brief stop at the col, I slogged up to Foel Goch - a repeat of last Thursday - then the always enjoyable trip along the ridge via Foel Gron to a misty Moel Eilio. It is considerably harder this way round, but then comes the superb 10 minute descent to Bwlch y Groes. After this, I ignored the Muddle extension to Cefn Du, instead taking the logical Snowdonia Marathon descent down the track and tarmac to Llanberis in just under 10 minutes: 20 minutes from Eilio to town. A little hobble down to Electric Mountain then alongside Padarn back to the free parking.

Chester parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun (B course)

Time/Position: 18.54 (5th from 294)

A pre-open day plod round the Chester B course in surprisingly dry conditions. After a longish session on the climbing wall yesterday, I was a little tired so just aimed for sub-19 minimum standard. The off-road section was probably the driest I have ever seen it, and has possibly had some chipping laid on to it.

Foel Goch gravel bike/run

Peaks: Foel Goch (Eilio)

Area: Moel Eilio, Eryri

A bitterly cold easterly wind this morning, although it was clear and sunny. My head said it was perfect hill running weather, but after another convivial hut evening the plan was for a group bike ride so I set off with Vic and Emma - them on mountain bikes, me on the gravel bike. This was a great help initially, into Llanberis and up to the youth hostel with a tailwind. But then life got tough. It was really the first time I have ever taken the gravel bike properly off-road and I almost immediately regretted not having my mountain bike. It was just too heavy, and the gearing unforgiving. The road from the hostel is very steep in places and then joins the familiar (now quite manicured) track that curves up into Maesgwm. The weather was very clear and bracing throughout, but the easterly remained bitter. After a painfully slow ascent, far slower than I can run it (or even walk it), we arrived at the col of Maesgwm. Vic and Emma continued on their route but I locked the bike and scampered up to the top of Foel Goch in an icy, strong wind. I needed to get back for work reasons and descended quickly back to Llanberis before tackling the headwind back to the hut.

Pedol Marchlyn

Peaks: Elidir Fawr, Mynydd Perfedd, Carnedd y Filiast

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

A long time away from the mountains, for various reasons, but another night in the Nant Peris hut was scheduled after a contrasting weekend in Madrid. I was too late leaving work to join the rest of the group in the quarries, but on a rare good day this quick outing seemed an obvious choice. I parked in Deiniolen and headed up the straight, narrow road to Pen y Bwlch (I think). From here, somewhat easier gradients lead up to the Marchlyn closed road. All fairly easy progress, all on tarmac, until I took the direct short-cut up to the top lake. From here, I took a minor path that provides an excellent way to the summit of Elidir. I'd never done it before - it is far better than the hellish slog from Nant Peris. It is a little vague, and some snow was lying in places covering the path, along with a little verglas on these north-western slopes. Superb views from the top with mist peeling away from all peaks to the north. Then came the familiar descent down to the Perfedd bwlch, but I cut upwards up a little gully to gain an excellent short-cut up Perfedd. From here, a rapid traverse to Carnedd y Filiast in less than five minutes, then the awkward bouldery descent until the excellent curving path which leads back towards Marchlyn. A quick and civilised descent, 1.28 for the round. I arrived at the hut in Nant Peris just as the rest of them emerged from the quarries.

Deeside BL

Race: Deeside 7.3k (Borders League race 5)

Time/Position: 25.43 (47th from 384 [1st V50])

The real fallow year can now begin after a successful start to the new year, with several important events bleeding over from last year's racing. Of these, the continuation of the border league season was something of a priority (this was my 89th or 90th borders race). A cold and unusually early outing over the familiar Deeside course, from the usual manic start on the athletics track up the sharp Kelsterton hill. I had planned to hold back for this, but my immediate peers started off very quickly and seemed to be disappearing out of sight! So I pushed through and actually kept a decent pace going for the double (or triple) climb. After this, and the left turn on top of the hill, this fixture always becomes a flat out pelt back down Golftyn lane to the stadium - 3.25km pace or so, which seemed reasonably similar to previous efforts when I was younger and fresher. I caught Jez and some other team-mates at the turn, and we pushed on in a fairly tight group, packing well. With one fixture left, I have a 30 point lead in the V50 individual category, with Buckley now comfortably top of the first division overall, and miles ahead (1000+ points!) in the veterans competition. Some kind of modest grand slam looks on the cards with only one competitive race left.

Carsington Water trail half

Race: Carsington Water trail half marathon

Time/Position: 1.25.51 (5th from 359 [1st V50])

Rather unusually, I found myself in an exact tie for 4th place on this race by chip time. In the race itself, I was jumped on the line by a runner I'd just spent the last three miles trying to get past! It was another very nice event, and another free entry from the RunThrough stable of events (after winning my category at the Ladybower race in October). A damp and misty day on the edge of the Peak, which was unfortunate as I had been looking forward to some pleasant lakeside views. I started off slowly, in the spirit of the 'fallow year', and found myself in 7th place after an initial 5 mile doubling back route along the western shores of Carsington. Back to the start, and then a full lap of the lake, on which I started to feel pretty good after the steady start. As a result of recent rest days, I felt very perky and enjoyed the muddy running through potholes at the southern end of the lake and then the much tougher eastern side. I hadn't really done any research but had guessed things got harder here, and they did, with several sharp climbs and muddy, wet terrain. We began to catch the 10k runners, and then I caught a pair that had set off fast. I passed one at the 10 mile mark and then embarked on a fast finish, feeling surprisingly strong and upping the pace considerably. Still not enough for a finishing kick sadly! After taking the van on its first long drive (and an early start from home) I stopped in Ashbourne on the way back for a very gentle pootle on the gravel bike along part of the Tissington Trail.

Atalaya

Peaks: Atalaya East

Area: Yaiza, Lanzarote

I had already taken the broad runnable track from the open valley above Yaiza two days ago but this morning planned to run to the top of Atalaya and back. It's the highest summit in this part of Lanzarote but is disfigured by numerous masts. Sadly, on emerging from our guesthouse I found a drizzly morning with clag draped around all the tops: I could have been in Llanberis. I should have grabbed some more kit but instead headed up the broad track in a t-shirt hoping for a clearance. At the top of the track I took the northerly continuation along the broad ridge that is so obvious from Yaiza. This was outstanding: wonderfully runnable on a hard-packed volcanic surface. The weather was by far the worst of our short trip however, and I soon entered the mist. It was a little breezy and I was getting quite wet. Not cold, of course, but it doesn't need to be very cold in these circumstances. I skirted a side peak then ploughed up to the north-eastern top. This was broad and featureless, the characteristic black gravel of the island. I called it a day and plummeted back down the same way to Yaiza, emerging from the mist near the top of the track. After breakfast, we took the choppy ferry ride to Correlejo in Fuerteventura, where Kate and I undertook a 10k walk to the top of another miniature extinct volcano, Bayuyo, which gave excellent views of northern Fuerteventura (which I'd never visited before) and back across the Atlantic channel of La Bocayna to Playa Blanca.

Caldera Blanca

Peaks: Caldera Blanca, Quebredo, Montana Caldereta

Area: Tinajo, Lanzarote

The highlight of several short forays into the distinctive volcanic landscape of Lanzarote. Things kicked off yesterday with a run up the small peak of Montana del Medio, the mountain that loomed above our accommodation in Yaiza. I continued over the track up to another mini-caldera, the Gisela, before returning for breakfast. This was a longer outing with Kate, jogging through the lava from Macha Blanca white-washed village. This was awkward but enjoyable and we then took a nicely exposed direct slanting line up to gain the lip of the caldera with surprising ease. It is quite a sight: a perfect circular depression curving up to a higher summit (although still below 600m - all these hills are small). The 'ridge' (actually the rim of the caldera) was nicely narrow and well-defined - Kate and I made reasonable progress until shelved rock led to the summit. Two Canarian ravens and at least 10 berthelot's pipits provided the company, although there were quite a few other hillwalkers around. Views were a little hazy, with high cloud and occasional sunshine. This was a bit of a shame as the landscape is spectacular: huge black lava fields recalled the 'sandur' of Iceland, punctuated by isolated volcanic cones. We continued down the far side of the Caldera, almost completing the loop but I broke off for the side top of Quebredo before taking a direct line back to the base and a homeward jog through the lava fields. I took in the smaller Caldereta, running a complete loop of it and then catching up with Kate near the car. We refuellled with excellent tapas at a characterful tavern in Teguise.

Ruthin parkrun

'Race': Ruthin parkrun

Time/Position: 18.18 (1st from 107)

After my personal parkrun worst at Wepre a fortnight ago, this was quite a bit better, my third time at the Ruthin event and only 20 seconds down on my course PB. I was around a minute ahead of second place so wasn't really pushed and tried to keep a steady effort going in the spirit of the 'fallow year'. A delightful cool down along the banks of the Clywedog and 'Lady Bagot's Drive'.

Thurstaston BL

Race: Thurstaston 9.25k (Borders League race 4)

Time/Position: 34.08 (44th from 417 [1st V50])

A brand new course for this Pensby borders fixture. although parts of it were very familiar from the various Wirral multi-terrain fixtures held here. It took the Wirral Way in reverse for 3k or so, a fast start. Too fast for me in fact, with a 3.25 first km suggesting a struggle on the hill! I felt there might be congestion on the WW, however, which was the reason for the fast start. I knocked it back a bit, conscious that a climb was coming, but was still taken aback by its steepness, as most of us were. It takes Oldfield drive, a cratered track near the more familiar Heswall Dales, and finally emerges on the main Heswall road. Then came a very fast run-in and I held my position quite well with 2 x 3.23 km's to finish. I have a fairly narrow 25 point lead over Jez in the V50 category at present, with Buckley on top in both the overall and veteran's team competitions. A clean sweep would be nice!

Wepre parkrun

'Race': Wepre parkrun

Time/Position: 21.21 (6th from 147)

A rare appearance at Wepre, which was even harder than usual today, with three full laps of the top loop due to ice lower down (quite a few events were cancelled today). Although first 'age graded', this was my worst parkrun time ever, by a considerable margin! I probably went up the first climb too fast and then paid for it, after jogging in from Northop Hall. Only my 7th or 8th time at Wepre - scenic as ever. 

Twin Piers 10k

Race: Twin Piers 10k

Time/Position: 36.08 (18th from 432 [2nd V50])

This has always been my favourite 10k, but a four year hiatus since Covid has stopped me (and everyone else) running it for some time. I set my PB here in 2012 and have never got near that time (34.17) since, although I did run 35.30 or so a couple of years later on the same course. I did have a tailwind on both those occasions, but on the other hand you do have to climb over the Little Orme and that old course also took a winding loop through Penrhyn Bay. Today's new route was even better, a solid linear blast from Llandudno Pier to some way beyond the old Colwyn Bay pier. There was a tiny (cold, drizzly) breeze from the west but nothing to write home about. I went off hard, deliberately so, and kept to 3.30/km pace all the way to the Little Orme. My HR was high, and this increased on the very fast section down to Rhos on Sea. I began to struggle a little and my pace slowed, but it never became too uncomfortable and I had a well matched companion, Tony from Denbigh, to keep pace with. I was fairly pleased with the time, although it was only enough for silver in the North Wales championships. I jogged back to the car near the lifeboat station, meeting M on the way.

Wrexham cross country champs

Race: North Wales XC championships, Wrexham (9k)

Time/Position: 34.36 (24th from 55 [1st V50])

Almost certainly my worst ever time for this course, by some margin the cross-country course I have run most often. It was a small field for today's championships and I found myself in a micro-group with Sam Bellis. We paced each other pretty well for the four laps, and although the course drains well we have had so much rain recently that it was still far heavier going than usual which will have had some effect on times. It was nice to win my age category, to add to last year's 10k and 5k championships.

Deeside handicap

No handicap races for four years, then two in three days. This was organised by John Earlston, but unlike his old route around the old border league course, this was five laps around their standard 1k training loop in a quiet part of the Deeside industrial estate. Some quick runners tonight, so I started fairly early after giving 10 seconds to Tracy and Jez. This inevitably means you go off too fast with an obvious target just ahead. Around 3.30 for the first 1k, so I then eased slightly although kept a decent pace ticking over and was pleased with 17.35. Perfect conditions though: mild and windless after another wet day.