Pandy rock climbs

Crag: Pandy Outcrop, Glyn Ceiriog
Routes: Emerald Point (VD:sec), Villeta (M:sol), Splitting the Difference (HS:sec), Banana Boat (S4a:sec)
A cold but dry day, with a little watery sunshine forecast, so made a brief trip to Pandy for a few climbs. It really is a delightful venue, peaceful and with wonderful views out over the Ceiriog. Just a shame it was rather too cold on the fingers today. Dale led Emerald Point (VD) to begin. An awful start over mossy boulders and muddy shelves leads to a pleasant upper slab and nice corner crack - a fairly lengthy route. A brief solo of the simply Villeta, before seconding the pleasant little slab taken by Splitting the Difference (HS). Like the classic Schmutzig to its right, this is characterised by positive little pockets and sharp edges. Good climb. Banana Boat was a brief finale, again led by Dale. A rather strange climb up a slabby groove before a steep but straitforward crux at the top over a mini roof.

Clwydian run

A repeat of the longer run we did on 29th December this evening, most of it done in the dark this time. We left Cadole at 4.40ish, then along the leat to Pantymywn, up the paths to Cilcain and then up to Pedair Groesffordd. Weather was breezy, fairly cold and very murky - particularly atmospheric running in the half-light of a January dusk. Very muddy as darkness fell at the Arthur col. Then the steep haul up OD to the ridge and all the way to the top of Famau via Moel Llys y Coed and Moel Dywyll. Enjoyable and interesting: by now pitch black, with a chilly wind. Managed to keep it going to the top of Famau, then down to Penbarras and back to Cadole via the forest car park and normal route through Loggerheads. A pint or two was welcome reward for a tough outing.

Dash in the dark

Race: Dash in the Dark race 1 (4m/750ft)
Time/Position: 27:36 (3rd from 30)
An enjoyable outing last night, racing in the first Dash in the Dark of the year from Llandegla. A nocturnal fell/trail race, and a great event. I took about two minutes off last year's time and had an interesting race. The winner took off immediately, to win by around two minutes. Another runner and I then found ourselves well ahead of fourth place, and so commenced a battle royale for the runners-up spot. He was pulling away on the descents down to the lake, which wasn't as boggy as last year, then I pushed the climbs (although probably not enough in retrospect). Basically kept with him for the entire route and we eventually finished neck and neck, as I rather annoyingly missed the opportunity for second place by literally one second! Still, a great race which filled a big gap in the 2009 race schedule. Intervals going quite well at the moment (3:19 pace and under), with a flat 16-miler on the 17th.

Four village loop

Trying to increase the training a bit, now some of the early targets for 2009 are booked in: Long Mynd, Edale Skyline, London, and a few possible big 'rounds'. On Saturday, the last day of cold weather, we did a hybrid fell/road/trail run from Cadole over Maeshafn and up the 'beast' to Bryn Alyn and down to Eryrys. Then over to Graianrhyd and back via Nercwys Mountain and Moel Findeg, using the tracks from the 4 villages mountain bike route. Around 2 hrs, although probably not all that far. Windy and rather muddy for a change.

Caernarfon Border League

Race: Caernarfon 10k (Border League round 4)
Time/Position: 37:20 (26/236)
Managed to stay consistent at the fourth border league fixture in Caernarfon yesterday, one down on Mold in 26th place. Went off fairly quickly over the first flat 4k along the Menai Straits in cold, drizzly conditions. Got into a small group, then managed to make up a small amount of ground during the hilly final half of the race and kept the pace up at the finish. Probably the most interesting of the BL routes, particularly nice to finish by the castle. On the Saturday, a family walk up Moel Findeg in superb weather with views of Snowdon and Arening. And a good run up Moel Famau on Friday evening: the sun setting over the Arans as we arrived at the icy summit.

Clwydian run

A good longer outing in the Clwydians yesterday, the final significant outing of the year: still enjoying the excellent spell of stable, cold weather. Started from Cadole with Neil, running along the leat all the way to the Pantymwyn road. Then along the paths to the centre of Cilcain, up the lanes to Pedair Groesffordd and up to the Arthur col. Then the full Famau ridge along OD via Moel Llys y Coed and Moel Dywyll to a very cold summit, with significant wind chill. Down to Penbarras, then the forest car park, and back to Cadole via the normal path to Loggerheads. Went for a family walk to Aber Falls today, with intervals in the evening: yet more perfect cold and clear weather. So a good year draws to a close. Hard to pinpoint the highlights, but the Laugavegur has to be at the top, followed by the Capelet traverse, sub-3 at Edinburgh and the other PBs, some good, varied climbing, the Rab MM and the two classic long Welsh fell races.

Arenig Fawr

Peaks: Arenig Fawr (2802ft/854m), Arenig Fawr south
Area: Arenig, Eryri
The superb spell of anti-cyclonic weather continues, with cloud to the east but all the Welsh peaks crisp and clear. Far too cold for rock climbing, all the snow gone, so it had to be a hill-walk. Ambled up to Llyn Arenig Fawr with Rich and Neil, then the enjoyable ridge to Y Castell and great views of a hoar-frosted mountain framed against a deep blue sky. The summit ridge was desperately cold, a bitter east wind cutting into us and rendering lunch a trial of endurance. Fantastic crystal clear views to Wyddfa, Rhinog, Moelwyn, Cader. Finger-length frost crystals coated the fence as we jogged up to the south peak before gratefully ducking out of the wind towards Nant y Pysgod and the long valley track north to the road. Jogged back to the car. Always a lovely traverse, made particularly good by today's weather and a couple of pints in Bala.

Rosey Nosey fell race

Race: Rosey Nosey fell race (3.75m/600ft)
Time/position: 27.10 (4/13)
My 35th and final race of the year today. A very enjoyable and friendly festive outing from Graianrhyd, leaving the pub south along the bridleway to Llyn Cyfynwy, down south to the road then along the tracks (and very awkward, completely trackless deep heather) to the mast on the little 'summit'. Then back via the lakeside and icy paths. Managed a very predictable 4th place, couldn't quite stick with the pace of Neil and Jez. Another nice addition from Martin, with enjoyable after-race drinks at the pub.

Hope Mountain run

A good-paced run up Hope Mountain from HK today, conscious that I'm not going to do much over the next few days! A few runs in London last weekend, and a run up Moel Famau on Friday to complement the long Llangollen run. Rather mild and dull in the hills today.

The 'horseshoe horseshoe'

Peaks: Cyrn y Brain, Moel y Faen, Moel y Gamelin
Decided to extend last week's Llangollen-Ponderosa run this morning, with a significant extension along the Gamelin ridge. Left the town with Neil in mild, breezy conditions, to gradually climb up to the OD path below Dinbren. Then the fantastic contouring running below the Eglwyseg crags to World's End. Feeling slightly tired after yesterday's climbing, but we set a fair pace across the heather to the boggy summit of Cyrn y Brain with the wind picking up and ominous black clouds threatening. Down quickly to Ponderosa in 90 mins from town, then the steep double climb up to the summits of Moel y Faen and finally Moel y Gamelin. These climbs are tough enough from the top of the pass, but even worse after running from Llangollen! Took a 2 minute break on Gamelin with the entire route visible. Descended steeply into the wind to the col, then great running SE down the Conquering Hero bridleway to Rhewl. A final off-road sting in the tail led to Llandynan then down a narrow hillside path to Llantysilio farm and the excellent riverside path back to Llangollen (2:40?). Hard to imagine a better running loop than this in NE Wales, would make a great race.

North Buttress, Tryfan

Peaks: Tryfan
Routes: North Buttress (D) Led p.1,2,3,4
The sustained period of high pressure and decent winter climbing conditions ended just as my leave kicked in. Rather annoying, but a nice forecast meant a possibility of rock climbing with Alwyn. In the event, the weather was not ideal: snow patches, low cloud and a strengthening westerly wind. So took the bold decision to go for a long route on the east face, in an attempt to stay out of the wind and retain some feeling in our hands. I think North Buttress was among the first multi-pitch climbs I ever did, 17 years ago almost to the day. It's a nice easy route, ideal in these rather marginal conditions. I led off up the first groove, which was wet except for the holds on the edge of the groove. Didn't waste much time as my hands were losing all feeling, but enjoyed the big holds and unique Tryfan atmosphere. A steep rib above the groove leads interestingly to the stance. Also led the second pitch up a crack in the next groove, followed by a traverse left to a higher rib. The third pitch was soaking wet, but easy. We then scrambled up to Terrace Wall on wet snow and old neve. Far too cold and snowy to continue, obvious risk of verglas, so continued up North Gully. This was a tad awkward, in trainers on old frozen snow patches, but also satisfying. The summit was windy and verglassed, so we retreated down the south ridge and back along the terrace. Agonising hot flushes as the blood returned to my fingers.

Border League, Mold

Race: Mold 5m (Border League round 3)
Time/position: 29:04 (25th/248)
Semi-paralysed by a ludicrously stiff neck and upper back, but strangely came away from the usual hilly 5m circuit around Nercwys with my highest ever Border League finish. Felt much better than on the 10k last week, perhaps because the hilly course suited me better. Went for it up to Nercwys, then tried to hang on and pick up as many places as I could on the 'descent'. These tactics worked quite well: an encouraging outing. A pint in Grianrhyd was a nice way to warm-down. Ran up Famau in freezing mist on Friday morning, but otherwise a low mileage week affected by a mild cold.

Llangollen run

Peaks: Cyrn y Brain
More crisp, cold weather, so it seemed an obvious choice to head to Llangollen and run up through the woods to the OD path below the Eglwyseg crags (as with the long Llangollen-HK epic Dave and I did during Iceland preparation last June). We enjoyed the superb contouring path below Craig Arthur in low winter sunshine. Rather icy as we approached World's End, but superbly clear. Since we were both recovering from colds, taking it easy, it seemed sensible to follow OD up to the edge of Llandegla forest, then follow the broad path (some snow, lots of ice) along the fence to the top of Cyrn y Brain - and great views to Arenig, Rhinogau, Shropshire. A cold descent in low winter sun, then thawed out in the Ponderosa (90 mins). An obvious extension would be to take in Gamelin, then descend back to town.

Helena Tipping 10k

Race: Helena Tipping 10k, Wrexham
Time/Position: 36:46 (19th/269)
Managed a 10k pb by the skin of my teeth at the Helena Tipping 10k in Wrexham yesterday. Shaved 7 seconds off the time set in Mold last year, to at least give the satisfaction of setting pbs at marathon, half and 10k during 2008 (this was my first 10k of 2008!). Rather disappointed not to have gone quicker, though. Very similar to last year's conditions: very cold, although sunny and quite icy this year, which unsurprisingly caused problems - particularly on the notorious fifth mile, which seems far longer than the rest. Went through 3 miles in 17 mins dead, on for a good time (exactly as last year), then slowed considerably to mile 5 before picking it up for a reasonable finish to dip inside my pb. We ran up Moel Famau on Friday night in an unfavourable combination of conditions: dark, misty, windy, snow/slush/ice...

Cloud inversion

A classic cloud inversion this morning. A very heavy frost in HK, ice-draped trees and frozen fields. Left the village in thick fog, with Neil, and ran up to Shordley where it gradually cleared to give a perfectly clear run up to the top of Waun y Llyn with blue skies above and a dense blanket of cloud below. Then ran along the ridge path and back to foggy, frozen HK in about 1:35. Took M and E up to the top later the same day. On Friday, tested my new Petzl by running half way up Famau in the dark. On the 22nd, we did another good lengthy run from the Collie to Cilcain, Dywyll, Famau (for the 32nd time this year?) and down via the fireroads.

Penmaenmawr fell race

Race: Penmaenmawr fell race (11m/1500ft)
Time/position: 1:28:53 (23rd/220)
The curtain closed, in terms of major events at least, on an interesting year yesterday at Penmaenmawr. One of my favourite races, it's an elegant and satisfying route: a sort of 'tour de Tal y Fan' which loops the little mountain. Rather heavy conditions underfoot, particularly for the boggy section, but not much wind. In many ways, it's not really a true fell race, so I was a bit too conservative on the first gradual climb to the road. It's crucial to retain some strength for the long bog-trot beyond the bwlch. I try to treat this section as a 'peak', and managed to keep the pace up fairly well through the water and (occasional) thigh-deep marsh. Started to push it rather too late, after the quarry checkpoint, and managed to pick up three places on the long descent, partly by using the steep short-cuts plunging through the bracken (about nine minutes from CP3 to finish?). Soup and beer with Neil and Vic in the Dwygyfylchi rounded off an enjoyable day.

Border League, Hoylake

Race: Hoylake 9.6k (Border League round 2)
Time/position: 35:58 (41/294)
Blustery and wet conditions for the second round of this year's Border League yesterday at Hoylake. Another average performance for me. A fast first three miles with the wind at our backs, out to Leasowe lighthouse, then a real struggle back into the wind. I was going quite well, picking up places, but kept getting exposed before a large group offered the chance of shelter! A schoolboy tactical error saw me start my sprint finish too early - passed by 4 or 5 just before the finish as a large group of runners finished within a few seconds of each other. Felt rather tired after Thursday's run, and another long one on Friday up Famau from the Collie via Cilcain and Dywyll.

Bodfari-Prestatyn OD run

An interesting and enjoyable run along Offa's Dyke from Bodfari to the sea at Prestatyn earlier today. Left Bodfari with Neil in misty, dank conditions. Slightly hungover, so the steep haul up the side of Moel y Gaer was unwelcome, to say the least. I'd done most of the route before, but it still takes you by surprise with its constant climbs and switchbacks: quite hard work over Cefn Du and Moel Maenefa to the A55. Through Rhuallt to the long climb over Mynydd y Cwm to Marian Ffrith. The final section, over Prestatyn hillside is also really enjoyable: shame it was so misty. A peculiar finish, covered in mud, through the shoppers on Prestatyn high street all the way to the beach (2:15 in total).

Clwydian hills fell race

Race: Clwydian Hills (10m/3100ft)
Time/Position: 1:25:11 (8th/89)
An encouraging performance in yesterday's race, which I've always felt to be the toughest local (NE Wales) fell race: constant steep climbs and fast descents with no real respite throughout the course. It really makes the most of the range! Conditions yesterday were challenging, a combination of snow, slush and deep mud making life tricky in places. I wasn't too far off the pace for once, a definite improvement. Kept it going quite well over the initial long climb up Moel Dywyll, then a fast descent down to the Vale side, before the brutal long climb back onto the ridge. Picked a good line through the heather to Nant y Ne and managed to climb the dreaded gully (wading through waist-deep snow at the top) reasonably quickly, before a good fast descent, with more drifts in places, allowed me to continue to pick up a few places before an unwelcome sprint finish in which I just about kept my 8th place. My third time up Moel Famau in as many days. Ran up with Neil on Friday night. It was virtually dark as we reached the top under glowering cloud, but thick snow drifts (in places) helped with the visibility, if not the running. Then had a family walk up from Penbarras in the slush with Rich and Mel on the Saturday.

OMM Borrowdale

Race: OMM
Peaks: Base Brown, Dale Head
Area: Borrowdale/Buttermere, Lake District
Time/Position: 3:59:43 / 19th from 136 finishers (400? entrants)
The weekend's events at Borrowdale have already entered into the realms of fell running and mountaineering folklore. Suffice to say it was a memorable experience, with a striking contrast between the calm competence of the competitors and media hyperbole/deliberate lack of context. Partner Paul and I spent a windy Friday night sleeping in the car at Seathwaite, then began the C course at 9.12. Wasn't really the course I wanted to do (would have preferred long score) but nevertheless happy to be there and looking forward to the challenge of what we all knew were forecast to be very bad conditions later on. A bit windy, but dry with a fairly high cloud base as we set off up Styhead gill for the first checkpoint near a stream source below a spur running down from the summit of Base Brown. Began to get quite windy, and rather wet, as we climbed to check one. But then conditions got considerably better as we dropped down into the Sour Milk Gill valley leading down to Raven Crag. Going well at this point, climbing up to the plateau and easily locating the eastern knoll containing checkpoint two. Shortly before the check we had a taste of things to come with a ferocious gust which knocked us sideways. But the wind was at our backs for a fast descent over tussocks to the Honister road. The number of runners was already diminishing, and very few seemed to choose our route up to the third check, which involved contouring the hill to pick up a wall above Seatoller and fence line leading to the plateau above Tongue Gill. At this point, things got really interesting. The rain was now torrential, and stingingly horizontal, with the wind becoming unusually strong: the 110mph gusts forecast hadn't yet materialised, but began to as we ploughed along a series of little spurs very quickly with the wind at our backs. After checkpoint 3, we had to head back the way we'd come, to the col above Tongue gill. But with the wind in our face, this was a real struggle. I was blown over quite a bit, and was blown headlong into Paul at one point. One unavoidable fact now presented itself. The shortened course directed us from check 3 to check 9. But the obvious route was over the Dale Head ridge via the summit! I'd done this ridge a couple of years ago: it was clearly going to be awkward. We forded a stream in spate then began the long climb. My map was ripped from my hands early on, and it was hard to move fast enough to generate enough heat to counter the increasing cold. Impossible to stay dry, and knocked to the ground even on this lee slope. The crossing of Dale Head itself and along the ridge below Hindscarth will stay with me for some time. A biblical struggle, all pairs linking arms for extra stability. I've been knocked down by wind in the mountains before, but never as frequently as this, and I've never been pinned to the ground for such sustained periods of time. We stuck to the windward side of the ridge and made slow progress along the ridge - a real challenge, but I felt fine and warm at this point, and even managed to run some of the ridge which was a very satisfying and enjoyable test of hillcraft. A bellyflop into the wind got us over the fence and down to checkpoint 9 in a shallow gully. An easy run-in to the last checkpoint in heavy rain saw us checked in at the overnight camp in around 3:59, a pleasing 4th place at this point. Got the tent pitched in very bad conditions, changed clothes and we were just about to get the stoves on when somebody shouted that the race had been cancelled. Some disappointment, particularly since this is the second time I've retired from the OMM in circumstances beyond my control! As we took the tent down, a tremendous gust ripped it from the pegs, shearing one of the poles. It took flight with all my gear still inside, landing on barbed wire and tearing the fabric. Still, I've had it for 20 years and it's done me proud. If the trip over Dale Head has already assumed legendary status, the walk back to the car at HQ was equally memorable: wouldn't have missed it for the world. The winds got progressively stronger as we reached the top of the pass, with deep roars preceding the worst gusts and runners knocked over and in some cases pushed back down the road whilst on the ground. I remember looking up at one point into what seemed like a wall of white water as river and hillside merged. Great stuff, and thoroughly enjoyable with the satisfaction of completing the course in trying conditions. The road down to Seathwaite was waist deep as we made our way back to the barn, cars floating and Sour Milk gill an Alpine torrent. Nice spirit of camaraderie as we recovered with soup in the barn, and retired to the car for dry clothes, warm sleeping backs and glenfiddich. Passed a pleasant evening, and pushed the car out of the mud next morning, when the magnitude of the media storm gradually became apparent.