Bethesda-PyP

The weather has been unsettled recently, which isn't ideal given my urgent need to increase the cycling mileage. I have done a few routes maximising the climbing around Hope Mountain, but the savagely steep, short potholed lanes don't really replicate the demands of the typical Alpine col! This morning's ride didn't either but it still felt a bit more worthwhile. A heavy shower had just cleared as I left Bethesda for the long but nicely gentle haul up to Ogwen Cottage. I have run this in the past, and descended it on a bike, but I can't remember ever cycling it from this direction. It is quick and efficient and I then had a headwind which made the sprint to Capel absolutely superb. Around 34 minutes from Bethesda to Capel, exactly 14 minutes from Ogwen Cottage to Capel: what seems fast to me just isn't by most cyclists standards, and as ever I find the contrast with running to be horribly stark, even given the obvious fact that one is my competitive sport, the other isn't. Anyway, the weather had now cleared to wonderful sunny but blustery conditions and the inevitable headwind hit for Dyffyn Mymbyr, which wasn't much fun as a result. Climbed up to PyP for a mini Alps training session and then enjoyed the always wonderful descent down the Pass. At Llanberis I got onto the Padarn cycling path and then climbed up to Clwt y Bont and Deiniolen via steep obscure lanes through council estates until I was up on the open hill above Mynydd Llandygai with its wonderful views to the Carneddau and Elidir. From here it is another fast descent, although I took the absurdly narrow and overgrown Lon Hafoty in error before finishing up Hen Durnpike back to the car.

Castles Relay (Caernarfon-Penygroes)

Race: Welsh Castles Relay (Stage One - Caernarfon to Penygroes 8m)

Time/Position: 52.42 (19th from 64)

I had the honour of starting things off for Buckley at the Castles relay this year. In three previous participations in this unique event, I had never experienced a Saturday stage before, let alone the actual start, so the ceremony of beginning right in front of the castle before a mini-lap down to the Foryd was a surprise. Then it was straight into the very familiar terrain of the Border League/10k route out along the coast. Muscle memory kicked in and I started off at a modest six minute mile pace along ground I have often run much quicker on. Sadly, even this is too much for me at present and I paid a price later on as soon as the road started to rise towards Llanwnda. Mercifully, the stage had been shortened and so the lack of distance in my legs was brought to a halt at Inigo Jones instead of Penygroes. Just as well as I couldn't run another stride. I was pleased to finish in the top 20 less than a minute behind Tim and was only passed by one despite my pace slowing around Llandwnda, so it wasn't catastrophic - which is also suggested by the fact I am second fastest over 55 for the 8k Strava segment from Caernarfon to Llanwnda. But this still may mark some kind of retirement from competitive running, perhaps not permanently but certainly for a while. I did what I wanted to after turning 55 a year ago and managed to get another year out of my legs despite the insertional achilles injury which I now interpret as the bodywork failing first as a warning to stop pushing the engine!

Llandegla ride

The first real attempt to increase cycling distance this year in advance of my summer trip. Up to Llandegla and then the long descent to Bwlchgwyn then Llay before extending across the border to Pulford and Dodleston. I was a bit time-pushed this morning and there is, obviously, an urgent need to increase the climbing and distance over the next couple of weeks as this was still less than 60k.

Lochnagar quintuple

Peaks: Lochnagar (Cac Carn Beag), Carn a'Choire Bhoidheach, Carn an t-Sagairt Mor, Cairn Bannoch, Broad Cairn

Area: White Mounth

For various reasons I had been saving Lochnagar for a different trip but it was too obvious an objective to avoid on this, my final day of the trip. The forecast was a little mixed again, with low cloud forecast for eastern hills, but I drove to Spittal of Glenmuick via Ballater anyway. This was new territory for me, and I had a superb night's sleep in temperatures that were at least 20c colder than home on the same night. This area of the Mounth lends itself to a running approach, so that's what I intended to do as I started off around 7.30am. However, given my slowing in the hills and the rigours of the last few days, I wasn't sure how I would go. In the event, it went very well despite almost constant clag and no views until the final descent, which really was quite unlucky. This is a 30k circuit over five munros but the terrain is generally kind underfoot and there isn't too much elevation gain (1300m). Unsurprisingly, the route up Lochnagar itself is on a very clear path for most of the way - it skirts Loch Muich and then weaves its way up to an obvious col below Conachcraig. It was then into the mist for a steep section (known as The Ladder) up a well made path which eventually emerged below Meikle Pap at a plateau. Good running west and then north up another steepening to the forepeak before heading out to the true summit (90 mins) which has a rocky top section and was atmospheric in thick mist. This was a real shame though as I had no views of the famous cliffs. The mist threatened to clear but didn't, so I scampered back to the lower peak and then branched off south-west on a good runnable path. This was glorious despite the weather and I was feeling good - the second munro (Boidheach) was an easy out-and-back, after which I continued westwards. A tight stream valley (Allt an da Craobh Bheath) gave me a drink from some giant snowfields and I briefly emerged from the mist with views down to the Dubh Loch. Lovely contouring then led to another detour, slightly longer this time, out to Carn an t-Sagairt Mor. Another clearance as I descended led to some views over Glen Callater to Carn an Tuirc and other hills I had done before. The terrain continued to be runnable (or at least joggable) as the route decisively turns south-eastwards over the final two peaks, which are quite well defined and seem to represent some kind of linguistic boundary. Cairn Bannoch had a nice rocky top and I finally had a semblance of a view at Broad Cairn, the final peak and 16th munro of this short trip. It was grey and gloomy,  but did give me some kind of idea of the broader context. I could see Mount Keen further east, as well as other unfamiliar valleys (to me) like Glen Doll and Glen Clova. The descent from Broad Cairn was surprisingly rocky and awkward initially, but led to a huge track which eventually branched off to a superb gently descending contouring path above Coire Chash. Here, finally, the weather decisively cleared for superb views over the Dubh Loch and its steep valley fringed with crags. All five mountains fringe this valley, at least partially. The path descends all the way to the Loch Muick lakeside and leaves a very long and quite tiring finish along the undulating and sometimes awkward path along the loch. This is probably harder than it would have been to stay high on the plateau for longer, but at a side valley the path becomes a very runnable track. It was now quite warm and very sunny, I passed 50 or so red deer, and got back to the car park 4.20 after setting out on this very enjoyable circuit. I had a bath in the River Muick then drove home, fine after my nourishing nine hours of sleep.

Glen Derry Round (part 2)

Peaks: Beinn a'Chaorainn, Beinn Bhreac

Area: Cairngorms

After yesterday's magnificent trip into the central Cairngorms, this was a little less glamorous and a real contrast in terms of terrain and scenery. I didn't have a particularly good night's sleep in the bothy and set off pretty early as the sun was starting to illuminate the crag at the top of the cwm. An excellent path continues down from Coire Etchtachan into the middle of the larger Glen Derry. As far as I could tell there was no direct route to the pass at the top of the glen (Lairig an Laoigh) so my only option was a longish detour south-east until I could pick up the main Glen Derry path. The pass is a sister to the more famous Lairig Ghru further west, but is less dramatic. Near the top, a steep and indistinct side path begins to climb up Beinn a'Chaorainn. It is intermittent and hard to follow at times, particularly with the early morning sun in my face, but it didn't last all that long and I soon reached the cairn for magnificent views west to the central Cairngorms, last night's bothy a tiny white dot at the bottom of the corrie: the weather was the best of the trip, very clear. Across the valley to the east rose Beinn a'Bhuiridh which I did two years ago. Then came the Moine Bhealaidh, a vast expanse of flat moorland reminiscent of the Pennines which I wasn't looking forward to. It wasn't particularly pleasant but it did at least offer the challenge of trying to pick the best lines through the bog and tussocks. I have done worse though, and I did pick up a path on the far side towards Beinn Bhreac. This becomes much drier and more pleasant as it starts to climb away from the moorland and the summit was a pleasant place with excellent views to Lochnagar and down to Beinn a'Ghlo, perfect clarity throughout. I had a much needed snack before starting the descent which looked very quick and easy but wasn't. At first, easy grassy slopes allow for quick progress down, and this gains a good path, but once it reaches the treeline it becomes boggy. It also took longer to reach Derry Lodge than I'd expected, but the views back up Glen Derry framed by the Caledonian pines were superb. Derry Cairngorm looks particularly good from here, as do all the peaks I had just done. A bigger track eventually comes in from the glen and soon I arrived back at Derry Lodge for the relaxing bike ride back to the Linn of Dee in time for an early lunch.

Glen Derry Round (part 1)

Peaks: Derry Cairngorm, Beinn Mheadhoin

Area: Cairngorms

If the weather had been favourable for this trip, I would have headed north-west to the Fisherfield Forest for some of the remoter Munros. But being in the Cairngorms is a treat in itself and I still had unfinished business. Beinn Mheadhoin in particular is one of the remoter Scottish mountains so I decided to take a leisurely approach and really immerse myself in the heart of the range. As a result, there was no rush this morning: I fuelled up with a full breakfast from the Bothy in Braemar before buying very austere provisions for the trip. My basic plan was the Glen Derry round, which I would have been able to do quite easily in a day, but I thought I would relax instead and have a short stay at the Hutchison Memorial bothy (I had my tent too). Just before midday, after coffee and an extra feed at the Linn of Dee, I set off for Derry Lodge by bike. I did the same two years ago and the scenery here is really beautiful. As ever, the great attraction of the Cairngorms is that its highlights are all hidden from view, you have to make an effort to get to them and that precludes too many people from spoiling it all. In addition, I love the contrast between the Arctic peaks and the gentle lower valleys which are probably closer to the natural biome than most other parts of the UK. Derry Lodge is a great example, all remnants of the Caledonian pine forest. I left my bike and then enjoyed the lovely path through the pines which leads to, again, the closest thing to a natural treeline in the UK, with some montane forest and dwarf trees above. The weather was lovely, blue sky with intermittent cloud, but bigger banks west and north as per the forecast. Above the treeline the path got steep for a while as it rounds the spur Carn Crom but this gives way to beautiful pink granite plateaux and then a contouring path with Derry Caingorm a pleasant cone ahead. Soon the route takes on its high Cairngorm character as it crosses various blasted tundra boulder fields and Ben Macdui and Cairn Toul become visible. A really enjoyable ascent, with a big boulder field leading to the summit. Tremendous views over Glen Luibeg to the high Cairngorms, lots of snow under blue skies. After this the day got even better with a contouring path over to the shoulder below Creagan a'Choire Etchachan and then to the lip of Coire Etchachan itself, an Arctic scene and the real heart of the Cairngorms. This microenvironment at the centre of the range is really precious, and does feel much closer to northern Norway than other parts of Scotland. Loch Etchachan glistened in the sunshine, framed by snowfields and crags, but (after a glissade down a big snowfield) it was far too windy to pitch my tent there so I stowed it for the short slog up Beinn Mheadhoin. This was almost as easy and enjoyable as Derry Cairngorm, through the same pink granite boulderfields and up to the wind blasted plateau at the top, reminiscent of Ben Avon with its granite tors. The SW top has stunning views down to the top of Loch Avon where multiple torrents clatter down between big crags from the Ben Macdui plateau: undoubtedly one of the finest places in the British mountains, and another Arctic scene. The top involves a little scramble up the tor which I had to myself (although there were a few people about on this Bank Holiday Monday). I retraced my steps back to the Etchachan outflow to collect my stuff and then ambled down the rocky path into tight Coire Etchachan, where the tiny Hutchison bothy came into view on a patch of greenery. Behind, the crag which houses some classic rock climbs. I took ownership of one of the two 'beds' in the bothy although it really is tiny. I managed a quick bath in the stream that comes down from Derry Cairngorm and passed a pleasant solo bothy evening with my austere dining options (no stove).

Glen Ey peaks

Peaks: Beinn Iutharn Mhor, Carn Bhac

Area: Mounth, Scotland

A complex weather forecast meant that a lot of thought had to go into my plans for today. I drove over the top road from Pitlochry and slept near the Spittal of Glenshee, but even the Cairngorms looked a bit questionable this morning with black threatening clouds. I was a bit tired too, so eventually settled on these peaks just to the south of the Cairngorms proper, because they offer a relaxed cycling approach and the weather looked distinctly better a little to the south. It proved an excellent choice and, after driving to Inverey some sunshine was already peeking through as I set off on the gravel bike for Glen Ey. This was an absolute delight and a perfect way to stretch the legs after yesterday's exertions. The track up the glen is mostly gentle and leads south above the Ey Burn into the wonderfully open Glen Ey. There was something wonderful about the way the valley curves gently south-east then south-west revealing new scenery. The spur of Creag an Lochain dominates the view but then a hidden upper valley with views up to Iutharn Mhor is revealed, the Ey Burn incredibly placid and gently flowing in the flat valley bottom with a base of soft green moss and breeding oystercatchers. After over 9k of lovely riding, I reached the ruin of Altanour and left my bike to work out the route and the landscape. It looked like I could climb directly up the east ridge of Beinn Iutharn Mhor and to my surprise that turned out to be the case, a narrow path was mostly navigable and led to the steep ridge/nose. This was hard work initially but led to a windy plateau, after which a long haul led out to the curving ridge of the dominant peak, which is more shapely and impressive than the rest of the Mounth. Beinn a'Ghlo impressed to the south and a giant snowfield lent definition to the northern cwm. I recognised other peaks, like Glas Tulaichean, from previous visits although the Cairngorms proper remained gloomy under dark clouds. After a snack I retraced steps above the snowpatch and then descended very steep scree towards Carn Bhac. I must have gone too low here, as it soon became tough going through tussocks and bog, completely pathless until I eventually gained the main route to Carn Bhac. This is a rather dull peak, just the highpoint of a long lateral ridge with lots of white rock on the summit. I didn't hang around and jogged the long but easy and very enjoyable descent down the ridge above Alltan Odhar. The sun came out towards the bottom and it finally became much warmer. By the time I regained the bike it was, for a short while, almost hot - and as the sun lit the valley and multiple chattering streams it was beautiful. I rested a while on soft grass above the Ey Burn at Altanour just taking it all in before getting on my bike for a tremendously enjoyable ride back to Inverey, gently descending the whole way. After bathing in the Dee I parked up at the layby outside Braemar that I'd used exactly two years ago: stunning views across the valley to Derry Cairngorm and Beinn a'Bhuird.