Idwal climbs

Crag: Idwal Quarry (Ogwen)
Routes: Toasted Teacake Crack (VD:sol/sh), Toasted Teacake Slab (VD:sol/sh)
After breakfast, it was still only 6am, so I did a couple of short routes in the scruffy little gorge near Ogwen cottage. Pleasant, with the sunshine lighting the top half of the slab. Several variations on the slab to the right of the crack, trying to avoid the jugs. A bit of bouldering on the nearby Idwal Cottage Crag, including the three V1s, and it was time to drive to work.

Foel Goch

Peaks: Foel Goch/Nameless Peak
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
Having watched the sun setting at 10pm last night, I thought it would be nice to see it rise. This, for me, is the key to a good midsummer camp: uninterrupted views to the east and west. To combine that with a bit of shelter from the wind, and proximal running water, is unusual - which is why this site has been on my mind for some time. It was a very peaceful night, with light breezes gently rustling the tent and only the distant trickle of a stream. I was woken by a very early skylark, a delightful way to rise, so had a cup of coffee in my sleeping bag before running to the nearby summit of Foel Goch to watch the sun rise, dark red, above Llyn Cowlyd and Pen Llithrig y Wrach: memorable, and still well before 5am. Amazing clarity of light for distant views over the Irish Sea and Lancashire coast. I jogged down and sat on a natural rock chair to watch the early sun illuminate the east face of Tryfan as a raven cronked, as if greeting the first rays. After packing up, I ran straight down Bwlch Tryfan and Ogwen back to the car, where I had some porridge before doing a couple of climbs.

Glyderau scramble and wildcamp

Peaks: Tryfan
Routes: Y Gully (M:sol), Noodle Groove (D:sol)
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
A magical overnight trip in perfect conditions, started late on a Sunday afternoon with all of Ogwen to myself. After a father's day lunch, I didn't set off until almost 5pm, heading straight up towards the upper end of the West Face of Tryfan with temperatures in the high 20s and not a cloud in the sky. I am gradually ticking off the routes on the West Face, none of which will ever be popular, but by judicious combinations the scrambling is almost as continuous as it is on the vastly more popular East. I'm not sure I'd ever bother coming here with a partner, but on a solo day its relaxed and exploratory vibe is perfect. I had full overnight kit, tent and stove, so needed to select my route carefully: I went for Y Gully, a very obvious line visible from most of Ogwen. The long and gentle stream bed/shallow gully leads directly into this line, which is characterised by three large chockstones. These look innocuous from below, but are slightly problematic, and the route is far better and more enjoyable than I'd expected. Good scrambling up clean rock leads to a runnel leading left over the second chockstone, then excellent and surprisingly steep rock, festooned with jugs, on the left of the third obstacle leads to a clean rib. I picked my way satisfyingly up the rest of the face to the North Tower, taking a line parallel to Notch Arete (another fine mountaineering route, done with John B a few years ago). By weaving around, this is rock the whole way up. Wonderful views from a deserted Tryfan summit: the clarity of light was, if anything, even better than from Arenig Fawr yesterday. I jogged down the South Ridge to Bwlch Tryfan, then along the contouring line which I'd used to good effect on the Rab Mountain Marathon, to reach my chosen campsite by Llyn Caseg Fraith. I have had this filed away for years as an ideal camping location, and it was nice to finally sample it: a superb spot and a truly magical campsite in this weather. Virtually no wind, cloudless skies, and as near to the midsummer solstice as to make no difference. The only real issue is that it is a rather boggy area, but I pitched on a raised platform - completely dry - then had a pleasant evening meal before doing some bouldering on the obvious juggy crag below the lake on the Ogwen side, complete with a perfect 'Diff' groove up the centre (which I christened Noodle Groove - because that's what I'd just eaten). A wonderful few hours passed, as the light changed constantly and the sun dropped between Tryfan and Bristly Ridge, just as I had hoped it would. Nobody was around, just the odd skylark and raven for company. After the sun dropped, the sky turned purple and, eventually, I turned in to read the 'review'.

Arenig walk

Peaks: Arenig Fawr
Area: Arenig, Eryri
The first time for many years that Kate and I have been hillwalking as a couple. As such, it felt like the bittersweet beginning of a new era (although perhaps the children will finally come round to it one day!). After this morning's Parkrun, the day developed into a glorious midsummer afternoon. We headed up the track via Llyn Arenig Fawr, the bothy and the ridge, with a perfect cooling breeze to keep it comfortable. Superb clarity of light, with views to Cader Idris and Plynlimon, as well as Central Snowdonia, from the summit. After a relaxed lunch on the top, we headed down the fence line to the quarry but skirted the steep gully after both Kate's soles came off her boots (an indication of the length of the hillwalking gap!). I ran back to collect the car.

Chester Parkrun

"Race": Chester Parkrun (5k)
Time/Position: 17.58 (2nd from 247 [1st V45])
The ultimate contrast with Ennerdale this time last week. The hottest day of the year and a flat, fast 5k. I haven't done any speedwork for several months, so expected to struggle, and did. The heat didn't help much, but at least the suffering is short lived and it is, after all, only a 'timed run'! My last Parkrun here was in torrential rain on April Fool's day, and the elements were against us again today but in a very different way: the heat was already building - well into the mid 20s - as we set off as usual at 9am. Elliot from Buckley took the lead, and I tried to stay with him as long as I could. He finished a few seconds ahead, and I struggled a bit over the cross-country section on the second lap. A valuable speed session, however, and a Parkrun PB (by 3 seconds) for me: although still over a minute slower than my 5k PB!

Ennerdale Horseshoe

Race: Ennerdale Horseshoe fell race (37k/8000ft/AL)
Time/Position: 6.13 (27th from 50)
Peaks: Great Borne (616m), Red Pike (755m), Green Gable (801m), Kirk Fell (802m), Pillar (892m), Scoat Fell (802m), Haycock (797m), Caw Fell (690m), Iron Crag (640m), Crag Fell (523m)
Almost a carbon copy of last year's Wasdale Horseshoe, in that we arrived in calm conditions on Friday afternoon, awaiting an accurately forecast unseasonal depression that arrived in good time for the notoriously arduous race. As a result, the event just became a survival mode plod, one of many I have participated in over many years (I don't really feel an urgent need to add more to the list!). This always makes for a memorable and enjoyable experience, and it was particularly so this year as all four of us did the majority of the horseshoe together and crossed the finish line at the same time. Waves lapped the shores of Ennerdale as we set off in high winds and driving rain. The initial climb up Herdus steepens continually and is very sharp at the top: from here, easier ground leads to the rockier summit of Great Borne, by now completely exposed to the full force of the wind. This remained an arduous headwind most of the way up Red Pike. I knew the rest of this ridge to an extent, but always lack the in-depth knowledge I have in Snowdonia. Indeed, I lost my nerve when following the racing line below High Stile on the Ennerdale side in thick mist, driving rain and a headwind, and myself and Jez climbed back onto the ridge through tricky scree: we did skirt the summits successfully though, avoiding both High Stile and High Crag to emerge on the scree run leading down to Scarth Gap along paths that were now torrents of running water. Despite missing the summits, and getting a good skirting line round the confusing and lumpy terrain of Haystacks, we still lost time over this section. From Scarth Gap, contouring leads to a steep climb up a fence line to emerge at Innominate Tarn - bleak rather than scenic in this weather - then down across a deep river crossing to the Blackbeck Tarn checkpoint. I was last here during the Rab in 2014, shirt off in glorious September sunshine! The next leg, to Green Gable, struck me as being the trickiest navigation on the route, so it was quite pleasing to get it more or less bang on. We caught up with Andy and Hayley (they had taken a better line over High Stile) then contoured round below some crags to pick up Moses Trod and hit the col below Green Gable without losing or gaining any height (I now had map and compass out the whole time). The weather remained appalling, but I had a bite to eat and began to feel more optimistic about our prospects as we descended from Green Gable and went our separate ways again. Jez and I dropped down to Windy Gap and traversed Great Gable to the north before taking a very direct (probably too direct) line right up the front of Kirk Fell. This was too far north up very steep mobile scree and small crags but still brought us out at the plateau and double summit of Kirk Fell - rather confusing in the mist (and possibly only the second time I've ever been up Kirk Fell) although the rain was at last beginning to get slightly lighter. The wind was at its worst, however, almost identical to the Wasdale race last year as we descended the very steep and rocky north-west ridge to Black Sail Pass. Wet rock and high winds made this tricky and demanded care. The climb up Pillar from here is very long, but was quite enjoyable, and not too windy until we approached the summit. We had gathered a few more runners around us, depending and Andy and I for the navigation for one last tricky section south-west from Pillar to Wind Gap then, staying cautious over the summit of Scoat Fell to finally pick up the wall leading to Haycock. Finally, it was possible to relax a bit although the run-in is very long, over Haycock, Caw Fell and Iron Crag: still misty, although the rain was beginning to ease and the terrain is kind underfoot, grassy, and this is the real difference with Wasdale, which obviously climaxes on Scafell Pike. So, although Ennerdale is longer, indeed the longest traditional fell race in the UK, it is probably true to say that it is a tad easier than Wasdale. The forest below the final low summit, Crag Fell, has now been cleared so the ascent route was a tad confusing initially: we took the obvious small path and dibbed the final checkpoint before the final, indirect descent back to the Scout Hut. The weather, ironically enough, began to clear (although we were much lower by now) and we finally got a view of Ennerdale! A series of waterfalls led to a section through conifers, then a meeting with Jos Naylor, before the final run to the finish line, which we crossed together. Lots of drop-outs and non-starters: another memorable outing.

Pontesford climbing

Crag: Pontesford Rocks (Shropshire)
Routes: Oak Tree Wall Direct (HVD:led), Finale Groove (VS 4a,4b:sec), The Notch (S:sec), Wall End Climb (VD:led), West Crack (M:solo), Right-Hand Route (VD:led), Awaken (VS 5a:sec), Wall End Slab Direct p.2 (S:led)
With rain scheduled to sweep in from the west, a change to the usual routine was in order: so we headed east, to Shropshire, well away from normal stamping grounds but only an hour's drive for me. I know the Shropshire hills quite well for running, having done most of the classic fell races, but the majority of these are centred on Church Stretton. Pontesford sits above an even more tranquil valley, and is a truly delightful location. The climbing is not the best, perhaps, but the routes are pleasant enough and the aspect is worth the trip on its own. After a lot of recent rain, the valley below Earl's Hill was verdant and the skies were blue and the air crisp, with great clarity for the distant views to the Wrekin, Caer Caradoc and the Stiperstones. I set off up Oak Tree Wall for an aperitif, taking the main sweep of slabby rock (igneous - a rather smooth version of Welsh granite, running to flat holds and generally easy-angled). A tricky start over an overlap led to big flat holds then a rising traverse left to avoid the big ledge and keep the route continuous. We then adopted an interchangeable approach to routes further right. Vic led the first pitch of Finale Groove, which is a one move wonder from an inset slab over an edge to gain a bigger, easy slab. We were both initially baffled by the upper groove, so finished up The Notch, a slight thrutch with an unusual use of the posterior facilitating progress. Back at the bottom of the same slab, I led up Wall End Climb before Vic finished up Finale Groove, coming in from the right this time. A satisfying technical move with careful footwork gains the groove before an easier direct finish. I nipped up West Crack (which we'd descended the scrambling version of) before leading Right-Hand Route. Despite its simplicity, this was the best route on the crag in my view: a good long pitch straight up the cleanest and most attractive part of the face. Never remotely difficult, but a fine consistent route at the grade and very enjoyable. We finished with another one-move wonder further right: a 5a rockover to gain the Wall End Slab again. I finished up the obvious ridge, to complete the three variations possible from the big stance. It started to spit with rain as we descended: unconventional venue choice vindicated.

Monadhliath jog

Peaks: Meall na h-Uinneig (745m)
Area: Monadhliath, Central Highlands
A short jog into the hills above our cottage in Laggan before our journey home. We had all enjoyed numerous walks directly from the cottage door as it was a working Highland farm, and I'd tried to locate an obscure crag (Creagan Solleir) on Thursday. I left at 6am in muted morning light: light blue sky above, and numerous curlews bubbling. Snipe, ring ouzel and peregrine (nesting on Solleir) completed the scene. A short track led to the spur which leads NE to the 'summit' of Meall na h-Uinneig, really just a highpoint on a long broad ridge leading down from the higher Monadhliath peaks.

Kingussie climbing

Crag: Kingussie, Badenoch, Central Highlands
Routes: Little Wall Direct (VD:sol), Finale (VD:sol), Classic Crack (D:sol)
On the way back from a family trip to Loch Garten, I had an hour spare in Kingussie for complex logistical reasons, so jogged up to the crag I'd visited on Tuesday. I did some bouldering and took in a few routes I'd missed last time. The main task was to find the side wall of the lower tier, which contains a classic easy romp up an obvious slabby crack. I eventually found it, nicely positioned above the valley, and scampered up the route: very simple, but delightful, and reminiscent of Ordinary Route on Idwal Slabs. I jogged back to meet K and E, and we enjoyed a pleasant walk round Kingussie's own miniature stream valley, and a walk through the woods, before fish and chips completed another excellent week in the Highlands.

Monadhliath run

Peaks: A'Chailleach (930m), Carn Sgulain (920m)
Area: Monadhliath, Central Highlands
An underrated range of hills that grabbed my attention from the top of Creag Dubh on Monday. Apart from the three Munros, the range is virtually deserted: in fact, it must be the wildest (or least trodden) stretch of land in the UK as it goes on for 30km or more towards Loch Ness. It is featureless beyond these hills above Newtonmore, but they have some unexpected little corners and are well worth exploring. It all made for a great little pre-breakfast run. I parked at the top of Glen Banchor, where we had all enjoyed the climax of the Wildcat trail yesterday. This valley is very beautiful: verdant and tranquil, and a considerable contrast with the wild atmosphere of the Monadhliath mountains immediately west. A good track meant that the running was easy and progress was quick up the obvious valley of the Allt a'Chaorainn. The first peak of A'Chailleach is a notable objective from Newtonmore, and a surprisingly shapely hill at close quarters too. I crossed the river and headed for the very lonely stalker's bothy high on the hillside of An Leitir before continuing to the broad upper ridge. All this was very runnable, still unusually dry underfoot. Unsurprisingly, I had the peak to myself - around 55 minutes from the car - and it seemed I had found a bit of a weather window in the sense that the high Cairngorms were clagged in, as were the other nearby Munros like Creag Meagaidh. But the Monadhliath were essentially clear, with cloud peeling away from Carn Dearg and others. There is a powerful sense of remoteness to this range, which I really liked. I always say I have no interest in Munro-bagging, because too many of them are uninteresting puddings, but I don't think it's fair to put the Monadhliath in this category. I ran north on superb springy turf, really fast, dropping into the hidden valley of the Allt Cull na Chailleach. This is surprisingly steep and tight, and a climb out of the far side leads to the genuinely dull Munro of Carn Sgulain, which really is one of the 'puddings' and almost devoid of distinguishing features. It does, however, allow for views over the real wilderness of the northern Monadhliath, very rarely visited. I dropped back to the valley, several pretty waterfalls and a real sense of discovery, picking my way satisfyingly through the crags to regain the main Chaorainn valley right at the top. A golden eagle spiralled on the thermals above Am Bodach. Fast running led back to the car, and the ten minute drive back to the cottage in time for breakfast and a day at Loch Garten.

Cairngorm traverse

Peaks: Cairn Gorm (1245m), Ben Macdui (1309m), Braeriach (1296m)
Area: Cairngorms, Scotland
Three of the UK's biggest peaks before 11am with the entire range to myself: a memorable outing. The Cairngorms 4000s is a fairly demanding loop with a frightful height loss into the Lairig Ghru, even when a running approach is taken. My time was as limited as ever but I started from the top car park of Coire Cas at 6am and ploughed directly up the side of the hideous funicular railway to save time and energy. Arguably the ugliest mountain in the UK, ruined by ski machinery and the like, Cairn Gorm does at least have excellent views over the range when you finally emerge at its unspoiled summit dome. Two snow buntings cheered the scene considerably, as did the big views across to distant Braeriach. It was well before 7am, and bitterly cold in a strong northerly wind. This gradually dissipated during the morning, however, and the cloudbase remained high with some milky sunshine at times. From Cairn Gorm, characteristic Cairngorm running through boulder fields led to a col before the subsidiary peak of Stob Coire an t-Sneachda (above the famous winter climbing corrie of the same name). I had a sandwich below Carn Lochain, having missed breakfast, before embarking on the wonderful running across the main Cairngorm plateau. This is as high up and as Arctic as Britain gets, and to be completely alone and moving quickly through this landscape is rather special. Surprisingly, I have only been to the Cairngorms once before - when working in Abernethy in November 1991 when, among a range of smaller outings, I had a salutary experience on Bynack More in a semi white-out, long before the days of accurate mountain forecasts, or indeed the internet. A steep learning curve which I remember well. The running was remarkably comfortable. Indeed, for a hill runner, the ascent of Ben Macdui from Coire Cas is ideal: much of the plateau is runnable on a good path. After lonely Lochan Buidhe, the plateau's lowpoint, the going becomes more bouldery - and the huge summit of Macdui is a notorious wilderness of rock with some of the harshest weather in the UK - but, generally speaking, it is good running terrain and I reached the top of Ben Macdui, Britain's second highest peak, in 1.47 from Coire Cas. From here, the deep gulf of the Lairig Ghru is bleakly obvious. You can't see the bottom, but you know you have to get there before starting the climb back out to the opposite ridge. I had to make some calculations at this point. I wanted to be back in our Laggan cottage for lunch, with several family walks scheduled for this afternoon. The solution was, therefore, to cut diagonally across to Braeriach by dropping down the Allt a Choire Mhor, an obvious stream valley that was pathless and wild but, judging by my map, negotiable. This was indeed the case, although it was predictably steep and completely trackless. It gave a wonderful and exhilerating descent cutting right through the heart of the most dramatic part of the range, with superb views across to Carn Toul and Braeriach. The valley narrowed and steepened at various points, demanding a few detours, but I soon gained the base of the Lairig Ghru, the first time I have ever visited what must be the most famous of all Scottish mountain passes (roadless ones anyway). I drank from the stream, slightly dehydrated, before beginning the monster ascent up Braeraich, a sprawling beast of a mountain which makes up in volume what it lacks in shapeliness. My initial target was a shallow cwm on the right, which I headed towards after crossing the narrow base of the Lairig. Unusually dry underfoot after this dry Spring, which eased progress although it remained steep until I gained the cwm, a wonderfully wild place with some old aircraft debris scattered around and lots of mountain hares. I moved up to the backwall, where I found (to my surprise) a small path zigzagging up from the Lairig Ghru. This helped a lot, and I soon gained the broad ridge curving round to the summit ridge of Braeraich which, again, I had to myself: I had still seen nobody all day, although it was still only around 10.30am. Views down An Gharbh Coire, the West Buttress, and across to the Angel's Peak, Cairn Toul and Ben Macdui were superb, although the sun still hadn't burnt the layer of high cloud away. After a quick snack, I girded my loins for the immense descent - probably the crux of the day, as there is no simple way back to Coire Cas from Braeraich, even though it is not that far away. That said, the run down Sron na Lairige was magnificent, and the sun came out half way down, as did the people - the first I'd seen all day. A long, rocky and runnable descent led to a constriction in the Lairig Ghru and a stream crossing to gain a sharp climb and the path through the tight gorge below Chalamain. This was tiring: it is a long way back from Braeraich, and I was dehydrating slightly. Once out of the gorge, I drank from the stream and had a bite to eat: the sunshine was now out and it was becoming a superb day with all cloud gone and magnificent views over dwarf pines and the Cairngorm landscape to the forests of Rothiemurchus and Meall a'Buachaille (another hill I had done in a white-out in 1991). The fun wasn't over, because the path goes to the bottom car park, not Coire Cas, and I opted for an exhausting and very unwise trudge through appalling trackless heather and untrodden valleys to return by way of an unfeasible directissima! Still, I was back before midday which seemed pretty good for such a demanding route. The day developed into a stunning cloudless afternoon, which we spent wisely and productively as a family: doing the longer loop around the Creag Meagaidh reserve, then the longer wall up to the higher Pattack Falls.

Kingussie climbing

Crag: Kingussie, Badenoch, Central Highlands
Routes: The Slab (D:sol), The Edge (VD:sol), The Groove (HS 4b:sh), Quartz Wall (VS 4c:sh), Little Crack (D:sol), Little Wall (D:sol), Capped Corner (S:sol/sh), Mango Rib (VD:sh)
The archetypal beginner's crag, and as such ideal for a brief solo pre-breakfast outing before the rain arrived. I jogged up from the top of the town, through some woods to the obvious clean and slabby main face. The rock is mica schist, rather polished but running to flat holds with the odd quartz pocket. The Slab gave a very obvious warm-up, a simple romp up the eponymous feature, while the Edge takes a nice line up the edge of the slab further left: steep and juggy to start. I also descended both these routes. I shunted the Groove, which is perhaps the strongest line on the crag with an awkward crux early on. Pleasant bridging higher up. Quartz Wall just about stays independent as an eliminate line between the groove and the edge. It gives nice delicate climbing. Further right, a small and very polished wall had obviously been used by groups for years: some easy polished lines like Little Crack and Little Wall. I finished off with Capped Corner, putting a shunt on for the short crux moves right over a bulge towards the top: and a dirtier climb up the rib. It started to rain as I descended, hungry, back to the cottage for breakfast.

Creag Dubh

Peaks: Creag Dubh (756m)
Area: Badenoch, Central Highlands
My birthday, and therefore the only day of the year I can feasibly 'force' the offspring to join me in the hills. Creag Dubh is the real signature peak of this part of the Spey Valley, and as we were staying in Laggan it seemed essential and the obvious choice for a family outing on the morning of my birthday (a short route doesn't try their patience too much). It was supposedly the battle cry of the local McPherson clan, and is a sharp and rugged little mountain with a famous roadside crag above delightful Lochan Ulvie: the Scottish 'Tremadog' perhaps. We set off by skirting the crag, then up a very tenuous path through a large boulder field. Amazingly difficult route-finding for such an obvious peak, possibly because it fails to achieve Corbett status, although surely people are not that shallow. More likely, the steep and rough terrain puts people off, as a tiny path then heads up the edge of a plantation steeply before disappearing completely among dwarf birches. We continued up, as I picked a route through to gain steeper bracken and then, finally, the main ridge with a properly defined path. The children and Kate didn't complain too much, although the ridge then contained multiple false summits. Despite this, some very mild scrambling interspersed with very pleasant ridge walking made the top section ideal for our purposes today. Although it was cloudy, Creag Dubh benefits from its isolated position and has unusually varied views: wild over the Monadhliath range to the west, which really captured my attention, and tranquil and green over Speyside to the east. After descending, the weather cleared nicely for a picnic on the green shores of Loch Insh, looking out to the high Cairngorms.

Creag Meagaidh traverse

Peaks: Meall an t'Snaim (969m), Sron Coire a'Chriochairean (991m), Stob Poite Coire Ardair (1053m), Creag Meagaidh (1130m), Puist Coire Ardair (1070m), Sron a'Choire (1001m) 
Area: Creag Meagaidh, Central Highlands
The path into the spectacular Coire Ardair is so well-defined and runnable that I inadvertently missed the route up Carn Liath, the first peak on the large horseshoe encompassing this valley. It was so manicured and perfect, through wonderful native woodland in places, that I was enjoying myself and carried on for a couple of miles before finally having to strike directly up the steep hillside to the north-east. I emerged at Meall an t'Snaim, which is more or less at the same level of Carn Liath, just a continuation of the very broad ridge that then, happily, narrows: meaning I hadn't missed any of the good bits. Even better, the weather was improving by the minute. It had been a clagged-in morning with a touch of drizzle for our family walks in the valley but now, as forecast, it was improving dramatically. As usual, this was perforce a short outing, grabbed mid-afternoon at the start of our 7th consecutive Highland holiday, but prospects were superb as I crested the ridge and followed it across the better defined little summit of Chriochairean. Big views opening out to the north, rather disorientating initially as Creag Meagaidh occupies such a central position in the Highlands - and I'd never really visited the immediate area before. Still, the Mamores, Knoydart and Ben Nevis were all obvious. Great running along the edge of Coire Ardair goes via a couple of subsidiary summits to the Munro of Stob Poite Coire Ardair. A steep descent leads down to the pronounced col of The Window, visible and obvious from the Spean Bridge road way below. A wild prospect further west over Lochan Uaine and steep running over a few large snow patches eventually leads to the detached summit of Creag Meagaidh itself. The complex topography here - with five ridges radiating out from a plateau - would likely be a nightmare in mist, but there were no such problems today, just huge views and big skies in every direction as the sun made its presence felt. A superb and exhilarating descent, initially over feathery, almost carpeted ground on the plateau - extraordinarily comfortable underfoot - led over Puist Coire Ardair to loop round the opposite side of Coire Ardair. Keeping to the lip of the cwm gave the best views of the day, looking over the huge 'Posts' of Coire Ardair to the lake below. From Sron a'Choire, the final nose overlooking Loch Laggan, a very steep descent led down arduous tussocky heather to the valley bottom. This was tough: I could see the tourist trail below but never seemed to get any closer to it. Back comfortably in time to cook dinner: an excellent horseshoe round one of Scotland's finest massifs. A pleasant family walk round Pattack falls in warm evening sunshine followed.

Schiehallion run

Peak: Schiehallion (1083m)
Area: Perthshire, Scotland
A famous mountain, conical and eye-catching, although I had never done it before as it is some way removed from our usual stamping ground further west. However, this time it was en route to our Laggan cottage and seemed ideally suited to a running approach. It was indeed, and I set off at lunchtime as the family went to get sandwiches in Tummel Bridge. The standard route must be a rather boring walk, gently up via a whaleback ridge on zigzags, lots of erosion and newly constructed sections. But it works perfectly as a run, and I got to the top in 49 minutes. Some rain was in the air after a hot week: humid and cloudy, but with just a little light mist playing around the summit. The first half is all very runnable, and quick progress remains possible as the ridge gets a bit more defined (and much rockier) towards the summit of bare rock. Pelted down to join the family after less than 100 minutes of running.

Berwyn run and bivouac

Peaks: Cadair Bronwen, Cadair Berwyn
Area: Berwyn, Eryri
A kit-testing trip, bivvying on the summit of Cadair Berwyn. As a younger man, I slept in the old orange polythene bivvy bags numerous times: condensation was the inevitable result and I still retain powerful memories of the associated discomfort. Over a quarter of a century on, technology has evolved a bit and I wanted to try out my new rather more sophisticated bag in as remote a location as was feasible in an after-work trip. Cadair Berwyn fitted that particular bill nicely, and it was a glorious early evening as I set off from Llandrillo with lightweight 'mountain marathon' style sac. Along the initially steep track to gain the excellent runnable track going past the stone circle of Moel Ty Uchaf. I left my sac at Bwlch Maen Gwynedd then ran up Cadair Bronwen for fabulous views over to the Clwydians and beyond. I then descended Nant Cwm Llawenog to get water. It is unusually dry everywhere across the region at present: very little running water across the entire Berwyn range. Advantages: dry feet, a real novelty. Disadvantages: not ideal on a summit bivouac, long detours for water required! I jogged to the summit of Cadair Berwyn, setting up the bivvy site just below the trig point in the lee of a light but persistent westerly. The evening past pleasantly. I jogged over for views of Llyn Lluncaws, had a nice meal of salmon, noodles and bulgar wheat and then, partly for training purposes, descended a long way (2k and 250m) down Cwm Tywyll for water. Views were extensive in all directions: across to the Rhinogydd and Irish Sea, up as far as Tal y Fan and Moel Hiraddug to the north, and down to the Wrekin, Caer Caradog and Corndon to the south. The sun set over central Eryri through thin ribbons of black cloud. Sadly, the new bag did not prevent the old condensation problem: I slept fitfully and woke in the small hours, rather damp and uncomfortable, reminding me of the polythene bag bivouacs of my youth. As it was a working day, I needed some more sleep than that so headed back to Llandrillo in the dark which turned into a perfect night-time navigation exercise! A couple of hours extra sleep in the back of the car, then a working day via some superb early morning bouldering at Trevor Rocks above Llangollen, followed by a run along the escarpment in wonderful conditions before 8am.

Ras y Gader

Race: Ras y Gader/Cader Idris fell race (10.5m/3000ft/AM)
Time/Position: 1.42.47 (24th from 270)
Back at the Cader race for the first time since 2009: a long gap. Too long, in fact, for me to remember the important racing line down the grassy rake from the summit rocks. I missed it, which was rather annoying, although once again I descended better than I climbed (which is not saying very much). The race always has a real sense of occasion starting and finishing in Dolgellau, that most distinctive and attractive of north Wales towns, and it celebrated its 25th anniversary this year (the 4th time I have done it). It is not an easy race to pace, as a long but steep road climb from the town makes the start pretty quick, before a long cross-country style path around the side of Llyn Gwernan. The next few fields are often very boggy, but were much drier today, and the mist was beginning to lift from the Cyfrwy arete and even Pen y Gadair itself after a wet morning. Finally, the car park and start of the normal ascent route is gained. This goes steeply up 'steps' for a good few hundred metres until it levels off to contour the lower hillside below hidden Llyn y Gadair. It steepens again at the zig zags, and I missed a couple of short cuts. Steve and I were together and equally matched, not for the first time this season! At the broad bwlch, the angle eases again and a runnable section leads up to steep scree before another runnable section (I cut the corner across awkward scree) leads to the final, much rockier climb. Mist was playing round the summit, quite atmospheric, and temperatures were a good 10c colder than in Dolgellau. I touched the cairn in 1.02 from Eldon Square (32nd to the top). The descent is notoriously tricky at first, down some rocky steps to the gentler section. I pelted down here, only realising after a couple of minutes that I was alone, and all the runners I had been with were instead hundreds of metres ahead on the grassy racing line! Very annoying. After this, I took all the direct short-cuts straight down the steepest line cutting out the zigzags. I like this terrain and took a few places. The contouring section back to the car park is good if you have the legs, and I felt OK. The key challenge in this race then becomes the small matter of adapting to the level XC section round the lake. Not easy after the flat-out descent, but a bit of endurance kicked in and I took five or six more places before the manic final dash down two miles of steep tarmac: around 39.50 from the summit to Eldon Square. An ideal family outing, we all enjoyed the day, and it was nice to do this classic race again after such a long gap.

Trench Wall climbing

Crag: Trench Wall, Penmaen Head
Routes: Thin on Top (f6a:led), Trench Warfare (f6a+:sec), Billy Liar (f6a+:led*), Billy Liar (f6a+:sec), Spanish Plume (f6a:led)
Possibly the least pleasant ambience of any Welsh crag: right next to the A55, above a large rubbish-filled ditch, facing due north with zero chance of any sunshine. However, the climbing is quite good: long pitches on smooth but fairly solid limestone. The eponymous trench is literally that - a big ditch which makes the routes much longer than they look from the road, 22m or so. I kicked off with Thin on Top, an f6a which breaks out of the obvious shallow groove taken by Trench Warfare to finish left up the off-vertical upper wall. This is a pleasing pitch, and it was good to get on some harder and more technical rock for a change. It is reasonably sustained but also has some good rests and was exactly what I needed. The smoothness of the limestone on this face is a tad disconcerting at first acquaintance, and the route steepens towards the top, although the holds remain pretty friendly throughout. The groove to the right was similar in standard we felt, despite the grade. Some questionable rock and a scruffy section towards the top but another decent climb. Billy Liar takes slabbier ground to the right, and looks fairly innocuous. This is an illusion as it gives quite technical moves, one sharp rockover in particular, up to a steep finish. This baffled me on first acquaintance, approaching it direct and from both sides, to no avail: ended up dogging the end of the route which was rather annoying. After clipping the lower off, we both tried it again. This time it went perfectly cleanly: a balancy move up the small groove at the top gained the obvious hold before a steep but fairly juggy finish. My lack of upper body stamina told for Spanish Plume, a scrappier and much shorter route at the far left of the crag, which goes up via a borehole to climb a wall on flat holds. It was time to call it a day, as I'd already used my calves too much in advance of tomorrow's Ras y Gader.

Wepre Parkrun

"Race": Wepre Parkrun (5k)
Time/Position: 19.31 (3rd from 195)
This special occasion marked a year since the start of the Wepre Parkrun, and an appeal had been made for a big turnout from Buckley. I did it for the first time since the pre-Christmas event and noticed that Dave from Chester had taken the V45 record I set that day, so thought I should at least try to get it back. With some irony, I finished 14 seconds inside Dave's age group record but was beaten by none other than Dave himself! He finished 9 seconds ahead of me, so still has the age group record for the course. The young winner was well out in front, so it was good to have the competition and made for an unexpectedly intense speed session. It is supposedly one of the toughest Parkruns in the UK, with two sharp climbs on both laps and lots of twists and turns.

Dinas Mot climbing

Crag: Dinas Mot (Western Wing), Llanberis
Routes: Black Spring (HVS 4a,5a,5a,4a:led p.1+4), Slow Ledge Climb (VS 4b,4b:led p.2)
Like snatching an ice climb when the conditions come good, this felt like a rare prize. After three weeks of drought, this superb route combination seemed likely to be as dry as it will ever get. Conditions are exceptional at present and this was a memorable 600ft trip up the giant Western Wing of Dinas Mot: twice the height of the much more popular Nose. Despite the drought, the first pitch of Black Spring was still wet at the top, as was the start of the second (first proper) pitch. Vic led both 5a pitches, with the first an absorbing affair taking the initial 90ft black slab. After a short wet section, a thin crack runs to sharp holds and is straightforward until it steepens. A traverse left on superb pocketed rock leads to a steeper finish taken on more pockets via some excellent technical climbing. The belay is in a small cave/niche above the slab and below an overhang which means you are cut off from your partner, isolated and suspended in the tiny niche. The next pitch looks hard to start, with a sharp move over the lip. Even after three dry weeks, the two crucial pockets were wet, but the move is much easier than it looks, and a good use of the pockets with hands and a high step up with the feet gains another steep slab. This gives more superb technical climbing: indeed, the crux comes soon after with an initially puzzling move requiring precise footwork. The slab above continues excellent: little pockets and moves that are not obvious but always reasonable in execution. After 100ft of brilliant climbing, a few moves left gain an easier quartzy crack which leads up to the broken terrace. It is this unfortunate, disruptive feature that stops the routes being absolute three star classic. However, it all adds to the adventurous feel of the Western Wing and there isn't actually much heather bashing if you get the line right. I led up easier rock on pitch four, picking my way satisfyingly up through a series of steep but very juggy flakes and grooves to a huge flake belay. All completely dry, which I suspect is not usually the case. From here, Vic led up a crack to the obvious traverse line which turned out to be Slow Ledge, not the fifth pitch of Black Spring. Route finding is much less obvious above the terrace, but this wasn't a problem as I have wanted to do Slow Ledge for years and never got round to it. It gives a memorable, although simple, route (it is a tad overgraded, probably HS). Exciting for seconder and leader, this pitch embarks on a long and exposed hand traverse above the Slow Ledge feature ('a person sitting on it would gradually slide off' as Menlove Edwards said). A cramped move round an edge gains better holds before another traverse leads to a final awkward crux move just below the belay. All Vic's gear came out as I traversed, focusing the mind nicely. Wonderful position, poised above the Western Wing with the Pass below (indeed, this final groove is quite obvious from the road and looks exposed even from there). The final pitch was equally good and made a satisfying lead. Up to a groove, which is excited left to another, bottomless, groove. This is exposed but simple, allowing the position to be savoured to the full. Very enjoyable climbing on large but flat holds leads up this groove and gradually eases as the top of the crag nears. I ran out at least 50 metres of rope before the final belay. A wonderful combination: 600ft and six pitches of excellent and memorable climbing. A long but quite enjoyable descent via the edge of the Eastern Wing led to our much delayed lunch. Spots of drizzle heralded the end of the drought as we ate: very satisfying to have bagged this outing in the nick of time.

Preseli Beast fell race

Race: Preseli Beast (37.7km/4652ft/AL)
Time/Position: 3.52.23 (18th from 136)
The longest race ever included in the Welsh fell running championship. At this time of year that statistic wouldn't normally be a problem, as I would have marathon training in my legs. Not this year, however: indeed, the Anniversary Waltz, half the distance, was my longest run in the lead-in. So, I had a sense of genuine foreboding going into the race, reliant entirely on 'muscle memory' from 20 marathons and 30+ long fell races in the past. Having said all that, the event sounded brilliant, and I've only raced once in the wonderful landscape of the Preseli Hills in northern Pembrokeshire (2011's Ras Beca, also a Welsh Champs race). More to the point, I will miss the other 'long' in the championship, so had little choice here as I would like to give the champs a bash again this year. A small group of us rendezvoused at Maenclochog this morning after Vic and I broke the journey yesterday at Bird Rock. We had camped in a wonderful tranquil site two miles outside the village, down narrow lanes and overlooking the small Cleddau valley. I was woken by birdsong and sunshine after a peaceful night's sleep. The race started amidst a great atmosphere, it seemed like the whole village had turned out to support it. Tracks and lanes to Rosebush in glorious sunshine led through varied terrain of farmland, woods and small hills until a longer climb through Penmaenog forest eased us into the meat of the proceedings. We moved onto the high moorland of Preseli and climbed to the summit of Cerrig Lladron for far-reaching views over the whole region and, distantly, the sea above Newport (the half way point!). There followed a very long descent towards Cwm Gwaun and a dog leg through beautiful sun-dappled native woodland with bluebells and oaks. Across the little river, then another sharp climb through Sychbant woods to Mynydd Caregog. Above this, the terrain changes completely to moorland again with brilliant running towards the coast. Tremendous views in front, from this elevated position above Newport, still glorious sunshine. A steep descent with the sea directly below led to steep, twisting lanes down to Newport itself, and more crowd support. This was around half way, and I was somewhat surprised to feel reasonably good after my very slow start. That said, after running through the village the steep lanes back into the Preseli hills were hard work, and this continued as one of the day's key climbs (up to the mythical summit of Carningli) begins immediately. Beautiful terrain: rocky outcrops dotted around the highpoint, an ancient landscape. It had clouded over now, and after a bite to eat I had perked up again: in fact I felt really good for the very long and gradual descent down to Gwaun. I even started to pick up a few places and myself, Andy and Hayley ran together for a while over the smaller hills of Banc Du and Waun Mawr. At the road crossing at Tafarn y Bwlch, the Beast joins the Beast Bach: so there were hundreds more runners on the route all of a sudden. This made life tricky, but also helped a bit with the pacing. A steep and demanding climb over Foel Feddau then led to a high traverse path over to Preseli's highpoint (only 536m!) at Foel Cwmberwyn. From the summit, Maenclochog was visible but it looked a long way away! It was just a matter of keeping the legs turning over for the very long but very runnable descent along the eastern fringe of Penmaenog woods back circuitously to a memorable finish at Maenclochog. Great event, and the time-honoured undertrained tactics (to go incredibly slowly, walk every climb, and eat continually!) worked.

Bro Dysynni climbing

Crag: Craig yr Aderyn/Bird Rock, Bro Dysynni
Routes: The Diagonal (S:led p.1)
Bird Rock was the perfect place to break the long journey down to Pembrokeshire for tomorrow's Preseli Beast race. I have climbed here once before, way back in 1994 when I lived in a portakabin on a hillside above Penrhyncoch. Although it is remote, it has the distinct advantage of being next to the road, and we certainly did not want to expend unnecessary energy before tomorrow's likely physical battering. It is a strange crag, however, a tad intimidating with little to offer in the lower grades. I'd done the Buttress before, so we kicked off with the most obvious line of the crag, The Diagonal, which takes the deep break splitting the cliff from left to right. Despite its lowly grade and short length, the route had a slightly serious feel: loose, insecure, untravelled and compounded by the diagonal nature of the line which requires a bit of thought. I led the first pitch, which stays slightly right of the break on good holds until reaching the crack proper. Some questionable threads and loose material, but quite interesting. Above, a tricky move past a tree gains a platform and steep, clean finishing groove. I then led a long third pitch up scrambling terrain to the top of the crag: a ridiculously long descent for such a small crag! The time and effort taken sadly precluded any other routes, given the distance left to travel. The weather continues to be absolutely perfect, and the rest of the drive to Pembrokeshire was stunning in the late afternoon sunshine. Fish and chips in Penparcau were a nice accompaniment to the scenery.

Llanberis Slate climbing

Crag: Bus Stop Quarry/Blast Shelter Quarry, Llanberis Slate
Routes: Comfort Zone (f5b:led), Jenga (f5:led), Bosch Stop Quarry (f6a+:sec), Ferrero Roche (HS 4a:led), Septuagenarian (f5c:sec), Equinox (VS 4c:sec), Jagged Face direct (f5:led), Solstice (HVS 5b:sec), Biggles Flies Undone (E1 5b:sec)
Some indication of my poor climbing form was provided by my struggles on this brief session today. Usually, I go quite well on slate, but the lack of climbing this year means that I remain hopelessly weak! A beautiful May day, with lovely views over Moel Eilio from the top of the quarries, where I kicked off with a lead of the easy Comfort Zone, which take a series of sharp slate 'steps' via one steepish move. Jenga is in a nice position above the Solstice wall, and is a pretty neat route, although very short: it takes a clean groove and is simple but thought-provoking. The f6a+ to its left has one awkward move involving a side pull and a tenuous bridge. I then led the cleaned trad line up the obvious shattered corner right of the first bolted wall. This gave simple, scruffy but enjoyable climbing and Vic then led Septuagenerian, which I've done several times before. Then came the two much older trad routes: Equinox and Solstice, both of which I've led before. Indeed, I led Solstice about five years ago, finding it simple enough. Today was a different story. I seconded Vic and found the main move up the layback desperate: polished and strenuous. I struggled to the point that it soured the day somewhat. The moves today seemed UK 5c briefly, but I seem to remember that a crucial hold had already fallen off before the last time I led it. Maybe something else has fallen off? We finished off at the Blast Shelter Crag below the road, seconding the delicate E1 5b slab by two enjoyable variants.

Dinas Bran fell race

Race: Ysgol Dinas Bran (6.9k/1150ft)
Time/Position: 33.21 (9th from 65)
Although I have done this race 7 or 8 times, dating back to 2003, the initial tarmac climb never gets any easier. I tried keeping the pace steady, but the race is so short that you have to go off fairly hard. As is often the case on this race, it was a nice Spring evening, although it clouded over a bit during the race. My time was similar to previous years, around a minute down on my best, but I finished at the back of a group of four fast finishing Buckley Runners, with finish times less than 10 seconds apart.

Nicosia run

Baking hot for my last morning in Cyprus. I had crossed back over to the Greek side yesterday, and set off for an early run heading south towards the Athalassa forest park. This is the obvious green lung of the city, and I spent an enjoyable hour or so jogging round the little valleys and pine woodlands in the morning sunshine before heading back to my flat within the old Venetian walls.

Kyrenia mountains run

A few days in Cyprus, spent mainly on the northern 'Turkish' side. After a night in north Nicosia, I strolled a few hundred metres to catch a convenient dolmus to Girne/Kyrenia. This is not far from Nicosia, and the road heads towards the giant Turkish flags on the hillside facing the city, before going over a pass to descend to this attractive harbour town. I had no car, so planned to run all the way up to St Hilarion then along the Kyrenian ridge by way of last minute training for the Preseli Beast. But I had work appointments to fulfil first, and it didn't really work out that way despite the early start. I jogged through the town, then picked my way gradually up suburban roads extending into the low Kyrenian mountains above the town. This worked to an extent, but I should probably have headed further west before starting the climb, as the tracks I tried to follow all petered out before gaining the top of the ridge. But, at least I got up into the mountains for a bit: interesting birds and great views out over the Med and across the rest of the limestone Kyrenian range. It was a tad too hot for comfort, temperatures building each day, and I was relieved to duck into a cafe when I got back into the fringes of Girne.

Shepherds Crag climbing

Crag: Shepherds Crag, Lake District
Routes: Ant Highway (MVS 4b:led p.2), Jackdaw Ridge (D:led p.3 only), Donkey's Ears (S:led p.1+3), Derision Groove (VS 4a,4b:led p.1)
A stunning morning in Buttermere. Not a breath of wind, perfect clarity, perfect temperatures, spring birdsong and peaks reflected in the lake. We drove along an empty Honister pass and parked below the famous roadside (almost) crag of Shepherds. I haven't climbed here for 24 years or more, and have only done a few routes at the venue, which is probably the most popular in the whole of the Lakes. It is a little battered and polished, but still pretty good. Inevitably a tad shady and cool as I followed Vic up the first pitch of Ant Highway. This is steep and awkward to start, with a couple of moves to gain a good hold. Above, it eases to a nice gangway and little wall. My pitch was easier still, up a sharp fin-like ridge to the top. Further left, I merged the first two pitches of Donkey's Ears, which rambles up an easy-angled section of rock to a small chimney to a stance below a cave with the two 'Donkey's Ears' above. A thrutch through these, rather claustrophobic and physical, after which I led to the top in a nice position. Famously excellent views over Derwent Water from the top of the crag, with Skiddaw beyond: another perfect day developing. Our time was limited, however, as was our energy. So we finished up with the fine line of Derision Groove. I led the short first pitch up an awkward slabby corner to a ledge, then up a steep, clean groove on good holds. The top pitch builds to a climax, with the crux right at the top of the wide groove line. A wobbly jug leads to some awkward moves diagonally left, surprisingly exposed and tricky to second. Nice line and a good climb. We drove back before lunchtime to avoid the traffic.

Borrowdale climbing

Crag: Quayfoot Buttress, Borrowdale, Lake District
Route: Quayfoot Buttress (VD:led p.1+2)
We can be excused the modest grade here, as we had just finished the fell race. After a relaxing scone and coffee next to the river in Grange, however, a shining spire of rock with two climbers inching into the afternoon sunlight called out to us on the drive back to Buttermere. A five minute walk later, and the crag turned out to be Quayfoot Buttress, which we knew nothing about. An obvious relaxing trade route crept up the left-hand side so I led off up a gentle wall with one tricky move past a tree to merge with the second pitch up a side groove. A delightful belay as the sun dropped, although Vic then introduced some stress into proceedings by taking a much harder (E2) line up the main face, with a single 9mm rope, no chalk, and various other disadvantages. He retreated, and we finished up the real easy line, which sidles up a shady side groove to gain a nice slab and the top. This was more than enough for one day, so we retreated to the Fish in Buttermere.

Anniversary Waltz

Race: Anniversary Waltz fell race (11.5m/3800ft/AM)
Time/Position: 1.58.31 (56th from 444)
If I run a more enjoyable race this year, I will be surprised. This was a treat: a superbly runnable and elegant circuit, most of which I knew fairly well, on a wonderful spring day of perfect clarity. Conditions could hardly have been better, so I thought I should at least try for the fairly obvious sub-2 hour target, despite the fact that I was in 'tourist mode' as ever when racing in the Lakes. After a big breakfast at the Buttermere YHA, we drove over Newlands to Stair (where the Rab was based a few years ago, and where I spent Freshers Week in 1988!). This race is perhaps the most famous and popular 'medium' fell race in the Lakes, so there is a huge (by Welsh standards) field of around 500. The start is above the village in the valley below Catbells and the volume of numbers means it is hard to get a clear run initially. I thought I might as well 'bank' the first few miles on track and road so went off reasonably hard with my modest winter road speed still present. At the end of the valley, past the Little Town church, the tarmac finally gives way to a track and the glorious Scope Beck valley. Although I have done these peaks numerous times, I have never been up this way. In today's conditions, it was lovely. A steep climb up the side of the valley, using hands in places, gains the excellent main ridge up Robinson with a few rocky rises demanding a spot of scrambling. Glorious views in all directions. Reached the top of Robinson in 44 minutes. The route then opens out and becomes distinctly runnable again. The detour to Hindscarth is fast and fun, and the quick line to Dale Head is equally good. I have very powerful memories of this ridge: having crossed it during the legendary cancelled OMM in 2008, linked arm in arm with three other runners to prevent us getting blown away! The descent from Dale Head is very steep, with two different options. I went left and more direct, which is arduous and perhaps the toughest section of the race. The finish is excellent, along the great ridge with famous views of Derwent Water and Skiddaw (taken the other way round when the Rab was here). I seemed to be well inside the two hours as I crested Catbells with 10 minutes to go, but I hadn't realised the finish was back at the village! An exciting and fast (8 minute) descent from the rocky top of Catbells saw me down. An elegant horseshoe and brilliant, varied race. After a hotpot lunch, we headed for scones and coffee in sun-drenched Grange before a spot of cragging to round off the day.

Swindale climbing

Crag: Gouther Crag, Swindale, Cumbria
Routes: The Fang (MVS 4a,4a:led p.2), Kennel Wall (S:sec)
Selected purely on the basis of its easterly location (with a weak weather front approaching from the west) this proved an inspired choice. I have done two mountain marathons based in nearby Wet Sleddale near Shap, and it is an interesting area which feels (to my outsider's eyes) like a distinct border zone between the landscape and culture of the Dales and the Lakes. But apart from those visits, this was new territory for me and Vic, and neither of us had been down the very quiet Swindale before. The valley is a dead end, which obviously cuts numbers, and Gouther Crag is semi-hidden and west facing up on the valley side. As we arrived at the crag, we were amazed and slightly appalled to find a team starting out on Truss Buttress, which I had wanted to do as a gentle warm-up. They had a very slow novice on board, so we gave up and headed over to the main buttress. This is not very big - perhaps 50m high - but is an impressive sweep of rock with some very attractive lines. Another team was at work! Extraordinary for such a remote location. So Vic led the first pitch of The Fang, which is rather easier than its better known Tremadog namesake. An easy chimney leads to a steeper wall, and good moves diagonally left on big holds. Superb, unpolished rock and a nice position. A higher crack leads to a platform, after which I merged the last two pitches. The finish moves right to take a few steep moves up an arete after which the finishing ridge is broken but still fairly interesting. Strong winds and cold hands, but just a little light drizzle: at least we were climbing on an unpromising day. Kennel Wall was just as good, taking a clean sweep of rock up to a steep final crack. It looks much harder than it actually is. Rain threatened, so I pelted up the route after Vic in five minutes. We then jogged back down to the car and drove over to the YHA in Buttermere, no easy task, to get there (just) in time for the evening meal: crucial, given tomorrow's race (the main reason we had headed up to the Lakes).

Clwydian run

A desperate last-minute attempt to get some miles in before the forthcoming Preseli Beast. Normally, at this time of year, I would have marathon training in my legs. Not so this year. This was nowhere near enough to alter that lack of preparation, but accompanying Jez at least meant the pace was brisk throughout! From Cadole, we ran along the leat to Pantymwyn, up to Cilcain, the all the way to the top of Moel Arthur before joining the OD path for the long but always enjoyable haul up Moel Famau. Perfect weather throughout, a lovely spring day.

Tryfan scramble

Peak: Tryfan
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
A remarkably inaccurate weather forecast saw us arrive in Ogwen in full clag and drizzle which failed to clear. Rich fancied a scramble so we headed up to a moist heather terrace, making gradual progress. He is not able to do much in the hills these days, so slowed down for the walk along the terrace, deciding to forego the summit. So we arranged to meet at Bwlch Tryfan and I headed up the Little/North gully scramble alone. This is always good fun, even in the rain and mist, with its discontinuous scrambling up three chimneys allowing the upper part of North Gully to be gained quickly. From here, a skirting path leads to more scrambling and an emergence between Adam and Eve (if you get it right). I know every inch of this route very well, and made the summit in 15 minutes from the terrace, jogging back down the South Ridge, still in mist, to join Rich at the stile for lunch.

Fron Four race

Race: Fron Four fell race (13k+/3000ft)
Time/Position: 1.16.51 (12th from 50)
This race stays high for a long time, giving a varied (albeit slightly contrived) route which provides great panoramic views over all the different valleys in this corner of Snowdonia. It is quite a new race, so I hadn't done it before: indeed, I have only been to the remote village of Fron once before, when we did the esoteric classic rock climb of Adam Rib on Craig Cwm Du a few years ago. It reminded me of the Caucasus then, and still does a bit: all unenclosed fields and wild mountain views. It was a cold April day, but sunny and clear as we set off along the runnable tracks to the low summit of Moel Tryfan with great views over Llyn and the sea. From here, a fast descent heads in a beeline for the big climb up Mynydd Mawr. This is tough and long, despite the relatively small size of the hill. I didn't climb particularly well, and couldn't stay with Simon or Steve. Over the top, then a brilliant and exciting descent down the spine of the ridge (the 'elephant's back') to the end of the spur overlooking Cwellyn. From there, the route contours the Nantlle side of Mynydd Mawr, with new panoramic views yet again as the race remains unusually high - an excellent feature of the race. There is no real path, and it is hard to pick a decent line through the tiring blend of heather and scree. I caught up with Steve and we pelted down to the end of the spur overlooking Nantlle. From here, the route heads back over the summit of Mynydd Mawr before a superb descent all the way down to Fron. Slightly tricky route finding but the weather remained perfect and Moel Tryfan is a useful point of reference.

Carneddau run and bothy trip

Peaks: Foel Fras, Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Grach, Carnedd Llewellyn, Craig Eigiau
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
I had only recently become aware of the existence of a rare Welsh bothy in Cwm Dulyn. I knew the cottage, having passed its remote location on several occasions, but didn't realise it was an official maintained bothy. It seemed essential to visit, so a group of us combined a convivial night there with a double run over the Carneddau. We met in Conwy, mid afternoon, then drove up to Cwm Eigiau. From here, a short run, just a couple of miles, led to the bothy below Cwm Dulyn. After dumping our kit, we headed off on a longish run over the Carneddau - skirting sombre Llyn Dulyn to pick our way through the broken crags further north. The fence line then leads tiringly to the summit of Foel Fras, with some mist playing around the boulder fields. The cloud base descended and lifted continually as we enjoyed the always excellent running across the spine of the Carneddau: great views out to Llyn and the Irish Sea as we followed the Foel Fras race route over Carnedd Gwenllian and then up to the shelter on Foel Grach. Then came a real bonus: two dotterel scuttling around the rocks on the ridge. I have come up here specifically to search for dotterel over many years but have never seen one before. This is a couple of weeks early, but the buff breasts and supercilium were immediately diagnostic: I tried to pass on my enthusiasm. We had a bite to eat in the shelter, then continued the brisk pace to the top of Llewellyn: cold and misty but still dry. Great descent down towards Craig yr Ysfa then an exhilarating end to the run as we dropped very steeply into remote Ffynnon Llyffant (I have only been up here a couple of times before, for the easy snow gullies that offer good winter sport). This is a tremendous spot, worth lingering in, one of the most remote in North Wales. From here, an easy and gradual climb leads to the plateau-like and rarely visited top of Craig Eigiau, now in full sunshine with spectacular cloud formations peeling away from the higher tops. We pelted down to the bothy, to find it jam packed. A convivial and enjoyable evening ensued, and we hobbled back to the car in low cloud and persistent drizzle early next morning.

Foel Lus fell race

Race: Foel Lus (Joe Brown midweek series, race 3: 3.5m/2000ft)
Time/Position: 26.30
My debut in the Eryri midweek series after 14 years of mountain running: not too sure why it has taken so long! I had returned from the Balkans on Sunday, and we all headed across to Conwy this morning. As this race starts in Capelulo it seemed rude not to have a quick blast. An excellent short circuit: fast and furious, taking the start of the Pen race route then branching off to take in the summit of Foel Lus before descending to the north and picking up the superb level contouring path visible from the A55. This must have some of the best views in North Wales, right out over the Menai Strait and beyond (perfect clarity tonight: sunny and cool). I picked up a few places, benefiting slightly from my meagre remaining road speed, before a grassy descent down towards Fairy Glen and back to Capelulo.

Galicica mountain run

After a couple of days in Albania, I headed back over the border from Pogradec via the monastery of Sveti Naum. A long wait for a bus meant I didn't arrive in the village of Pestani, perhaps 10 miles into Macedonia, until 2pm. One restaurant was still open: they rustled up a superb meal consisting of 12 cevapi, a mound of fried potatoes and a massive bowl of Macedonian salad. I waddled up the twisting streets above the lake to find my accommodation (not easy!) then set off for a run in the hills of the Galicica national park, which fringes the village. At around 5k, I gave up after the rain (which had slightly marred my morning trip to Korce in Southern Albania) started again. This time it was sleet, and it was clearly snowing higher up. I scampered back, promising myself that I would return next morning at 6am. After a subzero night in a £7 room with no heating (but a fine view of Lake Ohrid), I set off as planned just after 6am. The early morning was very cold, and nobody stirred in the village as I quietly slipped through the streets to pick up the vaguely marked trail I'd found yesterday. In theory, this led for 15k to the top of Magaro, the dominant peak, but as it loomed bright white in the distance it seemed a big ask even with my usual running approach, given that I had to be in Skopje that afternoon. Instead, I adopted a more realistic approach: running at a brisk pace uphill and seeing how far I could get in one hour. This went well, although it was very cold in what were essentially a series of north-facing forests: all moss and lichens, with a sharp ground frost. Views of the lake were intermittent but superb, with the accursed mountains of Albania snowcapped to the west. At a rough guess, I ran via Visoka Krasta to Koritski Rid and turned round at a small spur/side peak above Korita, although I didn't have a decent map. The sun finally hit me on the descent, giving wonderful views of the whole of Lake Ohrid. Then, after a quick shower, I left my room and headed down to the unbelievably tranquil lakeside in the morning sunshine, waiting for transport to Ohrid and Skopje.

Tremadog climbing

Crag: Craig Bwlch y Moch, Tremadog
Routes: Christmas Curry (S:led p.1), Treemudrock Finish (VS 4c:sec), Valerie's Rib (HS 4b:led p.3), Tro (HS 4a:sec)
After yesterday's torrential rain, today brought warm spring sunshine. It seemed likely that the mountain crags would be wet, so reliving a few old easy favourites at Tremadog seemed a logical, if unimaginative, option. I was extremely rusty, having not climbed properly for many months, so kicked off with the first couple of pitches of Christmas Curry. I first did this just over 25 years ago, in February 1992. An easy chimney leads to a few moves left up a steeper wall to the belay (merging the first and second pitch). Having previously done both the normal finish and the completely different Micah finish, Vic led up the central Treemudrock (Plum Duff) finish for a change. This is a fine and under-rated pitch, steep and very direct. The final crack is quite sustained at the upper end of VS, but the rock is superb: solid and unpolished, with just a bit of vegetation given its lack of popularity. A mixture of jamming and bridging, with the odd use of small face holds, allow for a reasonably smooth ascent. The day was now almost hot, so we nipped down and across to the direct start of Valerie's Rib in an attempt to knock it off before lunch. Another route I have done several times before: the direct start makes it quite a bit longer and leads via slabs to the crux traverse which leads right to a stance at the base of the main rib. The traverse is always a tad delicate, but the rib gave its usual delightfully delicate climbing: lovely in the sunshine. I led the scrappy final pitch up  a series of wet walls, before we descended for lunch at the van. We finished with the good single pitch of Tro, at the far right of the crag: also done before. As its name suggests, this is a neat route for the time squeezed, which we both were, as usual. Superb clarity of light as we drove back through Snowdonia.

Chester Parkrun

"Race": Chester Parkrun (5k)
Time/Position: 18.01 (2nd from 195 [1st V45])
With a longer than usual Clwydian run last night in my legs, and torrential rain this morning, this was yet another less than ideal set of circumstances to do a Parkrun (my third). Soon, I will have to do one with some preparation and try for a decent time. The Chester course takes two laps of the small country park near the hospital - sadly, I didn't realise each lap included a cross country section. In the rain, this was boggy and slippery throughout, and I had just my racing flats on: this was unfortunate as otherwise I had a reasonable run given the circumstances. The lack of grip on the XC section cost 20-30 seconds I reckon.

Ras yr Aran

Race: Ras yr Aran (16k+/3100ft)
Time/Position: 1.47.22 (16th from 81)
I was amazed to find that it has been six years since I last did this race. With fairly strong winds forecast, it seemed possible that it would be shortened to Aran Benllyn, as I remember happening in the past, but in the event the full race (quite rightly) went ahead with just the final scree cone to the summit of Fawddwy removed. The weather was not great, but nothing particularly unusual: gusts to 60mph, heavy rain and a notable windchill as might be expected at this time of year. As ever, it is the combination of rain and wind that causes the problems! I had expected to struggle on the long five mile climb, given my usual winter on the roads, and I did indeed. I fell way behind on the initial gradual climb over Moel Ffenigl and only began to make up some ground as the slopes steepen up to Aran Benllyn. This gave some welcome shelter from the worst of the windchill too. Excellent running along the ridge, past the little lakes and the rocky bluffs: low temperatures, poor visibility and strong crosswinds throughout. Navigation is easy on this race though, and I made up some ground and places on the wet and slippery descent, which went a little better than I'd expected it to and was very enjoyable. Buckley won the male team prize, with me counting in third place but only seconds ahead of Steve.

Northern Carneddau run

Peak: Tal y Fan
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
One of those rare early spring days when the mountain air is like champagne: the clarity of light, birdsong and blue skies all combine to make for perfect conditions on the hill. The Northern Carneddau would always be my choice of running terrain in this kind of March weather, so after a night in Conwy John and I headed up to Sychnant in the early morning and set off to the south along the ancient track towards the stone circle. We set a decent pace throughout and reached the top of Tal y Fan in less than 45 minutes. Great views over to the central Carneddau, with a reasonable amount of snow in the gullies of Ffynnon Llyfnant and deep blue skies above. After a lengthy stay on the summit, we pelted down for an equally brisk descent to begin the working day.

Castle Inn climbing

Crag: Castle Inn Quarry
Routes: Nain (f4:led), Cariad (f5:led), Hidden Gem (f4a:led), Wilderness Wall (f5a:led), Butterfly Blue (f4:led)
Although this very short session was squeezed into the last 90 minutes of daylight, surprisingly warm sunshine lit the crag and it was very nice to reacquaint myself with real rock after the usual months of winter inactivity. John was making a short trip to the UK, and as I had introduced him to climbing a few years ago, I thought it would be nice to take him again. After a refresher tutorial, we did a couple of easy routes, finding the mantelshelf on Cariad surprisingly tricky, although a pleasant sun-drenched arete lies above. John enjoyed the longer easy 'ridge' taken by Hidden Gem, and the slightly more technical routes on the slab to the right: delightfully lit by the setting sun. The plan had then been to run to the Cwm Dulyn bothy, but we'd run out of time so opted instead for a five mile blast along the estuary, using the Parkrun route to Deganwy with an extension around the bird reserve.

Conwy mountain race

Race: Conwy fell race (5.5m/2000ft)
Time/Position: 50.09 (7th from 46 [2nd V40])
Knowing Conwy as intimately as I do, I have often pondered the feasibility of a notional mountain race along the three peaks that rise above the town. This inaugural race (the first over Conwy Mountain) was originally scheduled to take in the neat ridge that I have always known as Penmaen Ridge or Pen Pyra, a short 150m grade 2 scramble that is visible from the A55. As such, it was a novel and exciting race prospect, but having done the ridge before I wasn't particularly surprised to find that it had been ditched for safety reasons. That seemed a shame, but the alternative route still gave a challenging race. Quite mild and mainly dry as we set off up the long bridleway which climbs the shoulder over to Allt Wen above the Sychnant Pass. The first three runners went clear during this section and continued to pull away throughout. From Allt Wen, we descended steeply towards the coast, right down to the edge of the caravan site before starting the long reascent. Steve and myself were together for this section, and ploughed foolishly through a mixture of thick gorse and boulders to fashion a direct route up to the middle peak. From here, the main ridge gives superb running along to Conwy Mountain, a very familiar route indeed! I lost two places here, and couldn't make them up as a final section of arbitrary punishment saw us head back down to the road near the Old White House then very steeply back over the ridge near the little slabby crag. A short but intense start to the hill running season.

Manley Mere border league

Race: Manley Mere 5.15m (Border League race 5)
Time/Position: 29.43 (27th from 318 [4th V45])
Unpleasant conditions at the start, with heavy rain, plenty of standing water and chilly temperatures. A new course for the league, although it took in some familiar lanes from various training runs and the Helsby half marathon. I set off at a decent pace, perhaps a tad too quick, and made my way up the field as the route embarked on a long but gentle climb. Lots of runners were nearby, however, even more than the usual intense league competition. My lack of finishing kick means this has an inevitable conclusion: and I finished at the back of a very big group of runners, at least 10 of whom passed me in the final half mile back to the lakeside.

Two Lakes run

An extended training version of the Two Lakes half marathon which I had enjoyed last May. Over the years, I've done various routes and races here: from the complete 20 mile figure of eight round both lakes, to the various shorter races that loop the Brenig and Alwen. A group of four of us started from the Brenig car park, along the dam to pick up the race route. A lovely tailwind eased progress along the far shore of Brenig, waves so high you could almost surf in the lake! As we turned west along the muddy paths and steep tracks that lead to the far side of the lake, the run became gruelling as we battled the fierce headwind. A sheltered bridleway then leads over the road to the superb long track that makes directly for the bridge at the far end of Llyn Alwen. This was tough underfoot and into a headwind the whole way: some rain too. The steep climb beyond the lake is always tough, but we kept a reasonable pace going and stuck to the half marathon route throughout. Almost 15 miles in total, including the extension.

Conwy Parkrun

"Race": Conwy Parkrun (5k)
Time/Position: 18.10 (1st from 180)
A windy week, and today was no exception: my second foray into the world of the Park Run along tracks I know very well. After celebrating our anniversary last night, Kate and I jogged to the start from Rose Hill Street in heavy rain and strong winds. So easy and convenient. These events are not races, but as 'timed runs' they do feel a bit competitive! I was in second place for a while, then took the lead after about 500m, and managed to stay there. My time was slow, but quicker than on the very hilly Wepre course. This Conwy course is excellent and scenic: along the riverbank then towards the castle, before heading up to Deganwy. Strong winds made the return leg tricky and hard going for a while.

Venetian run

Not as glamorous as it sounds, but still an interesting brisk run with at least a small aquatic element! After two days of walking round Venice and trips around the lagoon, I left our hotel on the borders of Favaro and Mestre at 7am. A drizzly, foggy morning: I followed the tram tracks at tempo pace into Mestre Centro, then down Marco Polo road to follow a good canal side path for a while. I took a diversion on the way back through a pleasant misty park and some side roads, back in time for breakfast and what turned out to be an eventful journey home.

Glyder traverse

Peaks: Carnedd y Filiast, Mynydd Perfedd, Foel Goch, Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Glyder Fach, Foel Goch, Gallt yr Ogof
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
The full traverse of the Glyder ridge from Bethesda to Capel Curig: a very enjoyable outing despite the claggy and drizzly conditions. With two cars at our disposal, some kind of point-to-point run became a possibility. I have done versions of this route before, not least on the second day of the Rab Mountain Marathon a couple of years ago, and once when we did a kind of long Nant Francon horseshoe. But I can't remember doing the full Glyder ridge in its entirety: it is a fine and very varied route in terms of terrain. From the bridge over the Ogwen, we (me, Peter, Steve and Hayley) ran along the road to Tai Newyddion then straight up the steep hillside right of the crags. This is relentlessly steep, and uncomfortable underfoot with thick heather, but gains height rapidly. Above, boulder fields allow for much more enjoyable progress as we entered the mist. No more views until we were just above the car park in Capel Curig! We reached the top of Filiast in around 50 minutes, then enjoyed the easy grassy running over Perfedd and along to Foel Goch: the same route as I took with M and the scouts last month. Good progress, despite a strong cross/headwind, through the mist to a rather cold Y Garn. After a quick snack we pelted down to Llyn y Cwn before one of my least favourite climbs: the Pedol Peris route up Glyder Fawr. Because our pace was that bit slower than on the race, this went far more easily, and we scrambled to the top of Glyder Fawr before the careful nav across the often confusing Glyder ridge: slippery in the drizzle. We scrambled to the main summit of Glyder Fach, then tried to locate Vic: who had run up to join us from Ogwen. Easier said than done in visibility of a few metres! But a bearing took us right up to the Cantilever where we met up with Vic: very satisfying. So now we were five, for the very long descent back to Capel down the empty ridge in the gloom of gathering dusk, the mist even thicker. Good compass work throughout with no mistakes, always good practice to run on a bearing down a featureless whaleback ridge! Past lonely Llyn Caseg Fraith, over Foel Goch, then Gallt yr Ogof, before the fast but boggy descent to Capel Curig: dropping out of the clag at around 200m for the first time since the lowest slopes of Filiast. Steak pie and real ale in Conwy aided recovery.

Nick Beer 10k

Race: Nick Beer 10k, Llandudno (Welsh 10k Championships)
Time/Position: 37.14 (32nd from 675 [2nd V45])
The first time the Welsh 10k championships have been staged in the north since Caernarfon in 2012. As such, this was a good opportunity to try to get a decent finish in my category (I won the silver V40 medal in Caernarfon, but was outside the medals both times I've done the championships amidst strong fields in the south). Conditions were trying today: a stiff and bitterly cold easterly, exactly the same as Twin Piers last month. Some big waves crashed into the Orme as we rounded it on this most scenic of 10k routes. The tailwind was some help for the steeper slopes up to the lighthouse, but this has never been a quick course for me. The long descent down to West Shore, always enjoyable with great scenery, helps regain some time but it was then back into the headwind for the crucial 7-8k section. This was hard work as a result, and the final sprint down the prom wasn't much better: so the slow time was hardly a surprise! I came second V45 in the race, but was first Welsh qualifier so got the gold medal to go alongside the 10 mile championships last March.

Oswestry XC

Race: Oswestry XC (North Wales Cross Country League, race 5)
Time/Position: 40.50 (31st from 141 [3rd V45])
The first time I have ever completed a full season in the cross country league. All three previous races this season had been pedestrian and this was no exception: indeed, I struggled even more than usual on this route, which takes two big laps of a long and challenging course from the Marches School in Oswestry, with two sharp climbs and a couple of boggy sections. A headwind in places didn't help matters, with lots of changes of pace of the kind I always find hard to handle! All good fun, though, and satisfying to complete the season after well over 10 years of just doing one or two league races. I ended up 3rd V45 overall, with Buckley third team and second veterans team.

Rhug Cross Country

Race: North Wales XC Championships, Rhug, Corwen (6.2m)
Time/Position: 38.34 (14th from 55 [1st V45])
Conditions were relatively benign for the championships this year, with icy rain falling before the start but the ground reasonably firm for most of the route. This may be some explanation for the fact that my time was a couple of minutes quicker than my three or four previous races at Rhug (or maybe the course had been tweeked slightly). Although this was my worst ever finishing position at the cross country championships, it was also my first category win. It was quite a fast start, and my inability to handle changes of pace saw me starting to struggle even earlier than is usual. By the last lap, I just tried to hang on as Eric passed me. Still my favourite XC course: great location for the race and the prize giving. Buckley won the team prize overall again, and the veteran's team prize.

Deeside Border League

Race: Deeside/Kelsterton, Border League round 4 (4.5m)
Time/Position: 25.21 (33rd from 371 [3rd V45])
After yesterday's exertions into a headwind at the Twin Piers 10k, this was another damage limitation exercise. But, having missed two league races already this season, it was just an attempt to try to help out as best I could. It is, mercifully, a short circuit, which hasn't featured in the league since 2014. The only problem is that it incorporates the sharp climb up Kelsterton hill after a manic new start on the Deeside track with almost 400 runners squeezed in! The climb went OK in the circumstances. I made up some places on the long descent back to the stadium, but still finished in my worst league position for many years (possibly since 2008).

Twin Piers 10k

Race: Twin Piers 10k (Llandudno to Colwyn Bay)
Time/Position: 37.33 (6th from 420 [1st V45])
Having done this event many times over the years, with the coastal wind blowing from a variety of directions, it was pretty obvious that times would be adversely affected as we arrived in Llandudno to find a bitterly cold, and surprisingly strong, easterly wind. On this point-to-point race (my favourite local road race) this means a headwind the entire way, so a slow start was inevitable. A large group formed at the front, at least 10 runners, before it began to break up as we climbed over the Little Orme. This sharp climb does at least give some shelter from the wind. A route change then saw us doing two laps of the estate in Penrhyn Bay before reacquaintance with the headwind as we rejoined the coast down to Rhos on Sea. I managed to establish myself in fifth place, then pulled away from the group behind, until a young lad sped past with 500 metres to go. A very slow time, two minutes down on my expected finish, and well over three minutes down on my best time for this course (also my PB) recorded in 2011. I then enacted part two of the plan, running down the beach to immerse myself in the Irish Sea (up to thigh level) by way of impromptu ice bath recovery before tomorrow's Border League race.

Shrewsbury XC

Race: Baschurch, Shrewsbury XC (North Wales Cross Country league, race 4)
Time/Position: 35.41 (30th from 141 [3rd V45])
An amusing river crossing had been incorporated into this new circuit, the fourth and penultimate race of the season. It attracted a couple of dozen spectators and led to some fun and games as we plunged in to its icy, thigh deep murk. A steady climb followed immediately: hard work indeed to sustain any kind of pace after the soaking in the river. It all made for an excellent, though challenging cross-country race: classic stuff. I felt the need for spikes as it was very muddy underfoot, slippery and insecure in many places.

Glyderau walk

Peaks: Carnedd y Filiast, Mynydd Perfedd, Elidir Fawr
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
A sharp contrast with Monday: the snow and clear skies gone, to be replaced by standard issue clag and drizzle. This was a shame, as M had been persuaded to join the scouts winter walking weekend for the third time. I joined in (also for the third time) and was therefore able to observe him outside his natural habitat again! The cloud base was just above sea level as I approached Deiniolen at first light around 8am: very dank and gloomy. As the scouts had breakfast, it began to lift a bit, and was much higher when we set out from the HQ at the old school house on the edge of the village. The long haul up to Llyn Marchlyn Bach gives an unusual start to a mountain day: tarmac the whole way, gently climbing for several miles. Two of the scouts dropped behind and eventually five of us continued upwards into the mist. The path up Carnedd y Filiast is steep but comfortable, and conditions weren't too bad apart from the poor visibility. A bearing across the plateau gained the shelter on Mynydd Perfedd, then the always enjoyable ridge towards Elidir Fawr which gave a very brief clearance at Bwlch y Brechan for views of Llyn Marchlyn below. M seemed to enjoy the occasional bits of scrambling leading to the summit of Elidir. Last time I was here was the very memorable Elidir Fawr race one evening last September. After lunch, steady rain and a brisk wind added to the fun. I took a bearing after deliberately continuing along the ridge for a bit. The lower slopes of Elidir are featureless, and the visibility was very poor, but the bearing landed us above the broken crags and by skirting west for a few minutes we picked up the faint path which leads down to the lower Marchlyn lake. At this point, just a few metres above the lake and tarmac road, we broke through the persistent clag for the first time on the entire circuit, which M admitted was 'very satisfying'. A long descent ensued, back down the road to Deiniolen.

Carneddau run

Peaks: Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewellyn, Yr Elen
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A great way to start the year, reviving the route of the defunct Carneddau race from Gerlan above Bethesda. By pure luck, conditions were superb with a good covering of snow and a cold northerly wind which blew most of the cloud over into Ogwen as we climbed up from Cwm Llafar. I did the old race in 2007 and 2011, but Jez and Hayley hadn't done this particular circuit before. The first steepening was tough with cold limbs in the early morning, but the Mynydd Du spur is soon reached with the usual cracking views over Llech Ddu and Ysgolion Duon. From here, surprisingly thick snow cover gave interesting route finding through the boulder fields to a spectacular summit view, with sunshine through the tendrils of mist wreathing Ogwen. The ridge across to Llewellyn is always magnificent in these kinds of semi-Alpine conditions: I would estimate at least 30 trips along it since the 1980s, possibly many more than that. The snow was perfect for running: not too soft, not too crusty. It allowed for very rapid progress and I got some great pictures on the crest of the ridge. The mist came down on Llewellyn, which was predictably bitter, and I took a brief bearing towards Yr Elen before we enjoyed the superb climax of the route. Wonderful views down into wild and remote Cwm Caseg and across the northern Carneddau: one of my favourite spots. I suggested not to bother with the traditional race climax (which indulges in some brutal arbitrary punishment by taking runners up Gyrn Wigau). Instead, we enjoyed the superb continuation of the horseshoe over Foel Gron, which remained snowy until we got to Cwm Llafar itself. A cold river crossing then quick running back to sunny Gerlan before lunchtime.

Bowstones fell race

Race: Bowstones fell race, Poynton (11k/1063ft)
Time/Position: 47.47 (23rd from 389)
We all really enjoyed this fine coda to the running year in 2015, so went back again. But whereas last year I felt quite good on this fast and runnable race, which is almost closer to a trail or multi-terrain event, I struggled from an early stage this year. I still had hamstring damage from the Jubilee Plunge although can't really blame that for my travails which were more fundamental in nature! The route is eyeballs out throughout, with no really steep climbs: it goes gently up into Lyme Park, then embarks on a steady climb interspersed with a wooded descent that eventually leads to a short ridge on the edge of the Peak. I lost around 10 places on the climb, struggling to run, but gained a few on the descent back to the Cage Tower and Lyme Park: eventually finishing around a minute (and 10 places) down on last year.

Y Garn walk

Peak: Y Garn
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
The traditional post-Christmas walk with Rich. Just a short one this year, although conditions were superb with a hard frost in the valleys and perfect clarity from the summits. The East Face of Tryfan would have been wonderful, sheltered from the cold (but fairly gentle) westerly. Rich fancied Y Garn though, so we walked along the valley to Ogwen Cottage then up the very familiar steps towards Twll Du. Emerging into the sunlight at Llyn y Cwn was very welcome: memories of my solo summer wild camp in this wonderful spot. Delightful winter sunshine for the plod to the summit, and lunch with a raven for company. Excellent views over Llyn, in particular. We completed the mini loop in familiar fashion, down Banana ridge and back to Idwal. An ideal gentle outing to stretch the legs after all the festive races.

Jubilee Plunge

Race: Jubilee Plunge (2.2m/-1361ft)
Time/Position: 12.39 (8th from 81)
The shortest and physically easiest race of the year, yet always the most damaging in terms of recovery! I'd avoided it in favour of the 5k handicap last year, conscious that my poor descending and overstriding leaves my legs in shreds for a week even if I hold back. It is one of the most enjoyable outings of the year though, and I have always liked the village pub. A convivial trot to the top of Moel Famau for this most eccentric of race starts in front of the usual crowd of curious onlookers on the Jubilee Tower: nice weather with low sunshine and milky high cloud. I started mid-pack, the intention being to take it easy and save my legs. This backfired in a fairly obvious way as I found myself way behind on the first steep drop then felt obliged to push on the ridge to try to gain some places. By the time you reach the narrow track branching off towards the Vale it is all too late. I could see Steve, Andy and Chris below me and knew I was unlikely to catch up! It is a fantastic grassy descent back to the road but I avoided the 'shortcut' as nobody else seemed to be taking it. The flatter fields back to the pub suit me a bit better and I ended up half a minute down on my best time. My fourth time at the Plunge, and the third short enjoyable race in four festive days.

Round the Walls race

Race: Round the Walls, Chester (6k)
Time/Position: 23.53 (10th from 491 [1st V45])
With the walls under refurbishment in two places, the race route must have been hard for the organisers to work out this year. There was no ice this morning though (always a concern on this race as it means the walls can't be run). Instead, just a nice sunny day as we headed off for a lap of the car park then short loop of the Roodee (as in 2014). From here, the race headed down Sealand Road then up past Telford's and the locks to take the cobbled canal towpath before joining the walls much higher up near the cathedral. Flying along the walls is what this race is all about, it always gives exciting racing, and I managed to gain a few places and get close to a compact group of five who were themselves well behind the lead five runners. Brilliant running past the clock and down to the Dee, and although I couldn't catch the faster group in front I just squeezed into the top 10 for the second time. Kate enjoyed it too: my fifth time at this race, which works so well as a bracing family outing on Boxing Day morning,

Wepre Parkrun

"Race": Wepre Parkrun (5k)
Time/Position: 20.16 (6th)
My Parkrun debut, after almost 500 'formal' races since 1982. Legs were a little tender after yesterday's exertions in the Berwyn storm, but these are not races, merely 'timed runs'. A little lap (on which I have previously marshalled) with a sharp climb leads to two longer laps each containing two longer climbs. The course is quite challenging and would make an excellent hard XC course with one or two more laps. I really enjoyed it, despite my jaded limbs which remained creaky and tired throughout, and despite the fact I recorded my slowest ever 5k time by quite a considerable margin! In fact I was three minutes slower even than this year's best 5k time, but this is certainly not a quick course (in fact, some say it is the hardest UK Parkrun). It is the 32nd week at Wepre, so I was rather surprised to break the course record for my V45 age category. Very nice inclusive event: neatly followed by our usual Christmas Eve walk.

Berwyn horseshoe

Peaks: Mynydd Tarw, Foel Wen, Tomle, Cadair Berwyn, Moel Sych, Moel yr Ewig, Godor
Area: Berwyn, Denbighshire
After a dry interlude yesterday (and a walk up Conwy mountain with the children), another depression swept in today. Dubbed Storm Barbara, it was another example of unfortunate pre-Christmas timing. In the event, however, Jez and I arrived in Cwm Maen Gwynedd just after 9am, and the worst of the weather had yet to arrive. We wasted no time, and injected a bit of pace for the steep climb up Mynydd Tarw: tarmac, then track, then steep fields. But the climb gets you onto the ridge very quickly: probably my fourth time round this excellent horseshoe. I thought it would make a good choice today, relatively sheltered in the east, and always with the option of dropping into the valley if things get too extreme. Ferocious gusts as we ran across the boggy terrain to the north: over Foel Wen and its tops, blown into the fence a few times. But it stayed dry initially, with a surprisingly high cloud base. After Tomle, Ffordd Saeson gave a few minutes respite before the main Berwyn ridge into the teeth of the gale. However, it wasn't quite as bad as I'd expected. Jez coped with the conditions better than I did, but we made good progress and even got some fine views to the south as we skirted Cwm Maen Gwynedd. The usual bog on top of the ironically named Moel Sych, then we took the great contouring narrow path down to Moel yr Ewig and along the ridge in deteriorating conditions: heavy rain and gale-force winds throughout. From Godor, an excellent fast descent back down to the valley bottom (2.15 for the round). Warmed up in front of the fire in The Hand, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog.

Carneddau run

Peaks: Foel Dduarth, Yr Orsedd, Drum
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
The familiar diabolical weather on our pre-Christmas outing, although it was particularly unfortunate this year after two weeks of stable conditions. Options were by definition limited, but it was at least dry as we set off from Aber. The steep tarmac start to the Foel Fras race is never pleasant, but you do gain height quickly. The very steep climb up gorse to Foel Dduarth is demanding, but again over quite quickly. From here, the grassy ridge always gives superb running over to Yr Orsedd. The wind picked up at this point, and the black clouds gathering to the west moved overhead. As we dropped down to the main Drum track, horizontal hail and icy blasts made life very difficult. Conditions got progressively worse as we climbed towards Drum: painful hail, poor visibility and ferocious gusts. At the summit of Drum, the wind whipped across the ridge: conversation was impossible so I gestured to Peter that a descent to Cwm Anafon was on my mind! He seemed to agree. Problem was that this was into the teeth of the gale: hard work initially, very hard to see. But I have used this as an escape route before and it works well. Half way down, the wind eased and in the cwm it was much gentler. We were finally able to communicate as we ran back north then extended the run down old tracks to end up on the A55 itself. Dried out in the Albion, Conwy.