Tryfan scramble

Peak: Tryfan
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
A remarkably inaccurate weather forecast saw us arrive in Ogwen in full clag and drizzle which failed to clear. Rich fancied a scramble so we headed up to a moist heather terrace, making gradual progress. He is not able to do much in the hills these days, so slowed down for the walk along the terrace, deciding to forego the summit. So we arranged to meet at Bwlch Tryfan and I headed up the Little/North gully scramble alone. This is always good fun, even in the rain and mist, with its discontinuous scrambling up three chimneys allowing the upper part of North Gully to be gained quickly. From here, a skirting path leads to more scrambling and an emergence between Adam and Eve (if you get it right). I know every inch of this route very well, and made the summit in 15 minutes from the terrace, jogging back down the South Ridge, still in mist, to join Rich at the stile for lunch.

Fron Four race

Race: Fron Four fell race (13k+/3000ft)
Time/Position: 1.16.51 (12th from 50)
This race stays high for a long time, giving a varied (albeit slightly contrived) route which provides great panoramic views over all the different valleys in this corner of Snowdonia. It is quite a new race, so I hadn't done it before: indeed, I have only been to the remote village of Fron once before, when we did the esoteric classic rock climb of Adam Rib on Craig Cwm Du a few years ago. It reminded me of the Caucasus then, and still does a bit: all unenclosed fields and wild mountain views. It was a cold April day, but sunny and clear as we set off along the runnable tracks to the low summit of Moel Tryfan with great views over Llyn and the sea. From here, a fast descent heads in a beeline for the big climb up Mynydd Mawr. This is tough and long, despite the relatively small size of the hill. I didn't climb particularly well, and couldn't stay with Simon or Steve. Over the top, then a brilliant and exciting descent down the spine of the ridge (the 'elephant's back') to the end of the spur overlooking Cwellyn. From there, the route contours the Nantlle side of Mynydd Mawr, with new panoramic views yet again as the race remains unusually high - an excellent feature of the race. There is no real path, and it is hard to pick a decent line through the tiring blend of heather and scree. I caught up with Steve and we pelted down to the end of the spur overlooking Nantlle. From here, the route heads back over the summit of Mynydd Mawr before a superb descent all the way down to Fron. Slightly tricky route finding but the weather remained perfect and Moel Tryfan is a useful point of reference.

Carneddau run and bothy trip

Peaks: Foel Fras, Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Grach, Carnedd Llewellyn, Craig Eigiau
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
I had only recently become aware of the existence of a rare Welsh bothy in Cwm Dulyn. I knew the cottage, having passed its remote location on several occasions, but didn't realise it was an official maintained bothy. It seemed essential to visit, so a group of us combined a convivial night there with a double run over the Carneddau. We met in Conwy, mid afternoon, then drove up to Cwm Eigiau. From here, a short run, just a couple of miles, led to the bothy below Cwm Dulyn. After dumping our kit, we headed off on a longish run over the Carneddau - skirting sombre Llyn Dulyn to pick our way through the broken crags further north. The fence line then leads tiringly to the summit of Foel Fras, with some mist playing around the boulder fields. The cloud base descended and lifted continually as we enjoyed the always excellent running across the spine of the Carneddau: great views out to Llyn and the Irish Sea as we followed the Foel Fras race route over Carnedd Gwenllian and then up to the shelter on Foel Grach. Then came a real bonus: two dotterel scuttling around the rocks on the ridge. I have come up here specifically to search for dotterel over many years but have never seen one before. This is a couple of weeks early, but the buff breasts and supercilium were immediately diagnostic: I tried to pass on my enthusiasm. We had a bite to eat in the shelter, then continued the brisk pace to the top of Llewellyn: cold and misty but still dry. Great descent down towards Craig yr Ysfa then an exhilarating end to the run as we dropped very steeply into remote Ffynnon Llyffant (I have only been up here a couple of times before, for the easy snow gullies that offer good winter sport). This is a tremendous spot, worth lingering in, one of the most remote in North Wales. From here, an easy and gradual climb leads to the plateau-like and rarely visited top of Craig Eigiau, now in full sunshine with spectacular cloud formations peeling away from the higher tops. We pelted down to the bothy, to find it jam packed. A convivial and enjoyable evening ensued, and we hobbled back to the car in low cloud and persistent drizzle early next morning.

Foel Lus fell race

Race: Foel Lus (Joe Brown midweek series, race 3: 3.5m/2000ft)
Time/Position: 26.30
My debut in the Eryri midweek series after 14 years of mountain running: not too sure why it has taken so long! I had returned from the Balkans on Sunday, and we all headed across to Conwy this morning. As this race starts in Capelulo it seemed rude not to have a quick blast. An excellent short circuit: fast and furious, taking the start of the Pen race route then branching off to take in the summit of Foel Lus before descending to the north and picking up the superb level contouring path visible from the A55. This must have some of the best views in North Wales, right out over the Menai Strait and beyond (perfect clarity tonight: sunny and cool). I picked up a few places, benefiting slightly from my meagre remaining road speed, before a grassy descent down towards Fairy Glen and back to Capelulo.

Galicica mountain run

After a couple of days in Albania, I headed back over the border from Pogradec via the monastery of Sveti Naum. A long wait for a bus meant I didn't arrive in the village of Pestani, perhaps 10 miles into Macedonia, until 2pm. One restaurant was still open: they rustled up a superb meal consisting of 12 cevapi, a mound of fried potatoes and a massive bowl of Macedonian salad. I waddled up the twisting streets above the lake to find my accommodation (not easy!) then set off for a run in the hills of the Galicica national park, which fringes the village. At around 5k, I gave up after the rain (which had slightly marred my morning trip to Korce in Southern Albania) started again. This time it was sleet, and it was clearly snowing higher up. I scampered back, promising myself that I would return next morning at 6am. After a subzero night in a £7 room with no heating (but a fine view of Lake Ohrid), I set off as planned just after 6am. The early morning was very cold, and nobody stirred in the village as I quietly slipped through the streets to pick up the vaguely marked trail I'd found yesterday. In theory, this led for 15k to the top of Magaro, the dominant peak, but as it loomed bright white in the distance it seemed a big ask even with my usual running approach, given that I had to be in Skopje that afternoon. Instead, I adopted a more realistic approach: running at a brisk pace uphill and seeing how far I could get in one hour. This went well, although it was very cold in what were essentially a series of north-facing forests: all moss and lichens, with a sharp ground frost. Views of the lake were intermittent but superb, with the accursed mountains of Albania snowcapped to the west. At a rough guess, I ran via Visoka Krasta to Koritski Rid and turned round at a small spur/side peak above Korita, although I didn't have a decent map. The sun finally hit me on the descent, giving wonderful views of the whole of Lake Ohrid. Then, after a quick shower, I left my room and headed down to the unbelievably tranquil lakeside in the morning sunshine, waiting for transport to Ohrid and Skopje.

Tremadog climbing

Crag: Craig Bwlch y Moch, Tremadog
Routes: Christmas Curry (S:led p.1), Treemudrock Finish (VS 4c:sec), Valerie's Rib (HS 4b:led p.3), Tro (HS 4a:sec)
After yesterday's torrential rain, today brought warm spring sunshine. It seemed likely that the mountain crags would be wet, so reliving a few old easy favourites at Tremadog seemed a logical, if unimaginative, option. I was extremely rusty, having not climbed properly for many months, so kicked off with the first couple of pitches of Christmas Curry. I first did this just over 25 years ago, in February 1992. An easy chimney leads to a few moves left up a steeper wall to the belay (merging the first and second pitch). Having previously done both the normal finish and the completely different Micah finish, Vic led up the central Treemudrock (Plum Duff) finish for a change. This is a fine and under-rated pitch, steep and very direct. The final crack is quite sustained at the upper end of VS, but the rock is superb: solid and unpolished, with just a bit of vegetation given its lack of popularity. A mixture of jamming and bridging, with the odd use of small face holds, allow for a reasonably smooth ascent. The day was now almost hot, so we nipped down and across to the direct start of Valerie's Rib in an attempt to knock it off before lunch. Another route I have done several times before: the direct start makes it quite a bit longer and leads via slabs to the crux traverse which leads right to a stance at the base of the main rib. The traverse is always a tad delicate, but the rib gave its usual delightfully delicate climbing: lovely in the sunshine. I led the scrappy final pitch up  a series of wet walls, before we descended for lunch at the van. We finished with the good single pitch of Tro, at the far right of the crag: also done before. As its name suggests, this is a neat route for the time squeezed, which we both were, as usual. Superb clarity of light as we drove back through Snowdonia.

Chester Parkrun

"Race": Chester Parkrun (5k)
Time/Position: 18.01 (2nd from 195 [1st V45])
With a longer than usual Clwydian run last night in my legs, and torrential rain this morning, this was yet another less than ideal set of circumstances to do a Parkrun (my third). Soon, I will have to do one with some preparation and try for a decent time. The Chester course takes two laps of the small country park near the hospital - sadly, I didn't realise each lap included a cross country section. In the rain, this was boggy and slippery throughout, and I had just my racing flats on: this was unfortunate as otherwise I had a reasonable run given the circumstances. The lack of grip on the XC section cost 20-30 seconds I reckon.

Ras yr Aran

Race: Ras yr Aran (16k+/3100ft)
Time/Position: 1.47.22 (16th from 81)
I was amazed to find that it has been six years since I last did this race. With fairly strong winds forecast, it seemed possible that it would be shortened to Aran Benllyn, as I remember happening in the past, but in the event the full race (quite rightly) went ahead with just the final scree cone to the summit of Fawddwy removed. The weather was not great, but nothing particularly unusual: gusts to 60mph, heavy rain and a notable windchill as might be expected at this time of year. As ever, it is the combination of rain and wind that causes the problems! I had expected to struggle on the long five mile climb, given my usual winter on the roads, and I did indeed. I fell way behind on the initial gradual climb over Moel Ffenigl and only began to make up some ground as the slopes steepen up to Aran Benllyn. This gave some welcome shelter from the worst of the windchill too. Excellent running along the ridge, past the little lakes and the rocky bluffs: low temperatures, poor visibility and strong crosswinds throughout. Navigation is easy on this race though, and I made up some ground and places on the wet and slippery descent, which went a little better than I'd expected it to and was very enjoyable. Buckley won the male team prize, with me counting in third place but only seconds ahead of Steve.

Northern Carneddau run

Peak: Tal y Fan
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
One of those rare early spring days when the mountain air is like champagne: the clarity of light, birdsong and blue skies all combine to make for perfect conditions on the hill. The Northern Carneddau would always be my choice of running terrain in this kind of March weather, so after a night in Conwy John and I headed up to Sychnant in the early morning and set off to the south along the ancient track towards the stone circle. We set a decent pace throughout and reached the top of Tal y Fan in less than 45 minutes. Great views over to the central Carneddau, with a reasonable amount of snow in the gullies of Ffynnon Llyfnant and deep blue skies above. After a lengthy stay on the summit, we pelted down for an equally brisk descent to begin the working day.

Castle Inn climbing

Crag: Castle Inn Quarry
Routes: Nain (f4:led), Cariad (f5:led), Hidden Gem (f4a:led), Wilderness Wall (f5a:led), Butterfly Blue (f4:led)
Although this very short session was squeezed into the last 90 minutes of daylight, surprisingly warm sunshine lit the crag and it was very nice to reacquaint myself with real rock after the usual months of winter inactivity. John was making a short trip to the UK, and as I had introduced him to climbing a few years ago, I thought it would be nice to take him again. After a refresher tutorial, we did a couple of easy routes, finding the mantelshelf on Cariad surprisingly tricky, although a pleasant sun-drenched arete lies above. John enjoyed the longer easy 'ridge' taken by Hidden Gem, and the slightly more technical routes on the slab to the right: delightfully lit by the setting sun. The plan had then been to run to the Cwm Dulyn bothy, but we'd run out of time so opted instead for a five mile blast along the estuary, using the Parkrun route to Deganwy with an extension around the bird reserve.

Conwy mountain race

Race: Conwy fell race (5.5m/2000ft)
Time/Position: 50.09 (7th from 46 [2nd V40])
Knowing Conwy as intimately as I do, I have often pondered the feasibility of a notional mountain race along the three peaks that rise above the town. This inaugural race (the first over Conwy Mountain) was originally scheduled to take in the neat ridge that I have always known as Penmaen Ridge or Pen Pyra, a short 150m grade 2 scramble that is visible from the A55. As such, it was a novel and exciting race prospect, but having done the ridge before I wasn't particularly surprised to find that it had been ditched for safety reasons. That seemed a shame, but the alternative route still gave a challenging race. Quite mild and mainly dry as we set off up the long bridleway which climbs the shoulder over to Allt Wen above the Sychnant Pass. The first three runners went clear during this section and continued to pull away throughout. From Allt Wen, we descended steeply towards the coast, right down to the edge of the caravan site before starting the long reascent. Steve and myself were together for this section, and ploughed foolishly through a mixture of thick gorse and boulders to fashion a direct route up to the middle peak. From here, the main ridge gives superb running along to Conwy Mountain, a very familiar route indeed! I lost two places here, and couldn't make them up as a final section of arbitrary punishment saw us head back down to the road near the Old White House then very steeply back over the ridge near the little slabby crag. A short but intense start to the hill running season.

Manley Mere border league

Race: Manley Mere 5.15m (Border League race 5)
Time/Position: 29.43 (27th from 318 [4th V45])
Unpleasant conditions at the start, with heavy rain, plenty of standing water and chilly temperatures. A new course for the league, although it took in some familiar lanes from various training runs and the Helsby half marathon. I set off at a decent pace, perhaps a tad too quick, and made my way up the field as the route embarked on a long but gentle climb. Lots of runners were nearby, however, even more than the usual intense league competition. My lack of finishing kick means this has an inevitable conclusion: and I finished at the back of a very big group of runners, at least 10 of whom passed me in the final half mile back to the lakeside.

Two Lakes run

An extended training version of the Two Lakes half marathon which I had enjoyed last May. Over the years, I've done various routes and races here: from the complete 20 mile figure of eight round both lakes, to the various shorter races that loop the Brenig and Alwen. A group of four of us started from the Brenig car park, along the dam to pick up the race route. A lovely tailwind eased progress along the far shore of Brenig, waves so high you could almost surf in the lake! As we turned west along the muddy paths and steep tracks that lead to the far side of the lake, the run became gruelling as we battled the fierce headwind. A sheltered bridleway then leads over the road to the superb long track that makes directly for the bridge at the far end of Llyn Alwen. This was tough underfoot and into a headwind the whole way: some rain too. The steep climb beyond the lake is always tough, but we kept a reasonable pace going and stuck to the half marathon route throughout. Almost 15 miles in total, including the extension.

Conwy Parkrun

"Race": Conwy Parkrun (5k)
Time/Position: 18.10 (1st from 180)
A windy week, and today was no exception: my second foray into the world of the Park Run along tracks I know very well. After celebrating our anniversary last night, Kate and I jogged to the start from Rose Hill Street in heavy rain and strong winds. So easy and convenient. These events are not races, but as 'timed runs' they do feel a bit competitive! I was in second place for a while, then took the lead after about 500m, and managed to stay there. My time was slow, but quicker than on the very hilly Wepre course. This Conwy course is excellent and scenic: along the riverbank then towards the castle, before heading up to Deganwy. Strong winds made the return leg tricky and hard going for a while.

Venetian run

Not as glamorous as it sounds, but still an interesting brisk run with at least a small aquatic element! After two days of walking round Venice and trips around the lagoon, I left our hotel on the borders of Favaro and Mestre at 7am. A drizzly, foggy morning: I followed the tram tracks at tempo pace into Mestre Centro, then down Marco Polo road to follow a good canal side path for a while. I took a diversion on the way back through a pleasant misty park and some side roads, back in time for breakfast and what turned out to be an eventful journey home.

Glyder traverse

Peaks: Carnedd y Filiast, Mynydd Perfedd, Foel Goch, Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Glyder Fach, Foel Goch, Gallt yr Ogof
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
The full traverse of the Glyder ridge from Bethesda to Capel Curig: a very enjoyable outing despite the claggy and drizzly conditions. With two cars at our disposal, some kind of point-to-point run became a possibility. I have done versions of this route before, not least on the second day of the Rab Mountain Marathon a couple of years ago, and once when we did a kind of long Nant Francon horseshoe. But I can't remember doing the full Glyder ridge in its entirety: it is a fine and very varied route in terms of terrain. From the bridge over the Ogwen, we (me, Peter, Steve and Hayley) ran along the road to Tai Newyddion then straight up the steep hillside right of the crags. This is relentlessly steep, and uncomfortable underfoot with thick heather, but gains height rapidly. Above, boulder fields allow for much more enjoyable progress as we entered the mist. No more views until we were just above the car park in Capel Curig! We reached the top of Filiast in around 50 minutes, then enjoyed the easy grassy running over Perfedd and along to Foel Goch: the same route as I took with M and the scouts last month. Good progress, despite a strong cross/headwind, through the mist to a rather cold Y Garn. After a quick snack we pelted down to Llyn y Cwn before one of my least favourite climbs: the Pedol Peris route up Glyder Fawr. Because our pace was that bit slower than on the race, this went far more easily, and we scrambled to the top of Glyder Fawr before the careful nav across the often confusing Glyder ridge: slippery in the drizzle. We scrambled to the main summit of Glyder Fach, then tried to locate Vic: who had run up to join us from Ogwen. Easier said than done in visibility of a few metres! But a bearing took us right up to the Cantilever where we met up with Vic: very satisfying. So now we were five, for the very long descent back to Capel down the empty ridge in the gloom of gathering dusk, the mist even thicker. Good compass work throughout with no mistakes, always good practice to run on a bearing down a featureless whaleback ridge! Past lonely Llyn Caseg Fraith, over Foel Goch, then Gallt yr Ogof, before the fast but boggy descent to Capel Curig: dropping out of the clag at around 200m for the first time since the lowest slopes of Filiast. Steak pie and real ale in Conwy aided recovery.

Nick Beer 10k

Race: Nick Beer 10k, Llandudno (Welsh 10k Championships)
Time/Position: 37.14 (32nd from 675 [2nd V45])
The first time the Welsh 10k championships have been staged in the north since Caernarfon in 2012. As such, this was a good opportunity to try to get a decent finish in my category (I won the silver V40 medal in Caernarfon, but was outside the medals both times I've done the championships amidst strong fields in the south). Conditions were trying today: a stiff and bitterly cold easterly, exactly the same as Twin Piers last month. Some big waves crashed into the Orme as we rounded it on this most scenic of 10k routes. The tailwind was some help for the steeper slopes up to the lighthouse, but this has never been a quick course for me. The long descent down to West Shore, always enjoyable with great scenery, helps regain some time but it was then back into the headwind for the crucial 7-8k section. This was hard work as a result, and the final sprint down the prom wasn't much better: so the slow time was hardly a surprise! I came second V45 in the race, but was first Welsh qualifier so got the gold medal to go alongside the 10 mile championships last March.

Oswestry XC

Race: Oswestry XC (North Wales Cross Country League, race 5)
Time/Position: 40.50 (31st from 141 [3rd V45])
The first time I have ever completed a full season in the cross country league. All three previous races this season had been pedestrian and this was no exception: indeed, I struggled even more than usual on this route, which takes two big laps of a long and challenging course from the Marches School in Oswestry, with two sharp climbs and a couple of boggy sections. A headwind in places didn't help matters, with lots of changes of pace of the kind I always find hard to handle! All good fun, though, and satisfying to complete the season after well over 10 years of just doing one or two league races. I ended up 3rd V45 overall, with Buckley third team and second veterans team.

Rhug Cross Country

Race: North Wales XC Championships, Rhug, Corwen (6.2m)
Time/Position: 38.34 (14th from 55 [1st V45])
Conditions were relatively benign for the championships this year, with icy rain falling before the start but the ground reasonably firm for most of the route. This may be some explanation for the fact that my time was a couple of minutes quicker than my three or four previous races at Rhug (or maybe the course had been tweeked slightly). Although this was my worst ever finishing position at the cross country championships, it was also my first category win. It was quite a fast start, and my inability to handle changes of pace saw me starting to struggle even earlier than is usual. By the last lap, I just tried to hang on as Eric passed me. Still my favourite XC course: great location for the race and the prize giving. Buckley won the team prize overall again, and the veteran's team prize.

Deeside Border League

Race: Deeside/Kelsterton, Border League round 4 (4.5m)
Time/Position: 25.21 (33rd from 371 [3rd V45])
After yesterday's exertions into a headwind at the Twin Piers 10k, this was another damage limitation exercise. But, having missed two league races already this season, it was just an attempt to try to help out as best I could. It is, mercifully, a short circuit, which hasn't featured in the league since 2014. The only problem is that it incorporates the sharp climb up Kelsterton hill after a manic new start on the Deeside track with almost 400 runners squeezed in! The climb went OK in the circumstances. I made up some places on the long descent back to the stadium, but still finished in my worst league position for many years (possibly since 2008).

Twin Piers 10k

Race: Twin Piers 10k (Llandudno to Colwyn Bay)
Time/Position: 37.33 (6th from 420 [1st V45])
Having done this event many times over the years, with the coastal wind blowing from a variety of directions, it was pretty obvious that times would be adversely affected as we arrived in Llandudno to find a bitterly cold, and surprisingly strong, easterly wind. On this point-to-point race (my favourite local road race) this means a headwind the entire way, so a slow start was inevitable. A large group formed at the front, at least 10 runners, before it began to break up as we climbed over the Little Orme. This sharp climb does at least give some shelter from the wind. A route change then saw us doing two laps of the estate in Penrhyn Bay before reacquaintance with the headwind as we rejoined the coast down to Rhos on Sea. I managed to establish myself in fifth place, then pulled away from the group behind, until a young lad sped past with 500 metres to go. A very slow time, two minutes down on my expected finish, and well over three minutes down on my best time for this course (also my PB) recorded in 2011. I then enacted part two of the plan, running down the beach to immerse myself in the Irish Sea (up to thigh level) by way of impromptu ice bath recovery before tomorrow's Border League race.

Shrewsbury XC

Race: Baschurch, Shrewsbury XC (North Wales Cross Country league, race 4)
Time/Position: 35.41 (30th from 141 [3rd V45])
An amusing river crossing had been incorporated into this new circuit, the fourth and penultimate race of the season. It attracted a couple of dozen spectators and led to some fun and games as we plunged in to its icy, thigh deep murk. A steady climb followed immediately: hard work indeed to sustain any kind of pace after the soaking in the river. It all made for an excellent, though challenging cross-country race: classic stuff. I felt the need for spikes as it was very muddy underfoot, slippery and insecure in many places.

Glyderau walk

Peaks: Carnedd y Filiast, Mynydd Perfedd, Elidir Fawr
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
A sharp contrast with Monday: the snow and clear skies gone, to be replaced by standard issue clag and drizzle. This was a shame, as M had been persuaded to join the scouts winter walking weekend for the third time. I joined in (also for the third time) and was therefore able to observe him outside his natural habitat again! The cloud base was just above sea level as I approached Deiniolen at first light around 8am: very dank and gloomy. As the scouts had breakfast, it began to lift a bit, and was much higher when we set out from the HQ at the old school house on the edge of the village. The long haul up to Llyn Marchlyn Bach gives an unusual start to a mountain day: tarmac the whole way, gently climbing for several miles. Two of the scouts dropped behind and eventually five of us continued upwards into the mist. The path up Carnedd y Filiast is steep but comfortable, and conditions weren't too bad apart from the poor visibility. A bearing across the plateau gained the shelter on Mynydd Perfedd, then the always enjoyable ridge towards Elidir Fawr which gave a very brief clearance at Bwlch y Brechan for views of Llyn Marchlyn below. M seemed to enjoy the occasional bits of scrambling leading to the summit of Elidir. Last time I was here was the very memorable Elidir Fawr race one evening last September. After lunch, steady rain and a brisk wind added to the fun. I took a bearing after deliberately continuing along the ridge for a bit. The lower slopes of Elidir are featureless, and the visibility was very poor, but the bearing landed us above the broken crags and by skirting west for a few minutes we picked up the faint path which leads down to the lower Marchlyn lake. At this point, just a few metres above the lake and tarmac road, we broke through the persistent clag for the first time on the entire circuit, which M admitted was 'very satisfying'. A long descent ensued, back down the road to Deiniolen.

Carneddau run

Peaks: Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewellyn, Yr Elen
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A great way to start the year, reviving the route of the defunct Carneddau race from Gerlan above Bethesda. By pure luck, conditions were superb with a good covering of snow and a cold northerly wind which blew most of the cloud over into Ogwen as we climbed up from Cwm Llafar. I did the old race in 2007 and 2011, but Jez and Hayley hadn't done this particular circuit before. The first steepening was tough with cold limbs in the early morning, but the Mynydd Du spur is soon reached with the usual cracking views over Llech Ddu and Ysgolion Duon. From here, surprisingly thick snow cover gave interesting route finding through the boulder fields to a spectacular summit view, with sunshine through the tendrils of mist wreathing Ogwen. The ridge across to Llewellyn is always magnificent in these kinds of semi-Alpine conditions: I would estimate at least 30 trips along it since the 1980s, possibly many more than that. The snow was perfect for running: not too soft, not too crusty. It allowed for very rapid progress and I got some great pictures on the crest of the ridge. The mist came down on Llewellyn, which was predictably bitter, and I took a brief bearing towards Yr Elen before we enjoyed the superb climax of the route. Wonderful views down into wild and remote Cwm Caseg and across the northern Carneddau: one of my favourite spots. I suggested not to bother with the traditional race climax (which indulges in some brutal arbitrary punishment by taking runners up Gyrn Wigau). Instead, we enjoyed the superb continuation of the horseshoe over Foel Gron, which remained snowy until we got to Cwm Llafar itself. A cold river crossing then quick running back to sunny Gerlan before lunchtime.

Bowstones fell race

Race: Bowstones fell race, Poynton (11k/1063ft)
Time/Position: 47.47 (23rd from 389)
We all really enjoyed this fine coda to the running year in 2015, so went back again. But whereas last year I felt quite good on this fast and runnable race, which is almost closer to a trail or multi-terrain event, I struggled from an early stage this year. I still had hamstring damage from the Jubilee Plunge although can't really blame that for my travails which were more fundamental in nature! The route is eyeballs out throughout, with no really steep climbs: it goes gently up into Lyme Park, then embarks on a steady climb interspersed with a wooded descent that eventually leads to a short ridge on the edge of the Peak. I lost around 10 places on the climb, struggling to run, but gained a few on the descent back to the Cage Tower and Lyme Park: eventually finishing around a minute (and 10 places) down on last year.

Y Garn walk

Peak: Y Garn
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
The traditional post-Christmas walk with Rich. Just a short one this year, although conditions were superb with a hard frost in the valleys and perfect clarity from the summits. The East Face of Tryfan would have been wonderful, sheltered from the cold (but fairly gentle) westerly. Rich fancied Y Garn though, so we walked along the valley to Ogwen Cottage then up the very familiar steps towards Twll Du. Emerging into the sunlight at Llyn y Cwn was very welcome: memories of my solo summer wild camp in this wonderful spot. Delightful winter sunshine for the plod to the summit, and lunch with a raven for company. Excellent views over Llyn, in particular. We completed the mini loop in familiar fashion, down Banana ridge and back to Idwal. An ideal gentle outing to stretch the legs after all the festive races.

Jubilee Plunge

Race: Jubilee Plunge (2.2m/-1361ft)
Time/Position: 12.39 (8th from 81)
The shortest and physically easiest race of the year, yet always the most damaging in terms of recovery! I'd avoided it in favour of the 5k handicap last year, conscious that my poor descending and overstriding leaves my legs in shreds for a week even if I hold back. It is one of the most enjoyable outings of the year though, and I have always liked the village pub. A convivial trot to the top of Moel Famau for this most eccentric of race starts in front of the usual crowd of curious onlookers on the Jubilee Tower: nice weather with low sunshine and milky high cloud. I started mid-pack, the intention being to take it easy and save my legs. This backfired in a fairly obvious way as I found myself way behind on the first steep drop then felt obliged to push on the ridge to try to gain some places. By the time you reach the narrow track branching off towards the Vale it is all too late. I could see Steve, Andy and Chris below me and knew I was unlikely to catch up! It is a fantastic grassy descent back to the road but I avoided the 'shortcut' as nobody else seemed to be taking it. The flatter fields back to the pub suit me a bit better and I ended up half a minute down on my best time. My fourth time at the Plunge, and the third short enjoyable race in four festive days.

Round the Walls race

Race: Round the Walls, Chester (6k)
Time/Position: 23.53 (10th from 491 [1st V45])
With the walls under refurbishment in two places, the race route must have been hard for the organisers to work out this year. There was no ice this morning though (always a concern on this race as it means the walls can't be run). Instead, just a nice sunny day as we headed off for a lap of the car park then short loop of the Roodee (as in 2014). From here, the race headed down Sealand Road then up past Telford's and the locks to take the cobbled canal towpath before joining the walls much higher up near the cathedral. Flying along the walls is what this race is all about, it always gives exciting racing, and I managed to gain a few places and get close to a compact group of five who were themselves well behind the lead five runners. Brilliant running past the clock and down to the Dee, and although I couldn't catch the faster group in front I just squeezed into the top 10 for the second time. Kate enjoyed it too: my fifth time at this race, which works so well as a bracing family outing on Boxing Day morning,

Wepre Parkrun

"Race": Wepre Parkrun (5k)
Time/Position: 20.16 (6th)
My Parkrun debut, after almost 500 'formal' races since 1982. Legs were a little tender after yesterday's exertions in the Berwyn storm, but these are not races, merely 'timed runs'. A little lap (on which I have previously marshalled) with a sharp climb leads to two longer laps each containing two longer climbs. The course is quite challenging and would make an excellent hard XC course with one or two more laps. I really enjoyed it, despite my jaded limbs which remained creaky and tired throughout, and despite the fact I recorded my slowest ever 5k time by quite a considerable margin! In fact I was three minutes slower even than this year's best 5k time, but this is certainly not a quick course (in fact, some say it is the hardest UK Parkrun). It is the 32nd week at Wepre, so I was rather surprised to break the course record for my V45 age category. Very nice inclusive event: neatly followed by our usual Christmas Eve walk.

Berwyn horseshoe

Peaks: Mynydd Tarw, Foel Wen, Tomle, Cadair Berwyn, Moel Sych, Moel yr Ewig, Godor
Area: Berwyn, Denbighshire
After a dry interlude yesterday (and a walk up Conwy mountain with the children), another depression swept in today. Dubbed Storm Barbara, it was another example of unfortunate pre-Christmas timing. In the event, however, Jez and I arrived in Cwm Maen Gwynedd just after 9am, and the worst of the weather had yet to arrive. We wasted no time, and injected a bit of pace for the steep climb up Mynydd Tarw: tarmac, then track, then steep fields. But the climb gets you onto the ridge very quickly: probably my fourth time round this excellent horseshoe. I thought it would make a good choice today, relatively sheltered in the east, and always with the option of dropping into the valley if things get too extreme. Ferocious gusts as we ran across the boggy terrain to the north: over Foel Wen and its tops, blown into the fence a few times. But it stayed dry initially, with a surprisingly high cloud base. After Tomle, Ffordd Saeson gave a few minutes respite before the main Berwyn ridge into the teeth of the gale. However, it wasn't quite as bad as I'd expected. Jez coped with the conditions better than I did, but we made good progress and even got some fine views to the south as we skirted Cwm Maen Gwynedd. The usual bog on top of the ironically named Moel Sych, then we took the great contouring narrow path down to Moel yr Ewig and along the ridge in deteriorating conditions: heavy rain and gale-force winds throughout. From Godor, an excellent fast descent back down to the valley bottom (2.15 for the round). Warmed up in front of the fire in The Hand, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog.

Carneddau run

Peaks: Foel Dduarth, Yr Orsedd, Drum
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
The familiar diabolical weather on our pre-Christmas outing, although it was particularly unfortunate this year after two weeks of stable conditions. Options were by definition limited, but it was at least dry as we set off from Aber. The steep tarmac start to the Foel Fras race is never pleasant, but you do gain height quickly. The very steep climb up gorse to Foel Dduarth is demanding, but again over quite quickly. From here, the grassy ridge always gives superb running over to Yr Orsedd. The wind picked up at this point, and the black clouds gathering to the west moved overhead. As we dropped down to the main Drum track, horizontal hail and icy blasts made life very difficult. Conditions got progressively worse as we climbed towards Drum: painful hail, poor visibility and ferocious gusts. At the summit of Drum, the wind whipped across the ridge: conversation was impossible so I gestured to Peter that a descent to Cwm Anafon was on my mind! He seemed to agree. Problem was that this was into the teeth of the gale: hard work initially, very hard to see. But I have used this as an escape route before and it works well. Half way down, the wind eased and in the cwm it was much gentler. We were finally able to communicate as we ran back north then extended the run down old tracks to end up on the A55 itself. Dried out in the Albion, Conwy.

Welsh XC Championships

Race: Welsh Regional and Masters Cross Country Championships, Brecon (9.5k)
Time/Position: 34.53 (49th from 133 [7th V45])
Having been selected to run for Wales for the first time since 2012 in November, and then being unable to make it, this was a welcome opportunity to at least represent my region. I've run for North Wales three times at the 10k road championships but, although I've been picked for cross country before, this was my first actual XC appearance in the regional champs. The course was a new one, round the fields surrounding the Penlan centre outside Brecon. The day was dank and drizzly, but the going was relatively kind underfoot. Better still, the course (three long and tortuous laps) suited me fairly well, with long flat sections to hammer out some kind of rhythm. A few twists and turns and a couple of short, sharp hills kept it interesting. Having struggled a bit to maintain the pace at Bangor last month, I ran conservatively but didn't feel too bad for a change (albeit still slow!). I picked up a few places on the second and third laps and finished in a reasonable position for my age, scoring in second place for the North Wales V45-55 team (although we just missed out on the team medal, by a very small margin).

Bangor XC

Race: Bangor XC (North Wales Cross Country League, race 3)
Time/Position: 35.50 (32nd from 152 [4th V45])
A long break from racing, over a month since the Flintshire 10k. Very little running in South Africa, and a heavy cold on returning, so my struggles in the two intervals sessions I've managed since recovering were hardly surprising. This was, therefore, merely a damage limitation exercise! A perfect winter day, with a hard frost and snow on the Carneddau. Felt I should have been up on those hills, and that feeling intensified as I began to struggle on the second lap. I last did the Bangor course 10 years ago, and it has changed since then: possibly a tad shorter, but more intense, with a sharp climb on all four laps. The course was muddy, slippery and demanding today despite the weather. I finished way down the field, which was a shame as I missed the second race in the league last month, but at least I didn't fall apart completely as I had half expected.

Clywedog trail run

A very pleasant outing on a beautiful crisp winter morning. Starting from Minera, we initially went too far across the river, adding a steep extra climb, but eventually joined a contouring path which eventually led down to Bersham via beautiful woodland. Astonishingly, and slightly shamefully, this was new territory for me. The Clywedog trail continues in this vein, broadly following the river through the edge of Wrexham, although urban scenery rarely intrudes. Peter and I continued through Erddig and nice parkland scenery to the end of the trail at King's Mill, then turned round for the long return leg along the riverbank. Just over half marathon distance in total.

Quartzkop

Peak: Quartzkop (1750m)
Area: Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Just a short jog, glad to be able to expend some energy after several days driving round the wonderful Kruger National Park. This morning, I left Satara Camp in Kruger very early, driving into Limpopo then through the huge township of Bushbuckridge to Graskop. After breakfast, I headed up to the famed God's Window viewpoint. Here, the warm air of the Lowveld rises to meet the cooler air of the high plateau of Mpumulanga at the start of the Panorama Route and Blyde River Canyon. At this time of year, early summer, mist is the inevitable result. So, instead of the vast view over the Lowveld, a misty subtropical atmosphere prevailed. Still very atmospheric, with ever changing views over the top of the clouds and the plateau clear. I quickly realised that the path continued past God's Window to take in the subtropical cloud forest beyond: all moss and dripping vegetation, reminding me of my trip to Panama earlier this year. Above, typical Highveld scenery and vegetation as a plateau is reached. Great running here, with cloud to the right over the Lowveld and huge views left over the plateau towards the Blyde River Canyon. I kept on going to the highpoint, some interesting birds, then jogged back to resume my tour of the region. Later, I took in the Three Rondavels, Blyde Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes and many more sites in this wonderful area before staying in the hills above Graskop, near the famous Berlin Falls.

Flintshire 10k

Race: Flintshire 10k
Time/Position: 36.10 (4th from 566 [1st V45])
The route for this long-established race has changed numerous times over the years: this new version echoed the much older two lap run up the gently inclining Ruthin Road. I can remember going under 37 minutes for the first time on the old course a decade ago. A big field as we set off from the school, and a lot of twists and turns as the route avoids the middle of town. This slowed times down a bit, as did another tortuous section higher up after the hill - through gates and narrow entrances. The long and gradual descent is fast, though, and I gradually worked my way through some quick starters. I was third at the Flintshire 10k two years ago, on the very hilly version, and have been fifth in the past too. The gaps were quite big by the final mile.

Mold XC

Race: Mold XC (North Wales Cross Country League, race 1: 5.5m)
Time/Position: 31.47 (29th from 197 [3rd V45])
For a change, I was well up on my previous time for this newish course, which we ran for the first time last November. However, conditions today were hardly typical for cross country. It was mild and dry, the ground no worse than moist after morning rain. Last year, by contrast, it poured down throughout and the route was a quagmire. I didn't feel too bad on the route, although slowed on the third lap and struggled to hold the pace. But I moved gradually up the field after a deliberately slow start. I am hoping the field was quite strong, as I had expected to be a bit higher up!

Caernarfon border league

Race: Caernarfon 10k (Border League race 1)
Time/Position: 36.29 (16th from 318 [2nd V45])
The rule of 30 seconds strikes again. The third consecutive race in which I have been half a minute down on my most recent previous time for the course. Still, at least the decline is relatively gradual! Given the lack of recent road running, and only one intervals session in preparation, I was reasonably pleased with this - and I always enjoy the route, perhaps my 8th time round the course, both clockwise and anticlockwise. Today, we went the 'normal' way round, with a light easterly a slight help for the long, flat 5k alongside the Menai Straits. Always a glorious place to run, and the weather was delightful, as it often is on this race. Views of Yr Eifl and Mynydd Mawr as we turned inland to face the hilly second half of the course. I caught quick-starters Chris and David from Buckley and we ran together for a bit up the first hill. I moved up the field a bit over the second half and did my usual pace-holding (albeit slow!) routine, managing to hold off a small group immediately behind on the always enjoyable, very scenic final km past the castle.

Ceiriog Canter

Race: Ceiriog Canter fell race (11.5k/1307ft)
Area: Glyn Ceiriog (Vivod Mountain)
Time/Position: 53.45 (5th from 37)
Driving down the Ceiriog Valley, I always think I should spend more time there. This is the only fell race based in the valley, and another of those I have never got round to doing. The weather was rather unpleasant: steady drizzle, low cloud, rather chilly. But the race is runnable and excellent, almost closer to a trail race in places. It leaves Glyn Ceiriog to join a rutted and steep track. Our plod up this was enlivened by a wedged Sainsbury's delivery van, presumably a disastrous sat-nav error. It was quite a job to squeeze through the vegetation to get past the van. The track eventually emerges at a road, then takes a great path up the side of Nant y Dramwys. This gives excellent running, with good (albeit misty) views of the Berwyn. A group of six pulled away from the rest of the field during the climb. At a gate, the route turns left for the final climb up to the top of Vivod Mountain, all runnable. I began to fall behind Simon on the climb, and lost more ground initially on the descent, which takes a different route north of Y Foel to emerge at Finger Farm: at this point there was a great clearance in the mist and drizzle to reveal the verdant Ceiriog Valley. A road section meant I could catch Simon up, and a great contest ensued. I didn't get enough of a gap to cancel out his descending skills, though, and we were neck and neck on the final descent into the woods above Glyn Ceiriog. This was enlivened by a collapsing gate and numerous fallen trees. Eventually he pulled clear and finished up 15 seconds ahead back at the finish in Canolfan Ceiriog. We were around 90 seconds behind the winner.

Wirral Multi-Terrain Series, Arrowe Park

Race: Wirral MT Series, Arrowe Park
Time/Position: 26.49 (17th from 219 [2nd V45])
Half a minute down on last year's time, exactly the same as two weeks ago, so my slowdown is at least consistent! Last year, this race was something of a showdown as our V45 category went right down to the wire. This year, the pressure was off as I have already missed two races in the four race series, so I just used it as a speed session. It is a great course round Arrowe Park near Birkenhead: quick running through the woods, which get very dark on the second lap as dusk gathers, then some surprisingly tough gently rising slogs across a series of playing fields.

Chisinau run

After memorable day trips to Transdniester (Wednesday) and Gagauzia (Thursday) I had a bit of time for a run in the Moldovan capital this morning. I had already managed an unusual jog yesterday on my return from Gagauzia, running from the distant South Bus station in the furthest suburbs of Chisinau to my city centre hotel 6km away, stopping only for beer, sarmale and ciorba! As with many post-Soviet cities, Chisinau is not ideally suited to running with its potholes, crumbling pavements and big kerbstones. But, having said that, there's plenty of green space in the city and it is certainly easier than I found running in Tbilisi, Bishkek, Yerevan and the like. This morning I ran from my hotel at the eastern end of Pushkin Street up towards the parliament in perfect crisp, clear and sunny conditions. I made my way to the obvious large urban lake of Parcul Valea Morilor and did a lap of this with several other runners. I made my way back via a tortuous return through the city centre.

Mourne traverse

Peaks: Slieve Meelmore (704m), Slieve Bearnagh (727m), Slievenaglogh (586m), Slieve Corragh (641m), Slieve Commedagh (767m), Slieve Donard (850m), Slieve Beg (596m)
Area: Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
A traverse of the northern Mournes, a very pleasant outing but far removed from the reason we were here! In fact, we were here to do the Mourne Mountain Marathon elite course, long in the planning and obviously requiring some complex logistics. Peter and I had flown in to Belfast on Friday and arrived at the Meelmore lodge late on Friday night. This morning, a bus from Tollymore took us through delightful Ulster countryside to the start of the event at the Fofanny dam. All went well initially, although I always find it takes a while to 'get your eye in' on mountain marathons and we made a few small errors. After a bigger error on the north side of Slieve Meelmore, we slogged over the top of the hill and, when looking for the next checkpoint, Peter let out an agonised shout and keeled over: ankle badly sprained. That was essentially the end of that, a mere two hours into the event. We descended slowly to the col where Peter could hobble down to Meelmore. The day, rather frustratingly, was getting better and better: blue sky with some high cloud drifting in and out, warm but not too hot. The only option for me was a long run in the hills as a consolation prize. As I've never visited the Mournes before (apart from a trip to Newcastle in filthy weather with K and L some years ago) this was an appealing prospect. The northern traverse seemed an obvious continuation from Slieve Meelmore so I jogged up the steep side of Slieve Bearnagh, soon slowing to a striding walk. This is a fine hill, steep and shapely, and from this side even gives some mild scrambling if you look for it. Its summit is crowned with several large tors, reminiscent of Dartmoor granite. In fact, its summit is probably one of the harder summits to reach in the British Isles. I guessed the highpoint, took a route through a notch then along to two mild chimneys which led to the true summit and excellent views over the range: I had the time to really get my bearings, which I wouldn't have done had we been engaged in the intricacies of the mountain marathon! Good running led down to the famous Hare's Gap, a broad col, and the next lower peaks of Slievenaglogh and Slieve Corragh were also fairly gentle and runnable with good paths near the remarkable Mourne Wall, which continues along the entire ridge. I managed to find a water source at the next col and took a short break there. Slieve Commedagh is a steep haul but another fine peak with its summit set back a bit from the main ridge line and good sea and coastal views. I had it to myself, in stark contrast to Slieve Donard, and watched dozens of walkers slogging up to the summit as the mist covered it, then melted away again. I ran to the col, where numbers increased dramatically, perhaps 10 or 15 fold! I suppose Slieve Donard is so dominant, and so accessible from Newcastle, that it inevitably becomes a major day trip target. Its the highest point in Northern Ireland too, which probably adds to the appeal. It is a dull and crowded slog along the wall from the col to the summit, so I jogged where I could, reaching it in around 19 minutes. Mist drifted across the summit, with partial clearances giving views of the sea directly below. I ran down to the Bog of Donard at the top of the Bloody Bridge route, then joined the superb Brandy Pad - which takes a great direct route through the middle of the range, traversing below the peaks I had just done. I broke off to take in the minor summit of Slieve Beg for views of the Annalong Valley, then enjoyed the glorious gentle descent to Hare's Gap. From here, more excellent sunny running led down past some impressive granite crags to Meelmore lodge and our unplanned overnight camp. Very far from the weekend we had planned, and obviously a disappointment, but still an enjoyable traverse in great conditions and a fun weekend in Northern Ireland.

Wirral Multi-Terrain Series, Thurstaston

Race: Wirral MT Series, Race 2 (Thurstaston Beach)
Time/Position: 30.01 (14th from 236 [3rd V45])
Having thoroughly enjoyed this series last year, and having won my category, I was keen to give the races another go this year. But circumstances look like preventing me completing the series: indeed I was in Austria for the first race last week. As a result, I just treated this race as a speed session and wasn't too disappointed with a time well over half a minute down on last year. I struggled a bit with the pace, as I expected to, but just about held on for the second lap along the beach. The sand seemed softer than last year, with more boulders, but perhaps it just seemed that way! A great combination of cycle tracks and beach running, with oystercatchers and curlews a nice accompaniment.

Grainau trail run

We headed straight for Garmisch after the Wildspitze, stopping only for coffee and cake in Imst. After an excellent evening near our hotel in Partenkirchen, we had limited time this morning before heading back to Munich airport. There was a crag near Grainau, so we headed there for a few climbs, only to find a rather scruffy and unappealing wall of conglomerate. After an excellent few days in the Otztal, this just seemed wrong, so we decided on a trail run into the hills instead, mainly to enjoy the fantastic views of the Zugspitze across the valley (we had already pledged to make a return trip to take in the routes on these limestone peaks above Garmisch). We crossed the Loisach river, crystal clear and delightful, the water glinting in the low sunshine, and headed up the Kramerlaine valley. Vic descended to the riverside trail, while I continued upwards for a while, unsurprisingly rather tired after the last few days but enjoying the beauty of the Bavarian hills and the superbly civilised nature of the trails themselves. I made it to a highpoint above the valley and admired the view across to the Alpspitze and Zugspitze before taking a contouring path back down. After a wash and submersion in the icy river, we headed to Munich.

Wildspitze

Peak: Wildspitze (3772m/12362ft)
Route: Mitterkarjoch/Normal Route (PD)
Area: Otztal Alps, Austria
The highest peak in the Tyrol, and the second highest in Austria, the Wildspitze is also a very beautiful objective. It takes the form of a tent-like pyramid soaring above extensive snowfields. It was an obvious target for our short trip, and is unsurprisingly popular. It gives a straightforward but excellent route over the Mitterkarjoch: much more interesting and varied than we had anticipated, as it breaks down into four distinct parts. Breakfast was at 5.30am, late by Alpine standards, and we were away by 6.15. The route initially climbs into the Mitterkar, a glacial bowl of rubble and boulders which has presumably lost a great deal of its ice in recent years. A decent path winds through the moraines until the upper cwm is reached. The dim light gave way to Alpenglow on the Hinterer Brochkogel high above while behind a cloud inversion formed in the Vental. We passed one big guided party just before the cairns ran out as the upper cwm was reached. This is guarded by steep rock walls, with the summit of the Wildspitze high up on the right of the cwm, cloud streamers curling over the cornices. The actual Mitterkarjoch, which is the key to the whole route, is a tight col above a hidden rock couloir that rises steeply to the north. A dry glacier, just shallow ice, rapidly diminishing, leads up to the couloir, so we donned crampons and headed upwards, behind another guided party. The route up was pleasant, frozen solid after a cold night. Eventually, the glacier gives way to a small bergschrund and then a 150ft via ferrata section, which takes the couloir on its solid left-hand side up a series of cables. I would imagine that, until fairly recently, this couloir was a tracked out snow plod. Now the cables take you on to fairly solid ground up the left walls. Some surprisingly strenuous hauls needed, tricky work in crampons, and we were initially stuck behind the one small guided party that now remained in front of us. However, the steepness eases quite quickly and gives way to a long and very enjoyable diagonal traverse, eventually gaining the atmospheric Mitterkarjoch itself, where the environment and ambience changes suddenly and utterly from rock to snow as you enter the white world of the upper snowfields. The small col gives access to the summit glacier and is a tremendous spot with new views to the west over the Pitztal to Glochturm and a galaxy of other peaks. Cloud in the valleys just added to the atmosphere, particularly as wisps enveloped us from time to time. We geared up for the glacier crossing, which was a delight. Horizontal initially, it then rears up and crosses three or four crevasses. At this point, we were joined by climbers from the Pitztal side, but it never got overly crowded. The glacier crossing ends at a shallow col below the final rocky (at this time of year) summit pyramid. We removed ice gear and scrambled to the top (3 hours), very enjoyable despite the altitude. Verglassed rocks and my ancient Alpine boots (badly worn soles!) made it a little trickier than it might have been. Banks of cloud filled the Otztal and Pitztal with the high summits rising above, a spectacular view. Looking over the Stubai to the Schrankogel was particularly satisfying, and the nearby peaks on the Italian border were also notable, like the Similaun and Weisskugel. We deliberately timed the descent to perfection after a wonderful stay on the summit, avoiding the biggest guided parties on the scramble, then romping down the glacier to ensure we had the couloir to ourselves: this worked perfectly and we made rapid progress back to the hut. After enjoyable crampon work down the dry glacier, we took a long rest in the upper Mitterkar, enjoying the high Alpine ambience for one last time, then the long trudge through the moraines back to the Breslauer Hut (the first team down, just before midday) for Bergsteigerressen (wurst and pasta) and coffee. Thus fortified, we made our way down to Stablein in hot sunshine.

Oberried climbing

Crag: Oberried (Otztal, Tyrol, Austria)
Routes: Captain Hook (u6-/f5b:led), Mila Johara (u5-:sec), Night Rider (u5-:sec), Playboy (u5/f5a:sec), Baker Street (u6/f5c:led), Grisu (u7-/f6a+:sec), Loreley (f5b:led), Loschaktion (f5b:led), Wasserklang (f5b:led), Lausbubenverschneidung (u6+/f6a:sec)
A truly delightful crag, with well over 100 varied routes in a wonderful setting next to tranquil valley pastures with tremendous views up towards the Gamskogel and other peaks. It was virtually walking distance from our hotel, just across the valley floor, but had its own car park with toilet. A hot day seemed likely, so we started early as the morning sun hit the crag casting long shadows over the wet meadows, cow bells the only sound. Our chosen starting point was a side slab, with three overlapping slabs, all quite distinct, with the top one jutting out over a steeper wall. Captain Hook took the full height and gave a pleasant VS pitch, delicate climbing interspersed by the odd steeper move over each bulge. Vic led the similar but shorter line to the left, and two easier routes further right completed the fun. After this little warm up, it was already too hot to climb in the sun so we found a shady west-facing nook further left where I led Baker Street, an excellent HVS/f5c pitch up a steep wall of grey granite. It looked slightly smooth and polished from below, but wasn't really: it took an obvious line of weakness up the steep wall, a diagonal line of jugs leading towards the left-hand arete, then weaving right taking a further line of positive cracks up the steeper headwall. Great pitch, although bettered by Vic's lead of Grisu at f6a+. This took a direct line up that left-hand arete and gave superb climbing. A thin but positive flake crack right on the edge of the arete gave steep, dynamic moves up to a rest. Then an intermittent crack system with some interesting jamming led to the top via more fine climbing direct up the edge of the arete: excellent pitch. Further left, back in the sunshine, I led the classic corner line of Loreley - which felt like a traditional British VS. An obvious, strong line with some surprisingly awkward bridging and steep moves higher up. Loschaktion, immediately right, was a distinct contrast, taking a clean and delicate slab via some surprisingly technical moves on small holds and foot smears. Both quite stiff leads for the grade. Wasserklang was the worst pitch of the trip: something of a sandbag with me tiring after a bad night's sleep. A very steep start up an overhanging wall led to two thrutchy and steep grooves: awkward and disjointed, but close to a picturesque waterfall, as its name suggests. I flailed clumsily up this, with fading forearms, but was revived by the terrific corner of Lausbubenverschneidung (scallywag's corner!), a great f6a led by Vic, taking a very obvious clean corner direct up the high face at the left of the crag. Easy climbing low down leads to a superb textbook layback crack. Great moves up this to a high jug, before a pulsating finish taking the steepening finger crack in the corner. The crux comes right at the top: a layaway and very long reach for a flat finishing hold. With regret, we called it a day after 10 routes and headed up the valley for a late lunch before driving up to Vent at the end of the Otztal. From here, we got the chairlift to Stablein, then enjoyed a wonderful relaxed walk-in over the dramatic Rofenbach to the Breslauer Hut in great weather. Another superb hut, more traditional and crowded than the Amberger, with us in a small wooden room with great views. We refuelled with goulash, spatzle, gruner veltliner, blaufrankisch and other delights.

Schrankogel

Peak: Schrankogel (3497m/11473ft)
Route: East Ridge (PD)
Area: Stubai Alps, Austria
Rather high for an acclimatisation peak, but the Schrankogel is a superb mountain that had the added advantage of getting us into the heart of the Stubai Alps before our planned ascent of the higher Wildspitze in the Otztal Alps later in the week. The two ranges are quite distinct, although both can be accessed from the main Otztal valley. We spent the night in the splendid Amberger Hut, which was wonderful in the way that only Austrian huts can be, and enjoyed a relative lie-in before breakfast at 6am. Fresh snow had fallen above 3000m so we packed a short rope as precaution, although I wore approach shoes throughout as there is no glacier to cross on this route. We moved up the broad and magnificent Sulztal valley, almost Himalayan in feel at this point, with the Sulztalferner glacier sunlit above. The sun had yet to reach us, and we made rapid progress up the side valley of the Schwarzenberg to the east. A steep ascent led to a superb path on top of a moraine which gave a wonderful mile or so of walking, as the sun began to light up the Mutterberger Seespitze and Schwarzenbergspitze across the valley. In the dim morning light, with a fallen signpost, I failed to spot the line of the normal route going up the south-west ridge. This was no bad thing, however, as the moraine path was truly wonderful and took us up to the Schwarzenberg glacier high above. Some rubbly material at the top of the moraine, dusty, steep and arduous for a while. Above, however, we arrived at a plateau with the east ridge towering above: clearly a much better and more interesting option than the normal route, plastered with a good few inches of fresh snow. The weather was absolutely superb: deep blue cloudless sky and crystal clarity in all directions. We were both going at our own pace, so I set off for the main ridge, enjoying the more solid slabby rock. The snow made things trickier in places, but there were no real difficulties: it was rather like a giant Crib Goch. The ridge tapers constantly until it becomes more exposed as the summit cross comes into view. The final section is quite narrow with a few awkward steps but leads quickly and directly to the summit (2.50 from the hut). The amazing and unusual clarity of light made this one of the best views I have ever had in the Alps, or anywhere. I shared the summit with a chap from Bavaria who helped me with some of the unfamiliar peaks. Close at hand, the pyramidal Schrandele, Zuckerhutl and Wilde Leck impressed, but the Schrankogel is so prominent that it is the highest point for miles around, so the main feeling was one of distant views stretching right across the Alps, from the Todi and Silvretta to the Gross Venediger and the distant Dolomites. The Wildspitze dominated the view to the south-west: a beautiful summit. I spent a long time gazing at the view until Vic arrived, and we eventually tore ourself away for the descent. This was awkward, long and tiring, and I was a tad annoyed that I'd failed to realise the obvious traverse option. But the moraine was equally good in descent and the sun-drenched Sulztal a wonderful place to linger as we neared the hut. Sadly, we'd run out of money, so had to scamper back to the car in Gries before a surprisingly lengthy hunt for valley accommodation in Langenfeld. We got it sorted in the end, however, and a fine meal of wild mushroom soup, Tyrol lamb and rosti restored some of the lost calories.

Oetz climbing

Crag: Oetz (Otztal, Tyrol, Austria)
Routes: Rampe (u6-/f5b:sec), Rechte Wand (u6/f5c:led), Mittlere Wand (u5/f5a:sec), Linke Wand (f6a:sec), Kante (u6/f5c:led)
After my morning jog up Kofel, we headed straight for the Otztal in improving weather. The plan was to walk in to the Amberger hut around 4pm, but over a late lunch in Oetz I spied what looked like a roadside crag. We immediately revised our plans to squeeze a brief climbing session in, and it worked perfectly - particularly after being rained off the crags this morning. Oetz is an unusual crag, right next to a busy road and immediately above an industrial wood processing plant: not the most tranquil venue! Oetz itself is at the head of the Otztal, our proposed 'home valley' and is surrounded by mountains. The routes were good: around 20m high on excellent solid granite, all well bolted and highly convenient. Our time was very limited so it could hardly have been more suitable. Rampe was a good line up an inset slab to a steep final wall, which is replete with sharp holds and much easier than it looks. I then moved to the slabby wall immediately right, a fine sweep of granite, and led the arete line of Rechte Wand. This was a good route, quite delicate in places, with crisp moves low down giving access to the juggy arete with a tricky move to finish on small holds. Slightly overgraded, not noticeably harder than the 5a line to its left. Vic led the Linke, which gave more technical climbing to a steep finish on awkward side pulls and unhelpful holds. Finally, I just had time to bag another arete line: this time Kante, which takes the edge of the Rampe slab. This was nice but overgraded: nowhere near f5c, it felt like a two star British Severe with lovely flowing moves on positive holds in a nice position on the edge. We packed the gear away quickly and headed up the valley to the elevated hamlet of Gries above Langenfeld, where we enjoyed a delightful walk-in to the Amberger Hut. A great start to the trip, varied and productive, particularly after heavy rain this morning. It improved further as we arrived at the hut with eight minutes to spare before dinner, by pure fluke. A three course meal, with a vast amount of meat, followed by beer and schnapps to ease digestion and prepare us for the Schrankogel tomorrow.

Kofel

Peak: Kofel (1342m/4403ft)
Area: Ammergau Alps, Germany
Although its dimensions are small, the sharp limestone spire of the Kofel is very much the signature peak of the famous Bavarian town of Oberammagau. It made an ideal short outing this morning, as our Alpine trip got off to a soggy start and Sunday's long race was still in my legs. Vic had some things to sort out, so I set off alone from our excellent pension near the station in the middle of town, jogging along the river in the rain as the limestone spire of Kofel intermittently emerged from the mist directly above. An Alpine meadow lies above the car park and leads to broad zigzags as the forest is reached. Dank and atmospheric in these conditions: I had it virtually to myself, unsurprisingly. The forest was wreathed in mist and the zigzags gave good running up to the Kofelsattel, an obvious col below the final summit spire. A short level path leads to the spire (the Kofelsteig), which is a polished limestone scramble, easy and replete with chains. A short traverse leads to stepped rock, then a slabby open groove to the summit (less than an hour from the hotel). A brief clearance gave views of Ettal and I could hear cowbells below, but most of the time the Bavarian landscape was obscured by low cloud. It stopped raining, at least, and I jogged down under dripping trees with some spectacular clearances as I neared the bottom of the forest. We abandoned plans to climb nearby, and headed instead into Austria, over the Fernpass and a late lunch in Oetz as the weather began to gradually improve.

Stretton Skyline

Race: Stretton Skyline (31km/4500ft)
Time/Position: 3.33.46 (40th from 79)
Multiple races going on this weekend, and it was a little tricky to decide on the best choice. Caernarfon 10k would have been a more sensible option, but, mindful of the forthcoming Mourne Mountain Marathon I thought it might be a good idea to return to the Stretton Skyline for the first time since 2009. It emphatically was not, and I limped home a staggering 33 minutes slower than seven years ago! Having said that, it was at least a sociable option and I enjoyed the day (most of it anyway). It began well, jogging up from Carding Mill Valley with Peter and running with him along to Pole Bank at the top of the Long Mynd. The descent to the road is glorious, and well remembered from 2009: a sweeping series of ridge tracks and contouring paths leads to the village of Little Stretton. The steep climb up Ragleth that follows is probably the hardest climb on the race, but I felt reasonably fresh at this point and overtook a few runners towards the top. Great running on the ridge towards Caradoc before the descent. Here, things started to go wrong! Seven years is a long time, and I couldn't remember the best route down to the next checkpoint in Church Stretton. I took the left-hand path through the woods, which takes much longer, and was passed by at least ten runners, ending up behind a big group as I started the climb up Caer Caradoc. This was rather demoralising, but worse was to follow as I began to lose energy on Caradoc. A few slices of fudge didn't help much, and the rest of the day was a real struggle, the first time I have really suffered on a long fell race for a good few years. The descent from Caradoc to the Lawley gave some respite, and takes in some delightful countryside, but the long out and back to the Lawley was slow again. Returning to the A49, I knew what lay ahead: the climax of the race up the never-ending Motts Road back to the top of the Long Mynd. With good legs, this gentle gradient can be run efficiently. Drained of energy, it is a bit of a nightmare and I lost at least 15 places as I limped up the gentle slopes, literally walking most of the descent back down Carding Mill Valley to the finish in Church Stretton. Shame not to do this great race justice: not sure what the problem was, so will have to use the feeble excuse of a bad night's sleep!

Elidir Fawr race

Race: Ras Elidir Fawr (5m/3000ft)
Time/Position: 1.09.44 (11th from 48)
An exhilarating, classic horseshoe, staged during the last couple of hours of daylight on a September evening: all rather memorable. As with the Cnicht race on Saturday, this is one of very few Welsh mountain races that I've never done. I think it has been absent from the calendar from time to time, but staging it in the evening at this time of year seems like a great idea. The climb is, of course, pretty hard: familiar to most people because of the standard Welsh 3000s route. Although there are some short sections of respite, they are very short and in essence it's a continuous 3000ft slog from the village of Nant Peris. I didn't feel especially sharp after an afternoon of constant slate climbing, although a tailwind helped in places. Some rain, and mist playing round the summit, which I reached in 40 minutes. The descent is familiar from Pedol Peris: steep, rocky and technical initially, then a few grassy sections allow for quicker running until the path begins to contour round the top of Cwm Dudodyn below Foel Goch. The long, looping descent is absolutely superb: reminding me a bit of the Waun Fach race. Very fast, into a headwind with the light beginning to fade and mist swirling around Crib Goch and Cwm Glas across the Pass. I picked up a few places, then the route follows the spur on the opposite side of Cwm Dudodyn (indeed, it is perhaps more accurate to describe the race as the Dudodyn horseshoe). This gets rocky at the end of the spur, then steep and fast down to the cwm and back to Nant Peris. Across the river, then across a field to the finish for bara brith. Later, a pint and a good meal in the Faenol Arms rounded off an excellent evening: an appropriate start to what will be a busy September.

Llanberis slate climbing

Crag: Never Never Land, Llanberis Slate
Routes: Titan (f4c:led), Zeus (f6a+:led), Operation Zig Zag (f5c:sec), The Gargoyle (f6a+:led), Octogenarian (f5b:sec), Learning to Fly (f5a:sec), Fresh Air (f6a:sec)
I like to have at least one session on slate each year and, when I do, always think I should go more often as I really enjoy it as a climbing medium. We were planning to combine a few slate climbs with the Elidir Fawr race this evening, so were quite late setting off in the afternoon. We headed from Dinorwig down to the brilliantly named Medusa's Lair: an enclosed gorge of slate right of the main Never Never Land slab. This sheltered us from some of the wind, but it remained cold, cloudy and windy all day. We all led the easy but worthwhile Titan as a warm-up: this takes a series of well defined grooves on the right of the wall. I then led Zeus at 6a+, a good route deserving a star. Steeper than the average low grade slate climb, some nice crisp moves lead up the wall to a pronounced crux. I initially attempted this to the left up tenuous smears before moving right where a few pulls on small holds gain a huge jug and easy climbing to the finish. Slightly soft for the grade but the grading here is at least more accurate than some of the absurdly overgraded new routes nearby. Mick then led a rather scruffy route, supposedly 5c, up the blunt arete of dolerite which leads to a slab. This was pleasant enough but massively overgraded: it would be 4 in Provence. Emerging from the gorge, I led The Gargoyle, also at f6a+. This is an interesting and varied route, slightly unnerving in places. It takes an easy slab to good moves left round the obvious arete before a very sharp and balancey crux move to gain the 'gargoyle', a jutting piece of slate below a hanging groove. The expected jug isn't there, so pinch holds and a high step are needed to straddle the feature (a novel and vaguely alarming move) and pull up into the groove. It remains awkward above, but not hard. Mick led two simple routes on the main face, both massively overgraded (really f4) and Vic finished with the pleasant detached slab of Fresh Air, which I've led a couple of times before. We just had time for the dash down to Nant Peris and a coffee before the second part of the afternoon began.

Cnicht race

Race: Ras y Cnicht (4.5m/1850ft)
Time/Position: 46.14 (14th from 64)
Because this race clashes with the Cilcain mountain race, which I did every year for a decade from 2003, I've never done it before. After 'retiring' from Cilcain, I then did the Wild Wales cycling event on the same day, so Cnicht remained one of the very few North Wales mountain races 'unticked'. I have walked up the peak numerous times from Croesor, however, and always thought that the race must be a classic 'up and down' from the village. It is indeed, with steep tarmac giving way to the track through beautiful oak woodland. Then a bit of a respite as the path winds up the lower slopes towards the conical summit that gives it the hackneyed 'Welsh Matterhorn' nickname. I felt reasonably good initially, but slowed a bit towards the top of the approach slopes which are inevitably steeper than they first appear! From here, the route becomes rocky until you reach the scrambly chimney with gives access to the summit. It was misty for this top section, which limited route choice on the descent. I suspect detailed local knowledge might yield some racing lines, but as it was I stuck to the main route including the chimney which is obviously fairly hazardous to descend. All rather slow until gaining the grassier lower section. Having said that, I gained a place and finished reasonably quickly. A few seconds over 30 minutes to the summit, 15 back down to the finish. We then enjoyed the novelty of the slate swimming pool 'ice bath' in the village: I managed full submersion and two widths!

Chwarel Penrhyn climbing

Crag: Chwarel Bach y Penrhyn (Penrhyn Bay)
Routes: Cobra (f4:sh), Sidewinder (f3:sol/sh), Sidewinder variant (f5:sh), One-Eyed Trouser Snake (f4:sol/sh)
A minor venue indeed! Certainly not a crag to make a special trip to, but ideal for my purposes today with just an hour to spare first thing in the morning. The Twin Piers 10k goes right past this obscure quarry but it is so small it is barely noticeable from the dual carriageway over the Little Orme. It is reasonably high though, 15m or so. The routes are quite easy but characterised by rather smooth limestone and sloping holds. The two harder routes through the obvious overhang are not really feasible on shunt, with one hard move low down, so I did some variants on the other routes instead. The two on the left are slabby and easy, with a better line taking the obvious groove with a borehole on the right.

Aber-Bwlch y Ddaefaen-Cae Coch-Sychnant-Conwy

I felt too sluggish for my planned reprise of the Capel Curig-Conwy traverse, so after a family walk in Betws I got dropped off at the coast near Abergwyngregyn and ran to Bwlch y Ddaefaen. From here, I joined the Penmaenmawr fell race route, turning off at Cae Coch then continuing all the way down the fantastic gently descending track to the Sychnant Pass where I took some obscure paths and extended the run somewhat. More wonderful weather, particularly towards the end of the run. On Friday, I did a slightly shorter version of the North Wales half marathon route over Sychnant to Penmaenmawr then back via the coastal cycle path to the Morfa.

Conwy valley climbing

Crag: Penmaenbach Quarry
Routes: Smart A55 (f3+:led)
Crag: Clogwyn Cyrau
Routes: The Groove (VD:led), Siencyn (S:sec), Sion (S:sec)
In tutorial mode with E and M, who had both agreed to accompany me climbing. We walked to Penmaenbach first from Sychnant in more glorious late summer weather, the heather and gorse in full bloom and the sea calm and deep blue below. I led the obvious slabby groove right of the delicate 6a arete that I did last year. Both children followed easily, and M also got up the slab further right with a tricky start. Plas y Brenin then arrived, rather spoiling the atmosphere, so we headed back to Conwy. Later that week, we did a bit more climbing at Clogwyn Cyrau: a few easy routes in light rain. Both children enjoyed it without being overly enthusiastic.

Conwy climb and run

Crag: Conwy Mountain Slab
Routes: Left-Hand Crack (VD:sol), Oaklands (S:sol), Central Crack (M:sol)
In Conwy for a few days, so indulged in my usual jog up Mynydd y Dref in glorious late afternoon sunshine an hour or two after arriving. I paused to pad up and down a few routes on the slab, lovely in the warm sunshine, before continuing to the top and the usual great views over the Orme, sea and Carneddau.

Birchwood 10k

Race: Birchwood 10k (Warrington)
Time/Position: 36.59 (29th from 1012 [4th V45])
As the family enjoyed combining this race with an Ikea visit last year, it seemed a good opportunity to repeat it. But having blown up very badly over the last 5k and recorded my slowest 10k time for years in 2015, I started very slowly this year, conscious that I never do speedwork (or road races) over summer and so can't hope to hold any kind of pace. This worked reasonably well, and I enjoyed the race more this year: but my finishing time was inevitably slow given the plodding pace, only marginally better than 2015. Very well organised race, which goes past the front of the Warrington campus at one point. It has never seemed a particularly quick course to me though, with lots of twists and turns, and a few long drags.

Clogwyn Cyrau climbing

Crag: Clogwyn Cyrau (Betws y Coed)
Routes: Conwy Corner (S:sec), Long Climb Direct (S:led), Central Route/Long Climb (HS:sec), Bomber's Wall Route Route One (HS 4b,4b:led p.1)
A little tired after the last few days, and my early start, so Vic's suggestion of Clogwyn Cyrau sounded like a good idea. I've done all these routes before, but that is not always a bad thing and lent a welcome relaxed air to the morning. The beautiful morning turned into a perfect August day, with wonderful views over Siabod from the top of the crag with the heather and rowan in full bloom: unusual clarity for the time of year. Conwy Corner is a nice line with mild bridging, probably the third time I've done it. A predictably overgrown descent path, followed by a walk to the main crag where I kicked off with Long Climb Direct: this is a nice 30m pitch up a steepish corner to an old oak tree before a slabby and easy finish. Vic set off up Central Climb, but ended up traversing right along the original Long Climb instead: I did exactly the same thing when trying to lead this hard to follow VS a few years ago. After lunch, we finished with Bomber's Wall where I led the nice first pitch up a rib to a thread, then a broad groove with some tricky moves to a sapling. Easy ground leads to a huge flake belay. Above, Vic led the enjoyable finishing groove. There are two independent versions of this route - I've certainly done it before, but couldn't quite remember which version! Hot and sweaty by now, so the dappled woodland descent gave a welcome cool-down.

Ffestiniog climbing

Crag: Carreg y Foel Gron (Ffestiniog)
Routes: Elephant's Crawl (VD:sol), Cracked Slab (VD:solbr), Tiger Feet (VS 4b:sh)
Woke up at 6am after a pleasant night at Llyn Dubach and, after a cuppa and some porridge headed up to Carreg y Foel Gron which looms above the lake and is very obvious from the Ffestiniog road. Despite that, I've never actually climbed here before. It is used by outdoor centres, I think, but is surprisingly unpolished and reminiscent of the main Moelwyn crags to the west. That means that it is riddled with lovely incut holds and pockets, with gentle slabs ideal for solo entertainment. I nipped up the inset slab to the right of the main crag to begin: easy but enjoyable out towards the arete on the right. After a downclimb, I took the precaution of setting up a backrope on the main slab before abbing off and nipping up Cracked Slab. This is a nice varied 30m pitch at the grade: up a steepish but juggy crack to a trickier move over an overlap. I popped a clove hitch on the backrope for the final few moves up the finishing slab: with the early morning sunshine just beginning to warm the face. I used the shunt for the harder line of Tiger Feet which goes directly up the slab further right - delicate to start - then finishes more steeply over a bulge with one tricky move right at the top. I then jogged round to the hidden upper tier with fantastic early morning views over Llyn Morwynion and Cwm Cynfal to the Rhinogydd and Llyn peninsula. Some of the arete lines looked great but there are no belays at all above most of the routes, so with regret I jogged back to the car for a wonderful drive down the minor road to Cwm Penmachno then Betws. Wonderful views in more perfect weather, and a delightful riverside breakfast at Pont y Pair while I waited for the second part of the day.

Yr Arddu climbing

Crag: Lliwedd Bychan (Yr Arddu)
Routes: Heather Gully (D:sol), Central Route (VD:sh), Orthin (HS 4b:sh), Eastern Route (S:sol/sh), Right Gully Rim (D:sol), Left Gully Rim (D:sol)
I last drove up the single track road from Gwynant to Nantmor in 1989, but only remembered quite how narrow it is when I was an irreversible mile in to it. After lengthy shenanigans and a ludicrous encounter with a steam roller I arrived at Coed Dolfnog south of Buarthau and began what I suspected might be a tenuous walk-in to the somewhat obscure crags of Yr Arddu. The narrow path, marked on the map, is navigable initially through the superb oak woodland. Above this, however, the wet summer had rendered it essentially impassable. I followed the wall above the woods first, but gave up in extraordinary neck-deep ferns. I've experienced this kind of thing all too often, however, so persisted higher up the western side of Yr Arddu. It got worse as I tried to contour round to the obvious wall that heads east to the crags: heather, bogs, ferns, thistles. I lost my water bottle in the chaos: cue dehydration to add to the fun. It was as bad as anything I've experienced in a lifetime of this sort of nonsense, including the northern Rhinogs, and my legs were still a bit tired after yesterday's race. After a steep climb, much blood and torn clothing, the terrain got better (just bog and waist deep ferns) and a tiny path led to Lliwedd Bychan. This gave a splendid couple of hours entertainment, a 30m slabby crag ideal for the solo wanderer with superb views to Cnicht, Moelwynion and Traeth Lafan: perfect weather, warm sunshine and crystal clear clarity throughout. The sun had just left the face as I plotted my way up the delightfully simple Heather Gully, then abbed off for Central Route (partially shunted), which takes a gently sustained line up the face on sharp little holds. Good consistent pitch at the grade. Orthin was a tad more technical, with good 4b moves over a bulge at the top, then I moved the backrope a little. Eastern Route is probably the most obvious actual line: taking a slab to a shallow corner, then steeper moves trending left to the top. Two easy solos completed the fun. My plan was then to run up Cnicht, but the walk-in (and the fact that I didn't start until nearly 4pm having spent most of the day at work) put paid to that. Instead I bushwhacked my way out, shedding more blood and sweat, and plunged my head into the stream above the woods, drinking deeply with huge relief. After a wash in the River Nantmor next to the car, I retired for fish and chips in Penrhyndaedraeth then a peaceful night next to Llyn Dubach in the moors between Llan Ffestiniog and Penmachno, the ancestral home. A full moon rising over Arenig and beautiful pink sunset made up for the midges.

Two Hillforts race

Race: Two Hillforts fell race (9.3m/2000ft)
Time/Position: 71.04 (8th from 104)
Since this race was launched a couple of years ago, I assumed it was a version of the now defunct Tavern Trail or Lletty. It actually takes quite a different route around the northern end of the Clwydian range and is a very runnable route. So runnable, in fact, that I went off far too quickly, thinking any remaining road pace might push me up the field. In reality, I couldn't hold the pace and blew as soon as the route steepened below Pen y Cloddiau. From Llandyrnog, the route goes across fields to the road taken by the Vale of Clwyd 10k. This continues much further up before breaking off for a steep path that I couldn't remember running before. This takes a direct line to the Pen y Cloddiau car park. Superb level running around the side of that hill before a short, steep climb gains the summit. I know this area well, and love the descent down OD towards Moel Arthur. I was in fifth place at this point, but knew the game was up as we started the climb to Arthur, paying the price for the quick start and lack of recent speed work. From the top of Moel Arthur, a very long but not too steep descent to Llandyrnog awaits, taking the road and long contouring bridleway. Theoretically ideal, but I was still blowing badly and really struggled: ended up being passed by three and finishing eighth.

Minera climbing

Crag: Minera Quarry
Routes: Easy Grooves (f4c:led), The Quartz Slab (f6a:led), Thin Grey Wall (f6c:led), Narrow Arete (f6a+:led), Hard Start (f6a+:sec), Quartz Wall variant (f6b:sec)
It is a shame that this venue is so small and limited, as the climbing is quite good and it is only a 20 minute drive from my front door. This was a brief but enjoyable session ticking the remainder of the crag after my initial visit last week. We moved systematically from right to left: beginning with the very easy but pleasant line of shallow grooves. Gentle but nice. The Quartz Slab to its left was more delicate with nice technical moves leading to a superb but tiny quartz slab: if this went on for 50ft it would be a classic. As it is, two crisp moves on incut holds gets you to the top. Virtually all the routes on the crag are overgraded, a common issue with UK sports routes, and the Thin Grey Wall was no exception. Supposedly f6c, it is indeed quite technical with some intricate moves, but nowhere near 6c, which is my leading limit. I led this clean and onsight. Good friction, small footholds and neat edging up to an awkward rockover on to a long thin ledge. Nicely sustained, probably more like 6a+. Narrow Arete gives another pleasant climb, up the eponymous feature via some technical moves on small holds. Again, never particularly hard, probably 5+. The route to its left is steep to start, as its name suggests, and looks disjointed: but is quite good again. I climbed Quartz Wall from the same lower-off so moved left at the top to avoid the pendulum (and therefore the full tick). Good rough limestone: if only the crag was twice as high and six times as long.

Glyder Fach climbing

Crag: Glyder Fach
Routes: Hawk's Nest Arete (VS 4c,4a:led p.2), Needle's Eye Climb (VD:led p.1), Route II (VD:led p.1)
What was intended to be a day of cragging on high 'summer' cliffs turned into a classic mountaineering day out incorporating not one, but two traditional chimney pitches. This was largely because of bad weather: with strong winds, swirling mist and intermittent drizzle throughout. I used to climb on Glyder Fach a lot, and have ticked most of the lower grade classics. One such, fondly remembered, is Hawk's Nest Arete, which I did with Tim in the 90s. Vic hadn't done it, so we took the hour-long slog past Bochlwyd up to the detached buttress, right of the main crag, and he led it in high winds. It was cold on the fingers, which isn't ideal on this route, which has a surprisingly delicate crux. It looks much harder from below and is a very elegant line. Easy, juggy climbing up to a large block, before a steeper crack leads to a surprisingly hard crux using sidepulls and small holds to gain jugs above. It remains thought provoking above, with a thin finger crack leading to a ledge. All made much harder today by strong winds and cold fingers. A little drizzle in the air at times to add to the fun. The second pitch, my lead, is far easier but was wet and a bit dirty in places. It takes a wide and slightly thrutchy crack to gain a side crack and the top. The descent is complex but quite absorbing and atmospheric, particularly now that the mist had descended and was swirling round the pinnacles and gullies that characterise this part of the crag. We traversed over to Dolmen buttress and then intricately down Central Gully with some caution. After some lunch, I merged the first two pitches of Needle's Eye Climb. This was an obvious choice for two reasons: it is enclosed and out of the increasingly strong wind, and I hadn't done it before. The first pitch goes up a juggy slab to a mantelshelf which gains the top of the initial chimney. Then easy and vegetated climbing up to a clean rib. The next pitch is ungradeable and pretty memorable. Somewhat reminiscent of other famous thrutches like Monolith Crack and the Chasm, but essentially unique. A slab leads to a delicate traverse towards the wide crack behind a pinnacle (this is the 'needle'). It is impossible to get through this initially, even for skinny people. The only solution is to strenuously udge up the crack, with one leg 'cycling' up the outside wall. Eventually it becomes possible to squeeze through the crack to gain the cave beyond like a cork popping out of a bottle! The route keeps coming in this traditional vein, up a pinnacle and several cracks to the top. The mist swirled round and the drizzle got a bit heavier, so we continued the Victorian theme, starting to really enjoy and embrace the unexpected mountaineering ethos of the day. We traversed over to Dolmen Buttress. I have never climbed here before, one of the highest crags in Snowdonia. I led the easy classic of Route II: the first pitch goes up a fine clean slab on jugs. It is exposed for the grade, traversing out to the edge of the slab initially. From the mid-height platform, Vic then led the ultra-traditional top pitch up a very atmospheric chimney in the mist and rain. This goes easily at first, to gain the dank, cave-like interior. Then a back and foot thrutch, during which I tore my coat and dropped my nut key into the depths of the cave. From the top of an internal pinnacle, an easy traverse left allows for an escape to be made! Slightly reminiscent of Great Gully on Craig yr Ysfa: an esoteric little gem despite its lowly grade. Another complex descent, made more problematic by the fact that we were higher on the crag: tricky downclimb to gain Central Gully. Then directly down to boggy Bochlwyd and the car.

Castle Inn climbing

Crag: Castle Inn Quarry
Routes: Indian Summer (f6a:led), As You Like It (f6b+:sec), Conan the Libertarian (f5+:led), October Premiere (f5+:sec), Conan Eliminate (f6a:sec), Hidden Gem (f3+:sol), Route 2 (f6a:sec)
Having visited this crag dozens of times over many years, it's not surprising that there are only a few gaps left. One such is As You Like It, a tough 6b+ over the obvious bulge on the Fine View wall. We prepared for this by taking turns to lead Indian Summer for a warm up: always enjoyable, edging up the wall on small pockets and tiny ledges, good rough limestone. The sun came out and prospects looked good for Dave's lead of the 6b+. Vic and I followed, knowing that it is a hard route to onsight and keenly aware of my current lack of forearm strength. A steep slab with some good moves leads to an undercut and good moves right to where the route steepens. The last 5 metres of the climb contain most of the action: continuously steep and pumpy, leading to the crux at the final bolt, which requires a high step to a sloping foothold then a kind of layaway to a final jug. Very strenuous, draining climbing which took a couple of attempts to get right. Big lactic build-up, which was hard to shake off, although I felt OK for my next lead up the 5+ of Conan. After some lunch, we all took turns at various eliminates on this side wall, hot sunshine now, before finishing with the old favourite of Route 2 up the centre of the main face. I have done this route many times over several decades and always remember the crux moves up to a tiny pinched stalactite. Technical rather than strenuous, thank goodness.

Ponderosa fell race

Race: Ponderosa (4m/800ft)
Time/Position: 29.27 (7th from 94 [1st Veteran])
My slowest time ever on this course, but also probably my highest finish. Possibly an illustration of the effects of a strong headwind on the descent, or maybe just a weaker field than usual. The weather is often unseasonal on this race, which I have done around six times. Always a very tricky race to judge: it is so short, and the climb up to the top of Cyrn y Brain so quick (around 8 minutes) that it is inevitably quite intense from the start line, but you can't slacken off much as it is hard to overtake on the very long descent which contours the lovely but boggy hillside above Eglwyseg. Blustery with some rain for this section. The final climb, after such a long and fast descent, is always pretty desperate and today was no exception. I was catching the guy in front but couldn't quite find the strength to get past him. Got a prize for first in category: a first for me on this particular race.

Minera climbing

Crag: Minera Quarry
Routes: The Calch (f6b+:sec), Open Grey Groove (f4:led), Blocky Wall (f6a:sec)
After a frustrating half hour searching for the lower quarry, we eventually emerged at a windy and drizzly upper quarry. This has one broken but fairly impressive crag, the one that is obvious from the World's End road above Minera: I've often noticed it in passing but have never investigated further. This crag now houses two routes, one of which is The Calch at f6b+. Andy led this, with Hayley and I following. Given my lack of climbing this year, this was hardly the ideal route to get back into it. It was steep and fairly technical higher up, although did give a few decent rests (which helped). A broken lower wall leads to a dirty ledge, then much better climbing up flowstone features reminiscent of a steeper Castle Inn. A juggy crack leads to a few rounded pillars, then steep and technical moves to gain a wider upper scoop. I went too far right initially and messed up the sequence, inevitably fighting failing strength (as well as the light rain that was falling!). After this, with time running out before this evening's Ponderosa race down the road, we finally located the undistinguished Lower Quarry. I led the very easy Grey Groove on unpolished black limestone and we finished off with the overgraded Blocky Wall before zooming round to the Ponderosa to enter the race in the nick of time.