Snowdon scramble

Peaks: Crib Goch, Garnedd Ugain, Yr Wyddfa
Area: Snowdon, Eryri
A connoisseur's route up Snowdon (AKA my 'alternative horseshoe') from the Dinas Cromlech layby up the tiny path that weaves up below the east flank of Dinas Mot. This gives some decent scrambling up slabby rock, if you look for it, and eventually gains the bottom section of the north ridge of Crib Goch. It all has the distinct advantage of avoiding the crowds and the parking fees. The weather was wonderful (as it had apparently been all last week when I was in Tenerife) but a front was due that afternoon, so it was nice to be able to take advantage by moving quickly first thing in the morning. Perfect views over Cwm Glas and Clogwyn y Person as I climbed, then gained the atmospheric curving north ridge which gains the summit in a great position, looking across to Reade's Route on the main pinnacle. I was last on this ridge in August 2017, descending it on our 3000s run. From the summit, people appear for the first time, despite the day and hour - but the views were perfect, some of the best I've had in dozens of Crib Goch crossings, this is always my favourite time of year. As always, a thoroughly enjoyable crossing, taking the pinnacles direct and running where I could. Over Crib y Ddisgyl by the most direct line - 25 minutes for the entire ridge from Crib Goch (1:20 from the Cromlech car park). I decided to brave the crowds and take in Snowdon, not something I often do outside winter but I thought it would be empty enough on Monday morning. It was packed, so I just touched the trig point and ran flat out to contour the slopes of Garnedd Ugain to the remnants of a cornice at the top of Parsley Fern gully. Here, I relaxed with a snack and took a few luxurious minutes to enjoy the view back across Clogwyn y Person to Crib Goch. I then descended the Cyrn Las ridge - we last came this way after climbing Face Route in incredible conditions at this time of year five or six years ago. It's a nice ridge with a couple of very short scrambling sections - I can remember feeling like we'd 'discovered' it as teenagers in the late 80s, as it didn't feature in any books at that time.

Hope border league

Race: Hope 5m (Border League race 6)
Time/Position: 30.50 (66th from 327)
The first time in 80 or so league fixtures that I've been able to run to the start from my front door (although I have jogged back from a few). A new course, measured five miles, around roads I know well (but do not generally run on, as they are a bit too busy for me). After a delayed start from Rhos Estyn lane outside Hope, we headed downhill towards Kinnerton, leaving the main road for Bramley Lane then back via the sharp climb up Barrack's Lane. Inevitably, my three seven hour days in the mountains of Tenerife began to bite on the climb, feeling very tired, but I tried to stick with a small group and it went reasonably well by the embarrassing standards of this season - although I was passed by 4 or 5 in the last few metres. A nice relaxing warm-down jog along Sandy Lane in warm spring sunshine, back to my front door.

Pico la Mesa

Peak: Pico de la Mesa (1321m)
Area: Santiago del Teide, Tenerife
The final part of today's triptych, all made up on the hoof as I spied interesting peaks from other mountains - this part of Tenerife must be unique in that respect. From El Molledo, I initially drove over the winding road to Masca, spectacular valleys above the Atlantic, rolling mist, difficult driving. I couldn't find the ridge paths I planned to take, so instead parked comfortably in Santiago and eventually found the path I hoped would lead to Pico la Mesa, a shapely peak with a sharp summit that I'd seen from Guama first thing - the most notable feature of the landscape alongside Risco Blanco. The path led alongside the road to turn left up the obvious side valley cloaked in laurel and pine forest. This was lovely, although I was starting to tire the endemic flora and birdlife (endemic blue tit, endemic chiffchaff, canary) kept me going. I got to the pass (degollada de la mesa) quickly, and then took the much smaller side path along the enjoyable ridge. This curved up through more endemic flora, wonderful throughout, to gain the short rocky ridge leading to the small summit of Pico de la Mesa. This occupies a stunning position directly above Masca and the western valleys: the ground drops away. Sadly, it was misty, although I got a few brief and spectacular clearances, revealing Masca for a few seconds, as well as the Atlantic and the Cabezada ridge. A great way to finish, but that was enough - so I ran flat out all the way to Santiago. Despite the three separate outings, I was still back at the ideal time for lunch, 1pm, and dined on papas arrugadas, mojo, pan con chorizo, and wreckfish with onions and olives. Then there was just time to drive down to sea level for a view of the 800m sea cliffs of Los Gigantes before my evening flight home.

Risco Blanco

Peaks: Risco (Roque) Blanco/Chimayachi (935m)
Area: El Molledo, Tenerife
Consulting my map after breakfast, I noticed that a path led towards Roque Blanco from El Molledo, a hamlet further up the valley. Roque Blanco, also called Risco Blanco or Chimayachi, was such an eye-catching peak that I really wanted to do it after seeing it from Guama this morning. However, it was also obviously sheer to the south, climbing territory, and not feasible solo. As I drove up the valley, however, I kept looking across and saw obvious weaknesses further north. I parked in El Molledo, the weather clearing beautifully, and set off through the village to the superbly runnable contouring path heading west below Montana Ijada and around a couple of lengthy spurs to the more isolated valley that drops down to the sea very steeply, typical of the spectacular terrain of this part of Western Tenerife. Finally, I got a view of the otherwise hidden Risco Blanco, and although still steep and impressive from this northern side, a reasonable route up seemed very likely as the terrain looked like slabby rock interspersed with vegetation: a classic volcanic shape. The path reaches Casa Quemada, a goat farm, then drops down a well-defined ridge to the base of Risco Blanco. From here, I went straight for a line of weakness up a steep open groove. This gave good scrambling, around grade II, and I then moved out right to the excellent slabby ridge (north-west) which marks the transition between the steep and slabby side of the mountain. I stuck to the rock and it gave a great little route to the summit, which takes the form of a short, narrow ridge in a predictably spectacular position. To the south and west, sheer drops to those wonderful steep, lush valleys plunging down to the Atlantic 1000 metres below, framed by this morning's peaks, particularly Guama, not far away across the valley. Further over, the Cabezada ridge that towers over the famous village of Masca. And inland, my next objective, Pico la Mesa. The sun was still shining, and it all felt like a tremendous bonus, some recompense for the cancellation on Wednesday. To my mild disappointment, I found a tiny path which weaved in and out of the crags and picked an easier, less steep, route down to the base of the roque. From here, I ran all the way back to El Molledo along the traverse path trying to save a little energy for part three of the day.

Tamaimo peaks

Peaks: Montana Guama (881m), Pico la Vera (789m)
Area: Tamaimo, Tenerife
My guesthouse in Tamaimo had a roof terrace, from where the village's situation could be properly appreciated: 600 metres directly above the Atlantic in a corridor of steep-sided mountains, the most notable and closest of which was Guama, which rose directly above. So before breakfast, I joined the well-marked path that weaves from the village up the hillside to the north-south ridge above, which is marked by a large cross, Cruz des los Misioneros. This didn't take long at all, running the whole way, although I was feeling the pace after the past two days. Turning south, a smaller path with some mild scrambling continued up the ridge to the summit of Montana Guama (28m), in a great position above the sea and village. It was all a bit grey and cloudy, sadly, but inland my eye was caught by two fine peaks: the first turned out to be Roque Blanco - a fabulous orange spire from this angle, and the second was Pico la Mesa, a much higher peak rising inland. I didn't know anything about either, but changed my plans to try to get up them both. First, though, I ran back to the cross and tried to traverse the ridge to Pico la Vera and Roque del Paso. I must have missed the small path so tried to make my way along the crest. There was no path, and rather too much vegetation - including cacti with painful needles - which was a shame as there was some good scrambling and it was narrow in places. I continued to the first rise of the ridge, probably Pico la Vera, then went back to the col and ran flat out down to my lodgings for some breakfast and a shower. It was still early, so there was plenty of time left for further exploration before my evening flight.

Guajara/Viejo

Peaks: Alto de Guajara (2717m), Unnamed Peak (2464m), Pico Viejo/Mancho Ruana Sur (3008m)
Area: Teide, Tenerife
An unusual and gruelling double climb from the Parador at Roques de Garcia. This was not the plan, but the conditions meant I had to adapt - and it was actually a much harder day, and therefore better training, than if I had started at the hut. Instead, I left Vilaflor at first light and drove up to a deserted Teide in incredible conditions - a hard frost last night, snow higher up, low sun lighting ice crystals on the lava flows. The entire valley was orange, and the sun rose over the shoulder of Guajara, my initial target. I parked at the Parador, deserted at this hour, and trotted over to the path that leads steeply up to the obvious col that gives access to the upper slopes. It traversed through snow (which was icy, vindicating yesterday's decision) below a line of crags, then gained the pass (Degollada de Ucanca) with views down the contrasting, fairly green, Ucanca valley, Guajara is well defended by crags on almost all sides, but a broad couloir through the southern cliffs was clearly the onward route. The path weaved up to it, keeping close to the walls as it moves left into the couloir. The angle then eases as the broad plateau is gained - it is an unusual hill with a huge summit area but crags on all sides, typical of a volcanic peak and very prominent in the landscape, in some ways more impressive than Teide from the valley bottom (and the highest mountain on the island outwith the hulking mound of Teide). The view was genuinely stunning: one of the best views I have ever had anywhere. A circle of white cloud was draped around the mid-slopes of Teide, the clarity of light was perfect, with every detail highlighted. Two Polish walkers lent the view some scale, and we swapped photo duties. To the west, cloud was boiling over the Sombrerito de Chasna and the slopes of Vilaflor. I descended back to the Degollada, then nipped up the obvious unnamed peak (pt 2464m on the map) lying along the ridge to the west of the pass. This gave a nice little scramble to a small summit, obvious from the Parador, with more great views: a tiny cairn on top as well as a vague semblance of a path through the rocky summit suggested the occasional other person comes this way! One option now was to continue to the Sombrerito, which might have been best, but instead I ran down to the Parador for a coffee cortado and pastry. Refuelled, I opted for a mammoth extension, jogging past the tourists on the easterly Roques de Garcia path (these are impressive spires of rock, foregrounding a million Teide photos, and rammed with tourists). I instantly left all tourists behind as soon as I joined the path through the lava flows to Pico Viejo, which is a vague lump on the 'ridge' that runs west from Teide. It was an opportunity to get up high again, although the weather was worsening - with a cold wind - and the route is a dreadful extended slog with little to recommend it. I just ploughed upwards, considering it good training, and entered the clag at 2500m. It weaves through old lava flows but generally heads upwards, although such was the nature of the clag and the vague nature of the 'peak' that it was hard to tell where I was. At the spot marked Mancha Ruana Sur on the map, a 3008m extrusion, I turned round and jogged all the way down just as another heavy snow storm blew up. This turned to sleety rain lower down, and I took the westerly path round Roques de Garcia which descends to the impressive 'Catedral', a huge spire of rock, then climbs back to a tourist peak above the car park. This finished me off, and I headed to the car for a tricky drive through very thick mist which lasted for 35k through Chio to my next guesthouse in Tamaimo, where it finally cleared. I saw virtually nothing for the whole way, which was a shame.

Teide blizzard

Peaks: Montana Blanca (2758m)
Area: Teide, Tenerife
After a great morning in the hills, part one of the intricate plan completed, things took a turn for the worse as I ate my Canarian stew in Vilaflor. I received a text from the Altavista hut saying it was closed, as were the paths, and the cable car, due to snow and ice on Teide. A real blow, as this was the main point of the trip. I thought I would try to walk up anyway, although rather tired after the morning, as the text implied the dorms would be open. So I headed up through the pine forests into the extraordinary volcanic landscape of Teide for the first time. The weather improved a tad as I got higher, intermittent sun, high cloud on the peaks, around 4C as I left the car (tricky to park) and began to walk up Montana Blanca under leaden skies with bag packed for the two day expedition via the hut. With a good distance in my legs already, this was a tad tiring, but I jogged most of the easy-angled slopes up the lunar landscape of the utterly bare Blanca slopes - reminded me of the Laugavegur in Iceland. Soon, an ominous steady drizzle began, and this gave way to sleet as I climbed. The odd snow drift appeared. Then, above some long zigzags, the sleet changed to snow - which started to come down very heavily under rapidly darkening skies. At Montana Blanca (just a slight rise on the slopes of Teide), the path upwards was 'closed' - my trail running shoes were working well on the soft snow, but I didn't have any kahtoolas (I had considered packing them but didn't think I'd get them on as hand luggage). I continued upwards in a worsening blizzard to just below 3000m - but at this point had to make a decision. The snow was coming down hard, the path covering over. I would have been able to make the hut, but I was wet, and the temperature suddenly - and quite noticeably - dropped like a stone. The main issue was the strong possibility of ice tomorrow morning - which would have ruled out Teide and the ridge to Viejo. So, with regret, I descended back to the car in very cold weather, intense wind-chill, and drove all the way back down to Vilaflor with the heater on full blast and icy sleet giving way to rain, then sun, as I descended. I managed to bag a cell-like room for a few quid at the classically Spanish Sombrerito in town, and dined on classic Canarian food: goat stew, mojo and papas arragudas. Some compensation at least.

Arona three peaks

Peaks: Roque del Conde (1003m), Roque Imoche (1113m), Roque de los Brezos (1115m)
Area: Arona, Tenerife, Canary Islands
A very intensive 72 hours on Tenerife, my first ever visit to the Canary Islands. I'd thought about it as a winter venue for a while, but saw Teide poking through the clouds from my flight to West Africa last November, and pledged to visit as soon as possible. This micro-trip cost less than £50 return from Manchester and was perfect distance/climb training, conceived as such. After a night not too far from the airport, in an isolated finca in the hills above Arona, I drove to the hamlet of Vento at first light - 7am. My plans were all quite specific, with only three days at my disposal, so I set off running towards Roque del Conde with a low sun lighting the entire landscape in a truly beautiful honeyed glow - various cacti species lending the scene a characteristic sub-tropical foreground. All three of these peaks are distinctive, quite different from each other, and all notable features of the southern Tenerife landscape (I could see them from my room in the moonlight last night). It was beautifully clear as I took the contouring path on the Atlantic side of Roque del Conde, before it heads straight up through bands of rock to gain the plateau-like summit - reminded me of South Africa at times. A small flock of canaries as I jogged to the true summit, less than an hour from Vento, feeling fresh, a good start. Stunning views, still before 8am, with Teide dominating, clouds starting to boil up from the Atlantic, and a dramatic contrast between the beautiful interior and the overdeveloped urban coast. A small path, initially hard to find, then allowed for a wonderful traverse through the northern crags of Conde to take a direct line towards Roque Imoque. This was stunning, picking a running line through, cacti and local flora everywhere, with some surprisingly good scrambling, to eventually gain the broad col. From here, the little path joins the main GR131 and heads up towards Roque Imoque: this is a very impressive pyramidal peak, the Matterhorn of the Canaries, with only one real weakness. I decided to try to the obvious eastern ridge, ploughing up through the undergrowth to gain some good scrambling. The summit pyramid was too sheer from this side, though, so I dropped off the ridge and traversed round to eventually pick up a small path from the Brezos col. This follows a shallow spur to gain the weakness on the inland face of Imoque - an easy groove, then two short walls (around grade II) gains a small summit, a wonderful spot with tremendous views on all sides. A fine peak. Then, fast running down the spur to a col with a 'threshing circle' (and a berthelot's pipit!) on it, and a very quick ascent of the final peak, Brezos. This throws down a series of excellent-looking crags to the east and is a double-headed peak. Back to the col, now under cloudier skies, then all the way along the GR131 skirting Imoque and turning north below Roque del Conde back to my car in Vento. Then it was way up into the cold and mist at Vilaflor, the highest village on the island, for a lunch of Canarian chickpea stew.

Heptonstall fell race

Race: Heptonstall fell race, Yorkshire (15m+/3200ft/BL)
Time/Position: 2.26.40 (87th from 279)
After enjoying the Haworth Hobble last year, it was nice to have an excuse to return to this area: terra incognita for us to an extent. This was a supremely enjoyable event taken at training pace - in perfect early spring conditions of light cloud, bright sun and a distinctly chilly wind preventing us from over-heating. The climb from Hebden Bridge up to Heptonstall is ingrained in my memory from the Hobble - so it was nice to start on the cobbled streets of Heptonstall itself! A vicar with air horn made it more memorable, as did the early descent down to Colden Clough, then up and round tracks to the 'navigation section' over the moorland of Black Mires to Standing Stone hill - classic Yorkshire scenery - then down via Ling Hollow to the valley (Hebden Dale). After this, a steep climb on tarmac initially north onto the moors again in sunshine and bracing wind. Just after the high point (Greave Height), I turned my ankle, an old weakness, and had to hobble for a while until it righted itself. This is a familiar routine, however, and by the time we had descended to the remote reservoir at Walshaw Dean, it was OK - and I felt good for the gentle climb up to High Rakes/Wadsworth, particularly after a gel. An unfeasibly long descent (didn't seem commensurate with the climb, which is unusual!), all the way to Walshaw farm, where a long extra loop (which looks illogical on the map but isn't) commences to Hardcastle crags, then round to climb up Turn Hill after drinks at Lady Royd farm, then down to Walshaw again. With no local knowledge at all, I was completely unaware it was the end of loop, thinking we had much further to go. With distance in my legs, I was thoroughly enjoying myself, skipping through delightful woodland. Another climb, then south skirting Crimsworth Dean Beck (the route to Haworth) to New Bridge and the notorious last mile and a bit, up hundreds of steps (the 'staircase to heaven') back up to the village. I only realised we were near the end when I saw Heptonstall high above the valley as we emerged from the woods near Midgeholes.

Llanberis slate

Crag: Bus Stop Quarry, Llanberis
Routes: First Stop (f5:sec), Equinox variant (VS 4c:sec), Ferrero Roche (HS:led), Bosch Stop Quarry (f6a+:led*), Bosch Stop Quarry (f6a+:sec), Bish Bash Bosch (f6a:sec)
An unprecedented miscalculation saw us heading all the way over to a misty, dank and drizzly Tremadog while western Snowdonia enjoyed stunning conditions of shifting cloud and dazzling sunshine. To be fair, the forecast was largely to blame, along with the likelihood crags would have been wet after recent rain. Still, we usually pride ourselves on our local knowledge so it was galling: we headed up to Moel y Gest from Porthmadog to find the crag protected by waist-high brambles (theoretically only a 'summer' problem) and the rock sodden and utterly unappealing (a westerly airflow had led to this dank sea mist rolling in). So after wasting several hours, we headed back west in frustrated mood, instantly emerging from the clag and damp at Penygroes. Time was running out, so we headed to Deiniolen and Bus Stop Quarry, intent on salvaging a shrivelled husk from the day (really, we should have been on the east face of Tryfan, or similar). After a warm-up, Vic and Steve led the old trade route Equinox, now rather polished, by the direct variations, and I led the unpleasantly loose groove of Ferrero Roche. We finished with the two 6a+ routes higher up: the one on the right has a very technical crux, which I failed on a couple of years ago. It involves a high clip, then a blind move to a vague toe hold, a crimp, then a footless lunge to an obvious hold. It is much harder than it looks. I grabbed at the clip when leading, then did it again clean with rope above. The companion 6a+ line to its left is a tad more positive and certainly easier.

Stretton Hills fell race

Race: Stretton Hills fell race (9.8k/2100ft)
Time/Position: 1.00.47 (188th from 339)
If anything, English championship fell races are even more competitive than the British equivalents. With no speed at all, I was always likely to be well down the field - but the motive was just to add some more climbing to a decent week of training. I'd never done the race before (the precise route varies, and it tends to be used as a championship race) - it encompasses all the hard parts of the Long Mynd Valleys race, which I last did in the snow in 2009, maximising all the climbing on these steep little hills. It also encompassed an element of route choice, and in this sense echoed last month's Clwydian Sheeptracks. I set off with Vic and Steve from Church Stretton, up the start of the Burway (done on a bike - horrible), then off towards Yearlet. I went right, they went left. My route headed straight up the front, getting me to the top in 17 minutes from town - but was definitely slower. I caught Steve on the path over towards Haddon Hill then took a good line lower down to drop directly in to Carding Mill valley - a very steep descent. I made up a few places, then quite enjoyed the brutal climb all the way back up the top of Haddon Hill. Then a long contouring finale above and around Long Batch. I finally caught Vic, and enjoyed the extensive views over Caer Caradog and the Wrekin. Great running along the escarpment above Long Batch (although the best route by far was to drop into the valley). Instead, I dropped down awkward terrain to Jonathan's Rock and the final checkpoint, only to find Vic and numerous other runners had nipped in front by taking the better route through the valley!

Clwydian long run

An attempt to increase the volume of climbing in advance of the Fellsman with a longish route attempting to maximise all local hills. From the Collie, I headed over the Beast up Bryn Alyn, then over towards Eryrys, emerging on the bridleway below the mast. A loop round the village, then back down the bridleway towards the Ruthin road. Up to the top of Bryn Alyn again, joining the Beast for a second time (via a newly discovered path!), then to Maeshafn via the undulating Big Covert path. Up to the top of Moel Findeg, then past the crag to Gwernymynydd and the Collie, where I did the usual route up Moel Famau via the Leet. Tired on the climb, although I perked up a tad for the descent.

Birkenhead border league

Race: Birkenhead Park 5.5m (Border League race 5)
Time/Position: 33.19 (76th from 344)
A wet day in Birkenhead for the usual four lap border league route round the park, and another predictable 'slowest ever time' for a race I have done many times (at least 7 or 8). In previous years, I've always run just over 31 minutes and finished in the top 20. Today: two minutes and 60 places down: my 72nd BL race. Slightly perversely, despite the laps I always enjoy this fixture and did so again today in the rain - and lunch in Liverpool was a nice way to recover.

Maeshafn climbing

Crag: Maeshafn
Routes: Rambler (S:sec), The Minstrel (E1 5b:sec), Royal Plume (E2:sec*)
The final day of a record-breaking spell of warm winter weather. Stuck in the office all week so took advantage of two free hours to indulge in a short training session at Maeshafn. Steve led Rambler, as he learns to place gear, then we trained on the two steep cracklines to the right, including the crag classic of The Minstrel.

Clwydian Sheeptracks

Race: Clwydian Sheeptracks fell race (27k/AL)
Time/Position: 3.33 (40th from 129)
The incredible weather continues, which both helped and hindered this event, hovering somewhere between mountain marathon and long fell race in tone. It is a great concept: revealing the checkpoints in advance and allowing competitors to reccie the best lines at leisure. One small problem: unlike most of my fellow local runners, for various reasons I hadn't reccied it (apart from three of them). Quite rightly, I lost time as a result in numerous obscure parts of the Clwydians, even though I always knew broadly where I was! As the race name suggests, the fastest lines took trods and hidden sheeptracks - most of which required some prior knowledge, few of which were normal paths. My legs felt a bit tired throughout, but I went reasonably well initially - from Cilcain over Moel Drws y Coed and the shoulder of Moel Arthur down to checkpoints above Nannerch. It was hot, absurdly so for the time of year, and I adopted my normal approach to the weight/water trade-off. This is always risky, and this time I lost: dehydrated towards the end and not taking on food. On the way back from Pen y Cloddiau, I took the slower direct route over Arthur, then got the next two checkpoints bang on before making a stupid decision to drop down to the Vale of Clwyd side for CP13, all the way up Nant y Ne and then the debilitating direct climb reversing my own Hotfoot race route! This finished me off, and I made another bad route choice round the back of Foel Fenlli before limping home dehydrated. Only two weeks after Brecon-Cardiff, so perhaps I was paying a bit for that towards the end.

Castle Inn climbing

Crag: Castle Inn Quarry
Routes: Line One (f4c:led), Smartie (f5c:sec), Appenzeller (f5c:led), Line Two (f5c:led), Rosecomb (f6a:led), School Mam (f6a:led), Cakewalk Direct (f6c:sec), School Mam Original (f6b:sec)
An unusually early start to the Welsh rock climbing year, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Worrying from a planetary perspective, but it seemed wise to take advantage with an opening salvo at a venue I've been visiting for nearly 30 years. Despite the temperatures, there was a strong wind blowing, and we kicked off with a couple of newly bolted routes at the sheltered far right of the crag (I think I've done every route here - with a couple of hard exceptions). These were new, however: an easy line up the crumbly right-hand arete, then the two delicate 5c's that I'd done before. Then came Line Two, another similar 5c, and a slightly harder line (tricky start) on the left that is given 6a. These are all short routes, though, so after a bite we headed across to the windy main face where I led old favourite School Mam which is probably f5 by the most logical line up the cracks. We then upped the grade considerably, for training purposes, with rope above. Cakewalk Direct has always been one of the harder routes at the crag, big numbers for February, but to my surprise I managed to despatch it cleanly (although I have done it before). It has some technical moves on tiny edges and flakes to gain the overlap: crux moves over this, very powerful initially with an awkward side-pull, gain the chain. After the slightly easier line to the left (still technical) this felt like a good start to the year.

Purple Mountain Traverse

Peaks: Purple Mountain (832m), Tomies South (757m), Shehy Mountain (762m), Tomies (735m)
Area: Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Kerry, Ireland
This miniature massif probably counts as the most notable feature of the Killarney skyline, rising above the lake and occasionally living up to its name when the light is right. We could see it from our hotel on the Muckross road and it gave a delightful outing, the perfect 'airport day'. After another full Irish breakfast, we drove the short distance to Kate Kearney's Cottage and set off in yet another heavy shower along the narrow road which leads up to the Gap of Dunloe. This is famously picturesque, and did not disappoint. It was quiet, and we thoroughly enjoyed the flat walking up to Coosaun Lough, then the Black Lake, Cushvally and Auger lakes as the road climbs through the ever narrowing valley. Towards the top of the hairpins, the pass takes on a Llanberis feel - black crags and a distinctive Celtic atmosphere. I felt entirely at home, just like Dingle yesterday (although in the height of summer, I imagine this road feels very different, a tourist hotspot). Above lies the Head of Gap, and a small path climbs steeply up towards Purple Mountain itself (it must be at least 8k to this point from the cottage, a long walk-in). The weather had cleared by now, and we had some of the best views of the trip as the cloud lifted from the Black Valley and eventually Cnoc na Peiste and the main Reeks ridge. Stunning scenery on all sides, and even the novelty of sunshine. After skirting little Glas Lough, however, it started to rain again - and this turned to heavy sleet as we gained the ridge with views over the other side to the Upper Lake and Mangerton. The path weaves around to gain boulders leading to the summit of Purple Mountain, perfectly timed as the weather cleared again. These were the first real summit views of the trip, and they were worth the wait, as Purple Mountain occupies a perfect position between the Reeks and Black Valley on one side, the green valleys of Kerry to the north, and the Killarney Lakes directly below. Wispy shower clouds were lit by the sun as they tracked slowly across Ladies View on the Ring of Kerry. The views of Lough Leane and Ross Castle got even better as we walked over the subsidiary peaks of Tomies South and then out on a limb to Shehy Mountain, which is poised directly above Killarney and Lough Leane. A very enjoyable ridge walk which was worth savouring, so we took our time to contour round to the short final climb up Tomies. Here, we just sat for a while, watching the ever changing play of light on the lakes and Reeks ridge, now covered in light snow. Shower clouds and rainbows tracked across the valley bottom. There was still a fair way to go back to the cottage, so we jogged down the steep slopes of Tomies Rock to gain the twisting path back to the car. Then, after a quick shower, it was back to the airport via Macroom and a swordfish supper in Cork.

Mount Brandon

Peaks: Brandon (952m)
Area: Dingle, Kerry, Ireland
One of the finest mountains in the British Isles, Brandon rises directly out of the Atlantic at the end of the wild Dingle peninsula. I've wanted to come here for years, but ran out of time (and weather) on our last visit to Kerry in 1999. This morning, we drove from Killarney to Tralee then along the coast of Dingle to the Gaeltacht and finally Cloghane in constantly changing weather under huge skies. This remained the day's theme, although we had glimpses of the upper ridge as the mists shifted in and out, particularly early on, as we set off from the small Faha car park above the sea. Hail, sleet and rain swept in for the initial contouring slopes to gain the spectacular 'paternoster' lake valley which marks the entry into the wild upper reaches of the mountain. Behind, wonderful ever-changing light as showers swept over the Slieve Mish range from the Atlantic. As we got higher, the path kinks towards the upper cwm, a superb hanging valley, and a spectacular hailstorm swept down - backlit by the sun over the two lower lakes of Lough na Lice and Lough Cruttia. The terrain changes at this point, and the route reminded us of the Pyg track in the sense that it picks through moraines and rivulets before climbing the headwall, which looks steep from below but actually has a zigzag path up it. The rock scenery is tremendous, with the Faha ridge above and the tiny lochans hidden between boulders and ridges. Rain showers kept sweeping in, then disappearing equally rapidly. There seemed to be blue sky above, so we hoped for a Fohn effect clearance, but it never came. We emerged above the headwall into another predictable galeforce westerly and an immediate and complete change of scenery. Indeed, Brandon is famed for its east-west contrast: the eastern approach is rocky and dramatic (the route we took), while the west is just a grassy slope. We ploughed up to the cold and windy summit, before taking our time back down to the notch - hopeful of a clearance and even taking a very wet and cold lunch sheltered from the wind just below the notch. Finally, we were rewarded with a brief clearance and misty views down to the Atlantic crashing onto the beach 2500ft below. It was only a matter of seconds, though, and the weather then closed in for almost the entire descent: steady rain and thick clag. The changeable theme continued as we drove to spectacular Brandon Point: stunning play of light and shade with rainbows and showers tracking in off the ocean and Slieve Mish appearing then disappearing in minutes. A quick coffee in Mullally's Pub, then back for another pleasant evening in Killarney.

Reeks Traverse

Peaks: Beenkeragh (1010m), The Bones (959m), Carrauntoohil (1039m), Cnoc an Toinne (845m), Cnoc an Chuillinn (958m), Maolan Bui (973m), Cnoc na Peiste/Cummeenepeasta (988m)
Area: Macgillycuddy's Reeks, County Kerry, Ireland
Although I've been up a few Irish hills over the years, in disparate parts of the country from the Mournes to Donegal, Dartry to Achill Island, lots of gaps remain. The most obvious being down in the south-west, where all the highest and most interesting peaks are. So this winter mini-break was a great way to kick off what I intend to be a fruitful mountaineering year, alongside Huw and Steve. After flying into Cork last night and driving to Killarney, we set off from Cronin's Yard into a strong headwind thundering down Hag's Glen. Intermittent rain added to the mix, although the cloudbase wasn't too low - around 800m - so we could get an idea of our surroundings. The plan was to head alongside the Gaddagh River to Lough Gouragh at the end of Hag's Glen. Here, the surroundings are dramatic, with mist swirling down into the impressive cwms below Carrauntoohil and Beenkeragh. We contoured the hillside above the lake and headed for the cwm on the right, before traversing left towards what was obviously an interesting ridge, marked Stumpa an tStaimh on the map. I believe this is known as the Hag's Tooth ridge, and we joined it at the top of the eponymous feature, a rock pinnacle. This was all wonderful, just picking our way through unfamiliar terrain: my favourite thing of all. The ridge was wet, of course, but good rough sandstone which gave nice (although generally avoidable) scrambling, with the odd steeper rise in places. After it eased, a misty trudge to a deserted Beenkeragh summit. I took a bearing to get established on the Beenkeragh ridge, which leads to Ireland's highest mountain: Carrauntoohil, and is a delightful route somewhat reminiscent of Striding Edge although the scrambling is extremely mild. We had it entirely to ourselves, and the strong winds eased a little - blocked by the ridge ahead. Occasionally the mist shifted to reveal the rock features and views down to Coomloughra. The ridge narrows at various points, and can be taken direct with good rock - over 'The Bones' for example, akin to an Alpine gendarme but counted as a subsidiary peak. A final slog leads to the top of Carrauntoohil - and the full force of the wind (as well as the weekend crowds, although still no more than 15 people). The gusts were ferocious, and the nav fairly tricky from the summit with lots of routes in all directions (similar to Yr Wyddfa in that respect). All good fun though - and we popped out of the clag at the broad col above Devil's Ladder (the normal route, a scree slog). The wind blasted over this col, but we had views on both sides with glimmers of light lower down. The ridge then becomes grassy although still well defined, and a tailwind blew us over Cnoc an Toinn to the higher peak of Cnoc an Chuillin (we finally managed a bite to eat nestled in a sheltered couloir on the lee slopes). There are few easy escape routes down to Hag's Glen from this ridge, and the weather closed in again: heavy rain, gale-force gusts, thick clag. We crossed over some subsidiary summits, then located 'The Bone', one the descents, before deciding to continue to the final major peak: Cnoc na Peiste (also known by numerous other names). From here, there were two more peaks along the final short section, but Huw wanted to finish so we plotted a route down the steep NW ridge - this took a careful bearing to avoid the crags, and we emerged above Lough Cummenepeasta then continued down steeply to a wild cwm above Hag's Glen opposite The Bone. A bog trot led down to the circular loop along the valley base and eventually the main path back to Cronin's Yard.

Brecon to Cardiff

Race: Brecon to Cardiff Ultra Marathon (70k/43m)
Time/Position: 7.33 (51st from 390)
Another blend of rural beauty and urban grit: in that sense, this race had some similarities with my last ultra, round Rotherham in October. I was also entirely reliant on that event for distance, as I haven't really done anything long since (apart from a few 18-20 milers). The usual 'car bivouac' in a floodlit retail park at Nantgarw, then a pre-dawn bus ride through light lying snow to Brecon Theatre, where we set off along the Monmouthshire canal and Usk valley to Talybont. This was a lovely gentle start in sleety drizzle, which petered out as we started the gradual but very long climb south-west up a cobbled path to tracks above Talybont reservoir and up into the Brecon Beacons proper. I have been up this valley before, getting lost in icy mist on the Tour of Torpantau fell race a few years ago. This is the way the Taff Trail negotiates the barrier of the Beacons, reaching its highpoint below Pant y Creigiau, the snowline just above but well-timed sunshine breaking through the shower clouds at the most scenic part of the whole route. Then the race finally heads south (and downhill!) after all the kinks, along the the reservoirs to take in wooded paths above Pontsticill reservoir and CP2. Then, after an annoying detour, quiet cycle paths buried in the valley below Gurnos, Morlais and Trefechan to finally gain CP3 at the Cefn community centre in Merthyr. A blissful change of shoes (Innov8s into road shoes with fresh socks) then a complete change in surroundings for the second half of the race. Over Cefn Coed viaduct through the middle of Merthyr and then following the line of the Taff more closely - through Merthyr Vale to pass through famous valleys villages like Troedyrhiw and Aberfan (CP4). Continually interesting industrial scenery, with the flat Taff Trail weaving alongside. The valley and route takes another bend below Treharris before the endless final leg. At this point, there are inevitably some rough patches. The trick is to push on when you feel OK, typically after a feed, then dig in for the bad bits. After a heavy shower, the track was under a foot of cold water before the final checkpoint at the Trallwn working mens club. After a final feed, I ate all my carried food and pushed on for the final 10k south-east along the edge of Pontypridd through the housing estates above the Taff to a rather cruel finish, going beyond the visible finish, with a final kink as the route emerges at the main Caerphilly road above Nantgarw.

Pen yr Ole Wen

Peak: Pen yr Olau Wen
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A ferocious northerly made life very hard this morning, along with drifting and unconsolidated snow. There was no prospect of climbing, although all the peaks were clear first thing and conditions looked good for a long walk round the Carneddau ridges. The reality was somewhat different - a familiar feeling, as Steve and I trudged up the East ridge, some very deep snow drifts in places. Tiring progress, although it was at least relatively sheltered until we emerged on the plateau towards the summit. This got even worse as we made our way across the ridge to Dafydd - the wind and windchill as bad as I have known it in 32 years. Not necessarily the worst, but as bad! Onward progress was impossible as we were getting blown off our feet in the wrong (southerly) direction. So the only option (communicated by pre-arranged hand gestures!) was a direct descent down to Ogwen cottage, which at least made for a nice little traverse. I rarely use this route, as it's a notorious slog in ascent, but it is quick - even in these unconsolidated conditions with frequent waist-deep drifts. Back to the car via the lake.

Tattenhall border league

Race: Tattenhall 9.8k (Border League race 4)
Time/Position: 38.20 (72nd from 372)
My 500th competitive race, so an anniversary of sorts, although I hate to think how slow my 1000th will be if this trajectory continues. Still hopeful that resuming speed training will help avoid the kind of situation I found myself in again today, really struggling to maintain any kind of pace. It's one of my favourite BL routes, but this was by far the slowest I've ever run it. Conditions weren't great, with a strong headwind on the run-in, although it was a great help for the long climb up to the Peckforton Hills at Burwardsley. The long straight back to the finish was tough, with my lack of speed really showing: unable to stay with any groups so constantly exposed to the headwind. Kate and I then had lunch at the Pheasant, followed by a very windy walk along the Sandstone Trail.

Dash in the Dark

Race: Dash in the Dark, Llandegla, race 3 (4m/700ft)
Time/Position: 28.03 (7th from 89)
Having missed the first two races this season, it was nice to be able to squeeze this one in: I've been doing these night-time winter fell races for many years, and always enjoy them. With no speed, I just treated it as a session and tried to keep a reasonable pace ticking over. Conditions were standard: fairly mild, all the recent snow gone, moist underfoot but not unusually so. A giant chip bap at the Rose and Crown was a nice way to recover.

Chester-Moel Famau run

You might as well make ultra training interesting, so linear runs with an obvious target make sense. I'd hatched a vague plan to run from my office to the top of Moel Famau a few months ago (it is always visible on the horizon from the Chester campus) and conditions were ideal today: cool, dry underfoot, a gentle breeze. I set off at a gentle pace, skirting the Roodee to pop out in Saltney. Then comes the worst section: along the cycle path by the main road to Broughton. Resisting the temptation to jog home, I finally left the main road and continued up the Warren along the edge of the Hawarden woods to cross the A55 by the footbridge. Then comes the Dirty Mile through Dobshill and up to Buckley, and another change of atmosphere. Moel Famau now in front, of course, and another section run hundreds upon hundreds of times before. Fast running for the drop down into Mold, then the gradual climb up to Gwernymynydd. My plan had been to wait for the usual Friday night Collie run, but I reached Cadole in two hours, quicker than anticipated, so continued up after dumping my sac in the Collie toilets. I got it into my head that sub-3 hours would be a good target, and tried to get to the summit without switching the headtorch on. Down to the Alyn, along the Leat, then the 'classic route' to the summit: reaching it in atmospheric conditions just as the last light faded (2.54 from the middle of Chester). The descent was a tad more painful, on tired legs.

Carneddau run

Peaks: Foel Grach
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
The cloudbase was well below Allt Fawr and Foel Lus as we drove along the A55: a grim prospect indeed, although the forecast implied the possibility of a cloud inversion above 800m. So there was some optimism despite the clag as Peter and I ran along the contouring path above Aber falls to gain Cwm Afon Goch. Steady drizzle and thick clag - but this is always a nice place to be. It's been a few years since I last did the 1000m peaks race but I think I picked the right gully to gain the plateau between Yr Aryg and Bera Mawr - undoubtedly the fastest way to Llewellyn. This is a great navigation test, taking a southerly bearing until you hit Llwybr yr Aryg, the ancient path that cuts across the northern Carneddau. Not the slightest sign of a clearance, we were soaked to the skin as we plodded across the featureless hill. Satisfying to get it right, though, and a classic test of hillcraft, particularly as the track bifurcates at various points. Once on the main path, we made good progress although the weather remained awful and we were glad to reach the haven of the refuge on Foel Grach. Wet and with no sign of a clearance, we opted to shorten the circuit and pelted west down very runnable slopes to gain the mini-gorges at the top of Cwm Caseg, one of the wildest spots in North Wales. We then contoured round to gain the path towards Bethesda above Afon Wen. From here, we contoured high up to gain the little col below Moel Faban - finally out of the clag and drizzle. The ancient paths circling Moel Wnion give a superb run-in back to Aber: dried out in the Albion. Not as good, or as long, as the similar 20m circuit I did in August, but still a good way to end the year.

Cylch Llangollen Round variant

Peaks: Moel y Faen, Moel y Gamelin, Moel Morfydd, Moel Fferna, Vivod Mountain
Area: Berwyn/Llangollen
A shorter version of the full round: perhaps best described as the Glyndyfrdwy loop. Last September's solo completion ranks as one of the best outings of the year: this wasn't as far, and wasn't as enjoyable (I felt sluggish and heavy all day) but it did contain all the best mountain sections and at least as much climbing as the full route. Jez and I set off from the top of the Horseshoe Pass in misty conditions, with an unfortunate headwind for the climbs over Gamelin and Morfydd. I struggled almost immediately, but then perked up for the flatter sections further west as the route loops over the ridge and takes in some superb terrain down to Carrog. The climb up Moel Fferna is very long, but is gentle throughout and we both enjoyed it. Claggy and cold on the summit, but it's becoming an increasingly familiar place despite its obscurity and relative remoteness (four times this year - compared to once or twice in the previous 30!). As we headed east, we dropped below the cloud for a while and some sunshine dappled the Vale below. This section, along the North Berwyn Way, is excellent - the third time this year we have run along it. Then it was back up into the cloud over Vivod, powered by Christmas cake, and then the long descent down to Llangollen. I refuelled with a drink, then we headed up the canal to take the tracks and paths that head east of the Abbey to eventually join the road to Pentredwr. The climax, up the Old Horseshoe Pass, is tough - rendering this version, although much shorter (21 miles?), almost as hard as the full 33 mile Round. I've cycled this in the past - it is a relentlessly steep end to a long run.

Round the Walls race

Race: Round the Walls Chester (4.5m)
Time/Position: 27.07 (12th from 500)
The usual Boxing Day family outing, always enjoyable - especially if conditions allow for the full race. Work continues on the Northgate bridge, but apart from that a full circuit has been possible for the past few years. I was a minute down on last year's time, when I finished 8th, and even slower than my quicker days a few years ago, but given recent form it wasn't too bad. The Roodee was a bit slippy, but the racing along the walls was as exciting as ever - Pete and myself had a grand battle, neck and neck below the clock until I pulled away a bit on the lap round the edge of the Roodee. Kate came in a little later and we then replaced all the calories.

Carneddau run

Peaks: Tal y Fan
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A week on, and another attempt to maximise the difficulty of a small peak! This time, it was Tal y Fan, a hill I have been up dozens of times from every conceivable starting point - except one. So today I left the coast at Aber, another sea level start, and plotted a course for the top: quite some distance away. I felt tired throughout, and the initial climb up the old Foel Fras race route is never fun in these circumstances. It was a case of grinding it out, as heavy showers swept in from the west. Some fine sunbursts from the track, and it cleared briefly as I crested Bwlch y Ddaefaen. Then a very heavy shower, snowing higher up on Foel Fras, for a long and wet run down the road taken by the Pen fell race. Then, another change: sunshine briefly for the climb up to the ridge - which was cold and blustery (sleet) but entertaining with its rocky dips and hollows. I descended to the quarry and had intended to go all the way down to Sychnant, but changed my mind - motivated by cold hands and feet - and instead ran west along the maze of ancient tracks that spread across the northern slopes. These rarely go where you want them to (they presumably link sheepfolds and shelters together?) and it was therefore a long slog west back to Bwlch y Ddaefaen and a long descent to Aber for lunch at yr Hen Felin. Later, a six miler from the Collie - another tiring Wednesday.

Mortimer's Forest trail race

Race: Mortimer's Forest trail race, Ludlow (9m/1500ft)
Time/Position: 1.13.11 (36th from 360)
There aren't many fell races in Wales and the Borders that I haven't done - but this is a long established event that I have somehow managed to miss in the past. It gave a very enjoyable end-of-year 'away day' with some unique features: hovering somewhere between trail and fell in tone. Shropshire races are always scenic and well-attended, and a big field left the school in Overton, south of Ludlow, on muddy tracks which led to the first major climb up Poison Bank. From the top, a long contouring section gives brilliant running around an open hillside with views over to Clee Hill. Then came the 'big dipper', three short and very steep hills that come in quick succession with no break between them. At the top of the final climb, drained of energy, comes the gradual climb back through the woods to the race highpoint. Vic and I ran together with me acting as 'pacer', and he caught me again for the final section which gives exciting running along twisting forest tracks to the abrupt finish above the school.

Conwy Valley-Carneddau run

Peaks: Pen Llithrig y Wrach
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
An exercise in making the most of a small hill. Or to put it another way: Pen Llithrig y Wrach the hard way! Early in the morning, I parked at the base of the Conwy Valley in Tal y Bont (10m above sea level), then after a mile-long warm-up started the vicious (in places) climb up to Cwm Eigiau. This contains two or three very steep hairpins interspersed with gentler sections, but gains height quickly. Above the road levels off and the terrain opens out into the glorious lower reaches of Cwm Eigiau: ahead a perfectly straight track leads to the old dam. We were last up here for the bothy trip in Easter 2017 - and there were three cars parked up this morning. Maybe closing the road would keep it quieter? Excellent running through the magnificent scenery of Cwm Eigiau. The peaks were clagged in, the head of the cwm a tad oppressive, although the cloudbase appeared to lifting very slightly. It's been quite a while since I last ran this way, although the Rab Mountain Marathon took in some of the same terrain. I took the contouring path on the eastern slopes, through some thick heather to gain the very steep and untracked climb up to Bwlch y Tri Marchog. This is a wet slog and gained a cold bwlch with the clag just above, allowing for vague views down to Ogwen. The climb up Pen Llithrig was claggy and chilly, and I didn't hang around at the summit, taking a bearing north-east to avoid the crags, before plunging east down steep scree and heather to gain Llyn Cowlyd - a wonderfully remote spot. From here, the descent to Dolgarrog is long but gloriously runnable and enjoyable. The Cowlyd path is boggy and leads eventually to the hideous pipeline, a grotesque intrusion. The track eventually leads to the top of the Pipe Dream fell race route, which gives a slippery and steep descent to Dolgarrog and Tal y Bont: three hours and an excellent, largely runnable circuit. Later, a 6m+ headtorch run from Llanarmon yn Ial. Tiring, but I told myself it was all good training for Brecon-Cardiff in February.

Ty Croes border league

Race: Ty Croes/Trac Mon Anglesey 5m (Border League race 3)
Time/Position: 30.56 (41st from 261)
A tiny glimmer of an improvement today, although still a massive three minutes down on the 27.58 I ran the last time the league visited this course. As a race track, the circuit is unusual and the surface as smooth as silk. I suspect the course was a tad longer today, measured at five miles, and it was blustery in places making the two climbs hard work and inevitably having an adverse affect on times. Beautiful views over a rough sea and across to Llyn, with the occasional sunburst. My 70th Border League fixture, I think. After the race, it was straight back to Henllys for luxurious steam bath recovery. And, early next morning, a wonderful recovery jog up to Aber Falls then the mini-circuit above the valley.

Cardington Cracker

Race: Cardington Cracker fell race (9m+/2600ft)
Time/Position: 1.37.04 (50th from 271)
Made the mistake of checking my previous times for this race before setting off. Bad move, because I ran 1.22 in 2011 and knew I wouldn't be able to get close - although I would never have predicted 15 minutes slower over a 9 mile course! It was very wet and muddy underfoot, which would account for a few minutes, but essentially this season's lack of speed really showed itself again. It's a great race, my favourite Shropshire outing, with two savagely steep climbs up the Lawley and Caer Caradoc, followed by the gradual ascent of Hope Bowdler hill and the brilliant run-in along a vague ridge back to the village. Myself and Vic ran it together, which was good. It never felt uncomfortable, just slow. The weather was dank and drizzly, so a quick recovery pint of Shropshire Lad in the fifteenth century Royal Oak was particularly welcome.

Tryfan climbing

Peak/Crag: Tryfan (East Face)
Routes: North Buttress (VD:led p.2,4), Terrace Wall Variant (VD:led p.2)
A cloud inversion looked like a possibility this morning. It is always worth gambling in these circumstances, and I know from past experience that the East Face of Tryfan is the most perfect place in these conditions, so Vic and I headed up from a drizzly and dank Ogwen at 9am. Thick mist as we trudged up towards the Heather Terrace where a slight lightening in the cloud gave us hope. Then, just as we got to the start of Grooved Arete, we popped through the cloud. Stunning views, some of the best I have experienced in over 30 years of Snowdonian activity. Teams were already on Grooved Arete, so we went for North Buttress, which was one of the first climbs I did: 1989 perhaps. The first pitch goes up a tricky groove, then I led the second, which gives very pleasant climbing up a delicate rib to a groove. It is all typical Tryfan climbing - easy and relaxed, all the time above a spectacular blanket of cloud. Sadly, the route then becomes broken and a long grassy section leads up to the Terrace Wall. It was windy here - quite cold too. So we settled for Terrace Wall Variant, which is quite hard to find. I have a vague feeling that I have done this before, and I think we struggled with the route-finding then too. It goes up a slabby crack to a ledge, then a steep wall. Vic led this pitch, then I led the traverse right in a fine position, to the Grove of Bollards (the spikes at the top of Belle Vue Bastion - a route I did a few years ago). Then a steeper little groove to the top. All this time, the cloud inversion had boiled away below, gradually dissipating from a thick bank of cloud enveloping the whole of Ogwen to tendrils of mist peeling away from Bwlch Caseg Fraith. We took the skirting path to the top of Tryfan for a sunny but cold and windy lunch. Then it was down the West Face for a long and circuitous route back in glorious late autumn sunshine: all the peaks crystal clear.

Upton border league

Race: Chester 'Spring' 5m (Border League race 2)
Time/Position: 31.14 (86th from 441)
The unwelcome milestones continue to fall. This was my slowest five mile race in 20 years of running, and my worst league position since around 2006. My flight from West Africa landed in Manchester at midnight, and I thought that if I woke in time I would do this - which takes the Spring 5 course on a route I know very well indeed. In fact, I calculate I have done it over 100 times as it was my regular lunchtime run when I worked at Kingsway. As a race, I have also done it many times but have never found it particularly quick, especially when it gets a bit muddy: but I didn't expect to be quite this slow, despite the circumstances and relaxed approach. No speedwork all year, the flight, and the continuing after effects of the 50 miler are my only excuses: feeble, given that everybody else had raced yesterday and Friday!

Gambia run

Not an obvious place to run, but I actually saw somebody jogging along the road towards the airport as the sun came up first thing this morning. After breakfast, I took a bush taxi through Yundum to Abuko and then spent a very pleasant few hours birding - covering the entire reserve. I then decided to jog back along the main road, past multiple little shops and all the hustle and bustle of West African life. Next day, it was into Senegal: through Kafountine and down the Casamance river to the very remote animist island of Kailo.

Round Rotherham race

Race: Rowbothom's Round Rotherham Ultra Marathon (50m+/81k)
Time/Position: 9.35 (39th from 160)
A properly long ultra was the only thing missing from my 'running CV', compiled over 500 races and 20 years, so it was good to make my debut here - even if the setting was not a very glamorous one. In fact, I actually ran a double marathon of 53 miles because I made a huge route finding error half way round. This was upsetting, but apart from the error I really enjoyed the race - and my rudeness about the setting was entirely misplaced. In reality, it is a massively varied route, continually interesting, a real treat for a geographer - sometimes very scenic, sometimes urban and gritty, with everything in between. After a drive across the Pennines, a meal outside Sheffield and a night sleeping in the car, we set off in the dark at 7am from the lake in Wath upon Dearne. My plan was just to plod along for 30 miles and then see what I could do. It worked reasonably well, although my legs never felt great, possibly still affected by the marathon 13 days ago. It gradually got lighter as we headed to Elsecar, a gentle introduction down tracks, then Thorpe Hesley as the sun rose above the horizon. This led to a magnificent sunrise at the precise moment we ran along what was probably the most scenic section of the race, a vague ridge above the village of Scholes: stunning autumnal views with the low sun, light mist and stone houses of the village. A climb to Keppel's column and then the first checkpoint. After crossing the M1 the route becomes more urban at 18k past Meadowhall and Tinsley: canal side running in places. After the second CP, we passed Treeton Dyke lake past more industry into the interesting Rother Valley country park at 30k. I was feeling pretty good across the fields leading to Harthill and the halfway checkpoint. Another good feed (I was eating well!) at another excellent checkpoint, and then a long rural section through endless fields - the only time I felt a bit hot all day (conditions were generally ideal, fairly cool with sunny intervals). After the airfield at Netherthorpe I began to hit my first bad patch at the marathon distance (42k). A gel helped, but I then made my big error at the Lindrick golf course. I lost the route, and asked a greenkeeper where the tunnel under the A57 was (this was key to the route). He sent me way off to the left, and I made the map 'fit' the landscape, as often happens, running well over a mile off course. I finally realised that it must be the wrong way and, with no local knowledge, was forced to take the demoralising decision to retrace my steps, asking a golfer if there was another tunnel. I tried running down the A57, dangerous to the point of impossibility, so had to take evasive action which cost even more time - at least 30 minutes and 3 miles extra. This was infuriating but did give me an adrenalin boost which continued after the next CP at Woodsetts. The rest of the route is mainly scenic, fields up to Langold Lake, then woods through Firbeck. This, around the 34 mile mark, was the furthest I had ever run before, so it wasn't too surprising that I began to hobble and walk in places. The final section was delightful at times, though, past scenic Roche Abbey in glorious sunshine, then Maltby and another feed, and then more rural scenery around Hooton Roberts before an urban finish through Swinton and back to the start in Manvers. I was slow on the last section, but not disastrously slow. All in all, a great event, very well organised with a real local Yorkshire feel and a sense of tradition - it's been going a long time. My error cost me a lot of time and places, I think I would have finished around 9 hours without it. But it only cost me one position in the Runfurther British ultra championships, which I completed with this race, my first ever 'long' ultra - I finished 7th male in the 2018 series, which was a satisfying way to mark the end of the season.

Tryfan

Peak: Tryfan
Area: Eryri
An early morning outing after dropping Kate off. It was a little too close to Saturday's 50 miler, but a perfect autumn day was forecast, so I just headed straight for the North Ridge. It is just over 30 years since I first did this - and I have no idea how many times I've been up Tryfan since then (well over 50). I picked my way up, sticking to the crest then taking the nice groove up the right-hand side of the North Tower. The summit was a delight: I had it to myself initially, and there was still some high cloud around, which gave some beautiful patterns of sunshine and shadow over Y Garn and Elidir Fawr. My usual descent: down North Gully and Little Gully, always fun, and then a leisurely walk back to Ogwen in glorious conditions as the cloud melted away completely. Beautiful autumnal scenes.

New Brighton 5m

Race: New Brighton 5m (Border League race 1)
Time/Position: 29.44 (66th from 411)
My worst finishing position in 12 years: close to 80 league races. It was only two years ago that I managed to finish in the top 20 for every fixture. Despite that spectacular decline, I was actually fairly pleased with the time, having not done any speed work all year - very hard to adjust from the plodding ultra pace I have trained myself for this year! I just aimed to get under 30 minutes as it was the only realistic target. I couldn't remember doing this exact course before, although I have done variants of it in BL and Wirral leagues. It goes from the little lake along the prom towards Leasowe, then back inland towards Harrison's Drive. A very slight headwind for the finish along the prom although conditions were generally ideal for fast times, with the course as flat as a pancake.

Chester Marathon

Race: Chester Marathon
Time/Position: 3.01.48 (252 from 3800)
After the humiliating experience of missing out on a qualifying time (for the first time in years) at London in April, I felt I had to squeeze one more marathon into 2018. The obvious problem is that I've concentrated on ultras, and therefore have distance in my legs but a complete absence of speed. The solution? To run at the same slow, plodding 7 minute mile pace throughout. It worked surprisingly well, particularly as I only managed three longish road runs in preparation. A night in my own bed, still asleep at 7am, was a great help, as was the ten minute drive to the start. Conditions were absolutely perfect, in contrast to London: I was shivering in 2C at the start and the day was clear with light winds. It is a great route, similar to the old half marathon route (which I did many times) in places as it heads out towards Pulford. But it also takes in much of the city centre, in stark contrast to the old marathon route which I ran in 2010 (the first ever Chester marathon and my V40 debut!). Under the Eastgate clock, out through Handbridge and Eccleston along roads I know very well and often train on, then over the border to Rossett and along the lanes towards Holt and Farndon. There are a few sharp hills on the return leg, a bit of a struggle for a while, but I took in more gels than is usual for me and - after going through half bang on 1.30 - didn't lose too much ground on the return, which takes the lanes east of the Dee through Aldford to re-enter Chester around Huntingdon to finish back at the Racecourse after taking in the banks of the Dee and our regular family picnic spot. So, no great shakes (8 mins down on PB) but job done in the sense that a London qualifying time was regained, and it was nice to wear the Welsh vest for the first time in six years (as a cross-border marathon, the British Masters Championships were incorporated into this race).

Cylch Llangollen Round

Peaks: Eglwyseg Mountain, Cyrn y Brain, Moel y Faen, Moel y Gamelin, Moel Morfydd, Moel Fferna, Vivod Mountain, Y Foel (33m/53k/5300ft)
Area: Berwyn/Eglwyseg
This is one of the best outings in North-East Wales. It is occasionally organised as a challenge walk but would work well as a long race hovering somewhere between short ultra and very long fell race - similar to the Haworth Hobble or Long Tour of Bradwell. It would have been more sensible to get a final long road run in today, with the Chester marathon imminent, but the weather was absolutely perfect - a wonderful late summer day - so I couldn't resist a solo outing over something I've wanted to do for a while. I did half of it with Peter and Steve on Christmas Eve - but that first half from Pontcysyllte to the Ponderosa is the easy bit. A gentle run up through Trevor woods to gain the Panorama and superb early morning views of the crags, Dinas Bran and the vale. From here, it gains the escarpment above Trevor Quarry with the usual expansive views in crystal clear air. Great running along the edge of the crags; there is a more direct route here, which I missed, thereby adding a little more to the day's total! Over the top of World's End, then up the Offa's Dyke path towards Cyrn y Brain. Fantastic views to Snowdonia from the top, unusual clarity. A pepsi and a bakewell tart at the Ponderosa, hardly a balanced brunch, but some fortification for the long but always fun haul over the very familiar hills of Moel y Faen, Gamelin and Morfydd. From here, the Round diverges from the Gamelin race route to head north of Bwlch y Groes towards Bryneglwys (a small navigation error lost me time here), before curving round the northern edge of the hills to Bwlch Coch. From here, a small path through woodland eventually gains wonderful views of the Dee Valley with Carrog nestling below - this section was new to me, amazingly. Another pit stop at the excellent Grouse pub, ham sandwich this time, and then it was over the river to Llidiart y Parc and the very long haul up Moel Fferna from the north. I remember trying to do this many years ago and finding the paths blocked in several places. Now, it is all clear. The conifer forests gave some shade, although it never got uncomfortably hot, just glorious running conditions. It is at least 5k uphill to Fferna, the day's highpoint - which always gives a nice sense of space and remoteness - I have never seen anybody else on this hill. The route then joins the North Berwyn Way, which we have done twice already this year, so it was a familiar plod along the excellent tracks east above the Ceiriog Forest to Vivod Mountain. I was beginning to tire by now, and dehydrated despite a pint of water and a coke in the Grouse (I only carried a map and jacket all day). The final leg was tougher than expected: a tiny path through bracken below Y Foel (taken by the Ceiriog Canter if memory serves), before a horribly long road section from Finger Farm above Glyn Ceiriog. Apart from the wonderful views of the Ceiriog Valley, this was dire: tiring and dehydrated. But it is at least direct, heading directly east with a couple of welcome off-road diversions before dropping steeply to Froncysyllte, and a finish over the aqueduct. Not the fastest of times, 6.5 hours of running, but given that I was alone and didn't want to empty the tank before the marathon, not too bad.

Wirral Multi-Terrain Series, Arrowe Park

Race: Wirral MT Series (Race 4: Arrowe Park)
Time/Position: 28.22 (44th from 197)
In this year of ultras, anything short and fast is a humiliating experience. Three years ago I came 9th at this race, but was 35 places down on that today, the fourth time I've done this enjoyable race around Arrowe Park on the edge of Birkenhead. It felt like a useful session in advance of the marathon.

D'Aguilar loop, Brisbane

Not really a run, as this was too good to hurry, and more to the point I was busy familiarising myself with an entirely unfamiliar avifauna. I was staying in Woolowin, my second night in Brisbane (after an earlier layover on the outbound leg), and took a combination of train and bus out towards 'The Gap'. From here, a jog uphill gains the edge of D'Aguilar national park. Obviously, this was a mouth-watering prospect, but I'm afraid it will have to wait until we are in a position to visit Australia properly! Instead, I contented myself with the Walkabout Creek visitor centre and a walk round the lovely Araucaria Track. This skirts the Enoggera reservoir for a while and takes a big loop through hoop pine and eucalyptus forest. Dozens of bird species - superb fairy wren, bell bird, brush turkey, comb crested jacana and many, many more. In addition, two huge lace monitors (goanna - giant 6ft lizards), water dragons and short-necked turtles.

Vanuatu run

My last day in the South Pacific, and a beautiful clear dawn. I'd already done a bit of walking to the Mele Cascades, round part of Lelepa Island and a few other delightful locations. Today, I jogged from my lodgings on the Erakor Lagoon past a huge Chinese building down towards the Bay of Erakor itself. The usual issues running in developing countries - uneven surfaces, discontinuous pavements, holes in the ground. I then took a circuitous route through villages back to the middle of Port Vila, where I had Tuluk and Laplap for breakfast, sitting on the seafront in warm sunshine.

Bukit Timah, Singapore

The mighty highpoint of Singapore, all 164 metres of it. As a layover outing, it's an ideal little leg stretcher (and an area that I missed when I was last in Singapore six years ago). After an early arrival at Changi, I entered the reserve early, around 8.30am in typical weather - bruised sky, humid, threat of rain. The rainforest is actually well preserved here, although the route up is typically Singaporean, manicured and immaculate. After walking up the steep steps to the summit (very jet lagged having not got much sleep on the flight from Heathrow) I jogged down and had a nap in one of the open shelters: very relaxing, listening to the soft tropical rain and the breeze through the ferns. Then it was down to begin the dining tour: roti prata for breakfast, then satay bee hoon for an early lunch.

Pot Hole climbing

Crag: Pot Hole Quarry
Routes: The Dog (HVS 5b:sec), Right Wall (E1 5c:sec), The Watzmann (VS 4b:sec), Tre-Ffynnon (VS 4b:sec)
A very brief workout on these old, polished routes: all done dozens of times before. Rather warm, and my finger remains problematic. We then did a shortened version of the Collie run up Findeg in beautiful evening sunshine with clear views to Arenig.

Tal y Fan run

Peaks: Tal y Fan
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A gentle recovery jog after yesterday's race and a night out in Conwy. I parked at Sychnant and jogged along the paths to take the curving track up the front of the hill, exploring a few hidden corners as I did so, including the old quarry and some excellent potential campsites. A relaxing 10 minute break at the top, watching the mist roll over Carnedd Llewellyn: but on Tal y Fan, all was clear and calm.

Cilcain mountain race

Race: Cilcain Mountain Race (Moel Famau)
Time/Position: 38.17 (14th from 159)
This is probably the race I've done most often - maybe 12 or 13 times since my debut in 2003. As such, this wasn't too bad in the circumstances albeit considerably slower than I used to be capable of. Conditions were good - cool, cloudy but still dry underfoot. I climbed badly, losing places, but had a reasonably quick descent (helps when you know every inch of it) and picked up a few places.

Criffel

Peak: Criffel (570)
Area: Dumfries, Southern Uplands
A well-known Dumfries landmark, Criffel towers above the Solway Firth and famously looks much bigger than its modest height would imply. It is somewhat reminiscent of Slieve Donard or Yr Eifl in the way it rises from sea level, and it offered an ideal leg stretcher on the way home - involving an interesting detour through unfamiliar terrain around Dalbettie and Beeswing. The route up Criffel leaves from near Loch Kindar, south of the lovely village of New Abbey. It is very direct, but also very boggy. The first section was eminently runnable, even for Peter and myself (both rather tired), as it takes a good track alongside the attractive Craigrockall burn. Above, the open hill, which was very wet indeed, comparable to the worst parts of the Pennines. Usually, I'm told the views over the Solway Firth and Lake District compensate. Today, just more thick mist all the way up (although it had finally stopped raining, at least). We were on the summit in 35 minutes or so, and took another 20 to get down.

Galloway hills

Peaks: Benyellary (719), The Merrick (843)
Area: Galloway, Southern Uplands
It seems strange that circumstances have never brought me to Galloway. It ticks lots of my boxes: a quirky and unusual area, a distinctive genius loci, interesting cultural snippets, wild mountain landscapes. There's nothing bland about Galloway, and today we left Creetown fairly early to drive into a deserted Glen Trool. If anything, the weather was worse than yesterday evening: steady, driving rain, and a cloudbase virtually down to the car park. Our initial plan had been the hugely ambitious Ring of Fire, which takes a giant loop round the range. In the conditions, that seemed unlikely, but the start - up Merrick from Glen Trool - seemed a sensible use of time, as it's the highest peak (in the whole Southern Uplands, actually) and by far the most popular objective with a well-trodden path. This skirts the Buchan Burn initially, an atmospheric tumbling river in these conditions. Good running through the mist and rain - very wet underfoot - to the Culsharg bothy. Then up steeply through a plantation to gain the open moor above. A steady haul gains the top of Benyellary, rather bleak in these circumstances with a distinct chill in the wet and windy air. We were now in the Range of the Awful Hand, running along the well-defined ridge ('the Neive of the Spit') which eventually heads up broad moorland to the Merrick. It was very grim up here, which was a real shame as it meant that a massive downgrading of plans was necessary. We ran back to Glen Trool via a food break in the recently re-roofed bothy, and then extended the day the way the conditions dictated: along the clearly defined and relatively sheltered Southern Uplands way. This did at least allow us to penetrate the Galloway interior, albeit in a sanitised way. Atmospheric native woodland with rushing torrents gives way to open moorland (and a goshawk sighting) with views up to the Rig of the Jarkness and other superbly named features (Galloway has perhaps the most evocative names in the UK with its historic blend of languages presumably a contributory factor). The route climbs gradually to a pass, after which Loch Dee is revealed, powerfully gloomy in these conditions, with the cloudbase just above and tree-covered islands just emerging from the mist. We ran all the way to the White Laggan bothy after which I began to feel the pace (perhaps still recovering from last week's ultra) so we went our separate ways back to Glen Trool. Peter went over the hills, I contented myself with a jog back along the lower route: still a good 17-18 mile day.

Cairnsmore of Fleet

Peak: Cairnsmore of Fleet (711m)
Area: Galloway, Southern Uplands
Evening arrival in Creetown. Abysmal weather of low cloud and driving rain, glowering skies, empty farmhouses, daylight limited, the full foreboding Galloway atmosphere and a memorable run. Cairnsmore of Fleet is a huge whaleback of a hill, the most southerly 2000ft mountain in Scotland. This was right at the start of an impromptu trip with Peter, and my first ever visit to Galloway (although I'd been to the nearby Lowther Hills in the 2007 OMM). From the start, north of Creetown, we set a good pace (necessarily given the lateness and the conditions) through dank woods and open fields to gain the extensive Bardrochwood. The path is excellent throughout, even when the open moor is gained, although torrents of water cascaded down it along its entire length. The wind picked up and the temperatures dropped as we ran across the exposed summit, which is enormous, more like a plateau. An exhilarating descent into the teeth of the gale, which we both thoroughly enjoyed and therefore kept the decent pace ticking over: we got back to the car around 90 minutes after leaving it. An evening spent in the time-warped Ellangowan hotel, eating steak pie in the deserted dining room with fizzy lager (the only option), was an appropriate coda.

Letterbarrow run

A micro-break in the Lakes to introduce the children to the concept of budget hosteling (family camping trips expired in Pembrokeshire in 2011 - Kate said she would never camp again and she was true to her word). It had rained all day, so after soggy trips to Sizergh and Hill Top we settled in to the Hawkshead YHA on the shores of Esthwaite Water (the 7th English YHA I've visited in the last few years). I stretched my legs with a brisk run up the miniature local fell, Letterbarrow, which was an excellent 37 minute up-and-down blast through the village and out on the High Wray road. The last few hundred metres joins the open fell with minimal visibility, thick mist and constant light rain. At the summit, famed for its views over Windermere, thick clag. Next day, a lovely morning walk round an uncharacteristically empty Tarn Hows with a tiny glimpse of sunshine towards the end: the cloud base just failed to clear Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam.

Long Tour of Bradwell

Race: Long Tour of Bradwell (54k/7000ft)
Time/Position: 6.43.12 (14th from 87)
This race feels like a 17 mile fell race followed by a 17 mile trail race: it gave a brilliant day out, my fourth ultra of the year, possibly the hardest and probably the best. It helped that the day dawned superbly clear, yet fairly cool, after a pleasant night at Hardhurst Farm and the Traveller's Rest near Hope. The route is supremely varied, taking a giant loop around the Hope Valley including most of the highest points in every corner (hence the large amount of climbing). It is a bit like a giant extension of the classic Edale Skyline fell race, which I did in 2009. Tracks lead south-west from Bradwell past the quarry and a long, steady climb gains the Limestone Way quite high up, from the first checkpoint brilliant grassy running leads down to the very pretty limestone valley of Cave Dale - awkward rocky descent - to Castleton. The lengthy 'softening up' process continues with another long haul over the next ridge, to Hollins Cross near Mam Tor, then down to Edale before another long climb up Grindsbrook. This temporarily echoes the Edale Skyline race, heading round the Nab and steeply up trackless ground towards the Druid Stone on the edge of the Kinder plateau. A steep and direct descent back to the valley at Woodhouse Farm then up towards Backtor. At this point, I followed a confident looking runner up the wrong bridleway - an annoying mistake, after which I got the detailed directions out and followed them religiously for the rest of the day, along with the map which remained in my hands throughout. Some complex but satisfying route-finding, which continued for almost the entire route with very little marked. Then it was a scenic highlight, over Lose Hill in perfect clear conditions, then south-west to Hope and along lanes above our campsite to Aston and a long climb along the slopes of Win Hill to the forest above the reservoir. After checkpoint six, this joins the Thornhill Trail, which gave very quick running south to branch off for Bamford village. I felt good here, half way through the race. Little lanes then climb up to reveal a great view of the whole of Stanage - somewhere I first visited to climb almost 30 years ago. It was a real highlight to take the gradually climbing track to the top of the escarpment, then run along it all the way to Burbage Bridge. I've climbed here as well, and also did the Burbage Skyline fell race a few years ago, so I knew the wonderful sweeping descent down a track to the edge of Sheffield where a road leads to a delightful stream and, eventually, the deciduous woodland of Padley Gorge. This was all entirely new to me, and was very pretty. Upper Padley is the next village, before more delightful riverside running leads upstream to the edge of Hathersage, and through Leadmill to Hazelford. More woods eventually gain the tiny village of Abney, before a final long climb back onto the moors and a steep descent to Bradwell. A memorable day out, taking in some unfamiliar (to me) terrain, and wonderfully varied throughout - with White Peak and Dark Peak equally represented.

Craig y Forwyn

Crag: Craig y Forwyn, Llanddulas
Routes: Route 66 (VS 4c:sec), Sunset Strip (HVS 5a:sec)
We are gradually ticking a few more routes here, despite the fact that the central and best section remains banned after all these years despite the change of ownership. Today was sadly rain affected and was particularly unlucky - a deluge in the middle of a dry day. My finger injury persists, so I was happy to remain a passenger as we did the trade VS Route 66 for the third time, with its steep wall, delicate traverse and easy corner. Vic then led Sunset Strip, which is in the mould of the neighbouring Duchess which we did early this summer, but is more sustained. It starts up Route 66 before a delicate traverse left gains a steep wall before an excellent positive crack. This leads to a steep slab, with a fairly hard crux which requires a precise combination of moves using two perfect pockets. It began to rain just before I reached the crux and got gradually heavier as I grabbed the edge of the flake - not much for the feet and quite powerful for a short time. The rain began in earnest for the easier finish: a great, varied pitch. Sheltered for a while under the roof below the groove, then bailed out to do the Nick Beer 10k route round the Orme, inevitably drenched in glorious sunshine.

Tegg's Nose fell race

Race: Tegg's Nose (8m/1600ft/BM)
Time/Position: 1.06.18 (21st from 129)
An enjoyable fell race attached to a sheepdog trial on the edge of the Peak, at the point that the Macclesfield suburbs meet the open countryside. It is quite runnable, and a pleasantly accessible 'away day' for Simon and myself, but with little speedwork recently I suffered on the return leg. The race heads out along roads and fields towards Tegg's Nose itself, a little country park with the feel of a small gritstone edge further east, and good views over Macclesfield and the Cheshire plain. A loop round the nose, then a surprisingly steep descent down the valley and a hot climb back through woodland to regain the hill. Eventually, the route joins the outward leg which is where I began to struggle with some climbing remaining. A good few runners went past as I plodded along the fields leading back to the road.

Snowdon run

Peaks: Yr Wyddfa, Moel Cynghorion
Area: Snowdon, Eryri
It's been a while since I ran the tourist path from Llanberis, and seven years since I last did the Snowdon race (I 'retired' after running 1.22 in 2011, which I felt was the quickest I would ever do it). After dropping Kate off at work I parked at the far end of Padarn and ran through the town. Even though the weather was claggy and the hour early, the usual crowds dotted the path in a virtually continuous line. A squally shower hit below Hebron, and then cold mist and strong wind marked the rest of the climb. I ran down the same way until finding the crowds unbearable above Llyn du'r Arddu. To avoid them, I ran across the lip of the cwm, great views of both buttresses (I was last here for Longland's Route four years ago), then across steep grass to the Ranger path to join the Pedol Peris route up Moel Cynghorion where the weather finally began to clear. Brilliant running down the ridge to the col at the top of Maesgwm, leaving the perfect long run back to Llanberis along the Maesgwm path.

Sawyer Mountain run

Peak: Sawyer Mountain (2618ft)
Area: Adirondacks, New York
After the morning run up Prospect Mountain, we drove to Indian Lake and had a wonderful few hours exploring the glorious environs in perfect weather. The upper sections of the Hudson river, near its source, give way to picturesque lakes, one of which (Bullhead Pond) we walked to via pristine woodland. After a picnic outside Indian Lake, we drove to Sawyer Mountain, which I ran up - more pristine woodland and a brilliant leg stretcher and Adirondack sampler. A short way beyond the summit, I got the view I wanted, north over the unspoiled wilderness to Snowy Mountain and Wakely Mountain: quintessentially North American. Then it was back to Warrensburg for Elk Sliders, chicken wings and Space IPA.

Prospect Mountain run

Peaks: Prospect Mountain (2030ft)
Area: Adirondacks, New York
This little hill essentially marks the start of the Adirondacks, a vast mountain wilderness in upstate New York. It is the first landmark after the endless Hudson plains stretching inland from New York through Albany, and as such has considerable significance, with a road to the top and the remnants of an old cableway. I didn't know any of this, however, and just used it as a brief early morning training run as the closest trail to our motel in Warrensburg (although Kate and I had walked up the even closer Hackensack Mountain the evening before). A strange start from the edge of the resort town of St George, using a covered pedestrian bridge over the freeway, then an intense uphill blast on a big trail through woodland. Very direct initially, until a few rocky twists and turns gain the top of the summit road (29 minutes of running). At the top, lots of picnic tables, car parks, chipmunks, and huge views over Lake George, New York state and the Adirondacks. Very obvious that this marks a transition zone between populated NY state and the near-wilderness of the Adirondacks. I pelted down, back to the car, and back to the hotel for breakfast at 8am and a trip north into the Adirondacks proper.

Mount Randolph run

Peaks: Mount Randolph (3081ft)
Area: White Mountains, New Hampshire
Storms across New Hampshire yesterday, so my planned assault on the northern Whites had to be curtailed at the tree line after I stretched my legs up the famous Air Line trail, which starts from the road near our motel. We did some excellent family walks in between torrential showers: the Lost Pond from Pinkham notch, and two short trails from Crawford Notch. Today, I left the motel at 6am and ran through atmospheric woodland along the trail to Lookout Ledge. This took far longer than I'd expected, but when I arrived the conditions were fabulous. The night's mist and cloud was burning away and the sun lit the granite ledge as I arrived. Thick cloud remained over the northern Presidentials, but huge views over unbroken forested hills to the east - the Carter Range and Mount Moriah - emerged from light mist. Wonderful ambience with the low morning sun lighting the trees. I then switched to the Crescent Ridge trail up to Mount Randolph, named after our 'home' village. This remains wooded, all rather alien to one accustomed to continual mountain views, but very atmospheric and very North American. As I got higher, I re-entered the mist and could see nothing from the wooded summit. The path wasn't particularly clear, especially when compared to the Air Line, although the markings were adequate and it was all very runnable. I rejoined the Lowe trail and thoroughly enjoyed pelting down it to the Durand road, where I extended the run by another three miles (boreal chickadee, american redstart and other interesting birds). Then it was back to check out of the motel, enjoy a stupendous breakfast at the Water Wheel in Jefferson, and drive to Vermont.

Mount Jefferson traverse

Peaks: Mount Jefferson (5712ft), Mount Clay (5532ft), Mount Washington (6288ft)

Area: White Mountains, New Hampshire

Rather shameful, the first time in three decades of mountain activity that I've used mechanical assistance! But, I did at least run up Washington from the north, and the day's particular circumstances at the start of our US road trip provide three excuses. Storms were forecast tomorrow, there was no way the children would walk up Washington, and we'd driven over from the Maine coast in the morning. The drive up Washington's Auto Road is enjoyable, not particularly stressful by Alpine standards, although in a $50,000 Chrysler the mind was still focused! The tree line is left, reminding me very much of Mont Ventoux, as the open hill is gained: dwarf shrubs and granite boulders. On top, wonderful blue skies although distant views were a tad hazy. Close at hand, however, the Presidential range was very clear, particularly to the north where the more shapely peaks are. We had a picnic away from the hordes on the top, but I had a strong desire to get further away from the crowds, so ran over to Mount Jefferson. This was wonderful, a brief taster of the range. The terrain is rather awkward underfoot, so progress is slower than might be expected: rocky almost throughout. The path contours the sub-peak of Mount Clay to gain low trees and a rocky section at the col below Jefferson. I wasn't even sure what mountain I was on, having made a snap decision based on the appearance of the ridge. I felt quite good though, having just run a gentle acclimatising 5k round Lake Quannapowitt yesterday, and got to the bouldery top of Jefferson in around 50 minutes from Washington. Good views north to Adams and Madison, and down to Randolph - where our motel (called 'Jefferson View') was located. I varied the return, over the deserted top of Mount Clay, just a subpeak of Washington but with good views down into the pronounced Jefferson ravine. Took an unwise direct route back up Washington, which allowed me to partially regain the moral high ground.

Druid fell race

Race: The Druid (8k/1200ft)
Time/Position: 39.33 (6th from 75)
After yesterday's long run, I started at the back of the field tonight, on a very familiar race that I have done many times. As such, I was surprised to feel reasonably good, particularly by the standards of this off-form year, and started to move through the field as the race climbs over Foel Fenlli. There wasn't much to lose with our holiday imminent, so I gave it a real blast on the descent. The race now finishes back at the pub so I didn't have the demoralising experience of comparing my time with previous years!

Carneddau run

Peaks: Drum, Foel Fras, Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Grach, Carnedd Llewellyn, Yr Elen, Moel Faban
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
The cloudless, perfect conditions of recent weeks gave way to dull, misty and more familiar weather as I set off from Aber this morning. Up the Foel Fras race route initially, always a long climb, but every inch of it is familiar and I was glad of the cooler weather. The cloud base flirted with the top of Foel Fras but never quite covered the ridge as I continued along it, feeling better as the morning went on and starting to pick up the pace. I reached the top of Carnedd Llewellyn in 90 minutes, then pelted along to Yr Elen, always one of my favourite Eryri summits. From here, I continued down then cut across to finally get to a water source at the bottom of Cwm Llafur. From here, the terrain was less familiar. I crossed to the track on Gyrn Wigiau, then ploughed across the open moor just above Bethesda to the small col below Moel Faban. From here, perfect runnable tracks contour the Moel Wnion to eventually rejoin the end of the old Foel Fras race route back to Aber. Less than four hours, an excellent circuit.

Raven Crag climbing

Crag: Raven Crag, Langdale
Routes: Revelation (HS 4b:led p.1), Bilberry Buttress (VS 4c,4b:led p.2), Holly Tree Direct (HVS 4b,4c,4b:led p.1)
Just another perfect summer day: sunlit dew as we left the tents in Grasmere, the yellow grass shimmering in the morning sunshine. After a big breakfast, we drove back over to Langdale, and walked in to Raven Crag from the Old Dungeon Ghyll. If I've waited a long time to revisit Gimmer, it's been even longer since I last climbed at Raven Crag: in fact, it was perhaps the second or third venue I ever visited, doing Middlefell Buttress and Evening Wall with the university climbing club in 1990! The crag has more to offer, and we started on the far right hand side with the excellent Revelation, which is well named as it offers a continuous series of big holds. I led the first pitch up a scoop and delicate slab, before Vic led the second which starts up a strenuous slanting crack and continues up easy ground to another short, steep wall taken on big holds: great start. Bilberry Buttress is the classic VS of the crag, at the top end of the grade. The initial crack is off-width, polished and awkward. The second is steeper, demanding some crack technique until some superb finishing holds can be used: surprisingly strenuous for the grade. Vic linked the two together, and I led the top pitch which moves right to another crack, slightly dirty, up to a detached flake and final slab. Finally, we went for Holly Tree Direct, one of the crag's most obvious lines. I combined the first two pitches - initially up a slab which was supposedly 4c but felt easier, and then up a pillar leading to an obvious pinnacle (this bit might have been Original Route). Above, the obvious groove is undercut, so requires a subtle solution which took some figuring out. I had to retrieve Vic's gear from the top of the steep ramp, then downclimb to traverse a steep slab on small holds: with my finger injury, this was difficult. A long step gains the groove, which is easier but sustained VS. The finish traverses left to easier slabs. Jogged back to the car and got home in two hours, the roads deserted as England played in the World Cup quarter final.

Gimmer climbing

Crag: Gimmer Crag, Lake District
Routes: Bracket and Slab Direct Start (VS 4b:led), Bracket and Slab (S:led p,3), South East Gully (M:des), Asterisk (VS 4b:sec), D Route (S+:led)
Gimmer is not just one of the best crags in the Lakes, it is one of the best in the UK, with superbly varied climbs of all grades. Puzzling, therefore, that I've only visited once before, with Tim in the 1990s to do the famous crack and a few other routes. This morning, an early start from home saw Vic and I walking in from Stickle Barn before 10am on yet another glorious morning, the grass scorched yellow throughout Langdale as the heatwave continues. It's a long walk-in from here, but gentler than the other approaches, and it exposes the main south-east face brilliantly, with the upper reaches of Langdale below. The walk from this side leads neatly into the routes around Gimmer Chimney, so we started with Bracket and Slab, which features in Classic Rock but was, I think, new to me. I took the direct start, which takes a thin crack up a clean slab and gives a lovely pitch at a mild VS, with some delicate moves and precise footwork: a great start, merging with the second pitch. Vic then led the 'bracket', which traverses an awkward flake to gain a left-slanting groove. I suspect I went slightly off route on the next pitch, traversing right to a long, tricky step to gain a crack leading up to twin chimneys. Vic then led a long final pitch up the easy right hand chimney to gain delightful sun-drenched slabs which led to the top, before an absorbing descent down the South East Gully. This requires some thought and care, a series of rock steps, descending facing in, to an exposed traverse and more tricky downclimbing. After lunch, we moved round to the steeper west face, where Vic led Asterisk. This is a superb pitch: move after move of great climbing on jugs, absorbing and enjoyable throughout. After a recess, the route briefly joins the arete before ploughing directly up on great holds in a great position to a brief crux right at the top. From Ash Tree ledge, the next routes take a bit of working out, but I eventually opted for D Route, which was - to say the least - a good choice. It is delicate initially, with a tricky step left on undercut holds, but this gains the wonderful 'forked lightning crack', which - although rather hidden from below - is one of the lines of the crag. It is simple but brilliant throughout, with abundant protection, up flakes and little pinnacles, all the way to a belay just below the top of the crag: a fantastic three-star combination of routes. We abbed off a big chain to Ash Tree ledge, then traversed across to the top of Asterisk, where an awkward abseil led back to the starting point in the shallow gully. We descended straight down to Mickleden, steep but direct, and walked back along the scorched valley to Stickle Barn. That night, we camped outside the YHA in Grasmere.

Cagliari run

A post-GCSE mini-adventure with Morgan, and - not wishing to push him too far - I left for a pre-breakfast run on the morning of our second day. I'd hoped to run along the obvious headland to the south of our flat in eastern Cagliari, but that proved problematic, so instead I ran along the harbour edge then along excellent cycle paths past the huge football ground, a venue famously used in Italia 90 (now defunct, I think). A further path by a major road leads to the Montargius lagoons, where I could see distant flamingos and nearby gull-billed terns. Excellent running along canal paths. Back to wake my companion for breakfast at the cafe near our apartment, before enjoying a splendid day trip to Iglesias in the Sardinian interior.