Callow

Race: Callow fell race (8.5k/880m)

Time/Position: 1.15.20 (29th from 68)

This must be a contender for the hardest short fell race in the UK. Long Mynd Valleys (which I've done twice) is the famous race in these parts, but that is much longer and takes a while to build up to its brutal climax. In contrast, Callow gets to grips with it immediately. Little Stretton is absurdly picturesque, and the race starts from the beautiful valley (Ashes Hollow) which I remembered from the South Mynd Tour, one of many Shropshire races I have done. Not Callow though, so it was nice to finally put that right. After a short run up the valley, the race kicks right up steep pathless terrain which doesn't relent until the top of Ashlet, which is so obvious from the village. We had a wonderful little weather window for the race, and the views from sunlit Ashlet over to Caer Caradoc were superb - a tough contouring descent led down to Townbrook before entering another of the tight valleys that characterise this area. Then comes a savage climb up the front of Yearlet, long and draining. The descent into the top part of Ashes Hollow sadly gives no respite as it is extremely steep and awkward. After a brief run along the valley bottom (some locals had better lines than me here) you are into the next climb, brutally steep up the eastern slopes of Grindle. This hill is appropriately named, and the attrition really kicks in on this grinding climb. Took a bad line on the descent alongside the leading lady, culminating in thickets of impenetrable gorse. A few minutes relief down a very tight and awkward valley led to the final climb up Callow, where I started to lose places in earnest. A fast finish from the top of Callow to the edge of Little Stretton. A very memorable outing, and it started to rain the second I crossed the finish line!

Cwm Glas horseshoe (classic)

Peaks: Crib Goch, Garnedd Ugain

Area: Yr Wyddfa, Eryri

A return to Cwm Glas four days after my last visit, although this time prospects for an inversion seemed even better. The opportunity to do Crib Goch in a full cloud inversion was too good to miss, so I headed up towards Cyrn Las then took the very faint paths that lead to the boggy ground above Dinas Mot. I was aiming for the North Ridge of Crib Goch, and eventually located the horrible steep scree that leads up to the ridge itself. The mist was very thick, the weather dank and dreary, but I was growing increasingly confident about the conditions. The North Ridge gets narrow at the top, narrower than Crib Goch proper in fact, and was greasy and damp in the clag. Then, at the exact moment I arrived on the summit, I poked through the cloud: an absolutely stunning moment, one of the most memorable single experiences I have had in almost 40 years in the Welsh mountains. From then on, the day was stupendous: the narrowest part of the ridge was clear, then a layer of cloud framed Yr Wyddfa and Garnedd Ugain beyond. The Glyderau poked through, but in all other directions a sea of cloud. Even more remarkably, because it was still early I had it all to myself. The early part of the ridge was truly unforgettable, as occasional wisps of mist lapped over me then dissipated. I took the crest to maximise the impact, then traversed the first pinnacle. The exposed move up the final pinnacle had only just emerged from the clag so was damper than the rest, and then it was briefly back into the mist at Bwlch Goch before emerging into the light. The remainder of the ridge to Garnedd Ugain was stunningly clear, the sun higher up now, Yr Wyddfa glistening above a bank of cloud. I had a tremendous brocken spectre, my shadow framed against the shadow of the ridge itself and projected onto the cloud bank with rainbow halo. After a memorable few minutes on top of Garnedd Ugain I jogged back towards the Cyrn Las ridge that I had ascended on Monday. A triple 'glory' at one point, projected onto the cloud bank where Llanberis would ordinarily have been. More amazing effects over Cwm Glas and then it was back into the damp clag down Cyrn Las with some wet scrambling initially. I've been visiting Eryri very regularly since 1988, hundreds if not thousands of outings, but this was right up there as one of the most memorable days I have ever had in the Welsh mountains.

Elidir Fawr

Peaks: Elidir Fawr

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

I had originally planned a short Lakes break this week, and the weather was looking promising, but in the end circumstances dictated a short outing after a dental appointment in Flint. So it was mid-afternoon by the time I set out for this 'speed' outing up Elidir from Dinorwic. It has been at last a decade since I last did Pedol Peris but I jogged along to start what I remembered of that route up Elidir, the twisting quarry road as opposed to the direct ramp up the cable. This went reasonably well, and I got to the open hill fairly quickly. The weather was glorious: blue skies and perfect clarity, and I was on the summit in 40 minutes. Then came the real business of the day, to try to set some kind of time for the direct descent from summit to road, if only because it is all so obvious from the Vags hut directly below. It is rocky and awkward at first, but then eases a little (although always steep) to grass and bog before the lower section down a track: a few seconds over 19 minutes and an effort I inevitably paid for with aching quads two days later. A painful hobble back through the quarries in beautiful low sunlight.

Cwm Glas horseshoe

Peaks: Garnedd Ugain, Yr Wyddfa

Area: Snowdon, Eryri

Another of my crowd-avoiding variants up Snowdon, this was really just an attempt to give myself a cloud inversion opportunity. It is a game of chance, however, and I didn't win today (despite the fact that superb conditions prevailed a day or two ago). The Cyrn Las ridge is always a nice option, I remember first doing it in the 1980s when it felt like we were pioneers of the route. It is a bit more popular these days, indeed some people call it the Cwm Glas ridge, which isn't a bad description either, although I think of it as the former given the prominence of that crag as you ascend. I was tired after yesterday's race so it was slow, plodding progress into the mist. Sadly that mist stayed thick all the way up the ridge, through the scrambly sections, and up Garnedd Ugain. No hope of a clearance, but I carried on to the top of Snowdon anyway - no inversion, just damp clag, so I scampered down the Pyg track, tiring badly, and then cut down the craggy hillside towards Dinas Cromlech. There's a reason few people do this - it has several awkward crags and is generally arduous, but it does effectively cut the corner avoiding Pen y Pass.

Delamere trail half

Race: Delamere trail half marathon

Time/Position: 1.32.29 (4th from 479 [1st V50])

After winning my category at the Nantwich 10k a couple of years ago, I have kept something of a streak going: with prizes of a free entry to any of the RunThrough events, I followed up with more age category wins at the Ladybower Trail half and then the Carsington Water Trail half. This was in the same mould but much closer to home in Delamere. As with all these races, there's a large field of leisure runners but the routes are actually really good and very enjoyable. Some of the racing pressure is off, and I am still cogniscent of the fact this is my fallow year, so I took it gently, at least at first for the spiralling climb up Old Pale. From the top, no time to enjoy the views on a rather murky but mild and still autumn day. The route then commences on a tortuous route through various sections of Delamere, much of which was familiar, much of which wasn't. From the top, it headed down familiar tracks towards Manley Common, occasionally on the Sandstone Trail route, and then it curved back east towards Hatchmere before looping Blakemere Moss, like the parkrun, before another tortuous detour led to the finish. It was enjoyable throughout, quite muddy in places, steep in others, twisting in others. I gradually made my way through the field, and was alone at the end, although well behind third place.

British fell relays (Yorkshire Dales)

Race: Fell Relays leg 3 (12k/600m)

Time/Position: 1.45 (98th)

Back at the fell relays for the first time since 2017 or 2018, captaining Buckley's team this year. A beautiful location for it, at Appletreewick in Wharfedale, and a very enjoyable day for our team of six. That said, Huw was carrying an injury for our nav leg and really suffered, and we did finish much lower down the field than in our previous six times at the event (I have been the only 'ever present' since our first when it came to the Clwydians in 2007). It's always great to watch the top teams finish their legs, and it was particularly spectacular this year as the start and finish was up a brutally steep hill. Andy, Bonj and Simon had got us off to a good start on legs one and two. The day had brightened up after a dank and claggy start and was now superbly clear, luckily enough for us on the navigation leg. The start headed up the very steep hill common to all legs, before picking up the map at a farmhouse and then heading off across featureless moorland to the first checkpoint. The terrain was hard, minimal climbing but tussocky and boggy underfoot. We headed towards the fence a little too early but corrected ourselves and then headed to distant checkpoint two, right out to the north. This was hidden in a sinkhole, but we'd already seen checkpoint three near a small lake so picked that up easily before the long next leg - for which we took a good line contouring awkward terrain to drop down into the steep valley of the Dibb. A really steep descent - indeed all of this terrain was a nightmare for Huw, who was really struggling to maintain any kind of pace. Then came an extremely steep climb back out and a long circuitous section to pick up the three or four checkpoints around the Dibb valley. Moving slowly but at least we got our lines bang on, and then it was a cruel out-and-back over Kail hill, awful again for Huw but we had no real choice aside from lower contouring, before finishing back down the steep descent. Our worst ever team performance but still a really enjoyable day, complete with chilli and local pale ale in the barn, and then a pint at the superb Craven Arms.

Eirias Park XC

Race: Eirias Park, North Wales XC League 1 (8.3k)

Time/Position: 33.42 (45th from 152)

Despite the lowly position, this was a rather pleasing performance and very enjoyable by cross-country standards: the first fixture of the new season. I had never done the course before, and it takes three and a half large loops round the edge of Eirias Park with sea views in places. I was relatively conservative, mindful of my total lack of recent training in my rest year, but was pleased to find I had decent legs and felt reasonably strong. I moved slowly through the field albeit well off the pace, and almost caught Jez at the end. Surprisingly dry underfoot and a classic XC course with a great blend of steep hills, woods and fields.

Runcorn BL

Race: Norton Priory 5m (Border League race 1)

Time/Position: 30.07 (79th from 440)

With no designs on trying to retain my V50 title from last season, this was just a case of making up the numbers. So I was pleased to be 8th scorer for Buckley, as I really felt the lack of training on this one. It started in Norton Priory on the edge of Runcorn then ran around old tracks to gain the canal which was familiar to me as it is also taken by the Phoenix parkrun. I felt quite fresh at the start, which was unusually frantic, a downhill pelt through mud on a very narrow path. Staying upright was key, and the paths remained fairly tight for the size of field. Later, the canal led to a reverse of the parkrun route and then a second lap, on which I really felt the pace but didn't completely blow. Way down the field, and only good enough for 5th V50, but perhaps not as bad as I had feared.

Chester parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun

Time/Position: 18.52 (11th from 372)

As with everything else this fallow year, I don't want to atrophy completely so thought I should do the parkrun by way of a range finder before next weekend's border league opener. I didn't time the event or look at my watch, so was pleasantly surprised to go under 19, not too bad given that I have been resting from racing since March.

King John's Castle

Race: King John's Castle fell race

Time/Position: 51.01 (4th from 46)

A route change this year marked Amanda's first year of organising it. This added a considerable amount of climbing to what was previously a fast and runnable course. I've only done it twice before, finishing second in 2015 and third in 2022, so this was very much on trend! The usual opening climb towards Moel Gyw, then the always enjoyable descent before contouring round the side of Moel y Plas before heading straight up the eastern slopes of that hill, completely pathless. A small group of three formed, and I descended reasonably well before struggling on the steep OD climb to the col below Moel Gyw. A decent descent and then it was just the flat-out road blast to the finish, with me around half a minute in front of 5th, but well behind 3rd.

Elidir Fawr

Peaks: Elidir Fawr

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

Another gourmet night at the hut, but I didn't really fancy climbing in the Pass with limited time this afternoon, so Steve and I set off for this short outing up Elidir from the front door of Pant y Fron. We adopted a loping stride/slow jog pace up to Twill Mawr (where a team were on the astonishing Quarryman). Then we took the cableway slab/incline thing all the way to the top of Australia. This is steep and leads to slate steps, really atmospheric, a unique way of gaining lots of height. I'd done it before, but this felt fairly quick. Then we joined the Pedol Peris route up the grass, and up to Elidir Fach before taking the ridge (which I rarely do) to the true summit, where I waited for Steve in cold and windy conditions, the cloud base just flirting with the top. Always one of my favourite views. We then descended direct to the hut, superbly satisfying, down one of Snowdonia's most notorious slogs (a crucial part of the 3000s as well as the Elidir race). I don't think I have ever descended this before, and it is surprisingly comfortable: 28 minutes from summit back to the hut at a very gentle jog.

Swakopmund running

After arrival in Namibia almost a week ago, we walked to the end of the little ridge above Sasa Safari Lodge in a wonderful location outside Outjo. After three days in Etosha (including a 5k run round the Okakuejo camp) we made our way down to the Atlantic Coast where the temperatures were 20C+ cooler than the interior! So I took advantage today with an 11k run through the unusual (to say the least) town of Swakopmund, returning along the coast, struck by the extreme contrast between its manicured neatness and the nearby Skeleton Coast.

Carneddau from Gerlan

Peaks: Yr Elen, Carnedd Llewellyn

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

The forecast this morning was grim, so I was planning a short outing above Aber. But driving into Conwy it seemed far better, windy and cool with cloud around the tops, but dry. So I carried on and parked at Gerlan where I had a vague plan to go up Yr Elen from Bethesda (up the west ridge rather than down it). Up the familar lanes to the boggy track up into Cwm Llafar, and then across the bog towards the end of the Elen ridge at Foel Ganol. This does become very steep in places, particularly towards the top, but it emerges right on the summit (less than an hour from Gerlan). Windy and cold, with cloud playing around the tops, but I felt reasonably good and it seemed rude not to continue to Llewellyn, so I did. Nicely down the ridge and then a direct line to the summit in 10 minutes or so. Light mist on the top, which I had to myself again. Then down the normal Carneddau motorway towards the Black Ladders before breaking off for the pathless descent into the top of Cwm Llafar. This is a superb place, and I emerged right below Ysgolion Duon/Black Ladders, looking up to the two winter gully climbs I have done here (Central and Eastern) with a slight shudder (we did Central Gully in dreadful conditions in January 2010). Ahead, Llech Ddu and its spur. It must be one of the best locations in Eryri, and it would be nice to camp here some time. The run down to Gerlan was into a headwind, but quite enjoyable at a sustainable jog. Back to the bunkhouse around 1.55 after starting, which didn't seem too bad for 14k/1000m or so, given how boggy it is in places.

Rhydycroesau fell race

Race: Rhydycroesau fell race (5.5m/800ft)

Time/Position: 38.11 (6th from 37)

Surprisingly perhaps, I have stuck to the ethos of the 'fallow year', this being my first race since the start of July. As such, I was quite pleased to feel reasonably good (although completely lacking any speed) for this runnable event, more of a trail race than a fell race. I did the previous incarnation of the Rhydycroesau race many years ago - from memory it was similar in style but went up the opposite side of the valley. This new version leaves the delightful village show and heads up little lanes to a track passing the England-Wales border stone. Above this is the highpoint of the race above the Pen y Gwely reservoir. Then after a little loop it rejoins the ascent for a fast descent back to the show. K and E had joined me, so we walked to Cefn Canol for a warm down.

Foel Lwyd

Peaks: Foel Lwyd

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

Since my embarrassingly recent 'discovery' of Nant y Coed above Llanfairfechan I have resolved to make up for years of neglect by exploring the routes up onto the Carneddau from here. This was just a short outing but excellent, taking part of the coast path which we did last December. It more or less reversed that route, climbing up the hillside from Terrace Walk, rounding Carreg Fawr, and emerging at familiar territory, the Drum crossroads onto the Roman Road. This is easy angled up to Bwlch y Ddaefaen, after which I ploughed up the very steep climb to Foel Lwyd (which is always embedded in my memory as the last real climb of our 'Sea to Sea' in 2018). It was hard today too, and I had no wish to extend to Tal y Fan. The weather was better than forecast, a few light spots of drizzle. After the steep descent I cut down to the valley of the Afon Ddu which leads all the way down to Nant y Coed but is tortuous at the top, with no real human path through the gorse. Below, it gets better, and quite beautiful as it descends to the native woodland with the Menai Strait beyond.

Malpas 100m loop

It must be at least nine years since my last 'imperial century' ride, but as this was always intended to be one of my intermittent 'cycling years' I didn't want to end it without at least one 100 miler. That said, aware of that time gap since the last one and my general lack of cycling prowess, I knew it had to be flat. And there was another concept at play today - I wanted to do a form of time trial for the first 50k, and keep this going to a lesser extent until 50 miles had been done (and then just keep going at a slower pace). It all worked perfectly and ideal conditions helped too. I left home before 7am for the familiar start to Saltney Ferry and then on to the westbound cycle path to Shotton. Then all the way through Blacon to the end of the cycle path in Guilden Sutton before starting south through Waverton to Aldford and then Farndon, where I notched up the 50k in 1.55. I was desperate for a wee, so lost time doing that before heading up the surprisingly lengthy climb to Malpas, the far-end of the planned route. Back down the hill to Bangor, where (after notching up 50 miles in a little over 3 hours) I finally stopped properly for cheese sarnies and a drink at the co-op. Nice riding through to Holt, although I didn't stop at this traditional cycling crossroads, instead heading for home via Rossett and the climb to Shordley. Having no wish to fully extend the route into the hills, I then cycled into Westminster Park for a pastry, and back onto the cycle path from Sealand Road. Another loop, all the way round to Blacon and then Saltney Ferry before finally notching up the imperial century in 6.30 with some extra bits along familiar home roads.

Tremadog climbing

Routes: Scratch (VS 4b.4c:sec), Great Western/The Quakermen/Peutery combination (HVS 5a, 4a:sec)

Crag: Craig Pant Ifan, Tremadog

When it comes to climbing, I am not so much rusty as entirely corroded, having done hardly any since Covid. So I was inevitably a passenger today, although it was still an enjoyable outing with Peter and Vic. We started off with the standard VS of Scratch, nicely delicate on the first pitch (which I have led before), then a contrastingly steep and awkward crack, which i followed Peter up. After abbing down for lunch, we did a combination of three routes further left. I may well have done this combo before too: I've certainly done Great Western before. I followed Vic up this - a muddy groove leads to twin cracks. I found these very awkward indeed, particularly as it was a bit damp. Then an easing before another hard and steep corner leads to a stance on Poor Man's Peuterey, which I have done at least twice. It was quite breezy for the wonderful step right on to the arete, aided by huge holds, and then the delightful easy slab to the top. Felt weak and unconfident throughout, inevitable really, and there was no chance of me leading anything. But it was a nice day, and we finished with a pint at the excellent Pengwern in Ffestiniog.

Conwy-Chester+ ride

An attempt to link the region's best pubs, going from Conwy to Chester via an indirect 'interior' route (although I didn't actually go in any of them!). Another time, perhaps, for the wet version. Joining Kate on her commute, I set off from Bodlondeb at 8.30am, going across the river and then up through Junction to Mochre and Colwyn Bay via Pabo Lane. Then the delightful riding along the seafront with a light tailwind all the way to Rhyl. The weather was ideal, less hot than of late, but dry with light south-westerlies. I went through the middle of Rhyl for the first time in years, and then through Rhuddlan to a break for a pie at St Asaph Greggs! If the bike could talk, it would no doubt remark on the fairly extreme contrast between the Tourmalet, Lers, Aspin etc, less than a fortnight ago, and certain parts of today's route. Then it was Lower Denbigh Road up the 'S Bends' (again for the first time in decades, it used to be my school bus journey). From Bodfari, I took the peaceful lanes all the way to Llanbedr DC passing the Golden Lion in Llangynhafal (a bit of a headwind throughout). Then comes the route's main climb up the hairpins to the Clwyd Gate, like a miniature Pyrenean col, although ruined by roadworks today. From the top, it is easy down to the side road to Llanarmon yn Ial, and then undulating down the lovely lanes (via the Rose and Crown) to Treuddyn. Then came the fast descent and little climb to Penyffordd. I stopped off at home for a brief refuel and then took Lache Lane into Handbridge. At the Old Dee Bridge (close to the Tap), I turned south for Eccleston into a mild headwind. Down to Pulford and then over the border to Lavister and home: 110k, just under 1000m ascent, just over four hours, very varied.

Tryfan

Peaks: Tryfan

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

Third time lucky for EE on Tryfan, and we chose a very nice morning albeit a little too hot and humid at times. We took the steep climb into Cwm Tryfan, then walked up to join the side path which leads up to Bwlch Tryfan. From here, I think she enjoyed the occasional little scrambly steps which lead up to the tiny ridge below the summit. It is never quite the same route twice. A fairly crowded summit, which displeased her, but we had a nice break before descending via the direct scree path to Llyn Bochlwyd and then curving round towards Milestone Buttress. A helicopter was ferrying rocks presumably to improve the path here, which has always been muddy and is now becoming increasingly wide and eroded.

Plo del Naou

Peaks: Plo del Naou (1754m)

Area: Aspin, Pyrenees

The strange name of this summit is presumably a prime example of the local dialect. This was just a short 8k jog from the Col d'Aspin but a wonderful way to finish the trip. There seemed the prospect of getting above the mist (the col was enveloped as I had my coffee) a classic Pyrenees cloud inversion, but I couldn't have hoped for a more perfect set of circumstances. I took a jogging approach and was up in less than 30 minutes. A broad ridge leads to a grassy and delightful summit ridge and I could see telltale signs of the sun trying to break through the mist. Just below the top, I broke through. A stunning bank of cloud over the Aure valley with the high peaks of the Bearn and the Spanish frontier crystal clear above: quite incredible. I have been lucky enough to experience cloud inversions quite a few times, and can still remember the thrill when we broke through the mist on our first visit to the Pyrenees in 1993, but it is always wonderful and memorable. Ahead, the Montfaucon was impressive, with a picturesque flock of sheep with their clanging bells in the foreground. I descended towards the Horquette and then picked up a contouring path to complete a little loop and rejoin the ascent above the col. Then came the drive home, in one continuous and lengthy journey (two short naps!). Including the Auvergne, the French trip encompassed 20 different summits, six of which were Pyrenean 3000ers done in the last week. It also encompassed seven (or 6.5) major Tour cols (Aspin, Tourmalet, Port, Lers, Azet, Ancizan) and four minor ones earlier in the trip. More notably, between 11,000 and 12,000 metres of elevation gain (on foot and bike) since last Wednesday, perhaps 38,000ft.