Race: Foel Fras fell race (20k/920m)
Time/Position: 1.55.48 (6th from 60)
In contrast to last year, when I found myself leading over Moel Wnion in driving sleet, as well as 2009 (when an incoming storm decimated the field on the summit of Garnedd Uchaf) conditions today were calm and serene. Although I was at least four minutes down, however, I still really enjoyed the race which remains one of my favourites: maybe my fifth time at the event? The climb from Aber must be one of the longest anywhere - basically five miles and an hour of constant uphill effort. After the steep early tarmac, some gaps started to appear as we all got into our respective rhythms. Jez was well ahead at this point but, unusually for a race of this length, myself and a guy from Glossopdale found ourselves neatly matched for pace on the long gradual climb up Drum. We took it in turns to take over the lead, pushing ourselves gradually towards the summit. He was stronger towards the top of Drum, although I managed to drag myself back on the boggy crawl up Foel Fras where I regained a bit of strength. We tried in vain to get up to the runner in third place before scampering through the awkward boulder fields on top of Foel Fras to fast running over the good path to Garnedd Uchaf. No bearing necessary this year, but I still managed to plunge too far north, skirting Bera Mawr in a reasonably direct contouring line but unfortunately bringing us both out on the steep scree below the summit. We both went flying on the tussocks shortly before this, and I continued slightly winded. I took a better line across to Moel Wnion, and on the early part of the descent - but the Glossopdale runner and another fast finisher were too strong for me on the descent and I finished at the back of our small group. My knee wasn't the problem, just a basic lack of speed at present. That said, I always thoroughly enjoy the final descent on this race - with the sea glistening below and great views over the wooded valley to Llwytmor.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Pant Ifan climbing
Crag: Craig Bwlch y Moch/Craig Pant Ifan, Tremadog
Routes: Striptease (VS 5a:sec), Great Western/The Quakerman (VS+ 4b,5a,4a,4b:led p.1,3), Scratch (VS 4b,4c:led p.1)
Woke up to steady drizzle in Porthmadog: very annoying. So we put our Pant Ifan plans on hold and went off to do the classic wet weather option of Striptease, which takes a gently overhanging deep chimney/corner and therefore stays dry. I've done this at least three times now, and always find it strenuous for the grade, so Vic led. As always, it provided a good workout: with three tricky sections to fight past the overlaps. The second is the hardest, giving awkward moves with little for the feet. We then headed back to the cafe for a drink and respite from the midges, waiting for the weather to clear. It did, so we headed up the screes to Pant Ifan, where I wanted to do Great Western: one of the few VS gaps for me left at Tremadog. I led a rather damp first pitch (drying rapidly) up dirty rock from the trees to a groove before heading up the little arete to the right. One tricky move up this, involving a pinched hold, regains the groove and tree belay. Vic then led through up a variant direct second pitch: the 5a twin cracks taken by The Quakerman, a nearby eliminate at E2. This was a tad vegetated, but excellent: technical rather than strenuous, and very enjoyable on finger locks and toe jams. Easier ground then leads to the crux of Great Western: a deceptively awkward slanting chimney/crack, which continually pushes you off balance towards a tricky slab on the left. I then led the vegetated third, now in warm sunshine, which goes up cracks directly above the belay to a stance in a niche further left (Borchgrevink?). The last pitch follows broken and vegetated ground up to a very steep and quite sustained final groove: felt harder than 4b, so possibly not the final pitch of Great Western. We abbed down Barbarian and started immediately up Scratch in warm, almost hot, sunshine. I led the delightful first pitch (for the second time) which traverses gently across the face up slabby rock and small positive holds: lovely stuff. I followed Vic up the final pitch, with merciful shade for the initial crack, which is easier than it looks. The traverse across to the final crack is an atmospheric finale, great position, and leads to good jams.
Routes: Striptease (VS 5a:sec), Great Western/The Quakerman (VS+ 4b,5a,4a,4b:led p.1,3), Scratch (VS 4b,4c:led p.1)
Woke up to steady drizzle in Porthmadog: very annoying. So we put our Pant Ifan plans on hold and went off to do the classic wet weather option of Striptease, which takes a gently overhanging deep chimney/corner and therefore stays dry. I've done this at least three times now, and always find it strenuous for the grade, so Vic led. As always, it provided a good workout: with three tricky sections to fight past the overlaps. The second is the hardest, giving awkward moves with little for the feet. We then headed back to the cafe for a drink and respite from the midges, waiting for the weather to clear. It did, so we headed up the screes to Pant Ifan, where I wanted to do Great Western: one of the few VS gaps for me left at Tremadog. I led a rather damp first pitch (drying rapidly) up dirty rock from the trees to a groove before heading up the little arete to the right. One tricky move up this, involving a pinched hold, regains the groove and tree belay. Vic then led through up a variant direct second pitch: the 5a twin cracks taken by The Quakerman, a nearby eliminate at E2. This was a tad vegetated, but excellent: technical rather than strenuous, and very enjoyable on finger locks and toe jams. Easier ground then leads to the crux of Great Western: a deceptively awkward slanting chimney/crack, which continually pushes you off balance towards a tricky slab on the left. I then led the vegetated third, now in warm sunshine, which goes up cracks directly above the belay to a stance in a niche further left (Borchgrevink?). The last pitch follows broken and vegetated ground up to a very steep and quite sustained final groove: felt harder than 4b, so possibly not the final pitch of Great Western. We abbed down Barbarian and started immediately up Scratch in warm, almost hot, sunshine. I led the delightful first pitch (for the second time) which traverses gently across the face up slabby rock and small positive holds: lovely stuff. I followed Vic up the final pitch, with merciful shade for the initial crack, which is easier than it looks. The traverse across to the final crack is an atmospheric finale, great position, and leads to good jams.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Bwlch y Moch climbing
Crag: Craig Bwlch y Moch, Tremadog
Routes: Smarter than the Average Bear (VS 4c:sec), Yogi p.2 (VS 4b), Shere Khan (S:led), Mr Ranger (VS 4c:sec), Valerie's Rib Direct (HS 4a,4a:led p.1)
Broke the late afternoon journey to Tremadog with a truly delightful run from Aber, from the coast to the Falls, then along the foot of Moel Wnion to pick up the Foel Fras race descent. Blue sky above, deep blue sea below. Startled a party of German schoolchildren on this very obscure path! Later on, I met Vic at Eric's cafe for an evening of climbing, and we did a few short, easy routes on the right of the main crag: just concentrating on mileage, using hybrids of various different routes to good effect. I followed Vic up the variant left of the Yogi arete (which I last did 20 years ago) to begin. This gives some nice delicate moves and we continued up the variant finish to Yogi, up the rough, crystalline crack which splits the final slab. Abbed off, and I led the very easy Shere Khan: this supposedly had a nice finish up the headwall, but I could only find a vegetated groove. It looked awful, so I continued further right and belayed just below the Yogi arete so Vic could lead the pleasant finishing groove of Smarter at 4c. Mr Ranger is a cleaned and surprisingly good pitch which takes the obvious corner to a short slab, then a steep but juggy crack which joins Yogi higher up. We were moving quickly and efficiently, so we nipped round to the old classic Valerie's Rib for a finale. This is perhaps the closest climb to the cafe, and I opted for the direct start, which is a useful way of extending the route. A slabby corner, huge holds, leads to big blocks and easy climbing to the normal start. The moves across to the arete were as delightful as I remembered them from 20 years ago: perfectly placed holds allow for a delicate traverse across two grooves and give access to a ledge on the crest of the rib. I then followed the right wall of the groove taken by the Direct variant for a bit, but moved right quite quickly to take in the lovely climbing on the normal route. A good evening's work, so we retired to the Ship for pie and pint.
Routes: Smarter than the Average Bear (VS 4c:sec), Yogi p.2 (VS 4b), Shere Khan (S:led), Mr Ranger (VS 4c:sec), Valerie's Rib Direct (HS 4a,4a:led p.1)
Broke the late afternoon journey to Tremadog with a truly delightful run from Aber, from the coast to the Falls, then along the foot of Moel Wnion to pick up the Foel Fras race descent. Blue sky above, deep blue sea below. Startled a party of German schoolchildren on this very obscure path! Later on, I met Vic at Eric's cafe for an evening of climbing, and we did a few short, easy routes on the right of the main crag: just concentrating on mileage, using hybrids of various different routes to good effect. I followed Vic up the variant left of the Yogi arete (which I last did 20 years ago) to begin. This gives some nice delicate moves and we continued up the variant finish to Yogi, up the rough, crystalline crack which splits the final slab. Abbed off, and I led the very easy Shere Khan: this supposedly had a nice finish up the headwall, but I could only find a vegetated groove. It looked awful, so I continued further right and belayed just below the Yogi arete so Vic could lead the pleasant finishing groove of Smarter at 4c. Mr Ranger is a cleaned and surprisingly good pitch which takes the obvious corner to a short slab, then a steep but juggy crack which joins Yogi higher up. We were moving quickly and efficiently, so we nipped round to the old classic Valerie's Rib for a finale. This is perhaps the closest climb to the cafe, and I opted for the direct start, which is a useful way of extending the route. A slabby corner, huge holds, leads to big blocks and easy climbing to the normal start. The moves across to the arete were as delightful as I remembered them from 20 years ago: perfectly placed holds allow for a delicate traverse across two grooves and give access to a ledge on the crest of the rib. I then followed the right wall of the groove taken by the Direct variant for a bit, but moved right quite quickly to take in the lovely climbing on the normal route. A good evening's work, so we retired to the Ship for pie and pint.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Moel y Gamelin fell race
Race: Moel y Gamelin (10m/2400ft)
Time/Position: 1.20.24 (10th from 105)
Heavy rain swept across the top of the Horseshoe Pass as we started up the short, sharp climb to Moel y Faen: and a cold headwind slowed progress along the ridge. But after Wednesday's awful performance, I was relieved to feel far stronger today and kept a reasonable plodding pace going across the tops of Gamelin, Moel y Gaer and the steep final climb up Moel Morfydd, the last peak on the ridge. It was all quite enjoyable in the conditions, much better than the hot weather of previous years (although I think I've only done this race twice before). It's not a typical fell race, because after the crossing at Bwlch y Groes it turns into a cross-country loop, out into the wilds to the west, before heading back for a tough final climb to regain the ridge and summit of Moel y Gamelin for the second time. I benefited a little from what remains of my winter speed work in this section (plus a useful tailwind), and started to pick up places, feeling good after holding back, and gained a couple more on the climb: the exact reverse of Wednesday. A very strong field again: a counter in three different championships.
Time/Position: 1.20.24 (10th from 105)
Heavy rain swept across the top of the Horseshoe Pass as we started up the short, sharp climb to Moel y Faen: and a cold headwind slowed progress along the ridge. But after Wednesday's awful performance, I was relieved to feel far stronger today and kept a reasonable plodding pace going across the tops of Gamelin, Moel y Gaer and the steep final climb up Moel Morfydd, the last peak on the ridge. It was all quite enjoyable in the conditions, much better than the hot weather of previous years (although I think I've only done this race twice before). It's not a typical fell race, because after the crossing at Bwlch y Groes it turns into a cross-country loop, out into the wilds to the west, before heading back for a tough final climb to regain the ridge and summit of Moel y Gamelin for the second time. I benefited a little from what remains of my winter speed work in this section (plus a useful tailwind), and started to pick up places, feeling good after holding back, and gained a couple more on the climb: the exact reverse of Wednesday. A very strong field again: a counter in three different championships.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Hotfoot up Famau fell race
Race: Hotfoot up Famau
Time/Position: 40.32 (13th from 104)
I've been due a really bad race for a while, struggling in training for a month, so there was something inevitable about this. Well over two minutes down on last year's time, and not far off my slowest ever time for this race (which is normally one of my favourites). I didn't feel too bad initially, but the unique nature of this course means you have to start fast and hold your place on the long plummet down the valley. Started to struggle towards the top of Moel y Gaer and felt awful on the little ridge that leads to the steep descent on peat to Nant y Ne. I completely blew here, and had to walk even the gentlest gradient, losing buckets of time and lots of positions. The gully was hot and humid, which made my suffering even worse, and I was glad to get to the descent down from Famau. Not sure what the problem was: long high-pressure day at conference, or hayfever? Looks like I might be helping to organise this race next year, so it's a bit of a shame I couldn't bow out with a better performance!
Time/Position: 40.32 (13th from 104)
I've been due a really bad race for a while, struggling in training for a month, so there was something inevitable about this. Well over two minutes down on last year's time, and not far off my slowest ever time for this race (which is normally one of my favourites). I didn't feel too bad initially, but the unique nature of this course means you have to start fast and hold your place on the long plummet down the valley. Started to struggle towards the top of Moel y Gaer and felt awful on the little ridge that leads to the steep descent on peat to Nant y Ne. I completely blew here, and had to walk even the gentlest gradient, losing buckets of time and lots of positions. The gully was hot and humid, which made my suffering even worse, and I was glad to get to the descent down from Famau. Not sure what the problem was: long high-pressure day at conference, or hayfever? Looks like I might be helping to organise this race next year, so it's a bit of a shame I couldn't bow out with a better performance!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Moel Siabod run
Peaks: Moel Siabod
Area: Moelwynion, Eryri
After a few short climbs, we headed across the bridge near Plas y Brenin and started the long gradual climb through the woods to the open hill beyond. This gives very pleasant running, never too steep, although a few sharp rises on the open hill slowed progress a bit. We got to the summit in just under 40 minutes, to find the cloud base trying to lift from the summits of the Snowdon group and Carneddau. Nice panoramic views for John, which is what I'd intended. Jogged down to the car in Mymbyr in 20 minutes or so: a lovely descent, particularly after the summit scree slopes.
Area: Moelwynion, Eryri
After a few short climbs, we headed across the bridge near Plas y Brenin and started the long gradual climb through the woods to the open hill beyond. This gives very pleasant running, never too steep, although a few sharp rises on the open hill slowed progress a bit. We got to the summit in just under 40 minutes, to find the cloud base trying to lift from the summits of the Snowdon group and Carneddau. Nice panoramic views for John, which is what I'd intended. Jogged down to the car in Mymbyr in 20 minutes or so: a lovely descent, particularly after the summit scree slopes.
Dyffryn Mymbyr Climbing
Crag: Clogwyn Wen/Blocks, Dyffryn Mymbyr
Routes: Holly Tree Buttress (VD:led), Slab and Crack (VD:led), Chatterbox (S:led)
I had promised John B a better experience of Eryri after his unfortunate hypothermia incident at Easter led to an even worse infection which stopped him running for months. He asked to be taken climbing for the first time ever, so we set off for the small crags near Plas y Brenin by way of an introduction before our planned mountain run. I've never done these routes before, as the crags are just short Peak-style outcrops really, but Holly Tree Buttress made a near perfect beginner's climb: very simple yet nicely varied. It was a bit damp, as low cloud was producing light drizzle, but a steep crack led to a pinnacle, then a little traverse to a crack. Pleasant easy climbing up this led to a juggy final face. John struggled a bit, and left a bit of gear behind, but seemed to enjoy it so we did a couple of short routes on the Blocks before heading off on our run. Chatterbox was a thrutchy route up a wide off-width crack, hardly ideal, and rather tough for the grade - although extremely short. We then jogged back to the car and started our run up Siabod.
Routes: Holly Tree Buttress (VD:led), Slab and Crack (VD:led), Chatterbox (S:led)
I had promised John B a better experience of Eryri after his unfortunate hypothermia incident at Easter led to an even worse infection which stopped him running for months. He asked to be taken climbing for the first time ever, so we set off for the small crags near Plas y Brenin by way of an introduction before our planned mountain run. I've never done these routes before, as the crags are just short Peak-style outcrops really, but Holly Tree Buttress made a near perfect beginner's climb: very simple yet nicely varied. It was a bit damp, as low cloud was producing light drizzle, but a steep crack led to a pinnacle, then a little traverse to a crack. Pleasant easy climbing up this led to a juggy final face. John struggled a bit, and left a bit of gear behind, but seemed to enjoy it so we did a couple of short routes on the Blocks before heading off on our run. Chatterbox was a thrutchy route up a wide off-width crack, hardly ideal, and rather tough for the grade - although extremely short. We then jogged back to the car and started our run up Siabod.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Bryn Alyn Orienteering
Race: Bryn Alyn Orienteering (Light Green, 3k+)
Time/Position: 39.41 (2nd from 9)
A second attempt at short-course orienteering, after my initial humiliating baptism at Erddig. I thought the open hill nature of this course, along with the fact that I know the area well (indeed I was racing across exactly the same ground last night!) might help me, but again I found it hard to adapt to the large scale and sheer level of detail on the map. It started off OK, with the first few checkpoints fairly easy to locate on the open hill east of Bryn Alyn, then a tricky one in a copse was followed by a long uphill leg which I managed quite easily. I was going well at this point, then became over-confident for the next long leg, which seemed straightforward but took a while to find (hidden under a crag). The next two proved tough, as I misjudged the scale of the map and went too far away for CP 7, then did the same for the 8th CP hidden below a crag. I concentrated for the final four on a long run-in, and finally adapted to the scale for a reasonably quick and efficient finale.
Time/Position: 39.41 (2nd from 9)
A second attempt at short-course orienteering, after my initial humiliating baptism at Erddig. I thought the open hill nature of this course, along with the fact that I know the area well (indeed I was racing across exactly the same ground last night!) might help me, but again I found it hard to adapt to the large scale and sheer level of detail on the map. It started off OK, with the first few checkpoints fairly easy to locate on the open hill east of Bryn Alyn, then a tricky one in a copse was followed by a long uphill leg which I managed quite easily. I was going well at this point, then became over-confident for the next long leg, which seemed straightforward but took a while to find (hidden under a crag). The next two proved tough, as I misjudged the scale of the map and went too far away for CP 7, then did the same for the 8th CP hidden below a crag. I concentrated for the final four on a long run-in, and finally adapted to the scale for a reasonably quick and efficient finale.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Up the Beast fell race
Race: Up the Beast (4.5m/1500ft)
Time/Position: 37:33 (8th from 90)
The local races all seem to be getting far tougher: there was a time when I was first Veteran at this race, but I can't see those days coming back again! As with last week, this event was dominated by the over 40s and I finished well down the field although my time was virtually identical to last year. I've done every one of these races since it was launched, six now I think, and always really enjoy it. This time, I started a little slowly as I have been feeling very tired since returning from Scotland and have done very little running. This tactic worked reasonably well, and I kept it going on the first climb via the 'Beast' to the limestone crags of Bryn Alyn. The little climbing sections are a novelty and, although I lost places on the descent to Big Covert, I regained them on the super-steep and very humid climb back to Bryn Alyn. A good descent of the Beast allowed me to pick up a couple more places through the woods: knee feeling fine now.
Time/Position: 37:33 (8th from 90)
The local races all seem to be getting far tougher: there was a time when I was first Veteran at this race, but I can't see those days coming back again! As with last week, this event was dominated by the over 40s and I finished well down the field although my time was virtually identical to last year. I've done every one of these races since it was launched, six now I think, and always really enjoy it. This time, I started a little slowly as I have been feeling very tired since returning from Scotland and have done very little running. This tactic worked reasonably well, and I kept it going on the first climb via the 'Beast' to the limestone crags of Bryn Alyn. The little climbing sections are a novelty and, although I lost places on the descent to Big Covert, I regained them on the super-steep and very humid climb back to Bryn Alyn. A good descent of the Beast allowed me to pick up a couple more places through the woods: knee feeling fine now.
Friday, June 07, 2013
Lliwedd climbing
Peak/Crag: Lliwedd East Buttress
Routes: Avalanche (VD: led p.1,3,5), Red Wall (HVD: led p.2), Longland's Continuation (HVD: led p.2)
The classic combination up Lliwedd's long East Buttress, and a glaring gap in my climbing CV for 25 years. It is essentially a 9 or 10 pitch (almost 300m) continuous slice of mountaineering: very few technical moves, but a great deal of route-finding, awkward rock and nice situations. A week of warm dry sunshine made the big, high cliffs almost compulsory: the ideal Lliwedd conditions. I drove down to Mymbyr to avoid the ludicrous fees of PyP, which was probably full anyway, and ran from the valley up past Pen y Gwryd to rejoin Vic and the sacs at the Pass: a nice loosener after last evening's race. The walk-in was a delight, warm breezes and fantastic clarity of light: Lliwedd's buttresses lit to perfection by the morning sun. It did take us the allotted hour, mind, so I pushed on up the first pitch - which is a pleasant groove allowing us to get reacquainted with Lliwedd's characteristic pinch and sloping holds. This took us into the shadows at the end of the Heather Shelf, and Vic then merged the enjoyable long rising traverse to easy slabs. This gave me the Quartz Wall, which gives a few brief awkward moves over blocky quartz to move right into a short groove. I belayed on the rib. Then came the first route-finding challenge: I had only bought a vague and inadequate topo by way of 'Alpine Training', as Lliwedd is notorious for its complexity and tricky navigation. As a result, Vic continued up the vegetated and loose groove - not very pleasant - up to a steeper wall. I followed through, easy scrambling, up to the Great Terrace and the end of Avalanche. The first pitch of Red Wall gives good climbing, up a groove to a steepening, then nice moves on good solid rock to gain a rib on the right. Great atmosphere above the terrace and shallow gully: the complexity and scale of the cliff very apparent at this point. The topo was virtually useless up here, so I continued (wrongly I suspect) up an obvious slab which gave slightly precarious climbing up dirty cracks and suspect flakes, vegetated in places, and meant I had to go above the Green Gallery to get a decent belay. A nice section of rock lies above, and Longland's Continuation is far more solid and very atmospheric high up on the crag: Vic led up a slab to a good clean rib and a series of easy cracks. This gave me the delightful final 40ft slab, the technical crux of the entire route at 4b, but very short-lived. It has the virtue of finishing on the sunny summit, and was a great way to finish. A long but beautifully sunny descent, and I ran from PyP back to the car in Mymbyr.
Routes: Avalanche (VD: led p.1,3,5), Red Wall (HVD: led p.2), Longland's Continuation (HVD: led p.2)
The classic combination up Lliwedd's long East Buttress, and a glaring gap in my climbing CV for 25 years. It is essentially a 9 or 10 pitch (almost 300m) continuous slice of mountaineering: very few technical moves, but a great deal of route-finding, awkward rock and nice situations. A week of warm dry sunshine made the big, high cliffs almost compulsory: the ideal Lliwedd conditions. I drove down to Mymbyr to avoid the ludicrous fees of PyP, which was probably full anyway, and ran from the valley up past Pen y Gwryd to rejoin Vic and the sacs at the Pass: a nice loosener after last evening's race. The walk-in was a delight, warm breezes and fantastic clarity of light: Lliwedd's buttresses lit to perfection by the morning sun. It did take us the allotted hour, mind, so I pushed on up the first pitch - which is a pleasant groove allowing us to get reacquainted with Lliwedd's characteristic pinch and sloping holds. This took us into the shadows at the end of the Heather Shelf, and Vic then merged the enjoyable long rising traverse to easy slabs. This gave me the Quartz Wall, which gives a few brief awkward moves over blocky quartz to move right into a short groove. I belayed on the rib. Then came the first route-finding challenge: I had only bought a vague and inadequate topo by way of 'Alpine Training', as Lliwedd is notorious for its complexity and tricky navigation. As a result, Vic continued up the vegetated and loose groove - not very pleasant - up to a steeper wall. I followed through, easy scrambling, up to the Great Terrace and the end of Avalanche. The first pitch of Red Wall gives good climbing, up a groove to a steepening, then nice moves on good solid rock to gain a rib on the right. Great atmosphere above the terrace and shallow gully: the complexity and scale of the cliff very apparent at this point. The topo was virtually useless up here, so I continued (wrongly I suspect) up an obvious slab which gave slightly precarious climbing up dirty cracks and suspect flakes, vegetated in places, and meant I had to go above the Green Gallery to get a decent belay. A nice section of rock lies above, and Longland's Continuation is far more solid and very atmospheric high up on the crag: Vic led up a slab to a good clean rib and a series of easy cracks. This gave me the delightful final 40ft slab, the technical crux of the entire route at 4b, but very short-lived. It has the virtue of finishing on the sunny summit, and was a great way to finish. A long but beautifully sunny descent, and I ran from PyP back to the car in Mymbyr.
Thursday, June 06, 2013
Deeside Off-Road Race
Race: Deestriders Off-Road Grand Prix Race 1 (4.6m)
Time/Position: 28.06 (5th from 75)
Lots of diary clashes preventing me from racing at present, so I seized the opportunity to give this four-race summer series a proper bash for the first time (having never managed more than one appearance in previous years). A nice warm evening, very dry underfoot, and a valuable work-out. I felt quite uncomfortable throughout, probably because I haven't raced or done any speedwork for over a month. Went off a little fast, and found myself battling it out for fifth place after a mile or two. My knee felt OK, but even though this course is flat - based on two big laps of playing fields and woodland - I lost ground as soon as the race left the tarmac. By the time I got to the return leg along a dyke by the side of the Dee, I was starting to blow a bit. But, given my lack of training and racing, I was quite pleased to finish 5th - although all the top five were over 40.
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
Buckstones bouldering
I'd never heard of the Buckstones, but discovered them after scouting around for venues that I could visit on my regular trips to Huddersfield (Dovestones and the crags I'd visited previously being rather unsuitable). It turned out to be a very pleasant little bouldering venue: a sort of miniature Yorkshire version of Fontainebleau. I had very little time, so started off 'below the road' on a series of small boulders with nice views out over March Heigh reservoir and over classic Pennine moorland to Marsden and Black Hill. I worked my way through the easy problems of Sector F - nothing harder than Font 5, so good for weaklings. These included 29, 30, 40 (up a vague flake), 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 54 (Keeping Toads: a nice font 4 up a longer grit wall), 66 (pleasant arete and scoop), 67 (good holds up a clean wall), 68 (font 5: more technical steep wall via a pocket), 69 (good easy climbing up arete), 72, 73, 74, 75, 76. Beautiful warm sunshine all day.
Saturday, June 01, 2013
Ben Vrackie
Peaks: Ben Vrackie (841m)
Area: South-East Highlands
This was a perfect way to briefly break the journey home from Torridon: an opportunity to stretch the driving legs. The weather was nice, high cloud base, as we drove past the Cairngorms so I initially made plans to run up the dull hills east of Drumochter. However, this would have been a tedious repeat of last Saturday for the family (and me). Instead, as Ben Vrackie rises directly above the nice town of Pitlochry, which we have enjoyed visiting in the past, it seemed perfect. I took it flat out from the car park in Moulin: unsurprisingly, it was clearly very popular with a perfectly constructed path the whole way up. Very runnable as a result, through nice woodland to gentle inclines rising up the open hillside to Loch a'Choire. From here, the path rises steeply up hundreds of well constructed steps to the well positioned summit: a neatly defined peak. Car to summit in 39 minutes. Lots of people around, very much Pitlochry's 'signature peak': it made a novel change from the wilder peaks of last week and was a nice final taste of the Highlands. The sun came out while I was on top: Beinn a'Ghlo the most notable group, sun dappled, with the Cairngorms beyond. To the west, Ben Lawers, Schiehallion and the like. I pelted back down to meet the family eating lunch in Moulin and we recommenced our journey back to Wales.
Area: South-East Highlands
This was a perfect way to briefly break the journey home from Torridon: an opportunity to stretch the driving legs. The weather was nice, high cloud base, as we drove past the Cairngorms so I initially made plans to run up the dull hills east of Drumochter. However, this would have been a tedious repeat of last Saturday for the family (and me). Instead, as Ben Vrackie rises directly above the nice town of Pitlochry, which we have enjoyed visiting in the past, it seemed perfect. I took it flat out from the car park in Moulin: unsurprisingly, it was clearly very popular with a perfectly constructed path the whole way up. Very runnable as a result, through nice woodland to gentle inclines rising up the open hillside to Loch a'Choire. From here, the path rises steeply up hundreds of well constructed steps to the well positioned summit: a neatly defined peak. Car to summit in 39 minutes. Lots of people around, very much Pitlochry's 'signature peak': it made a novel change from the wilder peaks of last week and was a nice final taste of the Highlands. The sun came out while I was on top: Beinn a'Ghlo the most notable group, sun dappled, with the Cairngorms beyond. To the west, Ben Lawers, Schiehallion and the like. I pelted back down to meet the family eating lunch in Moulin and we recommenced our journey back to Wales.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Glen Carron
Peaks: Moruisg (928m), Sgurr nan Ceannaichean (915m)
Area: Glen Carron
The perfect clarity of the last few days disappeared this morning, and our boat trip from Gairloch was marred slightly by drizzle and a cold wind. But by the afternoon, the rain had stopped and the cloud base was beginning to rise slightly. Inland seemed to offer the best chance of a view, so I went for a quick two hour evening blast from Glen Carron: an entirely unfamiliar area for me, but only a short drive from the cottage. It is hard to find anything good to say about my ascent of Moruisg, however: a featureless whaleback which gave one of the least pleasant runs/slogs I have ever experienced. Bog low down gave way to very steep grass, then a broad and uninteresting ridge: it was like being on Kinder Scout. Some drizzle and a lowering cloud base worsened the experience and I was glad to reach the summit quickly (50 mins) because I was starting to tire after the week's activities. I ran on a bearing through the mist above Coire Toll nam Bian and then things suddenly improved: proving my old adage that days in the mountains always have something. The mist dissipated, the running was smooth and superb, and Sgurr nan Ceannaichean (a much more shapely peak) suddenly appeared directly in front. A pronounced col gave views inland to the more remote peaks of Sgurr a'Chaorachain and Maoile Lunndaidh. An interesting, twisting ascent gained the summit of Ceannaichean, where these views improved further. Then, the peaks to the north started to clear: Sgurr Ruadh, Fuar Tholl and others. Then, very gradually, the entire NW Highlands emerged from the gloom as I began the descent. First, the Skye Cuillin appeared in a halo of blue sky, then the Torridon peaks emerged, then A'Mhaighdean and An Teallach. Superb, as was a very fast running descent down the North Ridge. A rocky outcrop took some thought to negotiate, and the Stalker's Path above the Alltan na Feola was boggier and slower than expected, but it all had a nice Highland atmosphere and I completed the loop in two hours for a pleasingly efficient outing.
Area: Glen Carron
The perfect clarity of the last few days disappeared this morning, and our boat trip from Gairloch was marred slightly by drizzle and a cold wind. But by the afternoon, the rain had stopped and the cloud base was beginning to rise slightly. Inland seemed to offer the best chance of a view, so I went for a quick two hour evening blast from Glen Carron: an entirely unfamiliar area for me, but only a short drive from the cottage. It is hard to find anything good to say about my ascent of Moruisg, however: a featureless whaleback which gave one of the least pleasant runs/slogs I have ever experienced. Bog low down gave way to very steep grass, then a broad and uninteresting ridge: it was like being on Kinder Scout. Some drizzle and a lowering cloud base worsened the experience and I was glad to reach the summit quickly (50 mins) because I was starting to tire after the week's activities. I ran on a bearing through the mist above Coire Toll nam Bian and then things suddenly improved: proving my old adage that days in the mountains always have something. The mist dissipated, the running was smooth and superb, and Sgurr nan Ceannaichean (a much more shapely peak) suddenly appeared directly in front. A pronounced col gave views inland to the more remote peaks of Sgurr a'Chaorachain and Maoile Lunndaidh. An interesting, twisting ascent gained the summit of Ceannaichean, where these views improved further. Then, the peaks to the north started to clear: Sgurr Ruadh, Fuar Tholl and others. Then, very gradually, the entire NW Highlands emerged from the gloom as I began the descent. First, the Skye Cuillin appeared in a halo of blue sky, then the Torridon peaks emerged, then A'Mhaighdean and An Teallach. Superb, as was a very fast running descent down the North Ridge. A rocky outcrop took some thought to negotiate, and the Stalker's Path above the Alltan na Feola was boggier and slower than expected, but it all had a nice Highland atmosphere and I completed the loop in two hours for a pleasingly efficient outing.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Torridon Mountain Trail
The only Alpine-style waymarked mountain trail in the UK, and as it started a mile or so from our front door we thought it might make a good family outing. M agreed to try it with a 'positive mental attitude' as I came over all Californian: so we set off from the shores of Loch Maree through the Caledonian pine woods, with E reading about the points of interest as we passed. I was a little tired after Beinn Dearg this morning, so it made a nice though quite vigorous warm-down: quite challenging for the children with 560m vertical ascent (6-7km). The weather remained stunning, the visibility and clarity razor sharp, which was a considerable help. At first, it all went very well and the children seemed to be enjoying it as we emerged from the trees to take a steep but beautifully constructed path above a little gorge to a fine viewpoint overlooking Slioch and Loch Maree. Morale began to slip after Trumpeter Rock, with a long gap between points of interest. Neither wanted to carry on, but gentle persuasion and some lunch improved spirits and after a while we passed the 400m contour. This was a major boost, and shortly afterwards we arrived at the 'summit' cairn, with wonderful views over the whole Beinn Eighe ridge that I'd done on Tuesday. It was great to be able to share the views I'd been getting all week with the whole family, just a perfect family walking circuit with spectacular views and a genuine mountain feel. We had some peanuts to mark the occasion. The downwards route was just a delight, past 'Lunar Loch' to a winding route along a little ridge above a gorge, then back into the pine woods and a meal at the Whistlestop cafe to celebrate.
Beinn Dearg
Peaks: Stuc Loch na Cabhaig (888m), Beinn Dearg (914m)
Area: Beinn Dearg, Torridon
This is the last piece in the Torridon jigsaw, and the peak that is most often missed by visiting enthusiasts. Indeed, it is perhaps the ultimate illustration of the foolishness of munro bagging because it is two feet under the magic mark, but a superb little mountain and just as interesting as the more celebrated Torridonian peaks. I'd expected it to be less busy than the 'big three' but was still surprised by just how unpopular it clearly was and the consequent trackless nature of the terrain. I started very early from the Alligin car park in more stunning, cloudless weather (early mist dissipating). Very fast running led quickly up the Coire Mhic Nobuil to where the path forks to the Horns of Alligin (familiar from 2005). Above this, more good running led to the Bealach a Chomhla in the wild interior of the range. No hint of a path up the NW spur of Stuc Loch ma Cabhaig, which was if anything even steeper than the frontal assault on the main peak (which I had avoided because I wanted to do the entire ridge). The terrain was comfortable though, short grass and boulders leading to some short rock walls higher up. I finally gained the ridge in around 80 minutes and a vague path. I then had the entire ridge to look forward to in perfect weather, completely alone. Good easy scrambling up the crest led quickly to Cabhaig summit. Then a combination of mild scrambling and brilliant, exhilerating running along the broader ridge led to the main summit of Beinn Dearg. Alligin looks particularly good from here, particularly in the morning sunshine with the early mist peeling away. From the summit, the ridge kinks east above Loch a Choire Mhoir and narrows considerably over a flat-topped tower with good scrambling. After this, a large gendarme lower down blocks the way. I took the crest direct, which gave short-lived but excellent scrambling, reminiscent of An Teallach in that it was easy but nicely positioned. From the narrow top, two chimneys led down to a grassy col. From here, I ran up the next unnamed peak, then descended direct. This was tricky and required a bit of scouting from above, but eventually I settled on a gully that went down from the col. This was untravelled but perfectly reasonable and led steeply down to Lochan a Chaorainn in a wonderful position between Dearg and Liathach. From here, I ran flat out back to the car park - 2:30 for the round - as I had promised to get back to the cottage by 11.30am for our planned family attempt on the Beinn Eighe mountain trail.
Area: Beinn Dearg, Torridon
This is the last piece in the Torridon jigsaw, and the peak that is most often missed by visiting enthusiasts. Indeed, it is perhaps the ultimate illustration of the foolishness of munro bagging because it is two feet under the magic mark, but a superb little mountain and just as interesting as the more celebrated Torridonian peaks. I'd expected it to be less busy than the 'big three' but was still surprised by just how unpopular it clearly was and the consequent trackless nature of the terrain. I started very early from the Alligin car park in more stunning, cloudless weather (early mist dissipating). Very fast running led quickly up the Coire Mhic Nobuil to where the path forks to the Horns of Alligin (familiar from 2005). Above this, more good running led to the Bealach a Chomhla in the wild interior of the range. No hint of a path up the NW spur of Stuc Loch ma Cabhaig, which was if anything even steeper than the frontal assault on the main peak (which I had avoided because I wanted to do the entire ridge). The terrain was comfortable though, short grass and boulders leading to some short rock walls higher up. I finally gained the ridge in around 80 minutes and a vague path. I then had the entire ridge to look forward to in perfect weather, completely alone. Good easy scrambling up the crest led quickly to Cabhaig summit. Then a combination of mild scrambling and brilliant, exhilerating running along the broader ridge led to the main summit of Beinn Dearg. Alligin looks particularly good from here, particularly in the morning sunshine with the early mist peeling away. From the summit, the ridge kinks east above Loch a Choire Mhoir and narrows considerably over a flat-topped tower with good scrambling. After this, a large gendarme lower down blocks the way. I took the crest direct, which gave short-lived but excellent scrambling, reminiscent of An Teallach in that it was easy but nicely positioned. From the narrow top, two chimneys led down to a grassy col. From here, I ran up the next unnamed peak, then descended direct. This was tricky and required a bit of scouting from above, but eventually I settled on a gully that went down from the col. This was untravelled but perfectly reasonable and led steeply down to Lochan a Chaorainn in a wonderful position between Dearg and Liathach. From here, I ran flat out back to the car park - 2:30 for the round - as I had promised to get back to the cottage by 11.30am for our planned family attempt on the Beinn Eighe mountain trail.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Torridon Celtic Jumble bouldering
We only had time to scratch the surface of this superb venue, but M and I nipped up from the road to have a play around on this collection of boulders. Immaculate hard sandstone, so although I've never taken to this discipline even after several trips to the mecca of fontainebleau, this is the sort of place where I could begin to see the appeal. Had no guidebook, so did a good traverse at around 5+ (North Wall?), then moved over to the far end with M. I did North Face Direct (font 5+) on the Ship Boulder up to the final move, then reversed (no mat, M spotting!). After this, we both enjoyed some juggier lines on a smaller wall further north, then all went for a drink at the Torridon Hotel. We sat outside enjoying the sunlit views of Alligin and Liathach. Fantastic.
Applecross
Peak: Sgurr a'Chaorachain (776m)
Area: Applecross
My birthday coincided with the arrival of even better weather: deep blue sky and eye-searing visibility. After a beautiful drive down Glen Torridon, we continued over Britain's only Alpine-style road pass, the Bealach na Ba (which I should have cycled, but didn't have my bike). From the broad col on top we set off en famile for Sgurr a'Chaorachain. This peak looks superb from below in Kishorn, and offers one of the great easy rock climbs up the Nose. From the pass, however, it is an easy walk and therefore an ideal family outing. M didn't fancy it, though, so he waited near a lochan with K while E and I continued over a forepeak on the broad ridge towards the obvious flat-topped tower. Great views from here over the deep Coire a'Chaorachain to Beinn Bhan and more distant Beinn Damh, and down to Loch Kishorn. An unusual range, the Applecross hills, characterised by deep eastern cwms and whaleback western slopes. Then we walked back to M and K and went up to the peak with the mast, for views to the Cuillin and Raasey. After an excellent birthday lunch by the sea at the Applecross Inn, we drove the coast road to Torridon and a quick bouldering session.
Area: Applecross
My birthday coincided with the arrival of even better weather: deep blue sky and eye-searing visibility. After a beautiful drive down Glen Torridon, we continued over Britain's only Alpine-style road pass, the Bealach na Ba (which I should have cycled, but didn't have my bike). From the broad col on top we set off en famile for Sgurr a'Chaorachain. This peak looks superb from below in Kishorn, and offers one of the great easy rock climbs up the Nose. From the pass, however, it is an easy walk and therefore an ideal family outing. M didn't fancy it, though, so he waited near a lochan with K while E and I continued over a forepeak on the broad ridge towards the obvious flat-topped tower. Great views from here over the deep Coire a'Chaorachain to Beinn Bhan and more distant Beinn Damh, and down to Loch Kishorn. An unusual range, the Applecross hills, characterised by deep eastern cwms and whaleback western slopes. Then we walked back to M and K and went up to the peak with the mast, for views to the Cuillin and Raasey. After an excellent birthday lunch by the sea at the Applecross Inn, we drove the coast road to Torridon and a quick bouldering session.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Beinn Eighe
Peaks: Ruadh-stac Mor (1010m), Coinneach Mhor (976m), Spidean Coire nan Clach (977m), Sgurr Ban (970m), Sgurr nan Fhir Duibhe (963m), Creag Dhubh (909m)
Area: Beinn Eighe, Torridon
This is one of the great Scottish mountain days. Beinn Eighe is an entire massif rather than a single mountain and the standard munro bagging approach doesn't do it justice: I wanted the whole ridge, particularly the less frequented eastern end that we could see from our cottage. It would have been nice to have taken my time, such was the quality and variety of scenery and ridge walking, but as usual a lightweight running approach was more suitable and Kate dropped me off at the Coire Dubh at 7.30am. My aim was to get back to the cottage in Kinlochewe before midday via every peak on the Beinn Eighe ridge without touching a road or seeing another person! I didn't quite achieve this, as I missed Sail Mhor and saw one person on Coire nan Clach, but I did reach our cottage from the nature reserve path direct from Creag Dubh before midday. A superb path through Coire Dubh Mor leads between the steep slopes of Liathach and Sail Mhor to the remote northern corries and great views out over the peaks of Beinn Dearg and Bhaosbeinn. Crystal clear skies and cool breezes as I continued the long run curving east towards the famous Coire Mhic Fhearchair, arguably the most impressive in Scotland. It was indeed superb, although a little frustrating as I would have loved to have done one of the long climbs up the Triple Buttress. Instead, I had to settle for taking a scrambling line left of the main scree couloiur to the col below Ruadh-stac Mor. This was very reminiscent of the Maritime Alps and gave good sustained scrambling by weaving around. I finally gained the main ridge, well over 90 mins after starting out: an indication of the distance. From here back to Kinlochewe was just stunning: one massive gentle run along the huge ridge. I dumped the sac and ran up to the highpoint of Ruadh-stac Mor, then followed the ridge south to mild scrambling up to Coinneach Mhor. The ridge then begins, finally, to head east towards the cottage. It narrows too, giving superb and spectacular running along the crest. Liathach looks spectacular from here. A few little walls give a scrambly approach to the second munro, Spidean Coire nan Clach, where I surprised the only other person seen all day. Then the sun came out for a descent down a large snowfield to the less frequented, but even better, eastern end of the ridge. Good easy scrambling up shattered quartzite led quickly to Sgurr Ban, an Alpine fang from some angles. Then came the fine climax, very steep and quite exposed scree to a deep col with great views to the wild cwm and lake of Tuill Bhain. Above, Sgurr nan Fhir Duibhe gives good scrambling up to an along its shattered crest: the 'black men' of the name are a series of gendarmes, quite loose in places and tricky to negotiate with numerous snow patches. One was very reminiscent of Tower Gap on Glyder Fach. A great finish along the crest, which led to Creag Dubh and a large cornice. From here, I could see Kinlochewe far below and pelted down the screes, flat out, only slowing to negotiate an unexpected and potentially dangerous rock band. Below this, the path flattens out in a little valley with ancient pines. This gave excellent fast running for several km before a kink west allowed me to avoid the village and emerge from the pine woods, as planned, directly opposite our cottage at 11.50am.
Area: Beinn Eighe, Torridon
This is one of the great Scottish mountain days. Beinn Eighe is an entire massif rather than a single mountain and the standard munro bagging approach doesn't do it justice: I wanted the whole ridge, particularly the less frequented eastern end that we could see from our cottage. It would have been nice to have taken my time, such was the quality and variety of scenery and ridge walking, but as usual a lightweight running approach was more suitable and Kate dropped me off at the Coire Dubh at 7.30am. My aim was to get back to the cottage in Kinlochewe before midday via every peak on the Beinn Eighe ridge without touching a road or seeing another person! I didn't quite achieve this, as I missed Sail Mhor and saw one person on Coire nan Clach, but I did reach our cottage from the nature reserve path direct from Creag Dubh before midday. A superb path through Coire Dubh Mor leads between the steep slopes of Liathach and Sail Mhor to the remote northern corries and great views out over the peaks of Beinn Dearg and Bhaosbeinn. Crystal clear skies and cool breezes as I continued the long run curving east towards the famous Coire Mhic Fhearchair, arguably the most impressive in Scotland. It was indeed superb, although a little frustrating as I would have loved to have done one of the long climbs up the Triple Buttress. Instead, I had to settle for taking a scrambling line left of the main scree couloiur to the col below Ruadh-stac Mor. This was very reminiscent of the Maritime Alps and gave good sustained scrambling by weaving around. I finally gained the main ridge, well over 90 mins after starting out: an indication of the distance. From here back to Kinlochewe was just stunning: one massive gentle run along the huge ridge. I dumped the sac and ran up to the highpoint of Ruadh-stac Mor, then followed the ridge south to mild scrambling up to Coinneach Mhor. The ridge then begins, finally, to head east towards the cottage. It narrows too, giving superb and spectacular running along the crest. Liathach looks spectacular from here. A few little walls give a scrambly approach to the second munro, Spidean Coire nan Clach, where I surprised the only other person seen all day. Then the sun came out for a descent down a large snowfield to the less frequented, but even better, eastern end of the ridge. Good easy scrambling up shattered quartzite led quickly to Sgurr Ban, an Alpine fang from some angles. Then came the fine climax, very steep and quite exposed scree to a deep col with great views to the wild cwm and lake of Tuill Bhain. Above, Sgurr nan Fhir Duibhe gives good scrambling up to an along its shattered crest: the 'black men' of the name are a series of gendarmes, quite loose in places and tricky to negotiate with numerous snow patches. One was very reminiscent of Tower Gap on Glyder Fach. A great finish along the crest, which led to Creag Dubh and a large cornice. From here, I could see Kinlochewe far below and pelted down the screes, flat out, only slowing to negotiate an unexpected and potentially dangerous rock band. Below this, the path flattens out in a little valley with ancient pines. This gave excellent fast running for several km before a kink west allowed me to avoid the village and emerge from the pine woods, as planned, directly opposite our cottage at 11.50am.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Beinn Damh
Peaks: Spidean Coire an Laoigh (903m)
Area: Beinn Damh, Torridon
This hill benefits from an isolated position south of Torridon, well away from the more high profile peaks north of the Glen. The day started dry, with a high cloud base, so we'd all walked along the shores of Loch Clair for superb views of Liathach followed by a magical moment as a golden eagle wheeled above Beinn Eighe lit by a sudden shaft of sun. After this, we drove to Shieldaig for coffee and cake in a prolonged heavy shower: all rather unsettled and very different to yesterday's sunshine. For lunch, we walked up the Beinn Damh path from the Torridon hotel through lovely pine woods. A waterfall on the Allt Coire Rhoill made a fine backdrop for our slightly damp picnic. I then continued upwards for another quick hill run. The weather really closed in as soon as I left the woods: heavy rain, brisk winds, and all rather unpleasant as I followed the path up Toll Ban to the obvious broad col below Meall Ghorm. The mist closed in as I ran up the broad NW ridge, skirting the 868m forepeak and following a tenuous path through scree slopes to emerge on another sub-peak. As soon as I gained this top, the mist miraculously cleared giving views over Loch Damh to the west, and down to Shieldaig. For a while, the mist shifted in and out, then dramatically cleared again to the west as the ridge narrowed slightly at a small col: views as far as Applecross this time, but still misty to the east giving photogenic views of the main peak. I got to the summit in 50 mins or so, and the wind then tore all the cloud away leaving brilliant views east to Sgurr Ruadh and the Achnashallech peaks. Finally, I could appreciate what a fine peak Beinn Damh is, typical Torridonian structure, and I decided to give it due respect by making a traverse by descending the steep NE ridge (Stuc Toll nam Biast) to the Drochaid Coire Roill. This goes down rocks to gentle grass, then becomes very steep and hard to read from above. After a few cautious forays too far west, I spied a cairn and located a little path through a series of rocky buttresses which gave an interesting and intricate route down to the Coire Roill. Stupidly, however, in my haste to get back to the family in the hotel I didn't bother to check the map for the location of the stalker's path and just stumbled blindly through the boggy wilderness west of the river. So the subsequent nightmarish aquatic flounder back to the woods was entirely my fault and richly deserved. It didn't take long though, and the family had only just returned to the car when I got back to the hotel.
Area: Beinn Damh, Torridon
This hill benefits from an isolated position south of Torridon, well away from the more high profile peaks north of the Glen. The day started dry, with a high cloud base, so we'd all walked along the shores of Loch Clair for superb views of Liathach followed by a magical moment as a golden eagle wheeled above Beinn Eighe lit by a sudden shaft of sun. After this, we drove to Shieldaig for coffee and cake in a prolonged heavy shower: all rather unsettled and very different to yesterday's sunshine. For lunch, we walked up the Beinn Damh path from the Torridon hotel through lovely pine woods. A waterfall on the Allt Coire Rhoill made a fine backdrop for our slightly damp picnic. I then continued upwards for another quick hill run. The weather really closed in as soon as I left the woods: heavy rain, brisk winds, and all rather unpleasant as I followed the path up Toll Ban to the obvious broad col below Meall Ghorm. The mist closed in as I ran up the broad NW ridge, skirting the 868m forepeak and following a tenuous path through scree slopes to emerge on another sub-peak. As soon as I gained this top, the mist miraculously cleared giving views over Loch Damh to the west, and down to Shieldaig. For a while, the mist shifted in and out, then dramatically cleared again to the west as the ridge narrowed slightly at a small col: views as far as Applecross this time, but still misty to the east giving photogenic views of the main peak. I got to the summit in 50 mins or so, and the wind then tore all the cloud away leaving brilliant views east to Sgurr Ruadh and the Achnashallech peaks. Finally, I could appreciate what a fine peak Beinn Damh is, typical Torridonian structure, and I decided to give it due respect by making a traverse by descending the steep NE ridge (Stuc Toll nam Biast) to the Drochaid Coire Roill. This goes down rocks to gentle grass, then becomes very steep and hard to read from above. After a few cautious forays too far west, I spied a cairn and located a little path through a series of rocky buttresses which gave an interesting and intricate route down to the Coire Roill. Stupidly, however, in my haste to get back to the family in the hotel I didn't bother to check the map for the location of the stalker's path and just stumbled blindly through the boggy wilderness west of the river. So the subsequent nightmarish aquatic flounder back to the woods was entirely my fault and richly deserved. It didn't take long though, and the family had only just returned to the car when I got back to the hotel.
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