Clwydian climbs ride

It has been many years since I did the fearsome Old Bwlch from Llanbedr DC. It is undoubtedly one of the hardest climbs in the region, and more or less the exact opposite of the Galibier (which I did exactly three weeks ago). I thought it would be bleakly comic to mark that three week anniversary by doing a climb that it is ten times shorter, far less glamorous, and twice as steep! I took the Padeswood lanes to get to Mold, then the climbing diversion to avoid the main road through Rhydymwyn and then the standard Moel Arthur climb from Nannerch. This was despatched in 14 minutes, not too terrible, and then came the steep descent down to the Vale. From here, a gentle spin along to Llanbedr before starting the climb up Penbarras. This is straight and steep, and gets steeper once the houses are left behind. It then rears up intimidatingly, reaching a savage 20% for 100 metres until a cattle grid and the famed 25% hairpin bend. This is a real fight, but marks the end of the hardest riding, giving way to a more standard finish. Again, this kicks up to 14% at the end. I reached Penbarras in 16 minutes, which is two minutes slower than my running time for the same climb from the village set just a few months ago! Fast descending to Mold, then through Pontblyddyn to Rhyddyn hill and home: 56k/1000m. 

Buckley handicap

The usual hilly 5k course over the tracks from the main Famau car park. Slower than previous runnings, predictably enough, but this still felt like a useful session with tired legs after a hard ride yesterday and the fell race on Wednesday. Andy, Jez and I all finished in about the same time, but I just edged third place with 21.28 or so. By rights you should always finish mid-table in a handicap I always feel, otherwise you've been economical with the truth!

Conwy-Shordley 85k

An indirect route from Conwy to home via the Vale of Clwyd and a nice variant on the linear routes I have done a few times over the years. Some drizzle, the first for weeks, but this had eased by the time I had breakfast and then there was a light tailwind that meant I was pretty quick as soon as I reached the prom in Colwyn Bay. All the way to Rhyl and a quick mechanical fix for my pedals, and then through the west of the town to St Asaph, around 35kph from Rhuddlan. Lovely lunch and then it was down the Vale of Clwyd all the way to Ruthin before heading towards the Shelf. This is a well-known climb but it has been years since I did it, perhaps as many as 20? It isn't easy to find, but I did and some memory of it kicked in. I was going OK after my Alpine exploits but there was a council trailer stuck half way up which meant I had to dismount and climb a mud bank! It is a long climb by local standards, perhaps 6k with 300m of elevation, something like that, and is very narrow and deformed in places: a bigger contrast with an iconic TdF col would be hard to imagine. Then it is mostly downhill to Llandegla, through to Bwlchgwyn and then down to Cefn y Bedd and home: 85k/1200m.

Ponderosa

Race: Ponderosa hill race

Time/Position: 31.59 (16th from 73 [1st V55])

By far my slowest ever time at this event, but given that I'm only running a few miles a week and haven't raced properly since the Castles relay, I was pleased enough with this little outing. I felt it was short enough to run without harming my heel, although the race is mostly about the descent - and it is extremely dry as we are now officially in drought. I got to the top of Cyrn y Brain in a conservative 10 minutes or so and then got caught behind a group of three on the very narrow paths that characterise the long descent on this race. These are always exhilarating and I knew Simon would be close behind. He was, but I just about stayed ahead on the final climb back to the Ponderosa.

Four counties 100k ride

Keen to build on the small amount of cycling fitness gained during the trip, this was perhaps the first time I've ever ridden to Whitchurch from home. I took the usual route through Rossett to Holt with a slight tailwind, feeling very comfortable indeed. Then the lanes through Tilston to Malpas, but continuing along similarly quiet lanes - very possibly new to me - all the way to Whitchurch (and therefore Shropshire). From here I should have gone south to Hanmer but instead took the road towards Bangor. This was busier than I'd expected so I retreated to the lanes north to Tallwrn Green. The problem with these lanes is that they rarely go where you want them to! I used distant Hope Mountain as an unlikely navigation tool and eventually emerged between Worthenbury and Bangor - more familiar territory which will, for me, always be associated with my 50 mile covid lockdown solo ultra. As with that day, I stopped at the little shop for a sarnie, then continued further south into the English Maelor past the racecourse with a sharp climb to Overton (now the headwind came into play). The road was closed at the Dee bridge near Erbistock but I was allowed to pass and then quite enjoyed the little climbs to Ruabon. From here I rode into Wrexham and then out to the north on an extension to Dodleston and Broughton, in order to tick off my first 100k ride of the year. Almost exactly four hours/100k/1000m elevation. A really enjoyable spin in decent conditions, not too hot but with a nagging moderate westerly.

PitP parkrun

'Race': Park in the Past parkrun

Time/Position: 19.07 (3rd from 199)

This went to form, in the sense that I'm doing very little running (and zero training) at present, but it was still slightly annoying not to go under 19. This is almost a minute slower than my course PB which remains the V55 course record. Perfect conditions this morning, as we are now in a full drought and this course really benefits from dry conditions. Dust clouds and quite warm already. I've been a bit tired all week following the rigours of the big trip.

Leinpfad parkrun

'Race': Leinpfad parkrun (Merzig)

Time/Position: 18.58 (2nd from 98)

The final piece in the complex three-week planning jigsaw, another German parkrun vaguely en route home. After the Tour stage, I was held up by roadworks and also a fairly complex route round Strasbourg to the German border. But I slept pretty well in the van despite parking in Merzig train station! In fact, the stadtpark (venue for the parkrun) had loads of parking and would have been perfect. I had a small but delightful breakfast at the very popular Tinnes bakery and then really enjoyed the friendly parkrun. I went better than expected after the rigours of the last week (last three weeks really!). It was a complex route from the park north to a little pond and mini zoo with animals, then back along the towpath it is named after, along the banks of the Saar. I couldn't catch the chap in front, but watched his movements closely as it wasn't always obvious where the route went. I broke the V55 course record fairly comfortably, somewhat surprising given it had been going for well over 300 weeks. The warm-down was equally memorable, crossing into Luxembourg for a delightful pootle through the Moselle vineyards from Remerschen and Schengen (a famous name indeed). Even better, I ended with a swim in the wonderful Baggerweier, removing a great deal of filth before the long final drive home.

Ballon d'Alsace

A perfectly planned trip to watch a key Tour stage and, as a bonus, do another iconic Vosges climb. The nomenclature hereabouts is famously confusing: I'd done the Grand Ballon on the way down. This was just the Ballon, which is generally agreed to be the first mountain ever climbed by the Tour. After a luxury night in Besancon, I was recharged, particularly because I dined on a knepfle and munster gratin, another heavy Alsatian lunch! My plan was to head up the climb from the east, convenient for the journey home, and for the stage as the riders were heading up it from the north. I parked in Oberbruck and took the cycle path to Sewen and the start of the climb. I packed a rucsac, ready for a longish wait, and luckily the climb is a fairly easy one. Some hairpins lead above Sewen to the Lac d'Alfeld. This is, I think, the name of the valley the route then takes a big loop around. Or it might be the Langenberg, I'm not sure (could be just the usual Alsatian blend of languages). Anyway, after a few steep sections the angle eases and I powered up (by my standards), passing a fair number of other cyclists en route to watch too. It took me a while and a bit of moving around to get to the best viewing place - the Ballon being a huge plateau really. It was a brilliant stage with the field completely fragmented and the weather just about stayed dry. The descent was fairly extraordinary, hundreds (perhaps even thousands) of cyclists pelting downhill (almost all far faster than me) after watching a classic stage in the world's greatest race.

Crete de la Neige

Peaks: Le Reculet (1717m), Crete de la Neige (1720m)

Area: Haute Jura, France

Back to the tranquility of the Jura, in the spirit of returning home in gradual segments rather than in one huge drive (as I would have done in the past). As such, this worked brilliantly. After Semnoz I had the perfect river bath near Mesigny and eventually camped south of Lelex in the dark and quiet depths of the Valserine. These two hills are the Jura highpoints and I had pinpointed them as an ideal outing for M and I. They didn't meet the family criteria however (no swimming lake) so this morning I set out at a 'running' pace, heading upwards through thick and very steep forest. This wasn't particularly pleasant, but eventually I emerged from the treeline and things improved considerably. Across an open upland area I could see the giant cross on Le Reculet. I made my way up to it, running slowly, and gained the main Jura ridge again. I think Le Reculet was assumed to be the highpoint of the ridge for years, hence the cross, not least because it is more impressive and stands alone. From it, I headed south directly and then negotiated several paths that lead through beautiful limestone scenery - copses and hollows - to the top of Crete de la Neige. Lovely nearby views although a little hazy beyond the Jura. I looked down to the Valserine and then headed off on a big extension, diagonally running along an excellent path which ultimately led to Lelex although took a surprisingly long time to reach it! After doubling back to the south I emerged at the familiar Valserine road just south of the village and trotted back to the van, driving to Besancon after breakfast. Just under 15k/960m in a relaxed 2.5 hours.

Semnoz via Col des Leschaux

A noisy Bastille day evening with fireworks, coinciding with a heatwave and a France v Spain semi-final wasn't conducive to sleep in Saint Jorioz on the shores of Lac d'Annecy. But I watched the first half on a big screen in the neighbouring village and actually slept quite well after the festivities ended and the temperatures eased a little. It was nice to be able to stroll to the patisserie for a proper coffee and pastry in the morning before heading off along the superb 'voie verte' towards Sevrier in the Annecy direction. Here, I started climbing right from the lakeside up the very gentle slopes of the Col des Leschaux. This was perfection, an easy but long climb dictating a pleasant relaxed rhythm. It heads gently south on a lovely quiet road, remaining at a steady 4% throughout. The col is at a crossroads in Leschaux village, and after a gel I took the Semnoz road up hairpins to the west. This is, as expected, a complete contrast - more like a standard Alpine climb. Much steeper, much harder from the start. But the hairpins are very long and the gradient was still manageable, and I was feeling reasonably good. Dark clouds were gathering to the south, as predicted, and this added a slight sense of urgency as I certainly didn't want to be caught on top of Semnoz in a storm. They soon dissipated, and the hairpins ended too as the road heads north up gentler slopes to a final steep climax on the open meadows of the summit. Lovely climb: I believe the TdF has been up it just a few times and perhaps only from Annecy, which was the way I now descended. Although as cautious as ever, this was wonderful and I did get some speed up on the gentler slopes towards the bottom. It emerges, quite suddenly, close to the centre of Annecy which is obviously a very stark contrast! I ambled in to the famous view of the old town from Quai de Vicenza but it was incredibly busy so I headed towards the lakeside pretty quickly. Here, I picked up the wonderful voie verte immediately. Although also very busy, this was a perfect route back to the van. I decided to extend the day though, so had lunch near Saint Jorioz at a cafe actually on the cycle path. Thus fortified, I had plans to extend perhaps to Albertville or the Forclaz and felt great along the lakeside to Duingt. However, black clouds had now gathered in earnest at the southern end of the lake and very quickly gathered themselves into a very sudden and very violent storm. All hell broke loose for a while, with whirlwinds whipping up dust and loud thunderclaps. I sprinted back to the van which I reached just in time (albeit a little wet) after 68k/1300m. Within a few minutes it had passed but I was changed and driving north by then!

Aiguille d'Epaisseur

Peaks: Aiguille d'Epaisseur (3230m)

Area: Massif des Arves, France

The basic concept of the trip was set in stone: to do something worthwhile and interesting each day by alternating cycling and big mountain outings. But that involves a very fine balance: if you are to avoid a rest day, and the weather remains good, you have to be careful not to overcook things. I like to think this is where being 56 years old with nearly 40 years of experience comes in handy! So today I wanted to get among the high Alps, and had a few ideas like the Grand Galibier and others, but the Arves massif was new terrain for me and this option emerged as the front-runner, a stress-free 'randonneur' option. I slept well to the sound of the river near the hamlet (just an inn really) of Bonnenuit, aptly named given my good night's sleep. I crossed the torrent des aiguilles which comes down the tight valley I was hoping to explore, then headed up to the first objective, three beautiful original Alpine chalets. Here, the view up the valley starts to reveal itself. At Les Huiles, another chalet, the stunning three peaks become clear ahead, the central Aiguille particularly impressive. The valley is very well defined and I soon saw the hut nested on the lower slopes of the Epaisseur. I was up in good time (40 minutes or so) and there was a water source. I had, however, forgotten to pack food! That was a bit of an issue, as the slog starts immediately after leaving the hut heading broadly north-west. At certain points I did feel close to overcooking it (after the rigours of the last few days) and needed to rest occasionally. The meadows gave way to a rockier upper section where I started to feel pretty good again, and the last part is a more clearly defined ridge. The view was stunning: looking straight across to the three main Arves peaks, and across to the Meije and the Barre des Ecrins to the south. But the vertical interval had been substantial, 1600m, so I was depleted by the time I got back to the hut. I immediately ordered an 'aiguilles' omelette, served with local beaufort cheese and potatoes, and devoured it on the delightful terrace of the refuge, only later finding they only took cash. This small problem was overcome with an envelope - I later deposited the money with the artisan butcher in Valloire! A very enjoyable stroll back down the valley to the van (16k/1600m) where I freshened up with an invigorating river bath before driving to Lac d'Annecy with the heat building dramatically.

Galibier-Telegraph ride

It had to be the Galibier today. I did it in 2011, but from the shorter, easier side. One of my main objectives this trip was to do it in full from Valloire, or perhaps from the lower valley. In the end I went for a compromise, partly because my van camp was on top of the Col de Telegraph to escape the heat. After a quick breakfast, I warmed up with the easy descent from the Telegraph to Valloire and then got to work on the long climb up the Galibier. This is steep out of the village itself, an epicentre of global cycling, but then the angle eases for the distinctive first section along the valley of the Valloirette river. I was feeling reasonably good and greatly enjoying the new scenery unfolding, particularly the Arves massif to the right, which you can't properly see but which started giving me ideas for tomorrow! Ahead the road just drags up, mostly fairly straight but with the looming headwall gradually giving an indication of what is in store. Then Plan Lachat is reached and the alpine meadows suddenly give way to a right turn and vicious kick upwards as the angle and character of the climb changes completely. From here, the Grand Galibier blocks the valley and the road heads up a series of hairpins while the col becomes visible high on the right for the first time. I was still feeling quite good, and loving the TdF ambience as ever, with each kilometre marked. Above, a statue of Pantani and wonderful high mountain views all around (some of the peaks are very accessible from here). At the top of the hairpins the route kinks left and embarks on a very long but fairly gentle uphill drag below Le Rabel, on which I felt good although it was beginning to get quite hot. I passed a few people on the final hairpins and had a quick chat with a chap from Dorset as we reached the refuge below the summit. At this point, one kilometre from the top, route barree! A sense of disbelief among the cyclists, of which there is a constant stream. There was nothing for it but to enact 'plan b' - through the tunnel (cyclists banned) to do the last bit from the Lauteret side I'd done all those years ago. We waited for the green light, then 'allez' through the 300m tunnel and into the incredible scenery and bright sunshine on the other side (which in many ways is more spectacular despite being shorter and easier). I did the last km with the Dorset rider and we took photos on the col, a shrine of cycling and a mythical spot. It was misty when I was here in 2011. Then it was down and back through the tunnel before the long but restful descent to Valloire (going around half the speed of Pidcock's famous descent). I had an energy bar then felt great for the reascent to the Col du Telegraph, deciding there and then not to stop at the van but to descent all the way to St Maurice du Maurienne. I had a panini and drink and then embarked on the full climb up the Telegraph, now at low altitude and in the full midday sunshine. This quickly became fairly desperate and I really struggled. The surface is not great initially, it is quite busy and also quite steep and despite its reputation as the Galibier's barely relevant little brother it really hit me hard. After about 5k I was resting after every mile or so and ran out of water fairly quickly. Still, a memorable day: over 70k and 2250m or so of elevation.

Pointe des Aravis

Peaks: Pointe des Aravis (2325m)

Route: Villet-Pollard VF4C/D+, West Ridge

Area: Chaine des Aravis, France

It's been a long time since I last did a full-length Via Ferrata but I thought it would be a good 'active rest day' option when I noticed this route when cycling up the Aravis yesterday (in the same way that I used to alternate cragging with mountaineering). Technology has moved on since Tim and I did some of the most famous Dolomite VFs in the 1990s - you don't just clip a couple of slings nowadays! I hired the lanyard for a tenner in St Jean after the ride, then drove to a superb campsite in the car park used for the route, near the top of the col. After another thunderstorm it was a delightfully cool night (lovely sunset) and I headed out refreshed quite early in the morning. Not early enough, as it happened, as a large guided party was just setting out on the route when I arrived! The guide showed me a way I could get ahead of them and this worked well, just a few minutes and up a short scramble to the first proper section, all of which were named which was a nice touch (the route was straightforward and very well equipped, but 700m long). Donjon des 2 niches turned out to be a steep corner, and after a few more sections an escape was possible. I was stuck behind another party so briefly considered this but decided to return and was glad I did as then came the mur du bon geste, a superb rising traverse to a steep section. This was followed by a bridge suspended over a big drop, then up to the slabby dalle aux lapiaz where I dispensed with the ironmongery and climbed the rough limestone. Finally, the angle relented and the traversee des jardiniers continued the line along a large horizontal break. In fact, the entire line was less contrived than some via ferratas, as it was really a natural rising traverse up the south face of the Borderan. The escape was easy and after a short break I moved across to look for any kind of continuation path up the obvious west ridge coming down from the main peak. Given the desirability of a rest day, I should probably just have descended and relaxed, but the ridge was so appealing and the weather so wonderful that I continued. After the storm, the clarity was extraordinary with fabulous views across the col to the Dent du Chatelet and its neighbours. I was tired for the steep and narrow initialy path but this led to the ridge (steep to the right, wooded to the left). At a little spur, it traversed left to gain a huge area of slabs very reminiscent of Carnedd y Filiast. They were gentle but the best line across wasn't overly obvious. I went for a rising break (upright, they were very shallow) to round a little crag and make my way up steep grass to the ridge. The Pointe des Aravis itself is just a bump on the ridge, a spur really. The main peak was the Aiguille de Borderan but at this point, running out of water and energy, I made the sensible decision to call it a day with a view to keeping things going. Indeed, the Galibier was on the agenda for tomorrow! It was also getting very hot (the VF had been in the shade thank goodness). I descended back to the ferrata and easily located the descent path which actually took longer than I'd expected.

Col des Aravis-Croix Fry

A double TdF col day is usually pretty tough. This wasn't, partly I suspect because of the direction I took them in. The only price to be paid was an awful finish up the very busy main valley road from Thones. After a night spent high above the village, I started from St Jean de Sixt around 8ish and adopted a nice sustainable rhythm for the Col des Aravis. This is a major link through the Alps and a frequently used Tour col. It is quite gentle, with steady 6% gradients often giving way to even shallower slopes, and as such is really enjoyable especially quite early on a Saturday before the traffic. Through La Clusaz via a giant hairpin and then the valley of Le Nom opens out with tremendous views up the limestone walls of the Pointe des Aravis (which I would visit tomorrow) on the left and the spires of the Dent du Chatalet and its neighbours on the right. A series of hairpins leads up to the top of the Aravis - just under 40 minutes from St Jean so not too terrible. The usual TdF ambience at the col, beautiful meadows and jagged peaks beyond: Mont Blanc in the distance. I then descended to the road junction above La Clusaz which gives access to the Col du Croix Fry from the east. This is by far the easiest side up the Croix Fry and is very quiet although the surface is a tad grippy. It still required a bit of an effort at times though, and led to superb new views over Manigod and Les Clefs. It was clouding over, and thunderstorms were forecast, so I didn't hang around, taking my usual hyper-cautious approach to the very long and winding descent (hundreds of cyclists coming up from Thones). Multiple hairpins before the gradient eases down to Thones. Then came the worst riding of the entire trip and indeed probably the most unpleasant experienc of the entire trip. The unexpectedly hard drag up the valley from Thones via Les Villards. This went on for a long time, and the sun came out immediately after leaving Thones making it very hot indeed. It was also very busy with cars just before lunch on a Saturday, not nice at all. I did a little extension to Le Grand Bornand before calling it a day after 50k/1300m. Just as well, as a thunderstorm did indeed hit an hour or two later, making me glad I hadn't included the Col du Colombier. Instead, I sensibly had a bath in the river and retired for Tartiflette in Le Grand Bornand!

Pointe Percee

Peaks: Pointe Percee (2753m)

Routes: Cheminee des Sallanches (II), West Flank Voie Normale (I)

Area: Chaine des Aravis, France

The highest peak in the Aravis chain, this seemed to fit the solo bill perfectly when I was researching possibilities for the final part of this trip. After dropping the family off at the airport, I drove to the Col des Annes where I spent a comfortable night away from yet another heatwave building lower down. Percee is quite spectacular from most angles, a spire of rock, although as is often the case this is a little misleading. From below, I was convinced the normal route went up the screes to the right of the peak and set off just before 7am after a light breakfast heading towards the refuge (Gramusset). This climbs up to a little ridge, a neck between two valleys. This is the Tete des Annes at 1869m. It then climbs to another little subpeak, the Pointe des Delevrets before it becomes steeper and more rocky (polished limestone) as it moves east towards the hut. From here, it seemed so obvious to me that it went up the cwm towards the Col des Verts that I didn't check the route, only discovering half way up that the voie normale actually went up a complex route on the West Flank, the other side of the obvious West ridge that was now to my left! However, in my research I had already considered going up via the Cheminee des Sallanches and it was obvious that this was the route I was now committed to so I carried on up to the Col des Verts via steep scree. The col was indeed grassy on the other side, but steep and fairly exposed. I moved left towards the bulk of Pointe Percee which is a wall of rock from here. Some ledges gained a narrow crest and then the start of the Cheminee des Sallanches. The first section is the hardest, perhaps a touch of grade III, up a steepish shallow chimney. It was good fun, and not troubling (and there were people above) so I continued, trending left over a mini-ridge into a shallow basin. Across this and then more steeply up short walls giving really enjoyable scrambling, not exposed. It then trended right towards another chimney which was slightly awkward before more scrambling joined the normal route at the top of the West Flank. This moves up to an exposed ridge and final scramble to the top - absolutely superb, strange but very lucky that my 'mistake' made the whole day much better and far more pleasing. Tremendous views along the Aravis chain all the way to the Col des Aravis I hoped to cycle up tomorrow. I descended back to the top of the West Flank and descended the normal route, which was well marked but complex and surprisingly involved, weaving through this very rocky face (presumably why I originally assumed it wasn't the way). It was all very enjoyable though, I wore my helmet as a precaution against loose stones but there were no issues and I eventually gained a snowfield and then scree run to the limestone pavement that is immediately above the hut. I had a break at the hut and was then prevented from leaving by a helicopter making several runs from the valley below. Eventually I was allowed to descend and did so enjoyably, trying to save energy where I could - 10k/1200m/3 hours. At the Col des Annes, I stayed to enjoy the cool weather, refuelling with an assiette savoyard of ham and reblochon from the farm 50 metres away, along with a dry gateaux Savoie.

Dent du Vaulion

Peaks: Dent du Vaulion (1483m)

Area: Lac du Joux, Switzerland

Our hillwalks had to fulfil certain criteria this week: the ladies needed a swimming lake and somewhere to have lunch. So it was over the border again to the little town of Le Pont on the shores of Lac du Joux. All very pretty and stereotypically Swiss, and M and I started off in quite hot weather from the lakeside. The Dent is a very obvious landmark, steep on one side as its name suggests, but very gentle from the other. Our route contoured up past an art deco hotel to farmland and then nice tracks through shady woodland to eventually gain a minor road. This was a bit unfortunate, as cars can get up here to a fairly high-end refuge, but the walk and general ambience was so delightful it didn't really matter. We plodded up to the summit for brilliant views of the distant (slightly hazy) Alps and Lac du Joux deep blue directly below, framed by the rest of the Jura range.We took a more direct descent, with the lake directly in front, back to Le Pont. Alpine meadows, cows and farms, interspersed with woodland.

Valserine ride

The Tour is coming down this valley in two weeks time, so I went for an early morning 45k pootle down the valley towards Valserhone. It really is a beautiful place, gently descending through Lelex to Chezery-Forens. The valley changes character from arable and partially wooded to something close to a gorge lower down, with waterfalls and the river quickening pace. At Chezery, I started the climb up to the Col du Menthieres, but quickly realised it would have taken too long so after steep initial slopes I turned off for Rosset and then climbed back up the valley. This is known as the Lelex Monts-Jura climb and it is pretty gentle but it does drag on, almost all the way back to Mijoux.

Grand Montrond

Peaks: Petit Montrond, Grand Montrond (1614m)

Area: Haut Jura, France

The main Jura hills loomed above Mijoux, and although easier to access from the Faucille, it seemed rude not to get onto them from our accommodation. So Kate and I set out on a pleasant walk initially, for around 2k up the Sentier des Arts until Kate turned back and I broke into a gentle jog along the Route Royale to gain the col. From here the route to the mountains doubles back and becomes hard to follow, primarily because there are tracks, trails and paths everywhere. So choosing the right one was tricky although eventually I found my way up the Petit Montrond and then the main ridge path which continues all the way to Le Reculet and beyond. The route along the broad crest was superb, great views down to Geneva and across to Mont Blanc. From Grand Montrond I descended the Chemin d'Amont to the col then retraced steps back to our apartment just under two hours after leaving. Refuelled with Bleu du Gex crepes and a swim in the Lac du Lamoura.

Haut Jura sportive route (65k)

This was a little bit cheeky, but there was an organised sportive taking place across the Haute Jura today. It would have taken me all day to do it properly, and we had a family Geneva trip planned, so instead I just did a version of the short 65k route by climbing the hairpins from Mijoux (informally known as the Col de Mijoux) and then joining the marked route at Lajoux. It was early, I was well before the event, but the signage was up and took me through some exquisite scenery, the epitome of the Jura. It took the Route de la Simmard to Bellecombe, beautiful farmland, woods and views of the high Jura hills. The roads were almost completely empty, and then became even quieter through the lovely gorge of the Bief des Parres. At La Sechere the views opened out to the west over the main Flumen valley to Septmoncel and St Claude. A fast descent led to a sharp turn and very minor road (which I would never have found) to Laisia. All these places were tiny hamlets. I then got to more familiar terrain around Lamoura and the main Faucille/Geneva road (still fairly quiet) up to the Swiss border at La Cure. This climbs, hugging the border until the gentle descent down the Valserine back to Mijoux. This was so fast and so rideable that even I went pretty quickly on it (5 miles in 12 minutes).

La Goulette climbing

Crag: La Goulette (Jura)

Routes: La Bise (f4:led), Le Sonaillard (f4:sec), L'Aubarete (f4:led)

A short session with Morgan on then gentle crag of La Goulette, nestled in the woods near the final hairpin below the Col de Mijoux. It would have been perfect were it not for the fact that I forgot the screwgates despite packing the rest of the climbing kit! Anyway, the routes were all on slabby pocketed limestone and reminded me how much I enjoy easy French sports climbing. It would have been nice to tick the crag but not feasible. Earlier on I did an excellent loop of Mijoux tracks and small roads around the Valserine, a great run and my deformed heel felt OK. After the crag, we had an excellent lunch at Feodor and then a nice short circular family hike from Lajoux.

Le Noirmont

Peaks: Le Noirmont (1567m), Le Noirmont des Francais (1547m)

Area: La Cure, Switzerland

Morgan was keen to get out for a proper mountain hike and, given our location on the border, to do something across that border. La Cure has a traditional customs post and we parked just beyond it after dropping the ladies off at the lake. A nice path led to a junction and then a steeper track up to broken woodland and limestone crags around the summit of Le Noirmont. The views were slightly hazy but we could see across Lake Geneva to the Alps and the immediate environs were very attractive: the other Jura hills in a nice crest over to the Grand Montrond and the rest of the gently rolling landscape across the French border. The route continued through copses and across the head of a lovely valley up to the next summit which we shared with two other groups (despite its name it is also in Switzerland). Superb views as we descended the broad ridge above a shallow valley called the Croux des Croue. Alpine meadows, cows, the full cliche. We contoured below the Cret des Danses and then headed south to complete a very pleasant 14k loop back to La Cure. An ideal first outing and we both enjoyed it.    

Mijoux-Faucille-Geneva suburbs

Not the first time I have been up the Col de la Faucille - I think I also went up via the busy main road 15 years ago. It is a key pass linking the tranquil Jura with the much busier and more densely populated Geneva area. After checking in to our accommodation in Mijoux I had to engage in over 10k of frantic back-and-forth running to sort out a major logistical problem with the car hire caused by Geneva airport's border location! Eventually we worked it out and I drove the family over the col and down to Mijoux, meaning I had to pick the van up this morning from the French border town of Fernay-Voltaire. Luckily this was an easy and delightful ride in the morning sunshine. The climb from Mijoux take a quiet side road and only requires about 400m of elevation gain to the main road and fast riding to the col. Stunning view of Mont Blanc above Lake Geneva in perfect clarity before the superb descent (albeit with my usual damaging caution) down to Gex. After this a series of suburbs all the way to the border, all gently inclining downhill allowing for fast progress - 75 minutes from Mijoux to the van.

Grand Ballon ride

Way back in 2011 I did Alpe d'Huez in torrential rain and have never forgotten the experience, virtually hypothermic by the time I got back down. This was similar, albeit not as bad because I packed more sensibly. I camped a little way up the climb itself above Uffoltz, and there was a big thunderstorm in the early evening. I felt it was unlikely that I'd be able to do it the next day, but when I woke there seemed to be an early weather window - and since I was in position before 7am I went for it. It's a fairly big climb which the Tour is taking in two weeks time. Relatively kind gradients initially, as the wooded slopes weave up to a gentle section at the Hartmannswillerkopf, sight of a major WWI battle. Then comes a descent to the Col Amic, a tad annoying, and the weather was beginning to look threatening. Big views open out in all directions, with black clouds gathering to the south. There was no time to waste but the climb gets steeper after the col and even has a couple of cobbled sections. All good though, like a mini-Ventoux in a way, such a notable and isolated mountain. I got to the summit just as the rain started and by the time I'd descended back to the Col Amic it was torrential. I obviously had to climb back out of the other side and quickly became soaked, rendering the rest pretty unpleasant - in these conditions you'll get cold whatever you do, and I was shivering by the time I got back to the van.

Rainkopf

Peaks: Rothenbachkopf, Rainkopf

Area: Vosges, France

After lunch and that enormous cheese intake, I had some spare energy so did these two hills directly from the car park. All quite gentle, watching shower clouds track across the landscape and enjoying the views down the Fecht valley towards Mittlach. A contouring path led in a line above the Route des Cretes to a col between the two hills - after which I went up the Rothenbachkopf for big views and then stuck to the broad ridge path over the Rainkopf back to the car. 

Vosges TdF cols

The first biggish ride of the trip, somewhat strangely starting from the top of the Col de la Schlucht. There was a good reason for this, as it was the perfect place for an overnight van camp in cooler temperatures, and it allowed me to start out along the famous Route des Cretes, a superb wartime road along the spine of the Vosges hills. This gave an easy start in perfect weather, blue skies, warm but not hot. Fabulous views to the hills I did yesterday like the Hohneck, and then down to the lakes and valleys below. It was undulating but relaxing until I took the side road to the Col de Breitfirst. This is followed by the Col de Platzerwassel. All of these names reflect the fascinating Alsace blend of two cultures, and the riding, atmosphere and scenery were all superb as I started the descent. This was steep and hairpinned but I went reasonably well by my abysmal descending standards, and really enjoyed it. It eases off towards a series of villages like Sondenach and Metzeral and then enters lovely Munster where I'd been the afternoon before. The long final climb back to the Col de la Schlucht, the main business of the day really, starts in town and heads gently to Stosswihr before the long series of hairpins up the col. This was great training, never too hard at a steady 6%, but quite long with around 750m elevation gain. The road is a little busy but my early start helped and I quite enjoyed it. I added a little bit to the end, on the high road to Lac Blanc but was still conscious of not overdoing it (especially with rain and thunder forecast) so kept it to a 65k/1234m day and retired for lunch to the stupendous Auberge Firsstart near the Hohneck where I had roigabrageldi and an incredible local cheese platter with a glass of Edelzwicker.

Hohneck via Sentier des Roches

Peaks: Petit Hohneck, Hohneck, Haute de Falimont

Area: Vosges, France

The brutal heatwave dissipated with thunderstorms overnight and it was cooler and drizzly as I left the motel and had breakfast at a nearby patisserie to avoid Strasbourg's rush hour. My target was the Col de la Schlucht but this was a surprisingly long drive through lots of pretty Alsatian villages. The col was a great place, with dozens of cycling and mountain options open to me, all very tempting. My basic concept this trip was to alternate bike outings with foot outings, so embarked on the locally famous Sentier des Roches from Schlucht. This was great, a bit like a poor man's Via Ferrata! It takes a narrow and almost level footpath below the escarpment and is a little exposed in a few places. It was continually interesting, weaving between rock towers and taking little rock walls via some ironmongery. It eventually gives way to more open ground at a surprisingly impressive open cwm containing the Hundmissbach stream, the Martinswand crag, and a little hut (cash only). The route then climbs quite steeply to a col and the Schaeferthal. Then came open moorland to the top of the Petit Hohneck, like a British moorland top, and views down the big valley leading to Munster (La Fecht?). Then came a further loop, nicely runnable, to a welcome spring and then a further climb up to the Hohneck, the area's principle summit (which is actually driveable). A further trot then led to the lip of the cwm I'd been below earlier, and a good view of what i took to be the Martinswand crags. A final trot down through the woods led back to the col and refuelling on the full Alsatian, tomme au poivre, salad alsacienne, kassler fume with spatzle and a dark licorne beer.  

Hohenbaden ride

After a hellish night in Trier, record breaking heat making sleep impossible, this was a heavily compromised day on the edge of the Black Forest. My original plans were far more ambitious but I contented myself with my first return to Baden Baden since 1992, climbing from the town up to Hohenbaden Castle (original home of the margraves of Baden) which felt like useful Alpine training in the heat. After returning to town I pedalled along the tranquil Lichtental for a while before returning to the car in Oos and driving towards a merciful aircon motel room north of Strasbourg, refuelling in Alsatian style on tarte flambee with munster cheese.

Three countries ride/Vaalserberg

A unique and fascinating ride from Aachen taking in three countries as well as the Netherlands highpoint at the Vaalserberg. A great way to start the big trip, albeit compromised by the heatwave which meant I had to cut it short without properly engaging with the Dutch Limburg climbs which feature in the Amstel Gold spring classic. After the parkrun, I moved the van to the university and then cycled along to Vaals and the Dutch border. The climb up the Vaalserberg starts in town, through some steep streets to wooded hairpins and nice gentle climbing up to the famous three countries stone marking the border between Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. I couldn't help reflecting that I would soon be on much bigger climbs, like the Galibier! After the stone, the route dropped into Belgium - I assume Wallonia although some of the names were Flemish. They were about to play a world cup match so there were lots of flags and football shirts, in fact Gemmenich was probably the most patriotic Belgian town I've ever seen! After some gentle riding I passed north then east into the Netherlands and ended up on the Camerlig, which it turns out is considered the hardest climb in the country. It was now maximum temperature, close to 40c, so this was hard work and I was glad just to cycle down to Aachen after less than 40k, conscious of not burning too many energy matches at the start of the trip. The temperatures finally rose to 41.5c breaking the all-time German record.

Lousberg parkrun

'Race': Lousberg parkrun (Aachen)

Time/Position: 21.19 (4th from 41)

After two hours of post-ferry van sleep in a Belgian service station, and with temperatures already above 30c, a rather tricky route was probably the last thing I needed! It was the first part of my 24 day continental van trip, however, and as such an essential part of the plan. Almost all the neighbouring parkruns (including Tapijn, the one I planned to do) had been cancelled due to the extreme heatwave but this one is a shaded loop around the forested hill above Aachen so went ahead. It reminded me a little of Wepre with two hilly laps, a long drag initially through the trees before a narrow, rooty descent. One of my slowest ever parkrun times but excusable in the circumstances!

Cwm Cneifion scrambles

Peaks: Glyder Fach

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

All sorts of heat warnings are currently in place and it was indeed very hot and humid as I skirted Idwal in glorious, surprisingly clear conditions. I took the second path up the steep slopes towards the classic hanging valley of Cneifion. This eventually contours right towards Suicide Wall and therefore means that it included the wet top section of East Wall Gully, some nice scrambling. It didn't feel desperately hot but I was sweating like a pig emerging into the cwm, always a great place to be. A short amble led below the Cneifion Arete to the very obscure line of Pinnacle Crest. This is really just a collection of ribs on the side of the gully, but I really enjoyed it, probably a reflection of my current activity rather than intrinsic quality. It is always escapeable, and a little loose, but the sharp ribs are pleasing and rise to a more impressive top section. This gives way to a surprise, a tiny col with some really impressive rock architecture framing the view to Pen yr Ole Wen. The onward route is not obvious, but the side wall on the right actually gives a bit more easy scrambling up to join the Gribin for its scrambly top section. I was exhausted, for whatever reason, and dehydrated despite the fact that it was clouding over. I ploughed across the Glyder plateau and then down the screes to Bwlch Tryfan. I had expected this day to break my personal Eryri heat record but I'm pretty sure I've been on the tops in even warmer weather in the past.

Chester parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun

Time/position: 20.03 (7th from 414)

The start of another heatwave and an open day at the university so I took the opportunity to do Chester for the first time in a while. It is the parkrun I've done most, but not since I turned 55. As a result I was surprised to see a variation on the old summer course, heading upwards towards the hospital before starting the two laps. It was pretty hot already and I couldn't hold any kind of pace (first age-graded though). Last night I had done another edition of John Morris's Green Man mystery tour with Huw from Bwlch Penbarras. We seemed to make better route choices than I did last year and had covered less than 5k by the time we found the Green Man!

Peckforton 50m loop

Flatter and longer this morning, although I felt a little tired in windier than anticipated conditions. It is all very simple from home to Rossett and Holt, and this continues through all the lovely Cheshire villages to the hard-to-cross Whitchurch Road. From here, more lovely quiet lanes give a gradual climb to Beeston followed by the undulating road on the other side of the Peckforton Hills to Bickerton and then Malpas into a headwind. After lunch in Malpas, I headed to Bangor on Dee and then home via Wrexham industrial estate. I did a version of this loop as a solo 50 mile ultra run at the height of lockdown: still one of the most memorable things I've ever done despite the fact that I started and finished at home!

MF TT from DC

My continuing heel issues mean I'm not running much, so when I do it has to count. The Beast race is this evening, a race I have done many times over many years. But I decided it would be unwise, so donned road shoes instead (far more comfortable for the heel) and took a time trial approach to the long (5k) climb up Moel Famau from Llanbedr DC. This is a notoriously steep climb by bike (the feared 'old bwlch') and is obviously pretty tough on foot too! I despatched the full tarmac climb from village to Bwlch Penbarras in 14.42 before immediately embarking on the standard path up to the summit. This took a little longer, 15.41, giving a 30 minute ascent from church to summit, not too bad for an injured old man. After a brief rest enjoying the emerging sunshine, I pelted down the Hotfoot descent in eight minutes before descending the grassy valley to lovely Coed Cadw and Llanbedr Hall. A great lunch in Ruthin followed.

Llangollen 70k loop

Gradually increasing the cycling mileage, trying to replicate steady Alpine climbs where that is vaguely possible. As such, the long ascent from Pontblyddyn to the Horseshoe Pass isn't bad, and I enjoyed it despite the traffic. Superb fast descent to Llangollen and then round to Ruabon where I had a sandwich in milky sunshine. From here it was into Wrexham and then out to the border at Lavister before climbing back home. I backed this up two days later, joining Peter for a Clwydian climbs special, leaving Mold for the long climb up to the Moel Arthur col from Nannerch (ideal). Down into Ruthin for coffee and cake, and then up the gentle climb of the 'Mantel' which runs parallel to the Shelf and was new to me on two weeks I think (although I have run up it I suspect). Back to Mold via Llandegla and Treuddyn.

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.

Glen Lyon quadruple

Peaks: Carn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Carn Mairg, Meall na Aighean

Area: Glen Lyon, Perthshire

There are still plenty of corners of Scotland that I've never been to, and Glen Lyon is one, despite its accessibility. It is beautiful, perhaps more reminiscent of Nant Gwynant or parts of the Lakes than the Highlands: small farms, woodland and pastoral, quite gentle scenery. On one side rises Ben Lawers (which I did from the Loch Tay side a few years ago), but on the other is this perfect circular ridge which rises to four Munros. After the parkrun, I had some sandwiches in the pretty Sma' Glen during the drive north to Aberfeldy, then wound my way round to Invervar in the middle of Glen Lyon. It was late morning at the start of the Bank Holiday weekend, and I couldn't park, so had to find another place which ended up being 2k further east. This made a long outing even longer, and it was quite a long initial haul from the village along the Invervar burn to take a broad ridge up Carn Gorm. The weather was threatening, a bit dark and gloomy, and the most notable feature was the sharp subpeak of An Sgorr rising above the Allt na Lairige. A final sharp rise led to a cold Carn Gorm with great views over Glen Lyon to Ben Lawers. The ridge then turns north and east and felt like the Carneddau. It is broad but quite well defined, with big (though very grey and compromised) views down to Loch Rannoch and over to Schiehallion, always such a notable feature of the landscape. Meall Garbh wasn't an overly impressive summit, but it was all quite pleasant. A very windy subpeak gave even better. views north and it remained cold all the way across to the rockier and more interesting peak of Carn Mairg, clearly the dominant mountain of the group. Really quite cold (as Kate baked in 30c at home!) and I finally found a water source below the very steep initial descent. I had a break and snack here, which was good as I was beginning to wilt a little (and perhaps even mildly regret the morning parkrun). A broad col and luckily not too much reascent to gain a big snowpatch and then the final Munro of Meall na Aighean, which is set back a bit from the main ridgeline. A wonderful descent freshened me up and was hugely enjoyable down a vague southwest ridge high above the Coire a'Chearcaill. Beautiful views to Lawers and Glen Lyon, which was pretty as a picture from these slopes with dramatic shades of grey in the sky. I couldn't complain too much, however, as all four peaks were below the cloudbase and it was a great (dry!) circuit. But at 22k and almost 1500m of elevation, it was a big 4 hour+ outing after a 19 minute parkrun in the morning. Still, four Munros and a V55 age group course record in the same day still seems worth recording. I replaced the calories with fish and chips in Aberfeldy then tried to work out the best plan of action given the 'mixed' weather forecast.

Crieff parkrun

'Race': Lady Mary's Walk parkrun (Crieff)

Time/Position: 19.41 (3rd from 141)

This delightful parkrun has only been going a few weeks, so the V55 course record I set wasn't very impressive. That said, the first few runners were either sent the wrong way, or didn't listen to the instructions (!) which meant we covered a bit more ground than we needed to on the route, which makes two return laps along the sun-dappled banks of the River Earn. It was really pleasant, but we turned too early without a marshall so had to make up the course length, and this even included a stop and brief conversation with the race organiser! Perhaps not the wisest decision with a four Munro circuit planned in the afternoon, but on the other hand it's nice I can still do that a few days before my 56th birthday!

Ben Chonzie

Peaks: Ben Chonzie

Area: Perthshire, Scotland

This area seems to my outsiders eyes to be a classic transition zone, the edge of the Highlands. It wasn't much more than a five hour drive to Crieff, which I last visited 15 years ago when the OMM took place in the more obscure corners of this range. Myself and Huw had a great weekend then, and a top 20 finish if memory serves (2nd vet team) but our route choices avoided the summit of Chonzie. Today, this was just an easy aperitif for my second Highlands trip of the year, anticipating being forced 'east' due to fronts hitting the north-west (and a heatwave elsewhere in the UK). I drove up Glen Turret to the loch, where I parked before setting off on the gravel bike along its banks. This track needs a mountain bike really, so it was hard work in places, not helped by glowering skies and drizzle. I left the bike above Lochan Uaine, which is fringed by steeper slopes giving this cwm more of a Highland character. It is an easy plod west to a breach in the headwall, wet and slimy in places. It is all very easy, and led to a misty col before the route kinks southwest and leads quite smoothly to the summit. A little drizzle and no views, so I trotted down intent on saving as much energy as possible. Above the col, the mist cleared a bit and I did get some views to Glen Almond and points west, which was definitely where the action took place on that 2011 OMM (in fact the overnight camp was in Glen Almond). The ride back along the track was a little easier and the weather did begin the clear a little. After gourmet pasta at the van, I strolled around birdwatching which - incredibly - yielded a white-tailed eagle. No point moving on at this stage, so I spent the night at Loch Turret, sleeping for nearly 10 peaceful hours!

Craig Nant Dulas

Crag: Craig Nant Dulas

Routes: Mr Drab (f5b:led), Ten not Twelve (f5c:sec), The Free Speech Union (f5c:led), What's On (f6a:sec), Master of Disguise (f5b:led)

Not exactly Provence, but a newly bolted microcrag nestled in the valley opposite Craig y Forwyn. It is a very nice sheltered situation, and did give a couple of pleasant little routes. I led the obvious main corner at a mild and very short VS. Peter then led the route to its right which had one tricky pull over a bulge. I then enjoyed the 5c up a right facing corner, although that might reflect the fact that I haven't done much climbing in recent years, rather than any inherent qualities! Moderately steep moves on some lovely holds, quite sharp by local limestone standards. It then continues for a little while up the wall, and you just have to imagine it going on for a bit longer. The 6a to its right was also good with some steep but positive wall climbing, and these two seemed the best routes on the crag at first glance. The slanting leftwards corner left of 'Mr Drab' may have been an f4 as it was no more than S.

Berwyn loop

Peaks: Cadair Berwyn, Cadair Bronwen

Area: Berwyn

Although this was just the standard ten mile loop of the Berwyn ridge, something I have done many times from Llandrillo, today we did it anticlockwise which I think I only remember doing when this route was a one-off race many years ago. It was cloudy and cool as we set off and took the lane up to the farmhouse then through the woods to eventually contour the hills well above Clochnant. Eventually the stream has to be crossed and then comes the steep and boggy climb over the subpeak to emerge right at the trig on Cadair Berwyn (north top). This is a long haul over awkward terrain, although it was a bit less boggy than usual today. As is often the case these days, I slowed where it got steep and couldn't match the pace of Jez. At a blustery summit, we then enjoyed the usual superb run along the ridge, hugging the eastern cwms, and then carried on to the top of Bronwen. From here, a superb descent (again a slightly different variant on the usual route) all the way down to the steep track back to Llandrillo. About 1.55 for the round, which is pretty similar to the average clockwise running of this route.

Erddig parkrun

'Race': Erddig parkrun

Time/Position: 19.46 (6th from 286)

On my two previous runnings of this lovely course, I seem to remember a lot of mud. Conditions were perfect today, which meant I got within a few seconds of my course pb despite going off a bit too fast. The muscle memory is to blame, and I was a lot quicker on the out-and-back section than previously, then maintained a decent pace through the Erddig grounds to the lovely gently descending running through the woods at the far end. At least a minute slower than the V55 course record, although I was pleased enough with the performance given current training.

Border League relays

Race: Border League relays (Prestatyn 1m+)

Time/Position: 5.38 (1st Vet team)

With the cancellation of the sixth fixture, this became the '25-'26 season finale. It has been a good one, and this was a nice way to end, with the presentations at the Nova Centre later. We got together a Vet team for the course, just over a mile along the prom in a light easterly with a glorious sunset developing. Dave B led off with a very quick first leg, I went third after Richard but could only manage a pedestrian performance, despite feeling fairly good. The field was smaller than at Birkenhead two years ago and we won the Veteran's race fairly comfortably. This was nice as it added to my 100% record this season, coming first V55 in all five races. If I count the relays as league fixtures, I think this was my 100th Border League appearance. Finally, this was my 4th ever age category season win in the league (alongside one V45 win '15-'16 and two V50 wins in '21-'22 and '23-'24).

Coniston fell race

Race: Coniston fell race (12.8k/1100m)

Peaks: Wetherlam, Swirl Hows, Old Man of Coniston

Time/Position: 1.51 (117 from 241)

With my constantly slowing pace, particularly in the hills, I wonder if one way forward is to do some races that I haven't done before - meaning I have nothing to compare it with. Not bad as a principle, but then of course you look at the finishing position! I barely scraped into the top half today, which isn't great and really does illustrate how slow I've become in the hills. Despite, or because of this, I quite enjoyed the race which is a classic Lakes fell race. I was last on Coniston in the late 1980s! And I'm not sure I've ever been to the top of Wetherlam or Swirl Hows, although I did do a mountain marathon in these parts 15 years ago (or so). Conditions were pretty good - cool with low cloud over the tops, but nothing too troubling. After a sharp track climb, a steep hill leads to a level section before a very gradual drag up Wetherlam. I was up in 47 minutes or so, after which the bulk of the hard work is done. I fell over early in the descent to Swirl Hause, partly because I was running in trail shoes to protect my heel. Then came the steep contouring up the 'Prison Band' and into the clag on Swirl Hows. Good running then leads over the tops, with loads of route choice and many locals taking racing lines. I did contour Birk Fell to get to the top of the Old Man - my first time up here since the 1980s. I could see Dow Crag emerge from the mist, that's a place I have visited more recently for its famous rock climbs. The descent saw local runners immediately take counterintuitive but direct lines down the grass to the right of the normal path. This was steep and awkward, but mostly grassy. I just tried to read the landscape and pick up, and we soon emerged from the clag which made it easier. At one point I hit the tourist path near some quarries and definitely lost time lower down by taking an indirect variant through a plantation: I would have been better off on the tourist path as at least I could have used my road speed. I was down in 21 minutes or so from summit to village, by which time it was warm and sunny.

Pen y Fron climbing

Crag: Pen y Fron

Routes: Yellow Peril (f5c:sec), The Urchin (f6a:led), Leete Entertainment (f6a+:sec), The Needle (f6b:sec), Pale and Interesting (f6b+:sec)

This local bolted venue is growing on me a bit, which might have something to do with the traffic it is getting. This was just a brief workout with Peter and Vic in perfect sunny weather, and we kicked off with the easy Yellow Peril which has a long reach at the start but is otherwise simple. This theme continued for the open groove of The Urchin, which I led. This is overgraded but gives pleasant climbing on positive edges to a slightly steeper finish. The final three were more technical, although also overgraded. I think I had seconded Peter up the 6a+ before, but then came the good route of The Needle, which has some fairly sustained climbing on small holds. The route to its left is also good, and goes through an area of white rock to some technical climbing to finish, The fact that I handled all these relatively comfortably (with rope above of course) suggests that all three are a tad overgraded. Still, a nice workout.

Lancet Edge to Geal-Charn

Peaks: Sgor Iutharn, Geal-Charn, Diollaid a'Chairn, Carn Dearg

Area: Ben Alder, Scotland

This area has loomed large in my imagination for decades and it didn't disappoint: varied, absorbing mountaineering throughout. As I cycled in from Dalwhinnie, however, one thing did surprise me and took the edge of some of the remote isolation this area is famed for - this was the high-end Ben Alder Lodge 10k down Loch Ericht. This turreted monstrosity, along with almost everything else here, is owned by a Swiss billionaire and rented out to the well-heeled. Amazingly, there is even a luxury bothy near the site of the recently demolished Culra. Whatever, it was still wonderful and the weather improved beautifully throughout the day, and after 40 minutes or so of riding (it is a private track to the Lodge) I left the bike above Loch Pattack and enjoyed the feeling of being somewhere I have wanted to visit for years. It really does have a feeling of genuine remoteness, deep silence and tremendous views over the peaks to come. A very good, level path leads up the valley of the Allt a'Chaoile-reidhe, with Ben Alder to the left. But the most obvious and eye-catching objective is the Lancet Edge, to which I was now heading. This was really fantastic - alone in a giant landscape. Culra is supposedly being rebuilt so I headed up to what I assumed was the site of this, finding at the last minute that it was this bizarre luxury bothy in the middle of nowhere. I continued up with the Lancet edge getting gradually closer, eventually (after a stream crossing) heading up trackless hillside, very steeply, to gain it. A few little outcrops and steep grass lead to the first section of scrambling, and then the ridge really coalesces into a narrow rocky arete. This was fabulous, a wonderful line in a tremendously isolated location with stunning views down to Loch Sgoir. The actual scrambling doesn't last long, and it emerges near the cairn. Ahead, Gael Charn seemed almost entirely snow-covered and this is where I headed. It is a giant plateau, today a huge snowfield under vast skies. The cairn is right at the far end, and I trotted across the snow towards it, mostly comfortable but occasionally soft. Big views over wild terrain down to Glencoe and the Southern Highlands, and across to Beinn a'Chlachair, Creag Meagaidh and many other closer hills I'd done more recently. I then had to get off the plateau towards Carn Dearg, which isn't all that easy as there is only one route off. I ploughed across the snow to gain the descent down a little neck, but it was snow-covered and convex. Given the remoteness, my lack of axe and the fact I couldn't see the bottom, I exercised some mountain judgement and looked for an alternative! This meant contouring back to the col below Sgor Iutharn and then putting kahtoolas on to descent milder snow slopes to gain a very atmospheric traverse below the eastern /northern edge of the escarpment. I kept kahtoolas on throughout until I crossed two streams and gained the normal route over to Carn Dearg. This was simple, a beeline over a forepeak to steepish slopes to Carn Dearg. I was tiring a bit though, and massively dehydrated (having not taken a drink at the meltwater, as I wanted to find the descent first). It was obvious Carn Dearg would be a dry mountain, and it was. I followed the broad ridge direct to Loch Pattack and only found water towards the bottom, where I then had a nice lunch in the sunshine, in a very isolated location. Then it was down to the Loch Pattack track past bubbling breeding curlew (my favourite sound of all, even more special in the total silence of this location). A diver called too, as did several sandpiper. I got back to the bike and saw the only other person I'd seen all day, a cross-Scotland mountain biker. Then it was the simple matter of cycling 12k back along Loch Ericht back to Dalwhinnie (22k on foot, 25k on bike). After a break, I drove all the way down to Moffat.

Loch Lochy Munros

Peaks: Sron a'Choire Gharbh, Meall na Teanga

Area: Loch Lochy, Scotland

The weather really did change overnight this time, and tendrils of mist draped Loch Cluanie when I peered out of the van after waking. These hills were therefore the perfect choice for a changeable day, as they are pretty straightforward and the nav looked simple. The rain was light but after finally deciding on my strategy for the day, I drove across to Invergarry and had breakfast and tea outside the village hall - a great venue with lots of nice seating and a heated toilet! The weather was forecast to improve, which it began to do, and by the time I parked up at Killfinnan (near Laggan Locks on the Caledonian Canal) it was dry. The route takes a gravel track through forestry above the loch, which I know well from various trips along the Spean Bridge road. I got on my bike for most of this, a great help, and then took the obvious side path through the forest. This is all aimed at getting to the very obvious col, the Cam Bealach. Steep initially, it then takes a pleasant line through the deep valley of the Allt Glas Doire (an old coffin road apparently). The bealach is the key to the day, as both hills can be easily accessed from it. Until this point, the weather had been dry and the cloudbase above the peaks. It did look a bit threatening, however, and it seemed unlikely I would avoid getting wet. I went up Sron a'Choire first, leaving my sac at the bealach and ploughing up zig-zags to another shallow col below Sean Meall, and then the summit up left. Exceptional views and an ever-changing cloudscape, with spectacular effects as the sun burst through banks of cloud. It was nice to look down to Loch Lochy and tiny cars driving up the A82. Closer, Ben Tee impressed: a traverse of these hills would be good. After a chat to a chap on the summit (rare for me to see anyone), I trotted back down to the col and picked up my sac for the longer haul up Meall na Teanga, despite its lower altitude. The path weaved steeply up to Coire Leacachan and then curved west to a steep snowfield and then a climb south to the cairn, right at the end of the summit ridge. Great views to nearby peaks and a fierce looking Ben Nevis across the Great Glen, full winter conditions up there and lots of shower clouds tracking around. I put my shell on as it was pretty cold in the wind, and on the descent one of those shower clouds hit.  By the time I got back to the bealach it was dry again, and I dropped down to a stream for a pleasant lunch, now in sunshine again. I trotted back down, past a dead deer, and it started raining as I regained the forest. It got quite heavy on the final bike section back to the van. Again, it soon stopped and I brewed a cup of tea while my kit dried out before heading for provisions in Spean Bridge and camping at a familiar halt: Creag Meagaidh.

Loch Cluanie Munros

Peaks: Carn Ghluasaid, Creag a'Chaorainn, Sgurr nan Conbhairean, Sail Chaorainn, Drochaid an' Tuill Easaich

Area: Kintail, Scotland

A quick weather check after yesterday's round revealed an annoying change: a mild front was coming in from the west. I had designs on the remote peaks between Glen Shiel and Affric, but the forecast made me change my mind and go for this less ambitious option. I actually parked, and spent the night, at the Lundie car park that represents the start of this round. It was a great route choice actually, and in fact the weather didn't really change until the evening. The round began with a perfectly constructed stalkers path, and I was able to make quick progress up this despite yesterday's exertions. Carn Ghluasaid is hidden behind a forepeak but the weaving path meant I was up in an hour from the van. There had been a weather change, high cloud, but it was well above the tops and completely dry. The next peak, Conbhairean, looked superb from this angle across a deep and impressive cwm still holding a fair amount of snow. I trotted over to a broad and rocky col and then ploughed up, the day still fairly young. At this point some sunshine peeked through and blue sky appeared overhead. It may have lacked the clarity of yesterday but it was very nice, and I really enjoyed the trot out to Sail Chaorainn. This was along a broad ridge and the summit is only a metre higher than the sister peak further north. The weather cleared further for the return back to Sgurr nan Conbhairean (which is easily the most impressive of this range) and I cut the corner to a snowfield and then a narrowing ridge down to a col. From here I trotted up to a little top, Drochaid, with superb views down to the wild valley of Gleann na Ciche, which leads down to Affric. Indeed I could see across to the big mountains of Affric like Mam Sodhail that I did on a long day two years ago. The descent takes a broad ridge above the deep cwm containing the Gorm Lochan. This was pretty civilised until a steep final section during which I was dehydrating badly having taken my usual lightweight approach. It took ages to get to a stream by which time I wasn't far from the road! After a drink I ignored the old military road in favour of the actual modern road, and trotted down this back to the van for an early finish. This had several advantages: the best of the weather (it did soon cloud over) and more time to replenish my body battery. This I did in the usual way: lots of eating, a river bath in a gorge lower down Glen Shiel, and birdwatching at Loch Cluanie: red-throated diver, goosander, sand martin, sandpiper. 

Brothers of Kintail

Peaks: Am Bathach, Ciste Dhubh, Sgurr an Fhuarail, Aonach Meadhoin, Sgurr a'Bealach Dheirg, Saileag

Area: Kintail, Scotland

Although the 'Brothers' of Kintail are inferior to the more famous neighbouring Five Sisters (which I ran on a pre-breakfast trip in 2012), this was still a grand day out in the hills - made better by the inclusion of Am Bathach and Ciste Dhubh as 'aperitifs'. After waking up with ice on the inside of the window, I drove from Forest Lodge to Fort William for breakfast then continued to Glen Shiel, and into a thick bank of fog! This was annoying after the crystal clarity further south, but I trusted the forecast and (after first dropping my bike off below the Bealach an Lapain) headed up into the mist on Am Bathach. This is a delightful Corbett and an obvious objective from Cluanie Inn - a long ridge and fine peak. A steep start led to the ridge which was a delight, and I soon detected a clearance. Sure enough, at the summit, the mist started to peel away revealing glimpses of the peaks to come and blue skies above. By the time I left the summit and got down to the very broad, boggy Bealach a'Choinich the mist was clearing in earnest and the magic began. Tendrils were left in some valleys but everything soon became crystal washed in searing clarity. First came Ciste Dhubh, up very steep boggy slopes initially, but then giving way to a superb ridge. This was as good as it gets, perfect views across to A'Chralaig and down towards Glen Affric. A contouring path below a little pinnacle led to a narrower finishing ridge to one of Scotland's smaller summits, just a plinth with fantastic views on all sides. After a quick snack I descended comfortably back to the big bealach for a long drink from a stream and lunch. I spied a way across to gain the 'Brothers' although it was obviously going to be a steep, hard climb. I went up a stream valley and this worked quite well, although the ground then became very steep indeed. This led tiringly across to a snowfield and semblance of a vague path. Eventually, and suddenly, I emerged onto the sundrenched summit of Sgurr an Fhuarail, just a top but a wonderful vantage point looking out across the entire North Kintail ridge. This was perhaps the view of the trip, and after a snack I moved across a snowy section to a dip and then climb to the second Munro of the day, Aonach Meadhoin, a large dome and a lesser viewpoint. The ridge continues, absorbing stuff with a few narrow sections, the odd bit of scrambling, up to Sgurr a'Bealach Dheirg. Here, the summit is along a narrow and rocky ridge, a fantastic spot. A huge snowfield lent definition to a great view over to the Saddle. The South Glen Shiel ridge also gave happy memories. The rest of the ridge went easily, although I was tiring a bit, as Saileag is a bit of an afterthought, but still Munro number four of the day. I jogged down to the marked Bealach an Lapain and the horrible descent down this. I had been up here before on my Five Sisters day and it is unpleasantly steep throughout, even worse in descent. I retrieved my bike from the car park and cycled all the way back up Glen Shiel to the van, a nice warm down after a 1900m elevation day.

Stob a'Choire Odhair

Peaks: Stob a'Choire Odhair

Area: Blackmount, Scotland

A period of high pressure but some juggling was required to get this short window for my spring Highlands trip. Eventually I headed up after a 9am lecture, arriving much later than my usual routine and parking near Forest Lodge, Bridge of Orchy. I didn't start until 4.30pm, in absolutely perfect conditions: crisp and wonderfully clear and sunny. I had been here a couple of times before, once rained off as a youth in 1990 or so. And once more recently, running up Stob Ghabar while Kate and the kids had breakfast in Tyndrum. I missed this, Stob Ghabhar's less illustrious neighbour, at the time for reasons of family diplomacy, so it made an ideal short objective today. Actually, it's not all that short, as there is a longish track alongside the Shira first. At Clashgour Hut, the main hill route starts, north up the valley of the Toaig. This is quite civilised and you can move pretty quickly on it. As the walls of the two peaks close in, I took the steep direct route up Odhair. This gains height quickly and eventually a broad plateau is reached with a rocky slog over to the true summit - exactly an hour from the Clashgour Hut. With the sun dropping, I was on the tops later than I usually am and therefore the quality of light was really special. Stob Ghabhar dominates across the col, but the rest of the Blackmount and the big expanse of Rannoch Moor is equally good - it must give the best view of the latter, every ripple of the landscape visible in this light. I made a little loop by trotting down the ridge to the col and then descending the whole of the Toaig back to the hut, Forest Lodge and the van. I took a chilly river bath in the Shira as the sun set then had ravioli before a quiet night in the van with drumming snipe and owls calling.

PitP parkrun

'Race': Park in the past parkrun 

Time/Position: 19.59 (6th from 143)

Another perfunctory jog around the local parkrun, still well down on the times I was running on this course last year. Nice spring weather for the jog across the fields and the laps were a little drier than they have been recently. My worst ever finishing position at this parkrun, although I was even slower than this a month or two ago.

Spring 5

Race: Chester Spring 5

Time/Position: 30.14 (51st from 358 [2nd V55])

One of the long-established local races that I've never won my category on (although I did win the V50 prize three years ago due to its scrupulously fair age-based prize structure). Sadly I didn't win tonight either! Although this was a disappointing performance, a minute slower than my V55 PB set at Holyhead last summer, and almost two minutes down on my course PB, it was actually a perfect illustration of where I am form-wise at present. It was nice to see some old faces and age-group rivals at the start, and I knew I had some stiff competition in the category. In the event, though, I was nearly a minute behind the winner and couldn't hold the pace of Jez or Tom either. I did start pretty fast with a 5.24 first mile - this is too much for me to handle these days and I inevitably paid for it later on. This is now a common pattern: I run the pace I think I should be able to maintain but then start to suffer after 5k. The exact opposite of what I used to pride myself on: solid consistent pacing. An unfortunate effect of the ageing process and perhaps a reason for some kind of semi-retirement from this sort of racing after 1000 or so lifetime races.

Warrington parkrun

'Race': Warrington parkrun

Time/Position: 18.49 (4th from 561)

Despite my Warrington associations I had never done the parkrun before so thought it would make a good shakedown/tester in advance of next week's Spring 5. I haven't done much speedwork or even much running over the past few weeks so anything under 19 minutes seemed a decent target. As such, I was pleased with this over a nice course around narrow tarmac paths from Victoria park just east of the town centre. After a short grassy climb and field we reached the Manchester Ship Canal and the Trans Pennine Trail. I slowed a bit after a quick start but managed to keep the pace ticking over back to Victoria Park: a good half minute slower than the V55 course record though. An Ikea breakfast and shop followed, nice combination.

Braich Ty Ddu mountaineering

Routes: Pinnacle Ridge (VD:led p.2), Ring Ouzel/Unknown (VD:sec p.1,2), Porcupine Ridge (D/3:led p.2+4)

Crags: Craig Braich Ty Ddu, Nant Francon

What started out as a short day ended up being a fairly long one. It was Easter Monday and Ogwen was rammed, I had no interest in anything difficult, and Peter had never done Pinnacle Ridge before so we headed there direct from the A5 after parking lower down Nant Ffrancon. It is actually very easy to approach the route from below, albeit steep: I have done it before, but it was with Tim many, many years ago. The first pitch is very nice, and I enjoyed seconded it although could hardly feel my hands with a cold wind blowing and no sun yet. I led up easy vegetated ground to the ridge line, which then ends far too quickly over the pinnacles. The day was still young, so I suggested continuing up the hard-to-find and rather esoteric Porcupine Ridge which forms the skyline high up on this broken set of crags. I was really tired for the slog up a very steep heather gully, still jet lagged I think, and unused to carrying kit having not climbed for a while. Instead of heading upwards, Peter decided to have a go at the obvious pinnacle, around 100ft high lower down on the left. It is possible this is the line of Ring Ouzel (VD) but it is a very obscure area so possibly not. It gave a rather loose pitch of about VD up broken walls and a vague arete line trending right. After a grassy gap, he led another cleaner pitch up a nice slab to an easy-angled arete trending right to a little overlap which gave a nice move to a clean slab. Interesting and very obscure stuff which certainly felt like a first ascent! We then moved over to the spines of rock which we felt marked the start of Porcupine Ridge. As a youth I do remember finding some scrambling after doing Pinnacle Ridge but I think I would have remembered this as it was something of a revelation! Way better than I'd expected. The ribs of rock lead up to a vegetated section where Peter belayed. I then led up easy ground to a narrow chimney where I belayed. The ridge then becomes really well defined on superb rock, completely unpolished. Peter led up the curving ridge, great hard scrambling, to belay below a giant pinnacle. I led a great easy pitch up big shelves and holds to a platform, then traversed the pinnacle to the right, before making the next narrow flake harder than necessary by traversing it on small footholds left. A perfect belay in a narrow breche, before Peter led the crux left-trending, fairly exposed crack up to a vague arete and good scrambling up to a final ridge. Interesting and absorbing scrambling, closer to an easy rock climb in tone, on the borders of Grade 3/Diff: I certainly wouldn't have been comfortable doing it without a rope. An easy stroll led to the direct descent to Ogwen Cottage in stunning crystal clear weather, perfect visibility over Ogwen to Tryfan. Back down Nant Francon to the car after a very enjoyable and unexpected mountaineering day.

Cerro La Asuncion/Quebrada trail

Peaks: Cerro La Asuncion (3335m)

Area: Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica 

Despite the altitude, this is just a short scramble from the top of the famous Cerro de la Muerte (peak of death) road. The road is now metalled and civilised, and we had intended to arrive much earlier to take advantage of the clear morning weather. However, we were delayed by three hours by a roadblock which prevented us leaving the Savegre valley (due to a lorry that had driven into a ditch, we think). So we enacted 'plan b', heading back down to the bottom of the valley and doing the Quebrada trail from the upscale Savegre hotel. This climbed steeply up a track, where I had a close encounter with a coyote, and led to a stunning viewpoint over the cloudforests of the lower valley. From here, a side path marks the start of the Quebrada ('ravine') route through more pristine forest down to a tight lower valley before contouring the hillside back to the track. After this very rewarding unexpected delay, the road reopened and we managed the very steep drive back out and up to the top of the pass. From here, I scampered up Asuncion in a matter of minutes and was still in time for views, although the cloud was building in characteristic fashion. The altitude did make it a tad harder than it would normally have been, and it was steep in places. Great views across to Chirippo and some of the way down the Pacific side. This is where we then headed, via a giant descent to another roadblock in roasting San Isidro (but that is another story!). At Hacienda Baru, the temperature had climbed to a draining 38C, quite a challenge after a 5C morning watching more quetzals in San Gerardo de Dota!