Limoges airport-centre runs

Probably more accurate to call these 'jogs' blended with fast walking. Still, three different routes between the city centre of Limoges and the airport in 27 hours must be some kind of record (albeit an utterly pointless one). I remember reading Will Self's Psychogeography account of walking from London to Heathrow and then from JFK to NYC, and thought this would make a provincial French alternative! I landed in the rather less glamorous Limoges airport before 9.30am with a lot of time to kill, so had a relaxing coffee and croissant at the airport, sitting outside, just to acclimatise. No public transport into town, so I planned to get last night's race out of my legs with a specially constructed route taking the country lanes into the city centre. It worked fairly well. I didn't have much baggage, so could move fairly quickly down quiet roads. My route to the centre went on an indirect southerly loop via La Breuil, La Foret and Landouge - where I entered the Limoges suburbs. I arrived in the market near the old Rue de la Boucherie just before midday: perfect timing for a superb lunch of Limousin charcuterie followed by veal breast with a rosemary jus and frites maison. The odd glass of claret too. The next day, I ran back via a different northerly loop along the Rue de St Gence. This was an even more affluent suburban area, so I had to double back to find my favourite kind of local restaurant. Again, I struck gold - this time on the Rue de Bellac. Basse Cote, local goat's cheese, unlimited wine, pain perdu and myriad other culinary delights, before I continued along the even longer northern loop back to the airport to meet Steve and Ceri. A legendary weekend ensued.

The Beast race

Race: Up the Beast fell race (7.5k/2000ft)
Time/Position: 40.47 (6th from 91)
Tonight's outing, although badly timed just before my trip to France, at least kept up my record of running in every one of these races since it was launched: this is the ninth year I think. A route change this year, with a harder finish which doubles back into the highpoint of the woods above Maeshafn. I didn't run very well, but didn't expect to. Probably started a bit too quickly, so was blowing on the Beast itself and never really recovered. The extra hill in the woods finished me off, although it didn't make any difference to the final positions as I couldn't catch Simon E ahead and I just held off those behind. After a shower and meal at home, I drove direct to Leeds-Bradford airport for a few hours sleep in the car before my flight to Limoges.

Sron na Creise scramble

Peaks: Sron na Creise, Stob a' Ghlais Choire (996m)
Area: Black Mount/Glencoe, Scotland
Routes: North Ridge (M/III:sol), North East Ridge (II:sol)
I have driven past Sron na Creise dozens of times and often eyed the obvious north ridge straight up the peak, which is a well-known scramble. The plan was for K to drop me off in Glen Etive, then I would complete this obvious scrambling mini-circuit as quickly as possible, then meet them all in the White Corries ski cafe - from where we would continue our homeward journey. It worked very well as a short and intense outing, with a great deal of rock to enjoy. From Glen Etive, I crossed the river then ran along the fairly gently inclined moor straight towards the ridge that runs down to the left of the obvious stream gully. There was an obvious alternative right of the gully, but the true ridge line left of the gully gets to grips with rock quite quickly and is much steeper. It took around 20 minutes of running to get to the base. The scrambling was excellent: good, clean rock, and a lot of it. An initial section of steep, clean slabs, leads to an easing before a series of shorter walls leads up to a more intimidating tower clearly visible as the steepest section from the valley. The rock runs to superb holds and remains clean and solid throughout. Hugely enjoyable, with good scrambling even as the ridge line begins to fragment higher up: less than an hour from glen to summit. Temperatures were cooler on the summit, with good views across to the Buachaille, and over the Mamores to Ben Nevis. The occasional shaft of sunlight peeking through the high cloud. From the top of Sron na Creise, I ran over to Stob a'Ghlais Choire, then straight down the NE Ridge - with the northern end of the Black Mount beyond. The NE ridge gives an easier and less distinctive route on to the Black Mount than the North, but still gives some scrambling. With no prior knowledge, it is slightly intimidating initially in descent, but a bit of weaving enables the base of the valley (Cam Ghleann) to be gained by a couple of enjoyable rocky gullies. A long run with an unavoidable diversion round the bottom of the side spur of Creag Dhubh eventually gains an indistinct path east to the White Corries, where we continued the journey home with me pouring with sweat. Around 95 minutes for this round.

Beinn na Seilg run and climbing

Peak/Crag: Beinn na Seilg, Ardnamurchan
Routes: Gabbro Slab (D:sol), Faradh Dubh (VD:sol/sh), Identity Crisis (VS 4c:sh), South-West Buttress (M:sol), Trident (VD/HS 4c:sh)
This was the hardest crag of all to find, given the paucity of information I had (just a scrawled note that it lay on the 'western slopes'). As the local Kilchoan crag, however, I was determined to find it and headed out in the late afternoon after sailing back from a lovely day in Tobermory. The weather remained perfect: warm, crystal clear, light easterly winds. I ran up to the Lochan Gleann Locha, as I had done on Tuesday, and scoured the western slopes beyond this. A mistake, as I was later to find out. There are numerous remote crags low down on the hill facing west, but none was correct. After some exhausting running up and down, I decided to go to the summit (which I wanted to do anyway). On emerging at the cairn, I immediately spied the crag, a really impressive 50m sweep of gabbro just below the 'secondary' summit that was obvious from our cottage. First of all, though, I enjoyed the view from the top. Indeed, as the sun began to drop I would honestly rate it perhaps the best I have ever experienced in Scotland (and that is up against some pretty stiff competition!). Directly above the western fringe of Ardnamurchan: wonderful views of the Isles, Mull and Ring Dyke in a beautiful soft light as the sun began to drop over the Atlantic. Memorable. I scampered down to the crag, which currently has no more than 20 routes on it. There is immense scope for development: at least 100 routes seemed possible if the shorter flanks are also developed. The main Hebrides Wall is a lovely sweep of gabbro slabs, at the upper limit of shunting feasibility. Indeed, the rope initially failed to reach the bottom so I soloed up a diff before following the pleasant line of what I took to be Faradh Dubh up the central slab. Identity Crisis was a more obvious harder line, taking a steep crack towards the left of the crag. Some tricky moves initially up a slanting groove, then easier above. All of these were 40m pitches. Trident was slightly longer, if anything. It took the obvious three flake 'trident' in the centre of the crag then stepped right. I think the route then goes even further right, but because of the line of the rope I had to go directly up. This gave two or three hardish moves on unhelpful side pulls: more like VS 4c temporarily. Above, I rejoined the original line. During one of the descents, I nipped up the scramble of the South West Buttress. In glorious sunshine, with the sun dropping over the sea below, not a person, car or house (one, maybe!) visible throughout the entire landscape, this was absolutely glorious. When I'd finished this brief session, I spent a few minutes just enjoying the stunning panorama whilst sitting near the cairn: total peace and solitude. Ran back down to Kilchoan in time to prepare our final evening meal.

Achnaha climbing

Crag: Button Slab (Achnaha)
Routes: Mickey (S:sol), Pash (S 4b:sol), Ludo (VD:sol), Felix (VD:sol)
Crag: Achnaha Buttress
Routes: Soul Searching (VS 4c:sh)
Crag: Black Slab (Achnaha/Sanna)
Routes: Sanna Seaming (HS 4b:sol)
Crag: Graffiti Slab (Achnaha/Sanna)
Routes: Triple Cracks (VD:sol), Mini Dyke (VD:sol)
Without a guidebook or large scale map it was proving difficult to locate these Ardnamurchan crags. Most were a fair walk from the road, all in stunning remote locations on the famous volcanic 'ring dyke' of small peaks that characterises this unique geological landscape. I knew there was an 'Achnaha Buttress' and spied a crag I thought it might be on another pre-breakfast outing. Still cold and blowy, with a little more cloud initially (not much though!). I trekked across a wild landscape, crossing the Allt Sanna river, then over an awkward series of subsidiary gabbro ridges - riddled with smaller crags - until emerging at a larger buttress. This was the place, but first I jogged up to the nearby Button Slab: a delightful slab of rough gabbro with four easy routes. They were all gentle: I started with the line up the middle, which went up the slab to a steepening taken on huge holds. I also did a few lines up two obvious cracks further left on this crag. Shunting on the main crag was tricky, with few belays on top, but I did manage to sample Soul Searching at a mild VS 4c, which goes up a steep flake to a pinnacle before some pleasant wall climbing. On the way back to the car, I stopped off at the immaculate black 'dome' slab that doesn't (apparently) have any routes on it. It must have been climbed, however, as it has three or four very eye-catching lines that looked (from below) like they might go at E1 5a: all on absolutely immaculate rock with superb friction. I did the easier 'seam' to the left at around HS 4b. Finally, I did a few rather contrived and escapable routes on 'graffiti slab', the broken 40ft crag with feint scrawled graffiti nearest the road. Delightful slabby padding in the morning sunshine although, again, people have presumably played on this for years. My first route took the obvious triple crack system, broken by ledges, on the right: I then did the miniature seam, quite delicate, up the darker slab further left. Home for breakfast at 10.15am!

Ardnamurchan Lighthouse climbing

Crag: Ardnamurchan Point (Ardnamurchan)
Routes: The Chimney (VD:sol/sh), Rick Diculous (VD:sol/sh), Eigg Scramble (D:sol), Home for Tea (S:sol/sh)
The wave-cut platform at the base of this crag is the most westerly few feet of land on the mainland of Britain, and is unlikely to have been trodden by many. That doesn't mean very much in these parts, with islands all around, but I have fond memories of Land's End's famous Long Climb in 1995, where you feel like you are climbing from the Atlantic into Britain. Ardnamurchan Point is further west than Land's End, and runs to a small crag that gives some nice gabbro climbs on rough rock almost directly below the famous lighthouse. I set up a shunt for some of the routes, clipping in at times partly because I was just guessing the lines of the routes. The first two were obvious, however. The distinct chimney is fun, as is the route up the arete on sharp holds. Much further right, I enjoyed a wonderful romp up a series of flake cracks on huge positive holds - preceded by a few awkward steps. I took this to be the line of Eigg Scramble, and I took Home for Tea to be the obvious clean open book corner/groove in the middle of the crag: the strongest line here. This was just a short family outing, immediately after lunch of local salmon at the nearby Sonachan hotel.

Beinn Resipol

Peak: Beinn Resipol (845m)
Area: Sunart, Scotland
A distinctive peak which attracts the eye from most directions, Beinn Resipol was an obvious option for an early morning run. Apart from Ben More, it was the only real mountain accessible from Kilchoan - but it was still a 45-50 minute drive down singletrack roads, a good indication of West Ardnamurchan's wonderful isolation. I set off very early as the family slept, as is my usual practice, and was running at 7am. The route goes from the Resipole campsite on the shore of Loch Sunart, through bluebell woods to gain a good track which curves round following the line of the Allt Mhic Chiarain. The track curves round to the east, then peters out into a boggy section before becoming a less distinct path rising towards the main peak. Ahead, to my great surprise, two 'walkers'. Oddly, I didn't seem to be gaining on them, despite my steady uphill jog and striding (again, I was treating the outing as training for the fell running season). It was only when I emerged at the rocky summit that I discovered that they too were runners, clad in Innov8s and carrying light OMM sacs. My mirror image: on family holidays, squeezing a mountain in to a couple of hours before breakfast to keep the rest of the day free (this has been my tactic for seven years!) Beinn Resipol is famed for its view, given its location on the western fringe of the Highlands. The perfect clarity this morning allowed for a full appreciation, although a chilly easterly blew over the summit (it had been completely calm during the ascent). West over Ardnamurchan towards Ben Hiant and the islands initially attracted my attention. Then south over Mull, and inland to the Mamores, Ben Nevis and more distant peaks to the south like Ben More and Cruachan. Sgurr na Ciche on Knoydart was also very obvious, bringing back memories of my chilly 1998 trip. Closer at hand were the superb looking mountains of Ardgour and Moidart, beyond the wild Loch Shiel. After drinking in the view, I pelted down the same way and was back in Kilchoan for breakfast.

Sanna Bay bouldering and climbing

Crag: Sanna Bay
Routes: Yee Haa (V0), Maverick (V0), Goose (V0), Crashed and Burned (V1), Iceman (V1), Ladies Room (V0), Charlie's Crack (VB)
Crag: Sanna West/Marquee Buttress
Routes: Elephant's Head Crack (VD:sol), Portuairk Seam (HVD:sol), Sanna Slab (S 4b:sol), Marquee slabs (M:sol)
One of the most perfect beaches anywhere, we were all eager to get back to Sanna after our first visit on Sunday. This time, we walked in from the car park in Sanna itself (a collection of houses by the sea) through the large dune systems. The day was perfect, again, not a cloud in the sky. And this time I'd packed the rock boots and chalk bag. I knew there was bouldering on the most remote, southerly beach: indeed, I had seen two couples climbing there on Sunday. I don't like bouldering much, but I realised quite quickly that this 'crag' wasn't really bouldering: more like miniature routes. The rock was perfect gabbro, running to superb holds and giving perfect friction. This meant that all the routes (at least the ones I did) felt more like short 5m HVS's than technical boulder problems. The crag is fairly high in places, too, although the perfect sandy landings seem almost too good to be true, as does the general location and ambience on this utterly idyllic beach. M was on photoshoot duty and did a fine job of capturing the essence of the place. I did numerous 'routes' whilst here: hard to remember exactly what, but the juggy flake crack in the centre and the steep wall further right stuck out. Quite a few good natural groove lines too. After lunch and a paddle, I jogged up to the crag I dubbed 'Marquee Buttress' after its elongated tent shape. This might have been Sanna West, which does have a few easy routes on it. If so, I may have done Adder and Subtractor at VD/S. If not (and I had no real way of telling) then I suppose these are very modest new routes. The crag is the tent-shaped slab visible from the beach: a 10 minute walk uphill from the beach. The angle is very gentle, perhaps a little too gentle to be worthwhile, but the rock and general situation is superb. Perfect, clean gabbro. The 'Y' shaped crack (the 'elephant's head' feature) gave a good route with two variation finishes up delicious narrow flake cracks which went up either side of the 'trunk and ears': VD at the most. The thinner seam to its left gave a slightly harder route, again slabby, while the blanker slab to the right gave a more delicate line at around S 4b on small ripples. All routes led to a ledge, above which the obvious finish took a steeper wall up a line of jugs. I then scrambled up the crest of the buttress, no more than Moderate - but 100ft+. Astonishing views over Sanna Bay to Eigg and Rum from this vantage point high on the hillside. Later on, I took a pre-dinner run up to the lakes on Beinn na Seilg and saw a white-tailed eagle at close range (but I settled for some little lines on Stacha Dubh having failed to find the crag that was supposed to be on the 'western slopes'!).

Ben More run

Peaks: A'Chioch (867m), Ben More (966m)
Area: Isle of Mull, Scotland
As we were staying very close to the Kilchoan-Tobermory ferry, a day on Mull seemed inevitable. We went across to the south of the island two years ago, but had never explored by car. The day dawned even clearer, and we enjoyed a memorable crossing of the Sound of Mull looking up at yesterday's peak of Ben Hiant as we sailed. It was then a very pleasant drive along the shores of the Sound to Salen, then crossing the isthmus to Loch na Keal on the western side of Mull. This feels wilder and more remote, although Ben More is obviously a popular objective, as befits its status as the only island Munro outside Skye. It is a very fine peak indeed, although the normal tourist route is a nasty slog from sea level. Instead, I headed up Gleann na Beinne Fada. This was hot but relatively gentle and runnable the whole way to the steepening before the col between Beinn Fhada and my first objective, A'Chioch. Time was very limited (two hours in total for the full traverse), as the family had gone for a drink in Salen and I'd arranged to be collected opposite the obvious island of Eorsa. Superb views inland as I crested the ridge at the col, then opening out to sea as I embarked on the mild scramble leading to the top of A'Chioch. The ridge is quite distinctive and you can get a reasonable amount of rock if you stick to the crest. From A'Chioch, Ben More looks magnificent: a classic pyramidal peak. Just a few fluffy clouds above as I ran down the broad ridge to the next, narrower col. From here, the scrambling continues in the same vein, although it is better and more continuous. Again, I stuck religiously to the crest and enjoyed the final climb immensely. Fabulous views of sea, loch and mountain as I reached the top. The Paps of Jura immediately obvious, bringing fond memories of the race in 2014. Scarba, Iona and (much closer) Ulva were all clearly visible, as was most of the topography of Mull, a wonderfully varied island. No water or food, so I pelted down the tedious tourist route, joining the path along the Abhainn Dhiseig before branching off north over tussocky moorland to meet the family at the appointed place, very hot by now. Quite tiring to fit all this into two hours, but a wonderful and memorable circuit. We took a leisurely route back to Tobermory and the ferry, stopping at various points of interest along the way.

Ben Hiant

Peaks: Ben Hiant (528m)
Area: Ardnamurchan, Western Highlands
Very much the signature peak of Western Ardnamurchan, Ben Hiant may only be a miniature mountain, but it dominates this part of the peninsula and begs to be climbed. It rises straight from the sea and was visible from our bedroom window in Kilchoan: it is also quite a complex little peak, with a distinct summit cone and interesting topography. Our family ascent topped off a memorable 46th birthday for me, particularly as this was the first full day of our Ardnamurchan holiday. In the morning, we visited the lighthouse cafe, then walked from Portuairk to Sanna Bay: some of the finest coastal scenery imaginable in perfect weather, with stunning views to the Small Isles of Rum, Muck and Eigg. The white sands and crystal clear waters of Sanna in the foreground. After lunch of pulled local venison, we drove round to the mountain road for the normal route up Ben Hiant. This gives a delightful walk, ideal for the normally reluctant children. A few steepish rises gives way to a grassy ridge with tremendous views over to Mull, the Small Isles and inland to the east to what looked like a stormy day over the Central Highlands: some tall thunderheads. Here though, all was calm and superbly clear. M and I took the normal traverse path just before the steep final summit cone, while unknown to me K and E took the direct scramble to the top! We reconvened at the summit, for spectacular views over the Inner Hebrides, Mull and our 'home village' of Kilchoan directly below. I had a tiny celebratory dram of Nevis Dew to mark the birthday and we headed down, all running at least part of the way.

Stob Ghabhar run

Peaks: Stob Ghabhar (1090m)
Area: Black Mount, Scotland
The usual snatched run en route to our whit week in the Highlands. After a night near Glasgow and breakfast in Tyndrum, I had a maximum of two hours to get into the mountains while the family had coffee and cakes in Bridge of Orchy. Although the normal route from Forest Lodge takes in the lower companion peak first, I decided to concentrate on the parent mountain of Stob Ghabhar, partly because it is a fine and dominant mountain, partly because I remember being rained off from it in 1993 as we retreated from a week of continual downpours on Skye. Nothing like that today, indeed in our last seven week-long trips to the Highlands we have barely seen any rain. That said, the weather wasn't quite as good as forecast as I ran alongside the Abhainn Shira until following the smaller tributary of the Allt Toaig. I was feeling fresh, the paths and tracks were good, and I made very rapid progress, running all the way to the upper corries before branching off up the steep hillside at Creag an Steallaire towards the upper cwm of Coire na Muic. From here, the onward route becomes less clear so I just ploughed straight up the steep slopes to the north hoping to emerge at the subsidiary top of the Aonach Eagach. This worked, and I emerged on a fine ridge with the mist trying to clear. It never quite managed it, but the weather heightened the atmosphere of a fine ridge. Not in the league of its Glencoe namesake, but it narrows nicely further on and becomes a brief arete before merging into the main summit ridge at a large snow patch, Intermittent views of Black Mount and Rannoch as the mist shifted in and out. Pelted down to Forest Lodge via a slight variation, just over two hours for the outing, and the sun finally came out in the main valley: it didn't go in again for the entire week.

Moelwynion run

Up at 5am after an intermittent night's sleep. A very peaceful night, but cold. My tent door faced the sunrise over the Clwydians, which was a nice backdrop to my morrning cuppa. As I packed up the tent, the Snowdon Horseshoe glowed in the low sunlight, and a few wisps of mist gathered at the base of Dyffryn Mymbyr and over the summit of Tryfan. Beautiful light as I took an extended route back down to the valley, through the woods above Capel Curig with dozens of singing wood warblers. Home before 8am, in Warrington just after 9am!

Siabod run and wild camp

Peaks: Moel Siabod
Area: Moelwynion, Eryri
After my short climbing session, the clouds burnt away leaving a spectacular evening for my overnight camp. The usual wonderful views of the horseshoe from Plas y Brenin, then into the woods for the start of the route up Siabod. I didn't have any firm plans for campsites, beyond a vague intention to camp on the summit. But I know from past experience that my 700g mountain marathon tent is tricky to pitch in the wind, and found a perfect site just off the main path in the area of small bluffs and moraines around the 400m contour. The light wind blew from the north, so I pitched just below the moraine next to a clear stream. Beautiful spot with wonderful views west to the Carneddau, Glyderau and Snowdon - and east over the moors. So sunset and sunrise views seemed likely. After pitching, I had some sandwiches then jogged to the summit. Stunning views, around 7.30pm, as the sun began to drop over the Irish Sea. Beyond the Pass, a golden sea. Views south stretched beyond Cader to Plynlimon, and west to Moel Famau. Perfect clarity. An easy jog down for a fine evening meal of mackerel, chilli and couscous relaxing on top of the bluff gazing towards Tryfan. Cuckoos calling in the woods below - the air quite still so the calls carried upwards. Nearby, skylarks and ravens overhead. Penderyn single malt made a fine nightcap. The sun dropped below Glyder Fach and the temperatures instantly plummeted. By the early hours, it was only just above freezing. Indeed, next morning the condensation on the car window was half-frozen.

Dyffryn Mymbyr climbing

Crag: The Blocks, Dyffryn Mymbyr
Routes: Evan's Corner (VS 4b:sh), Slab and Crack (VD:sol)
Only a very brief climbing session, combined with some bouldering, in a tiny window between my post-work drive to Capel Curig and my evening run/camp on Siabod. Clogwyn Wen wasn't particularly suitable for the shunt, so I trotted over to do Evan's Corner on the Blocks. This is the most obvious line here: a short but steep, and quite sweet, romp up the central corner. Shame it is so short, as it gives strenuous but positive laybacking with some giant jugs at the top. I then did the E1 5b Blockbuster, past the strenuous crux up to the obvious jug, where the route eases, but my shunt jammed so I had to downclimb. Not easy, to say the least! Did some bouldering, then sauntered up the easy Slab and Crack further right. The low cloud was now clearing to a beautiful evening: it cleared completely as I jogged back to the car at Plas y Brenin in preparation for the Siabod run and wild camp.

Ffrith 5k

Race: Ffrith 5k (North Wales Championships)
Time/Position: 17.33 (4th from 93 [1st V45])
Back to the same venue as the border league finale last month, in very similar conditions of heavy showers and a cool coastal breeze. I really did want this race to mark the end of my road running season, which has gone on far longer than usual as I continue to try to take in as many championship races as possible while I remain at the younger end of my 'new' age category! The 5k championships (which I have done three or four times) generally have a fairly small and self-selecting field, which means that you do find yourself a bit exposed in the wind. Eric and I just concentrated on the race, not the clock! I paced it reasonably well, out towards the Nova centre feeling relatively good, made up a few places on this section. Then back into the headwind, fairly light but totally exposed. I was making up ground on the very young lad in front, and did think I might be able to catch him and finish third. It wasn't to be, however, and I settled for 4th place - my highest at this event, although I ran 16.54 in the champs in 2012. Eric and I both won our categories at the prize giving. Currently North Wales V45 champion at 5 mile, half marathon and 5k distances, and Welsh V45 champion at the 10 mile distance. I'd be the first to admit it is largely by default, though, with the better runners currently out of action.

Baslow climbing

Crag: Baslow, Peak District
Routes: Route 0 (D:sol), Route 1 (VD:sol), Stepped Groove (M:sol), Route 2 (D:sol), Route 3 (D:sol), Route 3.5 (VD:sol), Gully Wall (M:sol), Gully Wall Variation (VD:sol), Shallow Rib (VD:sol), Blocked Gully (M:sol), Chipped Slab (VD:sol), Resurgence (5a:sol)
A foggy morning in the Peak, which began to clear as I parked at the Curbar Gap after a night in Darley Dale. It was very early, there was nobody around, and the ambience was delightful as I sauntered down to one of the Peak District's more obscure climbing venues. Cuckoos calling, meadow pipits displaying. I had very little information about Baslow, and no guidebook save for some scrawled notes, but the gully walls (the cleanest and most popular section) were obvious after a short walk above the edge. Like Windgather, you probably wouldn't bother coming here with a partner, but it is an ideal venue for the solo explorer. Short routes on perfect unpolished gritstone, with a lovely open aspect looking out over the patchwork valleys and villages of Calver and Curbar. I enjoyed all the gentle routes on the first slab, picking my way up and down, and particularly enjoyed Chipped Slab on the far right. Gully Wall Variation was steep to start for the grade, and Route 3 was a bit awkward at the top. I finished by taking the two harder routes on the immaculate second slab. Both had low cruxes. Resurrection was by far the hardest: crux felt more like 5c/f6b, although I may have done it wrong. Small pockets and smears to a sharper pocket and better holds. I didn't continue up this one. Resurgence was easier: British 5a/HVS, up small but quite positive pockets to small ledges. I finished a little further left. The sun came out as I jogged back to the car and headed down for a fine bacon sandwich in Calver (all well before 9am!) before driving to Warrington.

Shining Tor fell race

Race: Shining Tor fell race, Goyt Valley (10k/1700ft)
Time/Position: 46.26 (40th from 232)
Looking for a pretext to visit my old friend Jon in the Peak, I settled on this race which coincidentally took in very similar ground to the run Vic and I had enjoyed in truly vile conditions on the 3rd of January. It is a really cracking circuit of Cheshire's highpoint, very runnable throughout, which leaves from the Errwood reservoir far below the ridgeline. Ideal for me, still coming off a long winter season devoted to road running, desperately trying to develop hill fitness before the summer fell races. The fields in these parts are always very impressive and competitive, so I started well back and just enjoyed the event. A road section along the lake side gave way to a narrow track and the start of the long but relatively gentle climb up towards the tops from the far end of the lake. This goes past Erwood Hall, then up zig zags to climb above the Shooter's Clough valley, eventually emerging on the spur which leads to the Cat and Fiddle. From here, the path heads north-west to a steeper (but still eminently runnable) path to the top of Shining Tor. Most of this was familiar ground from our January run, and it was nice to be able to see the distant views north from the subsequent ridge over Cats Tor to Pym's Chair. This gives superb, fast running throughout: much of it on slabs, conditions quite good throughout, cool, cloudy and dry. The final descent down The Street and Jep Clough is steeper, and I held back a bit - losing a few places - until emerging back at Erwood Reservoir and a final fast road section across the dam. Great race, thoroughly enjoyed it. After a quick wash in the lake, I drove to Jon's house in Darley Dale: always a very pleasant drive at dusk.

Windgather climbing

Crag: Windgather, Peak District
Routes: Left Triplet Crack (M:sol), South Buttress Crack (M:sol), Overlapping Wall (S:sol), Face Route 2 (D:sol), Face Route 1 (HVD:sol), Side Face (S:sol), Buttress 2 Gully (M:sol), Rib and Slab (M:sol), Leg Stump (D:sol), The Corner (D:sol), Staircase (M:sol), Heather Buttress (D:sol)
It had rained all day in the Peak, but it was sunny in Chester so I had some optimism it would clear as I drove across to the Shining Tor fell race after work. Sure enough, by Wilmslow the sun had come out so I initiated plan 'A' and stopped for a bit of easy gritstone climbing first. As its name suggests, Windgather dries quickly in the almost constant wind that blows into the face from the hills to the west. Conditions were delightful, and I thoroughly enjoyed soloing up the easy climbs that characterise this crag. I've done most (if not all) of them before, but particularly enjoyed the Face Routes on delightful slabby grit with the sun out, along with Leg Stump and the juggy Corner and Staircase. The pockets were wet after earlier rain but the climbing was all very pleasant. I finished with the isolated Heather Buttress, which gives easy slabby climbing to an intimidating finish up a steep little wall on big holds. I think it is my third time climbing here: famously simple, but a really lovely location with far reaching views over verdant hills and valleys. I could see the route of the fell race to the south, over Shining Tor and Pym's Chair, and that is where I headed after a short bouldering session at the quarry walls (doing most of the traverse and other problems).

Roaches climbing

Crag: Roaches (Upper Tier), Staffordshire
Routes: Central Route (VS 4b:sec), Right Route (VD:led), Technical Slab (HS 4a:sec), The Neb Finish (VS 4b:sec), Black Velvet (HVD 4a:led), The Rib (D:sol), Bachelor's Buttress (VS 4c:sec), Fern Crack (S 4b:led)
A bit of a contrast to our last visit to the area in early January, when the crags were enveloped in a cold mist and it rained throughout our mud-spattered long run along the main ridge line. Instead, this was one of my occasional climbing forays onto grit on one of its finest crags, a venue I've only twice visited in the past. This is a criminal oversight, as even the easiest routes are good, and I definitely prefer these Staffordshire crags to those further north. Still in shakedown mode, and grit always takes some getting used to, so we stuck to simple ground throughout. After days of sunshine, it was cold and cloudy when we reached the Upper Tier, a very chilly northerly blowing straight into the face. This made the delicate, balancey climbing on Central Route a tad harder than it might have been. Steve B led, and I enjoyed the crisp 4b moves on small holds up the slab. I then led Right Route very quickly on Vic's gear, with Ceri belaying. This is an old classic and gives nice juggy climbing up the slabby flake that marks the right end of the slab. Next came the superb combination of Technical Slab, with the Neb Finish. I last did the slab with Tim over a quarter of a century ago, but still remembered it. It gives immaculate but bold climbing, really lovely up to the top constricted groove. A steeper move round this, then a brilliant traverse out right for the Neb Finish. This was momentarily exciting as I followed on a single rope: there's no gear on the traverse but it is easy climbing on large grit pockets and diagonal ledges. Great exposed position. We were flowing now, after a creaky and cold start, and I led the excellent Black Velvet (a companion to the classic Black and Tans which I also did with Tim many moons ago). It is a fine route for the grade: 20 metres of quality climbing. Varied too: starting with an awkward groove (Hollybush crack) which is overcome by moving left steeply on good holds. A mild jamming crack leads to a ledge, then great climbing up the very well protected thin crack leads to the wider (easy) finishing groove in a great position. After a romp up The Rib, and lunch, Steve led Bachelor's Buttress as the sun finally emerged. Temperatures increased dramatically, and the rock shone orange. This is a short but bold route, easy to second. A simple slab leads to delicate moves rightwards and a distinct, reachy crux for a flat hold. All in balance, though, and easier climbing leads diagonally rightwards to the belay. It was sunny and warm now, building to a wonderful May evening, but we were running out of time so I led Fern Crack at the far left end of the crag with Vic belaying. This was very enjoyable, a fun and unusual route at the grade. A very steep start, with little for the feet, much harder than the rest of the climb, gains a big flake then a steep but easy crack up to a remarkable, perfect thread. Above a short wall, the climb eases to a big ledge then traverse left to gain a hidden finishing groove.

Chester half marathon

Race: Chester half marathon
Time/Position: 1.20.35 (45th from 7000 [4th V45])
I was due a bad race, and this was it. Shame it had to happen on a local event, but never mind! I did the old Chester half at least six times in the early 2000s, but have avoided it since it became commercialised. However, I decided I should give the new course and event a chance this year and was (I assumed) well trained for the distance, with the right combination of speed and endurance. It was baffling, therefore, to find the pace unsustainable when trying to get close to my PB of 1.17. No idea what the issue was: too much racing (last Sunday's tough half marathon, for example) or perhaps it was a bad night's sleep, or perhaps the hayfever that I suffer mildly from at this time of year (often notice a dip in form in May). No particularly unusual circumstances though, and it was my 42nd half marathon. Whatever it was, after initially enjoying the route along Bridge Street and the City Centre, I began to struggle a bit. I hooked onto a group at a similar pace, but just after the turn for home at Two Mills, I started to struggle properly. By mile 9 at Saughall I was really blowing and only revived after taking my one emergency gel. I had lost a lot of time and multiple places by now though, and even had to walk for a bit. At least 15 runners went past me on the return leg, and I lost more time on the short hill from the canal to the finish in front of the Town Hall. A nice event, which obviously takes in far more of the city than the old course, although it is three or four times more expensive! You get a sense of occasion, though, with big crowds especially at the finish. Like a mini-London, so met the family and had an ice cream to wind down.

Two Lakes half marathon

Race: Two Lakes trail half marathon (Brenig-Alwen, Hiraethog)
Time/Position: 1.29.48 (2nd from 81 [1st Vet])
I remember doing the double loop of these lakes many years ago with Neil Parry, in an attempt to make our marathon training "more interesting". We remarked that it would make a nice race, although the full loop of both lakes is not far off 20 miles. Joe Cooper had worked out a different route which incorporates the scenic 'short cut' bridleway that links the two lakes and keeps the route to the half marathon distance (albeit with 1250ft of climbing). This also has the effect of making the race very different to the long-established Brenig race and the more recent Alwen race, both of which I've done several times. We started at the far end of the dam wall on the shores of Llyn Brenig, and headed along the fast tracks leading north. A group of three of us broke away almost immediately. Winner Steve Skates was clearly the strongest runner present, and pulled out a two minute gap by half way. So it was essentially a race for second between a runner from Trismart and myself. It was windless at the far end of Brenig for the muddy ground north of the lake: uncomfortably warm at this point. I moved into second place after the narrow paths, and we ran together along the gentle climb away from Brenig to gain the bridleway. The next section was superb - I was feeling good, the whole of Snowdonia was visible in front, and the going was wonderful along the bridleway. It was muddy after a morning downpour, but this just made it better. I felt like I'd pulled out a decent gap by the time we got to Alwen at the bridge. This is my favourite part of the normal Alwen race, wild and remote feeling in the heart of Hiraethog, particularly so given the big gaps that were opening out in the race. The crux of the route comes next: a steep climb up towards a ridge. I kept a steady plod going, before the excellent twisting tracks along the shores of the Alwen, nice and cool in the woods. After some water and a gel came the sting in the tail: the Alwen is considerably lower than the Brenig and a sharp climb back up the access road followed. I glanced behind, expecting to see nobody, planning for a relaxing run-in. But instead I saw the Trismart runner making his way up the hill. So the long climb back through the conifers towards the highpoint above Brenig turned into a considerably more tiring climax than I had anticipated! Great views down to Brenig from the top, then a welcome final descent across the main road and down to the far end of the dam wall.

Dinas Bran fell race

Race: Dinas Bran fell race (4.3m/1150ft/AS)
Time/Position: 33.33 (5th from 80 [1st V45])
A much delayed return to racing in the hills. As such, I wasn't sure how I would go given my usual winter focus on road running. But this is such an intense and explosive half hour outing that it's more a matter of just gauging the effort like a short border league race. I've done the route five or six times, indeed it was the first fell race I ever entered in 2002 or 2003. After our short climbing session, Vic and I sat down with a strong coffee at the cafe near the bridge in Llangollen, then jogged up to the start of the race. My tactic was just to push on the road sections then see if I could hang on for the hills. The first section of steep tarmac was pretty tough for me, given the lack of recent hill work and the rock climbing we had just done! But the curving path towards the back of Dinas Bran went well, and I started to pick up a few places. I always walk sections of the steep climb up to the top, and actually find it's the only place for a slight rest! I descended reasonably well, moving up to fifth place, and tried to push on a bit for the second circuit and climb. I was just holding on by the time we reached the top again, but again the descent went OK although I couldn't move up the field on the tarmac. Got the first V40 prize later on, although only by default. Beautiful evening which cooled quickly as the sun set.

Eglwyseg climbing

Crag: Twilight Gully Walls, Eglwyseg

Routes: Pentredwr Crack (S 4a:led), Happy Valley (VS 4b:sec), Agay (S 4a:led), Misty Dawn (S 4a:sec), Continental Chocs (VS 4b:led), Volenti (S 4a:sec)
At last, beautiful May weather and the opportunity to do a spot of 'multi-eventing' with a few climbs acting as a warm-up for the evening fell race at Dinas Bran. I hadn't climbed at the Twilight area for years: it is the longest walk-in locally, so probably not the ideal choice before an evening race. But the approach takes in one of the finest sections of the Offa's Dyke path in stunning clarity of light, and the distance means that the crag has an even more tranquil feel than the rest of the valley, with no road beneath. The routes are short and undistinguished, but all very pleasant. I have climbed on the left-hand section a couple of times before, but I had no memory of climbing on the Gully Walls further right. I kicked off with a lead of the very obvious (but slightly hidden) crack immediately right of the large ash tree. I initially thought this was the line of Misty Dawn, but actually it isn't in the guidebook. It has almost certainly been climbed before, but is another useful easy addition to the crag - somewhere between VD and S. It goes up to the tree, then takes the nice clean crack in the corner, pleasant, well-protected and juggy. Pentredwr Crack seems an appropriate name. Vic then led Happy Valley, a mild VS up good solid grey limestone further right, one of the better VS's in the valley. A tricky start leads to nice climbing traversing diagonally rightwards on good holds. I then led Agay, largely because of the name (Frejus and Antibes are its companion routes, all my favourite holiday destinations). This takes the hidden wall behind a large detached tower: gentle climbing to a sapling. Mick joined us as I belayed. Vic led Misty Dawn, a better Severe and the line I had initially tried to follow. This goes to an undercut then an awkward move into a steepish crack taken on good holds. I upped the grade a bit with the obvious crackline taken by Continental Chocs. This is fairly easy to a bridging move which enables a chockstone to be threaded. Above, a distinct crux with a steep move above the chockstone - I had a bit of a wobble when I pulled up on gravel, banging my shins as my foot slipped. Easier above, and we finished with the pleasant slanting groove taken by Volenti: worth a star, one of the better easy climbs in the valley. The weather remained perfect throughout: quite warm as the sun moved round to light the face. A slow amble back to the car, trying to save energy for the race.

Flint Castle-Moel Famau-Cadole run

Running from the shores of the Dee Estuary to the top of Moel Famau sounded like my cup of tea, so I jumped at the chance to join a large group doing just that on Bank Holiday Monday morning. A sort of Trans-Flintshire run, it worked really well despite the rain and wind as a poor April gave way to a cold May. We started inside Flint Castle itself, then ran through the town in the rain, not the most uplifting of starts. From here, a small lane led to the first off-road section through fields, and the rest of the route was largely on small paths using the local knowledge of John Morris. The shallow valley of the Afon Conwy leads to a bridge over the A55 then steeper paths over Rhosesmor which lead eventually to the Halkyn road and very muddy fields down to Rhydymwyn. The route then essentially follows the River Alyn and the leat path before breaking off on a slight detour towards the pump house below Cilcain. I had to get back for lunch, so broke away to run alone up the Cilcain race route up Moel Famau. I pushed the pace a bit to the summit, with mist clearing. Then a long and rather tiring descent to Cadole, making the route 15-16 miles, possibly still feeling the marathon in my legs. A great route, really enjoyable.

Prestatyn Border League

Race: Prestatyn 7k/4.2m (Border League race 7)
Time/Position: 24.37 (15th from 276 [1st V45])
It's not the first time we've had a final border league fixture just three days after London, but tonight's race was intensified by the very tight margins in the V45 category. I had a slender 5 point lead over Rich Webster, who had also done London: so it was a level playing field and the usual friendly competition. After a short loop around the Ffrith, the race went out for a two mile romp along the prom past the Nova Centre. I stuck with Richard for most of this, evenly matched as we have been all season. But I was feeling reasonably good and the legs weren't too painful after the marathon, so I pushed on a bit, then worked my way up the field on the return leg eventually joining a small group of three. There was a headwind as we headed back west, but nothing compared to previous return legs along the same coastal path (45mph on the Rhyl 10 earlier this year, to name but one example!). In the event, I recorded my third best finish of the season to win the V45 category in the league with 105 points, the first time I have won my category in 11 years. A really enjoyable season, closely contested throughout (tonight was also, coincidentally, my 60th Border League race).

London Marathon

Race: London Marathon
Time/Position: 2.55.27 (1265 from 39139)
Very relaxed coming in to this race, my 20th road marathon and 7th London. I had only done three long training runs, so had no expectations at all. I knew I wasn't in PB shape so my only chance at a decent performance was a steady and sustainable pace. To my surprise, I kept this slow and steady pace going throughout, despite the lack of training, probably because I am well trained for the half marathon distance at the moment and was therefore very comfortable until the Isle of Dogs. I also managed to hold down quite a few gels, which is unusual for me. The upshot was that this was perhaps the most enjoyable London I have ever done, save perhaps for the first time I did it in 2001. My splits were very consistent, albeit very slow and conservative! My quickest 5k was 20.34, the slowest was 21.20 - pace was between 4.04km and 4.16km for the entire race. As ever, the highlights were Cutty Sark, then going over Tower Bridge feeling fresh, then Narrow Street. I saw the family at Canary Wharf, around mile 19, which was a boost for the last few miles. My pace slackened a little towards the end, but not much, and the final section down the Embankment towards Big Ben is always very special. A couple of minutes slower than my PB, and at least 10 minutes slower than I should theoretically be able to do, but that requires a more disciplined approach to training than I have managed in the 15 years I've been running marathons! I've long since accepted that marathons will never be my distance, but it was nice to be 20 minutes inside the V45 qualifying time. Always a great day and a great family weekend: and it is even better when you actually enjoy the race.

Moelwyns climbing

Crag: Craig yr Wrysgan, Moelwynion
Routes: Y Gelynen (VD:led p.1), Y Gelynen Direct Finish (S:led), Cave Arete (VD:led), Daufaen (S:led), Honeysuckle Corner (HS 4b:sec)
Shakedown mode today on a series of easy routes, having not climbed trad since last August. The Moelwyns are always ideal for this purpose: crags I have visited many times over the years. It's been a late spring, but this morning was perfection - that rare combination of ideal temperatures and perfect clarity that you sometimes get in April. We went for Craig yr Wrysgan, and I kicked off with the first pitch of Y Gelynen, which I last did in the early 1990s with Tim (and I have a memory we went off route on it, not sure how!). It is a delightful climb on gentle, warm rock. It is rather bold for the grade, but can be protected with a bit of thought. Easy ledges lead out left to the blunt rib itself, which gives lovely climbing on little incut holds to a small nut placement near the eponymous holly: a lovely 30m pitch. We were climbing on a single rope, so I belayed in a little niche under the holly to prevent too much drag. Vic then led up to Y Borfa via a thin crack, then an overlap taken on good holds to a slab. I then led the alternative finish, which I don't think I've done before. Instead of sidling off to the right, it goes up easy shelves to the obvious corner crack which is steep initially with one tricky move to gain bigger holds and easy climbing to the top: improves the route considerably. From the top, we ambled through the interesting industrial landscape to the Upper Tier. I'd never climbed here before: it is a small crag of rough rock, almost like a gritstone outcrop, giving 30-40m routes. I led up the easy Cave Arete at the far left of the crag, above a remarkable quarried cave which we explored first. The route goes on huge holds to a short chimney, with easy bridging to a ledge. I continued up the next arete pitch: slabby and simple, but in a nice position. All very gentle but well worthwhile: a fine combination of routes at a consistent grade. The descent is always a nice and novel feature of this crag, as it takes the old incline through a tunnel. After lunch, we scrambled up to the ledge below the obvious White Streak slab. We've done this before, so I led Daufaen instead. This is a companion route which takes the left side of the slab. A steep initial crack is short-lived but fun, and leads to the first slab. Slightly dirty after winter, with the whole route less travelled than White Streak. Similar though: characterised by easy, enjoyable climbing on classic Moelwyn pocketed slabs. On the bold side, although some blocks at half height give plenty of gear. I continued on through the second pitch, which takes a slightly steeper slab to the ledge of Y Borfa. Fine climbing, again rather bold with cams in pockets and the like. A fine 35m pitch. A delightful sun-drenched belay on the ledge before Vic led through up old favourite Honeysuckle Corner. Slightly awkward in places, but I've done it before and remembered where the holds were! It goes quite easily and is a fine easy bridging pitch. We shot up the combination in around half an hour, then back down through the tunnel for an early finish. Stunning weather throughout.

Mold Border League

Race: Mold 5m (Border League Race 6)
Time/Position: 28.37 (13th from 293 [1st V45])
Almost three months since my last border league fixture, and indeed my last short race - having missed race 5 due to the Panama trip. This gap, combined with recent travels and relative lack of speedwork, meant I was very unsure how I'd get on today. The V45 category could hardly be tighter, with Richard Webster nudging into the lead by one point after the last race. It was a relief, therefore, to feel reasonably good on this very familiar circuit, which I must have done at least 10 times. It is always a tricky one to judge: indeed just last year I blew after the hill to Nercwys and really struggled over the last half. This was better, just kept it steady on the climb, then pushed the pace a bit through Nercwys. Myself and Richard again equally matched, running together for most of the race. I felt OK at the turn back to Mold, so picked up the pace again to catch Jez and others on the undulations before re-entering Mold. Coming into the final mile, I was momentarily 10th, but part of a small group of quick runners that I knew would beat me in a sprint finish. That was indeed the case: I have never had much of a finishing kick and ended up at the back of the group. Still, a great race (and a great league season) with the usual friendly competition, and not too bad a time for this hilly 5 mile course. The category remains very tight: a slender 5 point lead going into the final race, which (as is often the case) is three days after London!

Ca's Catala climbs

Crag: Ca's Catala, Mallorca
Routes: Rama Lama Dindon (f5:led), Bon Profit (f4c:sec), Covas Bros (f5:led), Ebam 2 (f4c:led), Ebam 1 (f4c:sec), El Rey de Bastos (f5c:led), La Virgin del Felpudo (f6a:sec), Makarenko (f5b:led), Aitornillo (f4a:sec)
This was a fairly obvious choice for the airport day, located on the western side of Palma Bay. The unfortunate thing is that it was supposed to come after a shakedown on Friday, then the big mountain day we had planned for Saturday. That didn't happen because of the lost day and tight schedule, but at least we had the two slices of the sandwich, even if we missed out on the filling! This crag has a rather suburban feel, a short walk-in from the resort of Sant Augusti, with some enormous mansions across the small valley. The immediate environment is pleasant with views of the Med from the top of the crag: in fact, the clarity of light was such that we could clearly see Ibiza and Formentera although they are well over 50km away. We did the crag's duo of three-star routes first, longer (20m+) pitches on a slabby rib of rock. Nice climbing, although the f4a struck me as severely undergraded: it was fairly sustained with tricky and quite technical moves to overcome a bulge below the top. The limestone at this crack was rough and unpolished, like shards of glass in places, reminding me of Chateaudouble. Given our total lack of recent climbing, we kept the grades modest again and just went for mileage. Much further left, I led the shorter line of Covas Bros at f5, which took a blunt rib. It went quite easily until a steepish finish on flatter holds. The two lines to its left were strong natural lines - my lead went easily to a deep crack splitting a detached pillar while Vic's was a longer route (20m) taking the obvious groove at the left-end of the crag. Both were enjoyable. We had some lunch, as the cloud had all burnt away to give another incredible day of deep blue skies. The temperature had climbed dramatically and we found ourselves sweating in shirt-sleeves on sun-kissed rock. I upped the grade a tad with a lead of the short but good El Rey de Bastos at 5c. This had reachy moves on pockets to gain a long horizontal undercut. From here, strenuous moves on good, positive holds led up a crack to a steep finish. The 6a to the right was just as good: another athletic and strenuous pitch, getting the blood pumping and forearms working. We both did them cleanly and quickly, before finishing with two short routes and heading to the airport via a quick lunch and a couple of final Mallorcan specialities.

Sa Comuna run

Peak: Sa Comuna (741m)
Area: Sierra de Tramuntana, Mallorca
After five hours climbing at S'Estret, and lunch in Valdemossa, I ran through the town to the hard-to-find GR221 (the 'dry stone way') which traverses the spine of the fabulous Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range in Western Mallorca. After a day of enforced rest yesterday, I had a reasonable amount of energy left after the climbing and was very keen to sample the Mallorcan mountains, albeit extremely briefly! The weather was now absolutely perfect: incredible rain-washed clarity and a light northerly breeze. I ran up through ancient paths to small limestone outcrops and walnut trees, eventually emerging on a small limestone summit plateau. Wonderful views of the deep blue Mediterranean immediately west, Valdemossa below and the higher peaks fringing the town to the north. Those peaks blocked views further north over the Sierra de Tramuntana sadly, but after a fast descent we then drove back through the mountains to Esporles via more beautiful scenery.

S'Estret climbs

Crag: S'Estret, Mallorca
Routes: Zarzamora (f4c:led), Mario Moreno (f5:led), Mario Moreno II (f5:sec), El Culo (f5c:led), Con el Culo al Aire (f5a:sec), Pasion Interminable (f5a:led), Pasion Oculta (f4c:sec), El Imperio Contrataca (f4c:led), El Retorno del Jedi (f5a:sec)
A rather unfortunate start to a very brief (three day) cragging trip to Mallorca, my first ever visit to the Balearics. I arrived just before midnight on the Thursday, met long-staying Vic, and retired to our wonderful converted monastery in Marratxinet. After a good breakfast, the forecast rain began and we lost an entire day to the torrential downpour and icy temperatures. It cleared later in the evening to leave snow on the higher peaks. This morning dawned dry, however, albeit cloudy and cold. Vic was now ill, so we headed to S'Estret above Valdemossa (planned as the shakedown day yesterday). I hadn't touched rock since last August, so kicked off with the lowly graded Zarzamora. Conditions weren't good: damp and cold. But the climb was very nice: an easy slab led to a contrasting slightly overhanging crack, almost a mini-chimney, overcome on huge holds to gain a rest and easy ground to the lower-off. Nice start, still some light rain in the air. The classic Mario Moreno was disappointing: it takes a long 25m+ slab in a good open position with some huge holds, but is very polished and quite unpleasant in these conditions. I found the footwork tricky and the route over-rated and undergraded. Its companion to the left was similar: marble-like polish, reminding me of St Jeannet. The sun came out at midday, at long last, and we moved up to a much better part of the crag, with good views over the valley. Our mini-break now improved dramatically! Vic was not well enough to lead, so I kicked off with El Culo at 5c. This has a fierce move over an overlap at the start, due to a lost hold. Fingery and awkward, but above lies a delightful slab of surprisingly rough dark grey limestone. Padding up this in the sunshine, the rock warming by the second: this is what we come for. The climbing was thought-provoking and sustained, but never difficult, with sharp little incut holds and small cracks. A fine route, as was the f5 crack to its right: much steeper at the start, up a juggy flake crack to gain easier climbing. We had a bite to eat as the temperatures climbed further, enjoying the views over the plains to the east. Further right, I then led Pasion Interminable in glorious sunshine. This was the route of the weekend, unusually varied and interesting throughout. An initial easy slab led to a delicate traverse into a groove. Slightly tricky moves up this to gain a steep but positive crack leading to an upper headwall, slabby again, split by a glorious positive flake crack. A great 100ft pitch. After two more short and polished routes, we retired for a very late al fresco lunch of tostada sopressada and empanadas in Valdemossa. Too soon after this substantial repast, I ran up into the hills above the town.

Kinnerton-Denbigh run

A last ditch attempt to get another (probably final) long run in before my 20th marathon at the end of the month. Unlike last Monday (and the Knighton 20) this went reasonably well, and was an interesting point to point route that I have pondered the feasibility of for some time. I headed off at a steady but reasonable pace, up the long climb through Penymynydd to Buckley, down to Mold, then up through the undulating quiet lanes to Rhydymwyn and Hendre. From here, an awful section of the main Mold-Denbigh road, a definite lowpoint, leads to the familiar steep and long climb up towards Moel Arthur and a merciful release from the traffic. The hill was tough, although easier than it is on the bike, and the weather was delightful: warm spring sunshine and birds singing, early house martins overhead. At the col, I had a gel and got to K's house in time for a family lunch in Denbigh in just over 30 minutes running via Llandyrnog. A smidgeon over 2.5 hours in total.

Glyderau run

Peaks: Y Garn
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
After a fairly unpleasant 18 miler on Easter Monday, I'd recovered with a family walk in bracing spring sunshine up Conwy Mountain yesterday. This morning was similar, and recent weather has been cold enough for reasonable snow cover above 600m, so I left for an early run from Ogwen Cottage. Good running past Twll Du to my solstice campsite at Llyn y Cwn, a decent covering of snow from this point, then up to a misty and very cold Y Garn. Some superb sunbursts over Glyder Fach as I descended. Back in Conwy before 11am.

Panama City run

After flying back to Panama City from David yesterday, I got up very early and headed to Cerro Ancon: a small but isolated hill overlooking the Pacific and Casco Viejo (old town). It is essentially a small slice of preserved rainforest, and gave numerous sloths, toucans and Geoffroy's tamarin (a tiny monkey species) at this time in the morning. The sun rose spectacularly over the Pacific as I sat near the huge Panama flag at the summit. Good views of the canal. I descended to the the Casco Viejo for a classic local breakfast of Hojaldres and Carimanola, then embarked on a walking tour (along with birdwatching along the Pacific mudflats) followed by corvina ceviche for $1.25 at the famous fish market. After a break at the hotel, I ran towards the Parque Natural Metropolitano, a unique slice of rainforest within the boundaries of the city. This was fine until I encountered a six lane highway with no pavement. Must have looked a tad eccentric, running with a small rucsac along a motorway drainage ditch in 34C. Still, I arrived at the park unscathed and spent a couple of hours walking along the longest trails. Too late for any decent birds, but I did see some sloths and enjoyed the scenery of the Mono Titi trail, and fine views of the city from the highpoint. Lower down, the Cienaguita trail offered excellent rainforest scenery. I had always planned to visit early on Wednesday morning so retired to the hotel planning to do just that.

Finca Lerida trails

A wonderful day exploring the trails around the famous coffee plantation of Finca Lerida above Boquete: providing an opportunity to explore a slightly different area of the hinterland. I caught a local bus into the hills, complete with booming salsa and stetson-clad coffee pickers. A few steep hairpins, taken at breakneck pace, and I was deposited at the utterly contrasting tranquility of Finca Lerida. This is a fairly upmarket evolved coffee farm with accommodation and restaurant. But the thing that interested me was the renowned series of footpaths that stretch out across the cloud forest. I spent hours wandering round, eating coffee 'cherries' from the tree, then heading up a steep path to get stripe-tailed hummingbird and other birds. Above, a huge movement of raptors: mainly black vultures but with numerous other species. At least 200 birds. Lower down, I walked a level but raised trail looking out over the canopy. This was fantastic: black-faced solitaires a constant feature (remarkable mournful call), along with many other species. The trail eventually descends to a hidden, and almost dry, waterfall. A violet sabrewing buzzed around this dank habitat, another superb altitude specialist. After several hours, I retired to watch the hummingbirds and tanagers in the beautiful flower gardens, then had a cup of the predictably fine coffee in the upscale restaurant before heading back to Boquete.

Volcan Baru

Peaks: Volcan Baru (3,474m/11,398ft)
Area: Cordillera de Talamanca, Chiriqui, Panama
The highest peak in Panama and a very obvious objective from Boquete: seemingly ideal (if unconventional) marathon training, as it lent itself to a running approach. It is a long way though, 30km up and down over a fairly notable vertical interval, and apparently takes backpackers at least six hours to get up. They usually go up at night then down the next day, so I had the trail almost to myself after getting a taxi to El Salto, the end of the road from Boquete at around 8am. Another beautiful morning, with distant clouds boiling up from the hills towards the Pacific side, framed against coffee plantations. The track is rough and rubbly, surprisingly steep in places, but it does have the virtue of directness and occasionally gives views through the cloud forest. Some good, if intermittent, birdlife enlivened the climb: the near endemic black guan and long-tailed silky flycatcher were especially notable. After around 3k, a couple of fincas were passed - beautiful pastoral farmland with very surprising scenery, felt like I was back home for a while. Higher up, more conventional cloud forest although the weather remained crystal clear - which is obviously very unusual, even at the height of the dry season (as this was). I ran a fair bit of the way, walking the steep sections and jogging where the angle eased a bit. The main concern was water. I'd taken 1.2 litres which I knew would be pushing it, but calculated that it would just about be enough. There wasn't much margin, so I rationed it a bit. Eventually, an obvious spur is reached which gives views of the main peak. Sadly, a sharp descent is then necessary to gain the final climb up the summit. The actual top is along a miniature ridge with a tiny bit of scrambling and exposure: over 2.5 hours to the top from El Salto. Superb views. In theory, you can see the Caribbean and Pacific from the summit. The views east over the giant summit crater spanned the village of Volcan, wispy clouds thousands of feet below the summit, right over to the Caribbean coast. Further north, the cloud forest stretched across to the Costa Rica border (only 20km or so away). The Pacific side was cloudier, as they stretched their tendrils over the low forested ridges on this side of Volcan Baru. The peak is very isolated, it dominates the entire region, so the views are not your typical summit landscapes. Instead, big horizons and a real sense of space is the predominant feeling. After a bite to eat, and some more of the precious water, I set off at a sustainable running pace downhill. This was long, extremely dusty and quite hot, particularly as I got lower. But I covered the ground quite quickly back to the trailhead. Then I just had the problem of getting back to Boquete! I ran out of water 2km from the road, finding a tap at the entrance to the national park: but no water came out, just dust. I continued jogging down the tarmac road, dehydrated now. After a couple of miles (on top of the 30km I had already done!) I met two Ngabe people who showed me a tap near the road. Then, a bit lower, a taxi passed as I gained a road junction so I hopped in that for the few miles back to Boquete. An excellent late lunch of garlic chicken, plantain, rice and beans was a fine way to refuel.

Lost Waterfalls trail (Chiriqui, Panama)

My first proper taste of the cloud forest above Boquete in the Panamanian Highlands. After flying into Panama City, I had taken the bus to David in Chiriqui province. A noisy night in that hot and dusty city, then an early morning bus today up to the relative cool of Boquete in the Chiriqui Highlands. A stunning morning of exceptional dry season clarity: not a cloud in the sky. It was so good I was momentarily tempted to run up Volcan Baru after checking into my hotel. But I resisted the urge and instead got a taxi into the hills where I decided to do this trail more or less on a whim. It was a fine choice, and got me right out into the heart of the cloud forest almost immediately. A little bridge, then steep climbing through the forest past a series of waterfalls. Some great views over the canopy to Volcan Baru, howler monkeys calling and some splendid birds including antbirds and the semi-endemic yellow-thighed finch. The path was surprisingly steep in places, some hauling up lianas and bamboo necessary. But the atmosphere in the dripping and mysterious cloud forest was wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed myself: the third and final waterfall was quite impressive and the first had superb views from the pools above it. Before getting back to the road, I spent some time in a garden near the trailhead, looking out over the flowers and cloud forest as cloud gradually enveloped Volcan Baru. Refuelled with a classic hearty Sancocho.

Knighton 20

Race: Knighton 20 mile
Time/Position: 2.14.11 (33rd from 410)
This was an entirely predictable story of suffering for the last five miles, for which I just hadn't prepared properly. As usual, I am well behind with the marathon training so thought this would at least force me to cover the distance in advance of my trip to Panama. The race is new, replacing the old Stafford 20, and takes three 10km laps of rural roads around the villages of Knighton and Adbaston in Staffordshire (but near the Shropshire border). A lovely spring day, ideal racing conditions of hazy sunshine and cool temperatures. I felt fine for the first two laps, well trained for the half marathon distance at present. But the final lap was always going to be tough, and it was, particularly as there were two fairly long climbs on each lap. I lost a huge amount of time and places: it was as much as I could do to limp towards the finish a full five minutes slower than my PB for the distance (although I think I've only done five road 20 milers).

Wrexham half marathon

Race: Wrexham half marathon
Time/Position: 1.19.25 (5th from 281 [1st V45])
The second Wrexham-based half marathon in three weeks. But unlike the long-established Village Bakery event, this is a more commercial race aimed at a mass field. I'd been surprised at the half marathon three weeks ago to feel relatively comfortable despite lack of recent mileage. So I was reasonably optimistic today, especially with the cool and fairly still conditions: there seemed a chance I might get close to my pb of 1.17. In the event, I was a rather baffling 16 seconds slower than three weeks ago, despite the fact that I felt quite comfortable. May have been a case of starting too conservatively, or possibly the rather hilly nature of the course at the far end as it heads out to the east. At around the nine mile point, I started to feel strong and confident about the pace, presumably a result of the slow start. A good quick finish through housing estates and back into the centre of Wrexham with some decent crowd support. It was hard to assess position, as the marathon was taking place at the same time, but I realised I was a fair way up the field despite the slow pace: lucky to finish first in my age category and fifth overall.

Clwyd Gate - English Border

A nice long run to begin marathon training in earnest. Dropped off at Clwyd Gate above Ruthin, I fashioned a route towards the English border using a combination of familiar paths and minor roads. Initially, I took the OD path in pleasant sunshine (hindered by a cold eastern wind, which was somewhat ironic after last Sunday's westerly battering at the Rhyl 10). This leads very pleasantly to the Druid race route, through the woods then down to Llanferres. From here, a hidden cycle path goes towards Loggerheads. Then pavement for the climb to Gwernymynydd and down to a busy Mold town centre. Another climb through Buckley, then down to Penyffordd and Higher Kinnerton. It took a certain amount of willpower to keep going towards the Cheshire border at Lower Kinnerton, but I felt OK and looped back round to my house in around 1.50.

Rhyl 10

Race: Rhyl 10 mile (Welsh Championships)
Time/Position: 1.02.18 (15th from 550 [1st V45])
It was clear from early morning that this race was going to be badly affected by the 45mph westerly gusts sweeping across North Wales. An easy first half was inevitably going to be followed by a monumental battle heading back to Rhyl into the teeth of the gale: continually exposed along the seaside path and therefore relentless. I was four minutes down on my PB for the distance, but that felt fine in the circumstances. The race is good, well organised, and was selected for the Welsh 10 mile championships this year. I felt I had a decent combination of speed and endurance at the moment, and quite like the distance although I haven't done many 10 milers over the years - just six or seven races maybe. The first five miles - along the seafront, past the Nova centre then a loop around the edge of Prestatyn, flowed as easily as expected with the tailwind. Went through five miles in 28 mins dead, then started to pick up a few places. It was obviously crucial to save some strength for the return, and I felt OK as the full force of the wind hit at the Nova Centre. Tactics were needed! So I made a special effort to catch two runners in front, a draining effort, but as I'd hoped we started to work a bit as a mini-peloton into the wind. There really is no hiding place on this stretch of coastline, so although I've done many fell races in far windier conditions than this, it is particularly draining and time sapping on a road race. The other two pulled away with 200m to go: as usual I was only able to keep to my usual plodding pace, but I just managed to stay ahead of faster finishing runners in my category to finish first V45 in the race and Welsh championships.

Village Bakery half marathon

Race: Village Bakery half marathon, Wrexham (North Wales Championships)
Time/Position: 1.19.09 (37th from 1016)
Back to this old course for the sixth or seventh time: fortunately there were no problems this year with confused marshals (2014) or angry farmers (2012)! Perfect conditions this morning, which was lucky as I was recovering from a very bad cold and knew I didn't have sufficient distance in my legs having prioritised short races over winter. I took the only possible approach, which was a steady 6 minute/mile pace. Started off in a little group with Chris from Buckley, running the first short four mile loop at about 5.45 pace, which I deemed a bit too quick for me at the moment. I dropped the pace slightly, down to 6 minute pace, glad of the crisp, clear conditions as the route heads out into the quiet lanes towards the border. I needed a couple of gels but was rather surprised to feel relatively comfortable after going through 10 miles just under the hour. Ended up 90 seconds slower than my PB (recorded on this course three years ago), which was satisfying in the circumstances. And although I was well off the pace in the Veterans categories (a very strong field), I did win the V45 category in the North Wales Half Marathon Championships - to go alongside the V40 title won on the same course in 2013.

Rhug Cross Country

Race: North Wales XC Championships, Rhug, Corwen (11k)
Time/Position: 40.35 (8th from 43 [2nd V45])
Having missed the cross-country championships for the last two years, it was nice to be able to turn out again, particularly on the excellent Rhug course which is tough and enjoyable. A stiff, cold north-westerly blew a few sleet showers in and made hard work of the long return leg on each lap, with the ground underfoot inevitably rather boggy in places. In essence, the route takes four big loops of the hilly terrain on Lord Newborough's land north of the A5. One sharp climb, one stream crossing and several bumps and humps keep things interesting. Small field, so after the first lap significant gaps opened out at the front of the field. A nice outing, with Buckley winning both the team prize and the veteran's prize, with three counters (Jez, me, Eric). A challenging prize giving: outside, in a shower of horizontal hail and sleet!

Abergele Border League

Race: Abergele 5m (Border League Race 4)
Time/Position: 28.18 (15th from 334 [2nd V45])
As is often the case with this race, which heads in a westerly direction along the seafront, we had a bit of a headwind for the first couple of miles. As a result, an unusually big group formed at the front, and the pace stayed quite comfortable until the quicker runners broke away before the turn leaving the rest of us to hang on as best we could. I've always quite enjoyed this course, with its twists and turns through the caravan site before a flat out finish with a slight tailwind. First V45 in the standings at the moment, but a lot can happen in the last three races!

Carneddau circuit

Peaks: Llwytmor, Foel Fras, Yr Aryg
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
There is a reason that the obvious horseshoe around Cwm yr Afon Goch isn't more popular, and that's the awful initial slog up Llwytmor. I had a very limited amount of time available today, so started very early and just drove to Aber and started running. This wasn't the ideal choice, as there was superb snow cover in Ogwen and far less towards the coast. But it did mean that I gained ground very quickly, taking the 1000m peaks race route through the woods and scree above Aber Falls to gain the tight cwm above. From here I slogged straight up the hill to emerge north of Llwytmor. The snow level was quite distinct and some freeze-thaw had occurred. Snow gullies would have been nice today, although I broke through the crust from time to time: just wearing fell running shoes and carrying my mini-spikes which remained in the sac. On the summit, the stunning conditions really kicked in. Deep blue cloudless sky, crisp untouched snow stretching in all directions: the northern Carneddau take on an Arctic Tundra feel in these circumstances. The snow was crisp enough to be runnable, and it was truly superb across the sharp valley to the climb up Foel Fras. Deep drifts towards the summit, and even better views out to Llywellyn. I looped round the lip of Cwm yr Afon Goch before descending - breaking through the crust with tedious, tiring regularity. Good running back to Aber.

Shining Tor run

Conditions in the Peak today made yesterday's outing look benign. Howling wind and driving sleet as we headed up into the moors from near the Cat and Fiddle. Last night's convivial warmth of Hartington Hall and village pubs seemed a distant memory the instant we set foot on the open moor and ploughed up to the top of Shining Tor, the day's highpoint (and the highest point in Cheshire). This was quick and painless as most of it takes laid stone flags, avoiding the worst of the boggy conditions. Windy, wet and cold at the summit: the rain much heavier than yesterday. Still, a really enjoyable run led down the laid stones to the road above Windgather. From here we headed below a spur on a great, gently descending path down towards Errwood. A sheltered valley allowed for some map reading, and we then took the long contouring tracks back up the shoulder that runs down from the Cat and Fiddle. Frozen feet and soaking clothes as we got back to the car, an all-too-familiar feeling from hundreds of similar outings.

Roaches run

A very 'mini' mini-break in the Peak District. Not much more than 24 hours, characterised by constant filthy weather: but enjoyable despite this drawback. Vic had already stayed in the excellent Hartington Hall YHA and suggested it might make a nice base for some easy climbing. That was never on the cards, as rain fell for the entire weekend, but we are nothing if not flexible so packed the running kit and did two variants on famous fell race routes. Sadly we didn't get to Meerbrook (the start of the Roaches fell race) until 2pm, so had a limited window in which to do 11-12 miles across the moors in appalling conditions. The slog over the fields towards the Roaches was dire: just endless cloying bog. A farmyard had been wired by the farmer, giving Vic an electric shock and me a mild one from the wall itself: this despite the public right of way. More bog led to the road and the climb up to the Roaches ridge. I've climbed here a couple of times and done a few of the classic routes, but it was streaming and horrible today. Once we were on the ridge, excellent running followed, really enjoyable in the wind and rain: grit crags looming from the mist. The trig point is well over 500m and the air temperature was just above freezing. From here, solid paving stones led to the road and the continuation of the ridge taken by the race. This was soggy and cold, but rather enjoyable. Every step was aquatic, and although I'd wanted to drop down to Lud's Church, we chose to head into woods above the river Dane where we emerged on the road at Danebridge and the Cheshire border (familiar from the Cheshire Cat sportive I think). A long road plod led back via various lanes to Meerbrook, completing a satisfying 11-12 miles loop with the tiniest glimmer of daylight remaining, and earning us a pie and pint in Hartington later on.

Bowstones fell race

Race: Bowstones fell race (11km/1063ft)
Time/Position: 46.58 (13th from 345 [3rd V40])
My 42nd race of 2015 and a splendid way to round off the year. A big field for a fell race, hardly surprising given the accessible location: it starts at Higher Poynton on the edge of Greater Manchester, at the exact point the urban landscape gives way to the Peak District. A stampede led up the narrow lane over the scenic canal (memories of the equally crowded and manic Burbage Skyline), and this lane then sets the tone for the race: very runnable and fast, more like a trail race in places. A rough track gave way to tarmac on the edge of Lyme Park, then through woods before the main climb gained the open moorland beyond. But it was all runnable up to the highpoint at the Bowstones. Great views over the whole of Greater Manchester and beyond from the next section: a level ridgeway on top of the hill. An excellent muddy descent followed down to woodland. Emerging from this via a stile, another soggy descend led down to the Cage Tower. Round this, then past the main mansion to a fast finish down roads and tracks. I wasn't quick enough to catch the two runners immediately in front but had a good minute gap on those behind. An excellent blast and a great race, particularly nice to have a brief window of sunshine: our small band of clubmates all enjoyed it and we recovered with a quick drink in the crowded Boar's Head race HQ.

Siabod walk

Peaks: Moel Siabod
Area: Moelwynion, Eryri
Our traditional post-Christmas ramble. But whereas last year Rich and I had enjoyed superb conditions on the Carneddau: deep snow and crisp blue skies, this year the exceptionally mild and wet weather has continued for weeks. Today was no exception, although it was at least dry. We headed up the steep road towards the quarries and Llyn y Foel. Weird light: a blanket of high grey cloud over brown hills. We avoided the notoriously boggy section near the lake by contouring the cwm a little higher up, then joining the Ddaear Ddu ridge at mid-height. A little scramble in high winds led to the windy summit by 10am (we'd made an early start as we both needed to be back early). After a bite to eat, we descended to Capel Curig (via the Siabod race route) back to the forest and a pleasant walk back along the valley. This loop really makes the most of Siabod; I think we last did it 5 or 6 years ago in a virtual white-out with waist deep drifts around Llyn y Foel!

Deeside 5k handicap

Race: Deeside 5k (Christmas handicap)
Time: 17.29
Two race options today: either the Jubilee Plunge from Moel Famau to Llangynhafal, or this informal handicap event round a variant of the Deeside border league course near Hawarden Bridge. I've done the Plunge a few times, and enjoy it, but it takes days for my quads to recover from 12 minutes of eccentric movement and flat-out downhill running. So, I went for John Earlston's handicap: a great idea and very well organised. As ever, the main challenge of a handicap race is keeping a sustainable pace and not getting hypnotised by the challenge of catching the runners in front. The obvious danger is starting too fast in an attempt to catch those in front: and this is exactly what I did! Started to blow after 1km or so, so dropped back a bit and just tried to maintain the same pace over the rest of the loop through the industrial estate and back to the riverside cycle path. I finished 11th from 22 in the handicap, exactly mid-table, which suggests that John's handicap for me was bang on despite my rather slow time. Felt sluggish and heavy throughout, but it was an excellent session which must have burnt off a bit of the Christmas pudding. Sunny and very mild throughout.

Carneddau run

Peaks: Drum
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
The best day in an awful week of weather, but even with some welcome sunshine our chosen route was badly wind-affected. The plan was to do the Foel Fras race route from the coast, so we (Vic, Emma and David from Denbigh Harriers) trotted up the steep road from Aber to the base of Foel Dduarth under blue skies. We had an excellent tailwind for the gradual climb up to the top of Drum, but the wind was so fierce at the summit that it was all we could do to dive into the cairn and get all our spare clothes on. The onward route would have been horrendous into the teeth of the gale in these boggy conditions, so instead we enjoyed an exciting and quick descent down to Llyn Anafon: picking a good line through the tussocks. I'd been glad of the relatively gentle pace as I'd done a 10 mile tempo run the day before; but we upped the pace for the superb track that leads down Cwm Anafon back to Aber. Probably around 10 miles again, by the time you get back to the A55. On this day exactly two years ago, we did the same route but were beaten back from the path to Anafon by some of the fiercest gusts I can ever remember.

Corndon Classic fell race

Race: Corndon Classic, Shropshire (6m/1850ft)
Time/Position: 50.58 (26th from 123 [4th V45])
These lovely hills are tucked away in classic border country, not far from Welshpool and Montgomery. The race makes a brilliant little pre-christmas outing and, although not feeling great after slightly too much beer the night before, I really enjoyed it. The field was bigger than expected, and probably a lot bigger than the tiny Shropshire hamlet of Priest Weston can handle. I was happy just staying mid-pack as the race has a steep start up a little lane which leads to a slippery and very steep field of mud. A short level section leads to the main steep climb up Corndon itself, which dominates this corner of Shropshire at over 500m. After weeks of heavy rain, and some showers this morning, a little sunny interval allowed for great views over the Stiperstones in one direction and mid-Wales in the other. I've cycled around the Stiperstones and Long Mynd in the past, and done a good few Shropshire fell races: but these immediate valleys were new to me. Really struggled on the climb, feeling very slow and sluggish, but perked up a bit for the fast grassy descent down to Corndon Cottage, with a great view of the border country all around. I felt much better on a long road section which led to the short, sharp climb up the hill of Roundton, but I still couldn't generate any speed at all. A steep descent to a boggy XC section along the stream of the Pant, then doubling back round via a long tarmac climb to Cowlton. From here superb grassy tracks with great views led to the last climb up Lan Fawr and a tricky descent down the very slippery and muddy opening hill above the village (which has an excellent cosy pub, the Miner's Arms, in which to recuperate.)

Caernarfon border league

Race: Caernarfon 10k (Border League race 3)
Time/Position: 36.01 (13th from 262 [1st V45])
It's taken a long time, but I finally came first in my age category in this: my 57th border league race. Numerous second places over the years, but the absence of several key runners meant we all finished much higher up the field than in the first two fixtures of this season. By pure coincidence, we were staying on Anglesey (just like we were when I ran the Anglesey Half Marathon in March), so it was all very convenient. Yesterday, Beaumaris had been under water as floods swept the region. Today, the worst of the rain had cleared and only a few patches of lying water gave a clue to the intensity of yesterday's downfall. We ran the route in reverse, which I've never done before (although I must have done the normal route 6 or 7 times). I think it's slightly easier this way round: up the steep hill opposite the castle, then the undulations through the inland villages. This just leaves the final flat 5k along the lovely riverside path: completely flat. The expected tailwind seemed to have morphed into a crosswind by the time we got there though, which meant times were a little slower than might have been hoped for. I paced the race quite well, moving through the field, and had thought I was just under 36 minutes. Slightly over in the end, but still felt like an enjoyable and encouraging race.

Mold XC

Race: Mold XC (North Wales Cross Country League, race 3: 5.5m)
Time/Position: 34.58 (27th from 167 [3rd V45])
I've done some muddy races in my time but this really was up there: it's been a while since I experienced a quagmire quite this bad, not since Ras Beca perhaps. I had around 19 hours to recover from last night's Dash but didn't feel too bad, possibly because the wind and icy rain had numbed all the pain in my limbs. Despite shivering at the start, I really enjoyed the race: a classic XC course around the Alyn playing fields, presumably replacing the Wrexham fixture that is usually on this date. I always miss the first two races of the league, so never count overall, but do enjoy it on the rare occasion I can turn out (and Buckley veterans are top of the league at the moment). This was four big laps, over ground that had already been churned up by the ladies and juniors. Just for good measure, more windblown heavy rain fell as we ran. As a result it was cloying mud of varying intensity the whole way round, with one fast descent and a couple of short climbs. By the final lap, the mud was very thick in places making for draining running.

Dash in the Dark

Race: Dash in the Dark, Llandegla (race 1: 6.5k)
Time/Position: 28.23 (3rd from 88 [1st Veteran])
It is hardly surprising that these night time winter fell races, 1000ft up in the woods above Llandegla, are often characterised by bad weather. Tonight it was classic bracing conditions of wind and driving rain, extremely soft, nay aquatic underfoot. Over the years we've had snow, gales, torrential rain, all sorts. I really enjoy the races: don't know how many of them I've done, but it must be well over 10, going back to when they started in 2006 or so. A decent field set off into the darkness, wind and rain: I kept a steady but conservative pace ticking over, holding back a bit at first. After around a mile comes the nasty descent where I injured myself quite badly on the opening race last year. I took my time, picking a route through the tree roots and mud, and found myself in third place on the steep climb that follows. There I stayed, well behind the two young leaders but with a reasonable gap on those chasing. The torches were always there behind though, so I pushed on a bit on the firmer tracks around the lake which lead to a very steep descent through the trees. Great fun, as ever, with £1 soup to warm up with.

Penmaenmawr fell race

Race: Penmaenmawr fell race (10m/2000ft)
Time/Position: 1.22.17 (12th from 195)
It's strange how often times are almost exactly the same on frequently entered races, even if appearances are a few years apart. I haven't done this race for three years, yet was literally one second slower today than in 2012. Must have done the race at least seven times - always a very enjoyable, and very runnable, loop around Tal y Fan. I still think of the modern route as being 'the wrong way round' although it's been run anti-clockwise for a good few years now. Not a typical fell race, the steepest climb comes at the start out of Capelulo, then it's steadily uphill until the checkpoint above the quarry. A cold northerly wind blew throughout, but the sun was out, and in our face for the long and arduous crossing of the very boggy terrain leading to Bwlch y Ddaefaen (went too far right here, wasting half a minute). The Carneddau had a nice covering of snow, with a little underfoot for the return leg via Cae Coch. Felt reasonably strong into the headwind, with the usual fantastic sea views, but couldn't quite catch the group in front, who remained tantalisingly out of reach just in front. The final descent down the narrow and steep donkey path is always a particularly enjoyable aspect of this race!

Birkenhead border league

Race: Birkenhead 5.5m (Border League race 2)
Time/Position: 32.03 (24th from 370 [2nd V45])
'Wet leaves on the course', or perhaps 'the wrong kind of leaves' were my feeble excuses for recording my slowest ever time for this course today. Another record field today for these narrow parkland paths. I usually enjoy this course because I like the park, even though it's four laps. The peculiar thing is that I felt reasonably good, didn't feel like I was running particularly slowly, yet ended up almost a minute down on my best times for the course (which I must have done at least 8 times). Well outside the top 20 again, only one place up on the first race of the season.

Bochlwyd Horseshoe

Peaks: Tryfan, Glyder Fach
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
An attempt to set a time for this old favourite circuit, something of a scrambling classic on which we cut our mountaineering teeth as teenagers in the late 80s. A truly stunning spell of autumnal weather: indeed, the UK's November temperature record was broken in Trawscoed yesterday (22.3C). Fog at home this morning, but Ogwen was bathed in sunshine as I set off for the Heather Terrace. I decided to do a bit of a variant on the classic circuit, by using a route on the sun-drenched East Face to make it a bit longer and more interesting. I jogged most of the way up, using various short cut paths to get to the broad gully which gains the terrace. Very slippery underfoot, which slowed progress. But the rock in Little Gully (my chosen route) was warm and dry: allowing for a very quick ascent. I've been up and down this many times before, and it gives a nice route with fine rock scenery and views of the classic climbs. I curved right towards the top of North Gully then weaved up little variants to the summit in 45 minutes from the A5. I had the top of Tryfan to myself (a rare treat these days). From here, a mixture of running and scrambling down the South Ridge to the base of Bristly. It's been years since I last did this (although we did some of the classic rock climbs on Bristly's East Face a few years ago, and I probably did the scramble 10 times in my youth). Instead of the normal start up Sinister Gully, I took the excellent clean groove further left. This gives fine sustained scrambling and was much drier than Sinister today. From here, I stuck to the crest over Great Tower Gap (where the excellent HS climb finishes) and up to the Glyder plateau. Stunning clarity of light with great views over Castell y Gwynt to Yr Wyddfa beyond. All of Eryri crystal clear, with banks of fog beyond. I ran over the plateau, then down Y Gribin for the final piece of mild rock action: along the crest to good running down to Bochlwyd then Ogwen and the car. Just under 2.25 for the round.

Abergele 5m

Race: Abergele 5m (North Wales Championships)
Time/Position: 28.59 (10th from 200 [2nd V45])
There is something strange about this excellent race. I must have done the event 6 or 7 times: it is always sunny, and I record almost exactly the same time every single year (28.51 in 2011, 28.51 in 2012, 28.57 in 2013, 28.59 in 2015). However, that very gradual decline, losing a couple of seconds a year, cost me today as I missed out on the category win by 4 seconds! I had a feeling the Wilmslow runner in front of me was my age, and spent the entire race trying to catch him. Almost managed it, but not quite, although I did have the consolation of first place in the North Wales Championships. It's a slightly tricky race to pace, as you have to go off fast on the long hill to St George but you also need to retain a little something for the sharp hill at three miles - after which comes a fast run-in to the finish. It's never likely to be a PB course due to the hills, but is always enjoyable.

British Fell Relays

Race: British fell relay championships, Pendle, Lancashire (Leg 2, 15k+/800m)
Time/Position: 1.22.52 (64th from 150)
Our fifth time at this excellent team event, one of the most enjoyable on the calendar. As usual, we struggled to get a six-man team together, but a last minute intervention by Peter saved the day. The venue this year was the delightful village of Barley, under Pendle Hill, a place we knew quite well after doing the Tour of Pendle in 2011. This famous race had taken us round every inch of the massif, so we had some prior knowledge of the route. I was on the long pairs leg (for the fourth time: never with the same partner). This year, I ran with Andy P and we set off from the windswept start above the village after evergreen Pete Roberts ran a fine first leg. We were outside the top 100 when we started, very similar to the long leg in Cumbria last year when Steve T and myself were able to move through the field a bit. After the initial descent down to the valley of Ogden Clough, Andy and I started picking up places. We picked the pace up for the long and boggy haul along the Spence Moor ridge, which led to a steep descent down Howcroft Brook, terrain I remembered from the Tour. An arbitrary and very steep climb followed, before a descent back down to the valley! Then came a very long pull over awkward terrain (with some tricky route finding) to pick up the little path at the top of Ogden Clough, then the flagged route to the stony 'Big End' summit of Pendle itself. This was excellent: we worked well together at a good pace and continued to pass teams the whole way. I remembered the descent to the south well, it is fast, long and exciting. We handed over to Dave and Huw having made up more than 40 places, and Peter continued the good work on a tough final leg. The sun began to peek through the clouds as we descended to the village for our post-race chilli.

Capenhurst border league

Race: Capenhurst 5m (Border League race 1)
Time/Position: 28.31 (25th from 380 [4th V45])
The first race of the season always tends to be the most competitive, and as this was the biggest field ever recorded in the league, it seemed likely this would be the case again today. So it proved, with a very fast start heading out from Capenhurst into the lanes. The course had been adjusted from the one familiar from previous years to a slightly shorter course measuring an exact five miles. I felt reasonably good for the first lap, on roads I have raced many times, but faded a little on the second. I finished well behind several runners that I was ahead of in the recent Wirral series, and generally felt a tad disappointed with the run, around half a minute down on the time I'd hoped for (I'd hoped to get close to my pb of 27.57). Still, nice to get started on the new season in a new category.

Arenig walk

Peaks: Arenig Fawr, Arenig South Top
Area: Arenig, Eryri
A nice spell of high pressure and a brief window, so Rich and I headed off for a ramble up Arenig Fawr. I parked at the quarry and jogged back to the track up to the lake. Annoyingly, it was the cloudiest day for some time, but a little sunshine peeked through as we trotted up the ridge above Y Castell. Milky sunshine made lunch on the summit warm and pleasant, and we continued along the ridge to the south for a bit before dropping down into Cwm Amnodd to complete a pleasant loop.