Monte San Calagero

Peaks: Monte San Calagero (987m)

Area: Madonie, Sicily

A slightly longer outing from our wonderful flat at the top of Gangi, where all runs begin with a long, long downhill stretch! I'd seen these low yellow hills from the road up to the Piazza, so took that all the way down its long sweeping turns out along the Nicosia road. Annoyingly, a high barbed wire fence made access to the open hill difficult, and the last thing I wanted was a Sicilian farmer pointing a gun at me whilst I explained the concept of fell running. In the end, I had no choice, jumped the fence and ploughed up the very steep side slope to gain the obvious broad ridge. This had a tiny semblance of a path, and indeed the hill itself had a tiny chapel and cross on top, so I wasn't the first person up here! It was tenuous, though, up barren slopes with a powerful scent of wild fennel, an integral ingredient in the regional cuisine. Wild flowers would carpet this in Spring, no doubt. At the top, great views back over Gangi and the foothills of the Madonie extending east towards Nicosia. I came down the same way along the ridge, then took an intricate route past the church (inadvertently taking a segment crown), then back up the narrow, twisting alleys all the way back to the house. These get narrower and narrower as you rise - wonderfully atmospheric, up empty cobbled streets, echoes of my footsteps all around. After breakfast, we headed to Palermo. 

Monte Spina Puci

Peaks: Monte Spina Puci (1736m)

Area: Madonie, Sicily

Just the tiniest of introductions to the Madonie mountains in the Sicilian interior - on a blisteringly hot afternoon, our first full day. We'd flown in to Catania the day before and made our way up to the wonderful hilltop town of Gangi. This morning, full of excitement, I did a pre-breakfast run through its maze of streets, down and down until I reached the newer flats and apartments at the bottom of the original medieval settlement. The whole place is barely believable, like a Provencal 'village perche' but far more genuine, less gentrified and less touristy (at least it was in dystopian 2020!). A long climb back up Monte Marone along the 'main road' to the Piazza on top of the hill. After breakfast, we took in the equally beautiful Petralia Soprana before heading up to Piano Battiglia, a high plain of barren limestone and pine forests. We had lunch here at an Alpine-style Refugio, and then I was given just a few minutes to get into the hills (literally). A wide path led to steep slopes of rough limestone and views over the barren highest hills of the Madonie - reminiscent of the Cretan White Mountains I enjoyed so much last year, albeit less extensive and a little less wild. I'd love to have done a longer outing up Pizzo Carbonara but it would have been entirely unacceptable.

Virtual Stone 5

Race: Virtual Stone 5 mile

Time/Position: 29.05

Yet another virtual race, hopefully one of the last. They have been useful as speed sessions, although it is very hard to push the pace on your own. To that end, I tried to trick my brain today by using a very familiar circuit - the borders league course from Capenhurst (although the real Stone 5 is, of course, a well-known race in Staffordshire). This worked to a small extent, but the second lap was still rather painful.

Tryfan East Face/Bristly Ridge

Unusually hot and humid for some time now, and this morning in Ogwen was no exception. You could see the moisture in the air - a barely perceptible sheen to the light with the sun already baking at 9am. I made something of a speed attempt on my tried and tested 'quickest way up' Tryfan, although my legs felt heavy, the after-effects of the Llangollen Round. I made decent progress up to the Terrace, but then slowed for the route across to Little Gully. I was slow on the scramble itself, which was surprisingly damp. Touched Adam and Eve 46.09 from the A5. Slow down the south ridge, then a tiring ascent of Bristly, definitely affected by Sunday's outing. Unusually hot and humid throughout - and it got even hotter as I descended to Bwlch Caseg Fraith. Good running down the cwm, pouring water over my head from the stream. Less than 1.50 for the round.

Cylch Llangollen Round

Peaks: Eglwyseg Mountain, Cyrn y Brain, Moel y Faen, Moel y Gamelin, Moel Morfydd, Moel Fferna, Vivod Mountain (52.3km/1907m)
Area: Llangollen
My second time solo round this superb circuit, which remains relatively new in its official waymarked format. I came close to breaking six hours this time, although I wasn't trying to record a quick time, just to do it in the enjoyable plodding fashion that made my first running of it so much fun (on a perfect autumn day in late September 2018). The aqueduct in Froncysyllte is by far the most logical starting point, so I jogged off in misty, humid conditions just before 9am. The path weaves around before ducking into Trefor Hall woods - it was rather stifling in here, humid and airless, so I was glad to get to the Panorama road and then the superbly runnable section across Ruabon Moor that follows. This was misty throughout, but I was glad of the protection from the full glare of the sun (it has been very hot recently). The views are all very familiar to me in any case. It is a superb route, though, which always seeks out the most elegant, logical line around the highest hills and stays high wherever possible - there is nothing arbitrary about it. I felt tired initially, perhaps after Friday's 10k - but started to perk up nicely in the cool breeze and kept it going over Cyrn y Brain to reach the Ponderosa in 1:53 from Fron. This is not too bad, although it was packed with bikers and only doing takeaway in these post-Covid times. It was only 11am but I had to queue behind hordes of bikers for my pastie and water. Essential to take on food and water here, though, key to a successful Round. The next section over the familiar hills of Gamelin and Morfydd is quite hard - partly because you're not yet half-way but the gradients are always somewhat draining. It stayed misty and cool, however, which reduced the dehydration issues. Then comes a long section along the base of the valley above the Corwen road, weaving up to take in an overgrown sunken lane crossing the line of hills until a descent to Carrog can be made. A pint of coke and some crisps outside the Grouse Inn (last time I had a ham sandwich inside the pub), and then comes the long haul from Carrog to the top of Moel Fferna. In many ways, this is the crux, but I really enjoyed it today. No heroics, but I kept a decent pace turning over throughout. There are no further water sources, so I delayed my next break until after the long high level run along tracks (nice and dry) that eventually lead to the climb up to the top of Vivod. This is the final climb of note - and I finished the food and water before crashing through the mile-long section of brambles and tangled heather below Y Foel. This is a tough section, which takes a fair bit off the time as it is hard to move quickly. It leads to the open empty roads that make the run-in somewhat tedious. Glyn Ceiriog is to the right, Llangollen to the left, and the views are nice throughout - with the sun finally breaking through the high cloud. Temperatures climbed quickly, but I felt OK and kept religiously to the route of the Cylch throughout (in 2018, I took the lane down and missed a short section at the end). I dropped down into Fron, then to the canal for what I hoped would be a sprint finish, as I was still feeling relatively fresh. By now, however, it was early afternoon in the madness of the post-lockdown summer and there were hundreds of people walking across the aqueduct. It was no easy task to get past them, and by that time sub-6 had ceased to be a possibility! In the end, my moving time was 6:09 precisely: 52.3km, 1907m of climbing.

Run Cheshire Virtual 10k

Race: Run Cheshire Virtual 10k (Blue Bridge-Saltney Ferry-Blue Bridge)

Time/Position: 36.52

My third virtual outing as a V50. It’s really not much fun, but I felt this might be useful to force myself to do a speed session in the hope that a few proper races start soon. I left very early from the blue bridge at Queensferry and ran along the pan-flat cycle path towards Saltney Ferry. This is always psychologically demanding – indeed, I used to use it in marathon training for that reason. I turned at the Ferry bridge (after 5.2k) and headed back. A very slight tailwind helped me maintain a consistent albeit unspectacular pace.

Arenig loop

Peaks: Arenig Fawr, Arenig South, Moel Llyfnant

Area: Arenig, Eryri

Quarantined for two weeks after Spain, yet another new experience in this year of new experiences (all bad). My interpretation was to avoid public spaces, which I did, although I did carry on running well away from anybody else. I parked near the quarry, then ran along the road towards Llidiardau, turning off on the usual track to the bothy and lake. Over the years, the path up Arenig from this side has become much clearer. When I first did it in the 1980s, I can remember it being quite tenuous. I moved fairly quickly today, running in places, and got to the top in 43 minutes from the road. It was misty on top, but this began to break up a bit as I moved across to the south summit, which is always worth appending to the main peak as it gives better views of the surrounding region. The low cloud broke up completely for my loop around the head of the Amnodd valley to the boggy ground below Moel Llyfnant. This gives a steep climb to its little rocky summit. I've not been up here for a while - in fact, I suspect I've only done Moel Llyfnant a handful of times - compared to dozens of ascents of Arenig. It's a fine summit, with great views of Cader, Rhobell and Rhinog. The descent to the cwm is steep and the base of the cwm tussocky and awkward - some explanation for a slowing of the pace, although the track back to the quarry is very fast and I just broke two hours for the round. Needless to say, I saw nobody at all.

Arantzazu hidden path loop

Our final morning, and it dawned clear and fresh from our rooms overlooking the gorge and sanctuary of Arantzazu. I wanted one final outing, and this route seemed to offer a chance to explore the bottom of the gorge that I'd been looking down on from the balcony. I ran it, from outside the hotel to the path along the streambed of the Urkullu Erreka. The path then curves round the shoulder of Arriona, a small peak, to head north-west below Aitzabal to eventually gain the gorge (Arantzazu Erreka). A very steep climb on zigzags up limestone shelves, almost 1000ft of climbing, gives a tough sting in the tail. Just over 44 minutes for the 7.5k route, much of that taken up by the final climb! Then it was down to Bilbao for pintxos, then the flight home.

Basque ridge wandering

Peaks: Aizkorri (1523m), Aitzabal (1508m), Irralabeltxeko (1533m), Aketegi (1548m), Aitxuri (1551m), Iraule (1511m), Arbelaitz (1506m), Kantoizulueta (1410m), Andreaitz (1419m)

Area: Gipuzkoa, Euskadi/Basque Country

Unlike the peaks around Riano, I have long been aware of these mountains in the heart of the Basque Country and wanted to visit them for cultural reasons alongside the usual scenic and sporting reasons. It seemed to make sense, and to complete a rewarding loop at the end of our week-long trip. From Leon, we'd driven to Euskadi and stayed in Maturana near Vitoria-Gasteiz. The main spine of the Basque mountains is to be found above the sanctuary of Arantzazu in Gipuzkoa, which has some case to be considered the heartland (although Kate and I stayed in Gernika in 2000, which is another). Certainly, Arantzazu had a powerful sense of place, with little visible Spanish and was a wonderful place to spend the night (in the Gipuzkoan interior, even an ill-informed visitor would realise they're not in Spain!). We left the hotels and restaurants that have grown up around the Catholic sanctuary, then headed up the very well worn path to the meadows of Urbia, where there is an uber Basque refuge complete with political slogans. The low valley of the Urzabalerreka opens out into green meadows, close cropped, below the sidepeak of Elorralaka Haitza. Above, the limestone ridge we were aiming for. The main peak is Aizkorri, where 90% of walkers head for (although it is not the highpoint). The path contours rightwards across the hillside, very worn and polished limestone. It was all quite a contrast to the untrodden mountains of Leon! The summit is surprisingly well-defined and has a tiny hut just below it (bearing the slogan 'free Basque prisoners' in English). Then, the ridge just unfolds in front (Aizkorri it the far end, although there are some lower peaks like Umandia further down still). To the north and east, green Basque valleys stretched out with little towns like Onati nestled among them. The full ridge crest from Aizkorri was always the plan, although Peter had dropped behind and unfortunately gone up the wrong peak first. We sorted ourselves out eventually, and kept religiously to the crest for the wonderfully enjoyable trip across a galaxy of minor peaks, all of which had attractive Basque names. In other environments, not all of these would have been named, but in a region of mountain enthusiasts, they had been. Highlights are hard to pick out, but Aitzabal was rocky and gave a scramble, while Aitxuri was notable as a distinctive peak (especially when seen from Aizkorri) and also the Basque highpoint. The most impressive and enjoyable of all the summits, however, was Arbelaitz, which looked hard from a distance, but wasn't. It was gained by shelves of limestone and a narrow ridge which dropped to a col before rising via runnels of limestone to a small summit. After Arbelaitz, the ridge loses its definition and becomes a jumble of sinkholes, meadows and beautiful archetypal limestone scenery. We did two further peaks in this complex and very distinctive terrain, finishing with a handshake on Andreitz, the final peak of the trip. It was then a simple matter to jog down springy turf to the refuge for lunch of beer and an enormous sandwich of hot chorizo with roasted red peppers. The journey down was enlivened by a griffon vulture convention - at least 40 gathered around a carcass with the little hill of Gorostiaran beyond. We ran flat out back to Arantzazu from Urbia (22 minutes), which was nice after all the slow progress. A storm blew in just as we got to the car - the first unstable weather of the trip! We couldn't locate a nearby campsite so ended up spending a memorable night at the Hotel Sindika overlooking the gorge and sanctuary, with a balcony each and a great little bar. It poured down in the early evening.

Liegos horseshoe

Peaks: Pena de las Canales (1646m), Pena de la Cruz (1829m), Pico de Recacabiello (1847m), Pico Mediodia (1865m)

Area: Liegos, Leon

Even a week later, this traverse still seems like a dream. We knew little about the area, and could find nothing online in Spanish, let alone English. Yesterday's mountain, Pico Gilbo, had some coverage and well-defined paths, as did the striking and curiously named peak of Yordas, but the latter was a little too remote from metalled roads to be feasible this morning, as we had a long drive in the afternoon. We opted instead to drive to Liegos and try our luck on these peaks, which we could vaguely identify as existing from google maps! Our hotel, in Boca de Herguano, was comfortable and on the route of the Camino Santiago, but a fair drive to Liegos, which was a beautifully located, sleepy hamlet. Limestone peaks rose above the village, and it was immediately obvious (and unsurprising) that there were no paths and no defined routes. We made our way upwards through the streets to gain the open hill at a cow meadow - the lower valley marked Arroyo de la Hoz on the map. We had to avoid woodland, so struck up the very steep spur directly above the village - this was mainly grass with some crags, and woods to the right. By keeping to the fringe, we made upward progress past some chamois higher up. Often, this kind of pathless exploration goes wrong, becoming impossible due to maquis or unexpected terrain issues. Today, however, it just unfolded like a book - lovely ridges that flowed towards distinctive peaks, and exquisite scenery throughout. I gained the ridge itself immediately above the treeline, which led to a little wall of limestone. Climbing this gained a narrow ridge of grass and limestone with stunning views. It was an unbelievably clear morning, with all peaks perfectly, even the high Picos further north. Closer at hand, lots of interesting and obscure limestone mountains with nobody in sight. It felt like we were the first people ever to come up here. An awkward descent into a gap before more good scrambling led to another forepeak and then a broader grassy col, from which we gained the first named summit - Pena de las Canales, along with a herd of chamois. Stunning valleys and peaks on all sides. The route then changed character. The main, most impressive peak was ahead - Pena de la Cruz. We worked out a line that seemed obvious, taking a diagonal weakness, then worked out a way to get across to it. This took a broad grassy ridge, like the Carneddau, across to the Collada de la Hoz. The way was blocked by a loose looking crag, so we traversed this along shelves on the left to gain another broad green col, the Collada de la Pena. From here, we deployed the plan. Diagonally upwards to gain a huge boulder, 40ft high, which we passed on the right. This gained the diagonal weakness we had identified, which led easily (perhaps a vague semblance of a path?) upwards across the mountain until it became possible to head directly upwards and then gain a ridge, which is much wider than it looks from below. It felt like a mountain above Glen Shiel, with little rocky outcrops leading to a well-defined and delightful summit - a wonderful viewpoint. From here, we could have descended the very steep ridge back to the village. But the continuation ridge looked even better, and actually looked a more comfortable way of getting back to Liegos. Appearances were not deceptive, and the ridge was superbly enjoyable. It was never hard or precipitous, but it was well-defined and absorbing throughout. Fairly narrow at first down to a little col, then just glorious as it rose above the Collado de las Traviesas. No sign of any kind of path or traffic, just picking our way up, the standard comparable to a mild Welsh scramble, Y Gribin perhaps. Eventually, we gained the forepeak of Pico de Recacabiello and then the main summit, Pico Mediodia, which had some kind of mast on top. The descent was through thick heather, reminding us of home, until we gained the beautiful pastoral valley of the Arroyo de Recacabiello. A dead horse marred this slightly, until we gained pastures and woodland curving gently down and giving us much needed shade back down to Liegos. A long drive to the Basque country ensued, broken by a stupendous lunch in Velilla del Rio Carrion.

Pico Gilbo

Peaks: Pico Gilbo (1679m)

Routes: East Ridge (PD+ III: Led p.2,4,6)

Area: Riano, Leon

With some inevitability, Pico Gilbo is known as the Matterhorn of Leon for its elegant outline and tapering spire. When seen from Riano, however, this range of peaks actually looks more like Arctic Norway. This is because a series of reservoirs (which look natural but presumably are not) lends an astonishing foreground to a series of stark white spires: it recalls Lofoten or Skye. Pico Gilbo is by far the most accessible of the mountains, which are little known to foreigners, and gives a classic scramble by its East Ridge. We parked at the far end of the long Norway-style bridge from Riano and set off round the Esla 'rio' to gain tangled woodland and an awkward, very hot route up the valley east of Pena Vallarque. This was tenuous, but eventually we emerged from the woods into a verdant hollow - comfortable meadows and, finally, a view of our objective. The East Ridge rises above the little col that is also key to the normal route and looks quite steep from this angle (although it looks even steeper from Riano). All of this is an illusion, of course, as it is little more than a scramble in reality. We headed up to the col, then started the ridge, initially up a delightful series of limestone crags until it steepened. We roped up, and Peter led up a little wall to a traverse rightward and up to a belay. I then led up the ridge to a small steepening, and we continued in this vein until my 4th, which took a horizontal semi-knife edge to a niche and an old peg. It is never remotely hard or serious, but this makes it all very enjoyable - and a nice breeze took the edge of the 35C temperature at mid-afternoon. The 5th pitch crossed a gap and then went up steeper rock to an open grassy bay. Finally, I led up a loose and quite steep chimney to the end of the difficulties. The summit is a wonderful place with truly stunning views: and we had it to ourselves. Below, the Rio Elsa provided a perfect turquoise base to the sparkling white peaks with green forests on their slopes. Yordas and Penas Pintas were particularly impressive. Further north, the pyramidal spire of Pena Prieta caught the eye. After some delightful lazing around, we descended the normal route on the western side of Gilbo to pick up some variation paths back down to the lakeside and car. 

Pico de la Devesa

Peaks: Pico de la Devesa (1853m)

Area: Puerto de San Gloria, Leon

The boundary of Green Spain and stereotypical 'yellow' Spain (not its formal title!) is essentially this range of hills, spanning the ridgeline along the Puerto de San Gloria, which marks the border between Cantabria and Leon. I vividly remember driving to Leon from Asturias in 2000 and descending into the baked valleys of the south. Today, we had a classic illustration of this extraordinary geographical and climatic boundary, as we set off from Fuente De in drizzle and mist, climbing up for miles towards the Puerto de San Gloria. It was dank and cool at the top of the pass, a stiff breeze blowing, but we thought it would be nice to take in one of the peaks on this most important of watersheds. Coriscao was too far in the conditions, so we opted to run up Pico de la Devesa instead. This worked well, straight up a fire track initially, which gave way to tangled maquis and a steep rise before a final spire of conglomerate which gave a brief scramble to a little summit cairn. The mist never quite cleared enough for us to realise we were possibly on the wrong peak (Pena de la Nava, perhaps, all the map was unclear), although it did break up spectacularly as we descended. This revealed some wild valleys, like the Portillo del Boqueron, to the east. Green Spain stayed in the mist and drizzle as we descended and then, rapidly, the yellow valleys of Leon became sun-drenched and baked as the cloud dissolved.

Pena Remona, Torre Alcacero

Peaks: Torre Alcacero (2247m), Pena Remona (2227m)

Area: Picos de Europa, Cantabria

Pena Remona is the subject of a million tourist photos from Fuente De and the top of El Cable. It is lower than surrounding peaks, but a striking mountain of tiered limestone that looks particularly good from the car park. After a night in Potes, we drove back to Fuente De and pitched tents in the tranquil El Redondo. It was too late, and far too hot, when we set off for the notoriously steep slog up the Canal del Embudo as a result. These 'canals' are typical Picos features, but unlike those on our return leg yesterday, this was in full midday sunshine with the steep walls concentrating the heat. The path weaves around the broad lower part of the gully before traversing up higher and higher on the right-hand wall. It certainly gains height quickly but I was shedding a lot of water. A few shelves higher up eventually gain the Collado de Liordes, almost 1000 metres above. Here, the day changes completely because ahead is the dreamlike meadow of the Vega de Liordes. I had been here before, with Kate in 2000, and vividly remember it - in fact, it is my clearest memory of that trip. An almost level green meadow high and hidden above the valleys, with horses and cows grazing, surrounded by shimmering limestone peaks and spires. The onward route to Pena Remona was not obvious, but I picked my way across broken rock to a little gully where I picked up a series of tiny cairns. These weaved up the steep slopes, a mixture of grass, scree and open rock. It was hard but satisfying and enjoyable. As I approached the top of the ridge, I spied a cross further right and decided I would head there first (there are four different peaks on the ridge). I gained a little col, then a short wall led to a narrow ridge - which was short-lived and gave access to a final little rock scramble. This peak turned out to be Torre Alcacero, so I retraced my steps to gain the normal (still fairly tenuous) route up Pena Remona itself, with its summit a mini-pyramid. The views throughout were tremendous - with sheer drops to Fuente De and Espinama on one side. To the west, Torre de Salinas towers over the Vega. Then to the north, the high peaks of the central massif. Again, crystal clear throughout, despite the fact that it was early afternoon. Peter and I had split up on the climb but met again on the summit of Remona. He decided to drop down the steep slopes direct to Fuente De and our camp, while I decided to return direct to the Vega de Liordes, to spend more time in this wonderful place and perhaps to head over the pass to make a circuit (I remember doing that with Kate). The descent was a little more comfortable and better defined, and I rested near the shepherd's hut at the far side of the vega. The issue was water: it had been so hot in the gully that my 1.5 litres was running out, so I decided to make a high loop tracing the edges of the Vega, drinking it in from every angle, then make a speed descent of the Canal del Embudo. Not what I would normally do, retracing steps like this, but the Canal is so spectacular that I gained an entirely different perspective on the way down, which was predictably hot, dusty and arduous. At the bottom, slightly desperate, I plunged into the Fuente De cafeteria for a memorable can of Pepsi, then refuelled on Cantabrian beef cheeks at El Redondo.

Refugio Ubeda to Espinama (Picos Traverse day two)

Peaks: La Garmona (2286m)

Area: Picos de Europa, Asturias/Cantabria

If yesterday was something of a standard trade route, traversing the Picos from south to north, we selected a more ambitious return south, through less travelled and wonderfully wild terrain. Both days were a perfect illustration of the central reality of the Picos: it is so compact that one day is easily adequate to get from one side to the other. The initial key to the day was the Canal de la Celada: a deep and hidden valley obscured by the stunning Naranjo. After porridge and a leisurely start, we packed the tents and enjoyed the wonderful play of light as mist rolled up from the valleys then dispersed. We found the small path leading from the hut to the dramatic entrance to the Celada. This then gave a superb onward route, in the shadow between gigantic limestone walls. Some scrambling led steeply up to rocky shelves and finally a broad col below the easier side of the Naranjo de Bulnes. The onward view was superb, remote-feeling and very dramatic. The deep Jou tras el Pico was below and right, with the Naranjo immediately behind us. Ahead, a bowl of rock with steep walls on all sides. We knew there was only one way through, and eventually spied traces of a path up the scree to the tiny, hidden Collado Bonita below several pinnacles and peaks, including La Morra. A level path leads to an awkward section of smooth slabs, steep in places, which eventually gained the shifting scree higher up. This gave a very arduous ascent, luckily still in shade, reminiscent of the Maritime Alps. Finally, we emerged blinking into the sunshine at the tiny narrow col. Another party was already there, and more people were behind - but from here, we saw nobody at all in one of the remoter and least trodden corners of the Picos. The view from the collado (a classic Alpine breche, very narrow and the only feasible route through) was stunning and is considered one of the classic viewpoints of the Picos. The Naranjo towered behind with a cloud inversion still visible to the north. Ahead, new terrain over to the Eastern Massif and ahead towards the south. The descent was very steep initially, then curved round to the Hoyacon de Villasobrada - where the path became tenuous and the landscape even more special. A herd of rebeccos (chamois) broke cover and we weaved through very complex terrain of sinkholes, runnels and very rough limestone ridges. This gave very challenging route-finding throughout and would have been impossible in mist. We traversed the Torre de Santiago then negotiated the terrain below Torre Navarro. We lost the path once, then dropped much lower to pick up a clearer path, with some relief, that I felt must lead to our target of the Coteras Rojos. It did indeed, and the rocks got redder as it climbed. Gradually, Pena Vieja - yesterday's peak - came into view albeit from a different angle. A bit more climbing, and the views opened out - all navigational mysteries solved. Above, Vieja and the Canalona col. Ahead, a steep descent to the green meadows around Refugio Aliva and the prospect of water. First, though, we took in the nearby peak of La Garmona, an obvious viewpoint. This gave a little scramble to a small summit which forms one end of a mini range of peaks, which look stunning from the Aliva side. Even La Garmona looks deceptively hard and sheer. After a bite, we continued downwards. This was steep and hard at first, but just as we were beginning to anticipate the luxury of level ground and green meadows, the ground drops away and the route enters the Canal del Vidrio. Vidrio translates as 'glass', a clue to its character. An exposed traverse led to a series of scrambly shelves and then steep scree, taking an intricate and arduous route downwards - a classic sting in the tail. I suspect the Canal del Vidrio has some local notoriety. Finally, level bouldery terrain and then the joy of a track to the Aliva refuge. This was rather too high end for us, so after a drink we jogged across beautiful green meadows to the Portillas del Boqueron. Just below this, we came back in signal and received the unwelcome news that we would be quarantined on our return to the UK meaning that I would have to cancel the Ireland trip. This left a sour taste after a wonderful two day traverse and rather spoiled the ending - a long series of tracks. As these entered the pastoral meadows and woods above Espinama, I began to recognise them from 20 years ago. K and I spent two nights in Espinama. This time, we headed straight back to the car, and after a drink headed to Potes.

Espinama to Refugio Ubeda (Picos Traverse day one)

Peaks: Pena Vieja (2613m), Torre de Los Horjados Rojos (2506m)

Area: Picos de Europa

A few months ago, it seemed very unlikely that there would be any kind of overseas travel this year. By my reckoning, I have had an overseas mountain trip every year since 1989 (when I went to Arctic Norway after my first year of university), so it was nice to continue that streak in such a disastrous era. We had originally planned to go to Corsica, but that (along with Madeira and Sicily) had been cancelled. So another roll of the dice saw us setting off for Bilbao, intent on returning to the Picos for the first time since Kate and I visited just over 20 years ago in early summer 2000. We stayed outside Potes after a long and busy drive full of Spanish/Basque weekenders, then up to Fuente De, which I remembered clearly. It was a perfect Saturday morning, and absolutely packed to the point that I had to drop Peter off, then drive down to Espinama (where K and I stayed 20 years ago), then run back. A long queue for the cable ensued but I had reserved, and eventually we were away and up to El Cable at the edge of the Hoyos de Lloroza and the high peaks of the Picos. It wasn't far off midday, yet the clarity of light was stunning. Pena Remona draws the eye initially, as does Pico de Padierna, which I did on my last visit. We had two days worth of food and kit, however, and were intent on a high traverse to Refugio Ubeda via a peak or two. Initially, this path is very busy (as it was in 2000) as it is so accessible, but it thins out after the crag of La Vueltona. Peter missed the turn for Pena Vieja but I called him back, we hid most of the gear, and ploughed upwards for the Collado de la Canalona, a small col and the key to the ascent of Pena Vieja. I had tried to get Kate up this in 2000, but we retreated from the convex and snow-plastered slopes (early season). Today, no problem at all - this is a simple ascent but very rewarding. From the little col, a contouring path leads to the final climb up Pena Vieja, which steepens to slabby shelves below the summit, which is a fairly narrow ridge with superb views across the range. It's one of the highest peaks of the Picos, and a great start to the trip. We scampered back to the col and down to lunch at our hidden sacs before rejoining the main path, and the hordes for the route beyond Cabana Veronica to the major pass of Horcados Rojos in the heart of the range. From here, we too the opportunity to bag Torre de los Horcados Rojos at 2506m. This has an even better view than Vieja, as it is 100m lower and in the middle of the range. Superb clarity over Tesorero, the Naranjo de Bulnes (for the first time) and Torre Cerrado further west. The peak had a little double summit with narrow connecting ridge and griffon vultures flew beneath us, no more than 100 metres away. Back down the col, from where the onward route south is not obvious at all initially. The route down to the Jour de los Boches (the Picos is characterised by barren 'hollows' of this kind) is very steep, a headwall of rock, and the only feasible route curves rightwards before taking a series of cables and good scrambling sections slanting downwards. This was all fairly absorbing and very enjoyable. At the base of the cwm, I rested on a low rock and drank the rest of my water (I'd carried almost two litres), gambling on the Ubeda refuge being fairly close. Water is a big issue, of course. The rest of the route was wonderful, with the towering walls of the Neveron and Pardida left and the Naranjo coming into view ahead. An even more hostile hollow is traversed, the Jou Sin Tierre, and then a rolling base of mist began to form ahead as we crested a short rise to the green meadow of the Vega de Urriellu and the hut, all made possible by a spring. To the right, the genuinely stupendous sight of the West Face of the Naranjo de Bulnes, undoubtedly one of the most spectacular pieces of rock in Europe and one of the continent's finest sights. We pitched the tents in a beautiful limestone hollow and enjoyed a wonderful evening of shifting mists, cloud inversions in the northern valleys, and beer and crisps from the refuge (it was easy to forget about Covid in the mountains, but you remember as soon as you reach the hut, with masks, no dining, and no free movement).

Conwy-Mymbyr (Low Route/Ffordd Isaf)

The return leg, leaving at 7am and heading through Conwy to Henryd. Then a delightful series of quiet, twisting lanes through Rowen, before the very steep lane from Pontwgan to Llanbedr y Cennin, which feels like you're climbing straight back into the heart of the Carneddau for a while. There was probably a better way to do this section, but it was all very scenic. From Llanbedr, I dropped down to Tal y Bont where a pavement leads to Dolgarrog - the only main road section. Then I took the Pipe Dream steps through Coed Dolgarrog. These are immensely steep but gain height very rapidly, and ultimately lead via the pipe to the contouring track which leads lengthily but gently up into Cwm Cowlyd. I inspected the derelict farm at Garreg and then took the awkward bridleway along the west shore of Cowlyd. From the lip of Cowlyd it is plain, if boggy, sailing down to Ogwen and Capel - before a rather dull haul along Dyffryn Mymbyr to the car - 2:58 from Conwy, over an hour less than yesterday's 'haute route', so I was back in Hod by 11am.

Mymbyr-Conwy (Haute Route/Ffordd Uchaf)

Peaks: Foel Goch, Carnedd Llewellyn, Foel Grach, Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Fras, Drum, Carnedd y Ddelw
Area: Glyderau/Carneddau, Eryri
Definitely a day for deploying crowd-avoiding tactics, with Ogwen rammed and 500 cars at Pen y Pass. Just a mile or two away, I had a lay-by to myself in Dyffryn Mymbyr, and saw nobody at all on my pathless trudge over the Glyderau. This was conceived as a mini-version of last July's Sea-to-Sea Porthmadog-Conwy traverse, but with a return next morning. It worked well, although the Miner's Track from PyG was the real plan (crowds put paid to that). Instead, I started just before PyG at pt 259 below Nant Ddu, heading north-east: I crested the Glyders just below Foel Goch and dropped down to the lonely col between it and Gallt yr Ogof. This is entirely pathless but I hit it bang on by instinct, which was nice. From there, down the tussocky Nant yr Ogof (also visited last year) to Gwern Gof Isaf in Ogwen. Over the A5 then up the tarmac to Ffynnon Llugwy and Bwlch Eryl Farchog. There were groups around, but numbers were never that high, in stark contrast to the honeypots. Indeed, I had the summit of Carnedd Llewellyn to myself unbelievably given the post-lockdown clamour. The weather had been near-perfect to that point - warm and sunny - but banks of mist rolled in as I took on the very familiar run north over Foel Grach, Carnedd Gwenllian and Foel Fras. It cleared again completely for Drum and Carnedd y Ddelw. As usual, the full traverse of the Carneddau is a thirsty affair. I have done it several times in both directions, and there is no water at all on the main ridge line. From Cae Coch, I ran to Garnedd Wen and stopped to scoop from one of the streams. From Garnedd Wen, the long run down the lanes to Conwy is always a little painful - 4 hours to Conwy from Mymbyr. Shower and refuelling in Hod.

Berwyn loop

Peaks: Cadair Bronwen, Cadair Berwyn, Craig Berwyn, Moel Sych
Area: Berwyn
With restrictions lifted, I had no desire to brave the crowds in Ogwen or the Clwydians, so headed immediately to an old favourite circuit which is always empty. I did my favourite version of the loop, parking in Llandrillo and heading up the steep road and track to Moel Ty Uchaf (for me, the most wonderful stone circle of all, but you wouldn't want that widely known!). The track turns right and heads straight up the open hillside to eventually gain the summit of Cadair Bronwen. I've been coming here for years and have never seen anybody on the summit. Today: seven people in two different groups! So I pelted across to the main ridge, and up Cadair Berwyn in 5.30 from bwlch above Ffordd Saeson. People were on this summit too, and the next one (which I call Craig Berwyn but is sometimes unacceptably called 'New Top'). The usual boggy trudge to Moel Sych which (finally) I had to myself. Good thing too, for the clarity of light was very unusual: I could clearly see the Brecon Beacons and even distinguish the three peaks of Pen y Fan, Corn Du and Cribyn with the naked eye. Wrekin, Aran, Breidden Hills, Long Mynd, Cader and central Eryri all unusually clear. I contoured round to pick up the boggy path which leads down to lonely Cwm Dywyll, and back down to Llandrillo: 1.58 for the round.

Glas Tulaichean

Peaks: Glas Tulaichean (1051m), Creag Bhreac
Area: Glenshee
I've never been interested in bagging all the Munros, although I've done around 100. The main reason for this is that I've always considered myself a cherry picker, keen to avoid the duller mounds. The reality, however, is that I enjoy almost anything, and always find something to value. This was a good example: a mountain with a dull reputation, with some justification higher up, but by creating a loop I was able to do it justice and the valleys were a delight. I parked by the bridge in Spittal of Glenshee and ran along the tarmac road to the hotel at Dalmunzie, still closed. From here, I took the side valley of Glen Lochsie, which was very pleasant with an ancient Victorian railway (now barely visible) which led up to an abandoned lodge. From here, the real climbing starts, up the featureless Breac Reidh ridge via a jeep track. This curved left with great views over Beinn a'Ghlo, before curving back right to a final pull to the summit. Lovely views over remote peaks like Carn an Righ and up to the Cairngorms with shower clouds over the Lairig Ghru. I was delighted to find that the south-east ridge was gloriously runnable over moss, and passed a golden plover in full breeding plumage. I took in the minor summit of Creag Bhreac before dropping steeply through the crags of Creag Dhearg to rest and drink by a remote little stream tumbling down from the upper slopes. Great views up Gleann Taitneach to some nice looking unheralded peaks like Carn Binnean - and then down into the main glen, crossing the river to a track which gave a long but comfortable descent to Spittal past dozens of bubbling curlew, perhaps the best sound of all. I considered taking in Ben Gulabin but it is very steep from this angle and would have finished me off before the drive home. I had a full (bracing) river bath near the bridge, then drove home.

Glas Maol-Creag Leacach

Peaks: Glas Maol (1068m), Creag Leacach (987m)
Area: Glenshee
After lunch above Pitlochry in warm sunshine, I had a decision to make. I was a little tired after the two previous outings, but with very little open it wasn't as if I could sit in a pub all afternoon. So there was only one real option (apart from spending the day sitting in the car) - more mountains! As a concession to tiredness, and the prevailing weather, I headed up towards Glenshee via the road from Pitlochry. I have been along this once before, with the family the day after breaking 3 hours for the first time at the Edinburgh marathon in 2008. That day I did the three accessible munros above the Cairnwell, the easiest and worst in Scotland: I remember being very tired! This was similar circumstances, albeit not quite as extreme - so I drove right up to the top of the Cairnwell Pass and headed up Meall Odhar. This has ski paraphenalia low down but this is fairly easy to avoid and the springy turf gave a comfortable ascent all the way up Glas Maol. I was tired but still made the summit in 40 minutes or so. Views over Glen Brighty to the east, and excellent views up to the main Cairngorms as well as Lochnagar (which remains a gap for me). The weather had cleared beautifully and the rest of the day was wonderful. Glas Maol is a huge plateau without too many redeeming features, but the next hill - Creag Leacach - is more shapely and a rocky ridge connects the two. Superb fast running led down to this, and I really enjoyed the route up Creag Leacach, which I had to myself in the sunshine. Big skies and big views. I then contoured round to the Meall Gorm spur which led to a shallow col where I had a rest and a drink from the stream. Then it was steeply down to the valley and tiringly back up to the top of the Cairnwell via the Devils's Elbow. I then drove a short way down from the Cairnwell Pass to a superb bivvy site looking down Glen Shee and up to Creag Leacach. It was wonderful - and I dined on mackerel and quinoa before turning in for 9.5 hours restorative sleep.

Beinn a'Ghlo traverse

Peaks: Carn Liath (976m), Braigh Coire Chruinn-Bhalgain (1070m), Carn nan Gabhar (1121m)
Area: Beinn a'Ghlo, Atholl
Easily the most interesting outing in this part of Scotland, Beinn a'Ghlo was the focal point of this microtrip - a range of hills rather than a single mountain, with lots of hidden cwms and landscape features. After my short run from Drumochter, the weather stayed changeable and after fish and chips in Blair Atholl I headed up the minor road to Loch Moraig and Monzie, where it becomes a track. A more perfect car bivouac could not be imagined: looking straight out at Carn Liath, the first peak of the traverse, then big views over the isolated farm at Monzie to the peaks above Glen Tilt further north and east. The light and weather changed continually, with showers drifting in, periods of evening sunshine and rainbows. It was beautifully peaceful, with a drumming snipe in the early hours. Next morning, I had coffee and breakfast then set out in less than ideal conditions. It might have been better to wait, but there wasn't much else to do, so I set off and sheltered behind the locked hut at the end of the track as a squally shower blew in. It was pretty grim for the steep haul up Carn Liath, even worse than yesterday at times, with heavy rain and windchill. At the summit of Carn Liath, I took a bearing in thick mist, thinking it would be a day of tricky nav. But the moment I got up to continue down the ridge, the mist tore away revealing Glen Tilt below and the next two peaks ahead. A superb section along the twisting ridge of Beinn Mhaol followed. Beinn a'Ghlo is famous for its numerous distinctive corries, which grace the long ridge and all have different characteristics. The next climb up Braigh Coire Chruinn-Bhalgain started steep but was surprisingly comfortable and even fairly runnable in places. The top was hostile and misty, and the next section tricky and very cold. In fact, I considered descending down to get out of the wind at one point. In the end, I did this to get out of the wind, put on all my spare clothes and felt much more comfortable. So a little variant as I contoured round to gain the key col that marks the descent to Coire Lagain. At this point, the cloud lifted again for views to the much wilder terrain over Glas Leathad north-east. I ploughed up in strong winds to the top of Carn nan Gabhar, the crowning peak which has a long plateau-like summit. Good running back down as the weather finally cleared. This was a tad unlucky, as all three summits had been misty, but it made the descent far more enjoyable. I drank from a stream then pelted
down Allt Bealach an Fhiodha past Beinn Bheag above Coire Lagain. Great views of interlocking spurs. Saw only one person - so it was a surprise at the end of this very long descent to see 40 cars at my isolated bivvy site. The easing of restrictions was the obvious explanation, as well as the accessibility of this fine range. A really enjoyable morning - quite physically demanding, a time of 3.35 for the 23k and 1450m of climbing. I retreated down to Pitlochry for lunch in warm sunshine.

Sgairneach Mhor

Peaks: Sgairneach Mhor (991m)
Area: Badenoch, Scotland
Restrictions eased just in time to allow me to salvage something from my remaining leave. We should have been in Sicily, but Covid put paid to that. Instead, the weather in the Highlands looked half decent, even though this is several weeks later than my annual trips have tended to be over the past decade. Also, there was no point heading further north-west, as time was limited and the weather looked grim. All some explanation for the fact that this leg stretcher took me back to some of Scotland's dullest hills, those surrounding the Pass of Drumochter. They have the virtue of accessibility, however, and are an ideal way to stretch the legs after the drive up. I did the two Munros of Geal Charn and A'Mharconaich a few years ago in just over an hour while Kate and kids had a coffee in Dalwhinnie. This time, I ran up Coire Dhomhain at 6pm and headed south up the boggy hillside west of the Sow of Atholl. It started to rain as I crossed the Allt Coire Dhomhain via the lower bridge, and I got a real battering for the climb, which eases as it reaches the pleasant whaleback NE ridge. It was cold, wet and windy - fairly bitter as I reached the rounded summit of Sgairneach Mhor in around 47 minutes. The shower briefly passed through, revealing a superb rainbow over Drumochter below. I considered continuing to Beinn Udlamain, but decided to save my legs, heading instead to the upper reaches of Coire Dhomhain which had a nice Highland feel, albeit slightly misleading. The awkward rocky slopes of Sgairneach flushed a family of ptarmigan, but eased at the bottom. I forded the stream and then enjoyed the perfectly runnable return down the bottom of the Coire Dhomhain to complete a nice loop in 90 minutes. It rained heavily again, but it didn't matter, and I dried out on the drive to Blair Atholl for fish and chips.

Crafnant Horseshoe

Peaks: Crimpiau, Craig Wen, Creigiau Gleision
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A slight variant on the usual circuit, in that I started in Trefriw and ran up to the lake by way of an aperitif and leg-stretcher. It worked quite well, and I reached Llyn Crafnant in less than 19 minutes. After jogging along the lakeside tarmac, it is always a relief to reach the open hill, and I always enjoy the short but steep climb up Crimpiau, as it twists and turns through delightful scenery with views eventually opening out to the south, Siabod and Ogwen. It was cloudy but warm on top of Crimpiau (47m from Trefriw), and all very enjoyable. The route over Craig Wen went well, searching out some scrambly sections, then the boggy section before the climb up the three peaks of Creigiau Gleision. A little sunshine started to peek through whilst I rested at the summit: the views over Cowlyd, Pen Llithrig and Tryfan are some of the best in Eryri. The return leg was a little more tiring, through the forest to the lakeside path, then back down the tarmac to Trefriw. Just over two hours.

Glyderau loop

Peaks: Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
A tad illicit but also memorable, this was just before the easing of restrictions. From Conwy, however, it's a local outing. I didn't fully realise that the honeypot areas like Ogwen and Snowdon really had been sealed off (in fact I had rather hoped to do the Snowdon Horseshoe in total isolation). Instead, I found a stile without a sign, hopped over and jogged up towards Bochlwyd crag, over the stream and steeply up to the lake. Total isolation and very memorable, particularly up to Bwlch Tryfan and Bristly Ridge with nobody anywhere near. Bristly gave the usual entertainment, and all the mist lifted for the jog across the Glyder plateau to Fawr. Down to Llyn y Cwn then good running to Idwal and across the hill to the same stile - 1.45 for the whole loop.

Yr Eifl

Peaks: Garn For, Garn Ganol, Tre Ceiri
Area: Yr Eifl, Llyn
I've only been up Yr Eifl two or three times before, and I don't think I've ever done it from the top of Nant Gwrtheyrn. It gives a wonderful little outing, the essence of Llyn, following the runnable track poised above the sea, then ploughing steeply up to the wonderfully located summit of Garn For, which is even closer to the sea than the other peaks. From the top, it looks directly down to the northern coast of Llyn, as well as the coast east to Ynys Mon. It is rather like a miniature Brandon, reminding me of that mountain's position above the Atlantic Coast of the Dingle. Good paths and good running lead across to the main summit of Yr Eifl, actually called Garn Ganol, although sadly the mist had rolled in. Then it was across to the remarkable Tre Ceiri, which has such a powerful atmosphere and such stunning hillfort remains (150 separate dwellings, all 2000 years old) that it is surprising how little known it is. Then a sprint back to the car above Gwrtheryn. It really is a lovely miniature range of peaks. I then had time to drive through the tortuous lanes of northern Llyn to Garnfadryn, where I jogged up the eponymous peak, another hillfort and one of Wales' most magical locations. That is quite a claim, but it is a stunning spot - a perfect miniature summit with views over a patchwork of fields and isolated hamlets straight down the far end of the Llyn to Bardsey. Sea on both sides: Porth Neigwl, and the other isolated mini-mountain volcanic plugs hereabouts like Mynydd Rhiw. In the other direction, Yr Eifl and Eryri, under a thick blanket of dark grey cloud. It would be a tremendous place to spend the night.

JM's three hour challenge

The latest in a line of point score challenges from Mr Morris, although unlike a conventional mountain marathon he didn't reveal how much the checkpoints were actually worth. So after a very early start, I selected an obvious long looping approach which took in some obscure terrain to get to his CPs with his map as guide. After a very early start and a poor night's sleep, I felt tired for the jog over Penbarras to the Vale of Clwyd side (flushing a black grouse), then picked up a series of checkpoints all along the lower slopes on this side (some familiar from the 2019 Sheeptracks route) before eventually rising to the pass below Moel Arthur. From here, I headed back to the start via the normal OD path and a few detours down to checkpoints on the Friday night 'voie normale'. I had a little time left before the three hours was up, so bagged more checkpoints up Foel Fenlli. Around 21k, just over 1000m of ascent, but slowed by the awkward terrain and route-finding - in that sense, it felt like a real score class mountain marathon! It's been a few years since I've done one in anger, although I used to do the Rab every year - as well as the OMM and Saunders on occasion.

Drum from Conwy

Peaks: Carnedd y Ddelw, Drum
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
Another stunning period of weather, and a slight easing of the Welsh lockdown, so I visited St Asaph and then Conwy. I'd like to have camped in the northern Carneddau, but stuck closer to the rules with a midsummer evening run instead. My vague plan was to run up Foel Fras, I realised quite quickly that I was tired, however, and the long haul up the lanes to Llangelynin old church felt hard (although enlivened considerably by an adder slithering across the road). After the church, I felt a bit better for some of my favourite paths and tracks through the little valley below Tal y Fan and across to Cae Coch. The sun was dropping but it was still very hot with no wind as I plodded up to Bwlch y Ddaefaen. A strong breeze caused a major drop in temperature as I crested Carnedd y Ddelw and it was almost chilly on Drum: I had to shelter in a grassy depression looking out over the Orme and Tal y Fan (1:40 to the summit of Drum from Hod). I descended the ridge to Pen y Castell before cutting down into the tussocky and untravelled valley to the north, and rehydrating at the Afon Tafolog (I'm not actually sure whether this valley is called Cwm Tafolog or not). From here, the terrain stays awkward until reaching the tiny road from Llanbedr y Cennin. Over the bridge, then down steeply into Rowen, before a tiring return along the minor road to Ty'n y Groes, and then the main road back to Conwy. About 30km/1000m.

Deiniolen 10k

Race: Virtual Deiniolen 10k
Time/Position: 36.56 (8th from 225 [1st V50])
My V50 debut, albeit not in the way I'd envisaged. My diary had multiple races planned, all long since deleted, so anything is better than nothing. Deinolen was one of them, and as it happens I've never actually done the real race as it tends to clash with other things. I did it all by the book this morning, no negative elevation, 5k from HK down Stringer's Lane to Burton, then back. The race involved a phone app, which counted down and worked well, but it was a real pain running whilst holding the phone! I took a conservative approach to the pacing and was a tad disappointed with the time, as I ran a lot faster than this a month or two ago.

Langdale Horseshoe from Elterwater

Peaks: Pike O'Blisco, Crinkle Crags, Bowfell, Pike O'Stickle
Area: Langdale, Lake District
Of all the classic Lakes 'horseshoe' races, Langdale is more or less my last remaining gap (having previously done Ennerdale, Wasdale, Borrowdale, Kentmere, Grisedale, Coledale and Anniversary Waltz). So under lockdown, it seemed an obvious choice given my border location. I decided to extend and alter the race route, though, to make it a little longer and more aesthetically pleasing. So I parked in Elterwater, a village I have always liked, and set off along the riverside path to Chapel Stile then climbing up to contour the slopes of Side Pike to finally gain the tiny road up from Wall End. This leads to the main path up Pike O'Blisco, a nice little peak at the end of this side of the valley and the obvious starting point. I'd left home very early, and it was still only 8am, but it was blisteringly hot initially, very sweaty work in direct sunlight. Later, however, high cloud rolled in and took the edge off the temperature. I enjoyed the Pike, superb views from the summit, and then had Crinkle Crags to look forward to (all this side of the valley was new to me, the only major peaks in the Lakes I hadn't done). The high cloud made the traverse a little more comfortable, although it stayed warm for the run past Red Tarn to pick up the path leading to Crinkle Crags: great views over the Langdale Pikes on one side, and Coniston Fells on the other. I ploughed up towards the little peaks of Crinkle Crags, I suppose the closest thing the Lakes have to the Glyders. It was all very enjoyable, twists and turns until the main summit at Cold Pike. Then, down to the Three Tarns and a steep haul to Bowfell, the day's highpoint and a fine mountain. As far as I can remember, I have only been up Bowfell once before - and I think that was midwinter's day in 1992, after doing the classic Bowfell Buttress rock climb in sub-zero conditions and verglassed rocks. It stayed with me, but I'd never been back. I had the summit to myself, it was still early morning in semi-lockdown, with views across to Scafell and the Pike. I pondered continuing to Esk Pike but eventually settled on a run to Ore Gap then across the corner to the path down to Angle Tarn. From here, I took the lengthy diversionary path towards Langstrath and the indirect climb to the Langdale Pikes, eventually emerging below Pike O'Stickle on the other side of the valley. This gives a nice scramble, and another place I haven't been for decades. Views straight down to the bottom of the valley. Flies sent me away to Loft Pike where there are superb views to Gimmer, for me one of the best crags in the Lakes (last visited two years ago, ticking classics with Vic). I dropped down to the stream below Harrison Stickle then pelted directly down to the Old Dungeon Ghyll. A long run-in down the valley road to Elterwater.

Virtual Team Relays

Race: Virtual Team Relays
Distance: 5.2m (30mins)
The weekend of the Castles Relays, which had obviously been cancelled a long time ago. This was an informal replacement idea put forward by Builth Wells Runners (I think), whereby teams of 20 or so raced virtually over the course of a long summer day. My slot was 2.30pm, and I felt rather tired after recent training. I kept a steady pace going and just aimed to cover at least five miles in my 30 minute slot. I managed this, and a little more, on a leg from home to Saltney and then down Boundary Lane for a few hundred metres. Buckley finished 8th team, I think.

Eglwyseg Round from Bwlchgwyn

All my carefully considered plans for V50 races have been blown out of the water, so there's not much left apart from variations on some of the long local loops I have done in the past. This was one such. I have done several variations on rounds of the Eglwyseg valley over the years, usually starting in Llangollen. This time I parked in Bwlchgwyn, taking small paths towards Minera and finally up to the World's End road which winds across Ruabon Moor. This is always peaceful, especially so under lockdown, with great views towards Berwyn. Dropping down to World's End, I joined OD for the path under the crags, which I have always considered to be the best scenery and best running in north-east Wales. In Llangollen, I got a pie and chocolate milk (a very rare shop visit) which gave something of a boost for the very long run back. This takes the canalside path to the Chain Bridge, then the lanes to Rhewl before the brutal Conquering Hero. This is always the crux of these rounds, and was again today - an unrelenting climb, initially on tarmac and then on grass up to the bwlch below Moel y Gamelin. The route to the summit is even steeper, and a squall blew in at this point - cold, windy and rainy for the haul over Moel y Faen, down to the Ponderosa and up Cyrn y Brain. From here there was still a long run-in through Llandegla forest back to Bwlchgwyn. Nearly 40k, 1200m, 3:47.

Pennine/Calderdale loop

Not my favourite part of the world, but needs must under current regulations. This time of year, I would normally be in the north-west Highlands, and the weather has been perfect for months. But with that barred, England is the only option, and I do have fond memories of the Haworth Hobble and Heptonstall fell race in these parts. I set off from Blackstone Edge above Littleborough, taking the smooth and comfortable Pennine Way to skirt the series of reservoirs above Calderbrook. After Warland, the path cuts rightwards and makes its way up to the top of Stoodley Pike, such a notable landmark in these parts. All very different to the last time I was here, two-thirds of the way through the Haworth Hobble in the mist. I then cut down a surprisingly small path to Withens Clough, then a superb descent down to the pretty village of Cragg Vale, which nestles at the bottom of a steep valley. I climbed out of this to the east, which led to delightful tracks above Ripponden. Big views, typical Pennine scenery (Yorkshire now) as I followed the Calderdale Way. Eventually, I took the old Packhorse road back, which was rather arduous and tussocky but avoided the main Halifax road for a 25k round. One day before my 50th birthday.

Tour de Flintshire

Whatever else lockdown has been, it has been paradise for cycling. It took me a few weeks to get my bike back to full working order, but after a few decent 50-60k outings I decided to refine my Tour de Flintshire, which attempts to take in the highlights of the historic county (not the modern version), pausing for lunch in St Asaph. I last did this in 2015, training for the Wild Wales. I tweaked it a bit this time, heading through Buckley to Rhosesmor - a vicious climb - then over to Halkyn, Holywell, Lloc and along to Dyserth. From here, I took the little lanes south to Rhuallt then over Pont Dafydd to St Asaph and a delightful and delicious lunch. Fortified, the second half has an entirely different character. The route goes to Bodfari then Llandyrnog before the crux climb over the Clwydians to Nannerch. I should have incorporated Cilcain, but instead took in Mold then a long extension out to Hope and back via the lanes. Just over 100k, another perfect May day.

Disputed territory

Living half a mile from the border, it seems legitimate to exploit the English regulations from time to time. I have already revisited the Frodsham/Helsby hills so today started a little further afield (actually, around the same distance from HK) from Weston Rhyn near Chirk. This entire run was in England, despite the place names (and, arguably, the historical reality). From Weston, I ran on the lovely lane that climbs westwards to the secluded border village of Bronygarth. From here, I joined Offa's Dyke, which immediately becomes very steep as it climbs onto the crest of the border hills south of Chirk. Interestingly, on this section the official footpath follows the Dyke itself - and, indeed, the Dyke itself follows the exact line of the modern border. The weather was not as good as the forecast - dark grey skies and a very strong wind. But it was absolutely glorious, albeit rather slow running - views east over Shropshire to the flat Midlands, and west over the Welsh hills. This is classic borderland, really beautiful. Eventually the route drops down to Craig Nant before another climb up Selattyn Hill which I remembered from last time I was here many years ago (I had a number of walks along OD, getting all the way down to Clun, in the early 2000s when dad often dropped me off en route to Cardiff). From Selattyn, much quicker running to the Old Racecourse above Oswestry before dropping through Candy Wood and then the long route back. This was not quite so much fun - little lanes to Oswestry - through the eerily quiet, shut down centre - then out via the Gobowen road. From Gobowen, I crossed the main road to join more small lanes back to Weston.

Conwy coastal hills

An essential work trip for Kate to prepare the Culture Centre for opening, so I took the opportunity for a little run round some of my favourite landscapes. Initially, I headed up Sychnant then cut south to take the ancient tracks westwards to curve round the base of Tal y Fan and climb up Foel Lus. This is always a wonderful viewpoint, but particularly so today with conditions perfect. Beautiful warm weather, and crystal clear clarity, no wind: just as it has been since lockdown began. From Foel Lus I headed down to join the Pen race route down to Capelulo, then up Sychnant to Allt Wen. From here, the familar route over Mynydd y Dref and a final loop round Bodlondeb.

Rhydymwyn byways

Under the new Welsh regulations, slow duathlons are now possible. I've done a few recently, cycling to Ffrith or the Clwydians, then changing into running shoes for a hilly circuit, then back home on the bike. This was a slightly longer version, from home to Rhydymwyn, then setting off on foot using the little lane cutting the corner to Hendre. From here, I took the lovely bridleway which climbs steeply up ancient pathways to finally gain the pass below Moel Arthur (I have used this to run to the Dinorben on 2 or 3 occasions). Very few people around, with all the car parks blocked off. I enjoyed the long haul along the ridge south to the top of Moel Famau, and then the plunge to Cilcain before taking the obscure but delightful paths that weave around the sides of the Alyn valley back to Rhydymwyn. All at their absolute best this time of year - yet another glorious day, as with almost every day since the lockdown began!

River Dee loop

A new route for me, trying to get as inventive as possible under current unprecedented restrictions. I left Rough Hill and ran to Eccleston, picking up the little path along the banks of the Dee to Aldford. So far, so familiar, but the next stretch - unbelievably - was new to me. I followed the banks religiously, round all the big meanders, past Churton to some Appalachian-style log cabins. This stretch feels surprisingly remote, little trodden, perhaps a reflection of its distance from the road. Eventually the path reaches Farndon, after which I headed back to Rough Hill via Rossett and Pulford.

Welsh Athletics Virtual 5k

Virtual Race: Welsh Athletics Virtual 5k
Time/Position: 17.47 (48th from 269 [4th V45])
Almost exactly the same time as the 5k relays in early April, and Nos Galan on New Year's Eve for that matter. Slightly slower, indeed, and as such this was a little disappointing, possibly due to an excessively early start and a few unnecessary turns on the HK Green circuit that I chose to use (unlike the point-to-point course I used on the relays). Would have been second V50, so that bodes quite well, but the leg speed is definitely lacking.

Club champs 10m

Virtual Race: Club Champs 10m (Five Villages route)
Time/Position: 1.05.52
By far the worst of my recent virtual performances, this was a real struggle. In fact, I ran a quicker time around this same route on a normal tempo session a month ago! I can only think I was a bit tired after the recent long run over the hinterland hills. It was yet another beautiful day, fairly hot which didn't help. I didn't feel great for the first leg out towards Rossett, and this got worse for the long haul through Pulford to Rough Hill, on which I had a slight tailwind. I lost even more time on the westwards run in back to the Welsh border. A full 7 minutes down on my 10 mile PB.

HK-Moel Famau-Mold

Another inventive solution to the current dystopian predicament. All normal activities curtailed, so this was a repeat of a run from the front door to the top of Moel Famau that I last did around a decade ago. It is obviously a somewhat shorter variant of my Chester-Famau route that we recently repeated and refined slightly. From HK, I head through Buckley to avoid the main road to Mold. To add some variety, I then reversed the normal Collie route to reach the top in glorious sunshine in 1.51 from the front door (just under half marathon distance). Completely empty - a memorable experience. From the summit, I descended down to the leat via the Collie route, then through Pantymwyn and Gwernaffield to meet M at the Mold Lidl - 30k/803m in total.

Club champs 10k

Virtual Race: Club Champs 10k (Hope-Saltney)
Time: 35.37
With a 10k PB of 34.17 recorded nine years ago, I needed all the help I could get today (the scores are assessed against lifetime PBs). So I cheated slightly! I selected a course from the start of Sandy Lane on the edge of Hope - this has a certain amount of negative elevation down to HK and then across the border to Lower Kinnerton. I was going quite well in the new shoes, and managed to keep motivation and pace going through Bretton and down to Saltney, where my 10k route ended in Morrisons car park. Well down on my PB, but still my quickest 10k time for a few years.

HK hinterland hills

The circumstances are dictating an ever-more-creative approach to running from the front door. This was one such - a desperate attempt to get into the hills without driving. I've done a few circuits of Hope Mountain from home, but on this occasion I took paths from Caer Estyn down to the lovely stream valley which leads to Cefn y Bedd and Abermorddu. From here, I took the Brymbo road (normally too dangerous) up steep Minera hill to branch off to Ffrith. Then comes the delightful (long and gentle) climb through the woods to curve up to the steep finish up to the trig on Pen Llan y Gwr. From here, I took my favourite descent back to Llanfynydd, the wild garlic and bluebells at their best in the Cegidog stream valley. From Llanfynydd, I took the 'tunnel of pain' up to the top of Waun y Llyn and then the roads back to HK - 28k/700m.

Club champs 5m

Virtual Race: Club Championship 5m (Business Park Roundabout-Moor Lane)
Time/Position: 28.50 
An informal virtual club championship has been launched. The national relays provided a 5k time, with a 5 miler following. Times were assessed against PBs, which was challenging for me with almost all of them set around 8-9 years ago and my 50th birthday approaching. New shoes helped for this, though. Another beautiful day, so M dropped me off at Rough Hill. I jogged up to the A55/Business Park roundabout and battered the first mile to Balderton. This is one of the issues with virtual racing, there is a temptation to go off a little too fast without numerous groups to pace with. I overestimated the distance, so reached HK before I'd completed the distance! So I had to extend back down Moor Lane which was rather tiring. I finished around 20 seconds down on my official PB (although I did once break 28m on an informally measured course).

Virtual road relay championships

Virtual Race: National Road Relays (5k)
Time/Position: 17.42 (1180 from 5345)
It looks like virtual racing is the future of the sport for the time being. This was a first, as far as I'm aware - the national road relays championships held virtually with over 5000 runners competing. We entered a Buckley team and did reasonably well, although the competition is obviously extremely stiff. I selected Stringer's Lane from Burton to HK as my route, to avoid excessive negative elevation! The jog out to Burton provided a useful warm-up, and the effort went reasonably well - a similar time to Nos Galan on NYE. It is harder without other runners around you, of course, but there's still a form of motivation going on.

North Berwyn loop

Peaks: Moel Fferna
Area: Berwyn, Eryri
It seemed obvious that a full lockdown was imminent, so this was another run with a poignant, elegiac quality. I didn't want to drive far, so parked outside Corwen and ran along the road and riverside paths to Cynwyd (familiar from recent runs like the Dee Valley/North Berwyn 30 mile combination). From Cynwyd, the very long climb up into the Berwyn begins immediately. A tough haul on steep tarmac initially until it levels off for the firetracks that lead to a conifer forest. The weather was beautiful, indeed the lockdown later coincided with perfect spring weather: my absolute favourite time of year in the Welsh mountains, the irony did not go unnoticed. Above the forest, the running is superb - my 4th time along this track to Moel Fferna. Nobody visible: indeed, I have never seen anybody on Moel Fferna. The perfect choice for this strange day. From the summit, I took in the views to Aran and Eglwyseg in crystal clarity before pelting all the way down to Llidiart y Parc in 18 minutes. I was rather tired for the final leg along the quiet lanes that lead from the Grouse back to Corwen; these undulate continually.

Carneddau-Capel circuit

Peaks: Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewellyn, Pen yr Helgi Du, Pen Llithrig y Wrach
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A grand old circuit, which I first did a shorter version of aged 18 in perfect conditions at the same time of year. That was March 1989, if I remember correctly, a day of crisp snow and spring sunshine. Today, by contrast, the outing had a elegiac quality with lockdown approaching. I got to the top of Pen (a mixture of jogging and walking) in less than 45 minutes but then slowed considerably across the main ridge in a stiff and very cold headwind. The clag was down but lifted very briefly when I crossed Dafydd to the top of the Black Ladders. Some snow on Llewellyn, and a ferocious windchill which made life pretty uncomfortable. Dropping down towards Llugwy got me out of it quite quickly, however, and I made good progress down towards Bwlch y Tri Marchog. Conditions were much better now, with clouds clearing and the sun starting to peek through: much warmer. I scampered up the scrambly ridge to Helgi Du then enjoyed the superb running across to Llithrig. From here, I took the now familiar Paddy descent, very long and very boggy, down to the A5 and Capel Curig - running back along the old Miner's road through Ogwen. By now, the weather was wonderful. This is normally my favourite time of year to be in the Welsh mountains, with crystal clarity and a hint of warmth in the sun promising better days to come. This year, not so much.

Ras yr Aran

Race: Ras yr Aran fell race (16.2km/3100ft)
Time/Position: 1.58.41 (158th from 312)
I have always argued that this is a unique race, so early in the year yet climbing to such a remote highpoint. I have done it 6 or 7 times, but I think this is only the second time I've touched the actual trig point on Fawddwy (although I've been up the hill a lot on normal runs and walks). It was a British Championship race this year, with all that implies in terms of quality of field, from every (hilly) corner of the country: and it also seemed likely to mark the end of racing for a while, with covid-19 approaching. So the atmosphere was a little unusual as we set off from Llanuwchllyn to start that massive, but familiar climb. I felt sluggish throughout, only really perking up as we gained the ridge at the tiny pools below Aran Benllyn. The weather on the ridge was about average - misty and cold, fairly strong winds. The final summit cone is a tricky scramble in running shoes, always damp and slippery, it adds a considerable amount of time. After this, I descended averagely back to the village. Eight minutes down on my best time for the course, although that was a decade ago.

Chester-Moel Famau-Loggerheads

A refinement of a route done in January last year, when I ran from my office door in the University to the top of Moel Famau, then down to the Collie. This time, Peter and I left the Crown Court in bright and breezy weather, the summit disconcertingly distant on the horizon. We took the Roodee path, which makes it a few minutes longer but is more pleasant. From here, we ran together to the Old Warren climb, then met up again in Buckley. Eventually, however, I went too far ahead and we lost each other before Mold, which was a shame. I took the same route as last January, which seems logical as the quickest way to the summit - which I reached in a respectable 2.38 from the Crown Court. It was misty and cool, and I jogged down to meet Peter for a pint at the Loggerheads pub. In retrospect, it would be neater to start with a hand on the Chester Cross and finish with a hand on the trig point (32.47km in total).

Long Mynd Valleys fell race

Race: Long Mynd Valleys (18.5km/1370m)
Time/Position: 2.08.08 (23rd from 101)
Back at LMV for the first time since 2009: an inexplicably long gap for what is a classic fell race. I have vivid memories of following a trail of blood through the snow on the brutal second half of the race 11 years ago. Today, no such drama, although it was a small field - as it had been cancelled on its original date due to Storm Ciara. It was fairly cold, with the odd light snow shower today, but nothing comparable to the frozen feet and hard-packed snow of 2009. The race begins with a climb up the rocky ridge rising from Carding Mill, then embarks on its fairly easy first half. With a lot of mud underfoot after recent downpours, the term is relative of course. But there is a lot of contouring running with grand panoramas, until it heads back south and takes its direct line back to Carding Mill - dipping up and down all those beautiful valleys like Ashes Hollow. Wonderful views and perfect weather at times - blue sky with the occasional shower. The descents are very steep in places and there is virtually no level running in the second half, it is all either violent descents or brutal climbs. The hardest of all is the last one, up the steepest and longest side of Yearlet. I have done this hill from all angles, and it is remarkably steep given its Shropshire location. I ended up a tad quicker than 11 years ago, three minutes or so, although conditions were a little kinder.

Castell Alun catchment run

Another reprise of a favourite long run, by way of marathon training. This is a tough 32km circuit with 2000ft of climbing as it heads over Hope Mountain in both directions. I felt reasonably good, however, and finished in 2.27. It was windy throughout, with rain at times, and that really slowed me on the climb from Leeswood to Treuddyn.

Parisian run

An early morning run through the streets of Paris: it doesn't get much better. I left the hotel at Place Cambronne and followed the line of the railway to cross the Seine and head to the Trocadero. From here, it was up to the Arc de Triomphe and then, as it got light, I pelted down the Champs Elysees all the way to Place de la Concorde. I last ran here in 2009, the opening mile of the Paris Marathon. Then it was back along the Seine to the Eiffel Tower and hotel, where my companions were still sleeping. This was the best of three short Parisian runs during our minibreak.

Conwy Mountain fell race

Race: Conwy Mountain race (5.5m/1900ft)
Time/Position: 54.34 (20th from 94)
This really was a last minute decision. I had done a hardish run last night and was planning to rest up in advance of Sunday's Village Bakery half. But I heard that it had been cancelled, despite the fact that the wind was scheduled to ease. By contrast, the Conwy Mountain race was scheduled to start at the height of Storm Dennis, and there was no question of it being cancelled - such is the cultural difference between the two branches of the sport. I have always enjoyed both, but sometimes the contrast is stark! The wind howled as we set off for the long climb up the bridleway towards Allt Wen, a path I know very well. It was a crosswind fortunately, although as we emerged from the woods it barrelled into us and made life hard approaching the summit. The steep descent towards the A55 was then very muddy and slippery, and the 62mph tailwind for the next section wasn't all that much help, as it was so fierce that it drove us into the scree and made it hard to stick to the paths. It did help for the ridge across to Mynydd y Dref, though. I was well down on the last time I did the race (2017 - its first running) and this got worse with a very slow, slippery descent all the way down to the road before the brutal final climb below the Notice Board crag in torrential rain. Ended up well over four minutes down on 2017, and 13 places lower, although the weather and the bigger championship field offered some explanation.

Clywedog trail run

I was scheduled to return to Long Mynd Valleys today for the first time since 2009, but Storm Ciara put paid to that: 60mph+ gusts. So I sought shelter, repeating the Clywedog Trail run last done in November 2016. This worked fairly well, although the weather was predictably appalling at certain points. From Minera, a vicious headwind combined with flooded paths to make a very wet start, although the plan did work well initially in the sense that it was genuinely sheltered. This changed as I entered the Erddig grounds with the storm at its height - howling wind and torrential rain, some big trees down. At Kings Mill, the end of the trail I doubled back but then decided it would be prudent to avoid the woods on the return. Instead I took a sweeping loop on roads to Rhostyllen, and then the climb contouring Esclusham to Minera. The roads were all flooded - thigh deep in places - and the weather was horrendous throughout, a real soaking.

Wirral Traverse

This had been lurking at the back of my mind for some time as an interesting long run. It worked well, and I set off from Kinnerton Old Road in dank and drizzly weather. Through Hawarden, then down to the Blue Bridge which leads to a long and tortuous section through the Deeside Industrial Estates. I'd done this on a bike with M and the Scouts a few years ago, which helped. It is a relief to gain the duckboards adjacent to the Dee Estuary and finally start to head in the right direction. You can really get a nice rhythm going, past Burton and Neston - all very peaceful away from cars. Then a little detour inland to gain the Wirral Way, which is a tad dull in places with trees on both sides. Several sections are recognisable from races like Thurstaston MT and the like, and it was all very wet after recent deluges. I got to West Kirby in less than 2.20, and carried on to the golf course for the full trip, before meeting Kate for the completist walk to Hilbre and a picnic.

Chester Parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun
Time/Position: 19.03 (6th from 419)
A huge field for the Parkrun, which takes a different route to the one I was familiar with, heading across some narrow tracks. With such a big field, this was hard to negotiate and I felt tired throughout after a fair amount of recent running, with a bad choice of footwear making things worse (heavy trail shoes).

Wychavon Way Ultra

Race: Winter Wychavon Way Ultra Marathon (40m)
Time/Position: 7.14.28 (14th from 116)
A muddy traverse of Worcestershire, and a very nice way to notch up my 10th ultra marathon. It will be the last one for some time, I think, as I try to regain a bit of speed. It was doubly pleasing as an event, as I hadn't done any serious distance since the Fellsman last April. As a result, I was dependent on all the long mountain days last year along with the usual muscle memory. Peter and I stayed overnight in Evesham, and after a pleasant evening woke early for the drive to Broadway. I'd been to its immaculate Cotswold streets before, in the summer of 2014 en route to a family holiday in Cornwall. We got the bus all the way back to Droitwich, always a psychologically damaging part of an ultra as the drive is so long! We left a murky Droitwich at 8.30, carrying a slightly absurd amount of compulsory kit. It was muddy almost immediately, for a long canalside section leading to muddy (and flooded) fields around Goosehill Green. I am still too much of a traditionalist to download routes but this is increasingly an unfeasible approach now, as I discovered following the Wychavon Way markers through an overgrown section before finding fellow runners again for a long road section through Earls Common before miles of draining boggy fields led to the first CP at Flyford Flavell. This became the day's theme, very muddy throughout, on clay soil which my new Hokas picked up like a concrete pancake round the base of the foot. All rather draining. The next section was the same, numerous wet fields through to Church Lench along with the occasional millionaire's half-timbered period property. The route then turns west towards Wyre Piddle and the River Avon before running right through the centre of busy Pershore. Ahead loomed Bredon Hill, the day's crux, which took an age to actually arrive as the route twists and turns through little hamlets and Avonside paths. In fact, its steepish slopes (for this part of the world) provided a nice break, and the murky weather turned to light drizzle, quite cold, cresting the 'summit'. The views would have been extensive on a clear day, but the descent gave the best running of the day - drier and wonderfully undemanding, gently downhill more or less all the way to the third and final checkpoint at Sedgebarrow. I was tired, but generally pleasantly surprised to be able to keep a good plodding pace ticking over, similar to Brecon-Cardiff last February but with far less specific training. I had fallen in with Colin from Oxford, and we paced each other very well. It was obvious that we'd broken the back of it by now, and the run-in back east to Broadway was good, apart from a few rutted quagmires. We picked up three or four more places for a fairly respectable finish. A great day out, and an enjoyable journey through what for me is unfamiliar territory, always a key motivation.

Four Villages half marathon

Race: Four Villages half marathon
Time/Position: 1.22.10 (131 from 1700)
It has been almost four years since my last half marathon, although I have done at least 40 of them in total. I felt a conservative approach would be best today, given the length of that break. I did this race in 2006 and 2007 (contracting pneumonia after running in freezing fog with a cough), and then ran 1.18 on it in 2014. It's a great course, quite hilly in places but with a very fast downhill finish. I parked in Dunham and jogged to the start, I'd forgotten what a big event this is and really enjoyed the first few miles, working in groups, keeping it nice and steady. It was foggy and cold, perfect conditions, so perhaps I should have pressed on a little. Instead, I stayed conservative until the course emerges from the fog at its highpoint above Manley - after which I upped the pace towards the finish. Over four minutes down on my PB, but not too bad in the circumstances.

Dash in the Dark

Race: Dash in the Dark, race 3 (Llandegla)
Time/Position: 25.11 (4th from 147 [1st V40])
I seem to be making a habit of only doing the final 'dash' of the three race winter series. I've been doing them for years, and in the past I often managed to do all three, but various things prevented me this year. Great to get one in, though, and with a new course to enjoy. I'd been warned that it was very short (5.3k/170m), but didn't mind too much with several 5k blasts under my belt recently. It is very runnable now, with a long climb from the car park giving way to the usual twists and turns by the lakeside before the very steep descent through the woods, which has been retained. I had a good battle for 4th place, really enjoyable, but eventually the other chap faded and I ran the last 1km or so on my own.

Abergele 5m

Race: Abergele 5m (Border League race 4)
Time/Position: 29.28 (44th from 350)
A slight variant on the usual seaside course from Pensarn, in that there was no break through the caravan site. Instead, the race headed west into a stiff headwind before turning back for a long tailwind blast to the Pensarn car park, then a punishing final 1km into the full headwind at which point all the groups had broken up. So it was a tough finish, which cost 20-30 seconds on what would otherwise have been a reasonable time for me by recent standards. That said, I have run 28.00 on the 5 mile course here in the past, so there's still plenty of room for improvement.

Nant Peris loop

Peaks: Elidir Fawr, Y Garn
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
Blasts of wind shook the Vags hut all night, and prospects were grim this morning with the clag down and rain sweeping up the Pass in time-honoured fashion. Nothing unusual, however, so we (me, Peter, Steve) set off for the quarries after a convivial evening following the Fowler lecture in Capel. My idea was to avoid the full-frontal climb up Elidir by trotting past Twll Mawr then up the giant incline through the quarries to gain the open hill below Elidir Fach. The wind was howling up here, misty and wet. The final slog up Elidir Fawr wasn't too bad and we got to the summit in exactly an hour despite the circuitous route. From here, slippery and slow progress along the Pedol race route, skirting Foel Goch to gain the climb up Y Garn. A nice tailwind in places, although it was cold and wet in running gear, so we pelted off the summit down to Llyn y Cwn. We then took the excellent path slanting back to Nant Peris. If I've done this before, it must have been decades ago as I had no memory of it. Despite constant rain and mist, it was hugely enjoyable, runnable and grassy in places, scrambly and awkward in others. After following the banks of the stream, it drops down to the base of Nant Peris, and a roadside path leads back to the village and the hut. Dried out in Pete's Eats for lunch before the drive home.

North Wales XC championship

Race: North Wales XC Champs, Northop (10k)
Time/Position: 39.30 (17th from 54)
My worst ever position at the champs, and the first time I have failed to win anything in my age category. This was not entirely due to slowness, however, as the field seemed pretty strong. I can't remember ever racing the champs at Northop before, although I must have done the Rhug circuit five or six times. It was an excellent route, comparable to Rhug in the sense that it is pretty long for a cross-country, with four large looping laps of the college grounds - great views over the Dee estuary to the Wirral and Liverpool. Gary Norgrove and I had a grand old battle again, as we did at Aintree, level pegging until the last lap when I was able to pull away slightly. I didn't even count in the first six Buckley finishers, although I did for the Veterans: we narrowly won the team prize.

Nos Galan

Race: Nos Galan elite male race (5k)
Time/Position: 17.45 (57 from 149 [2nd V45])
A wonderful celebration of the eighteenth century athlete Guto Nyth Bran, who was so fast 'he could catch a bird in flight'. Dad and I have talked about going down to this unique race for years, so it was very nice to finally get to Mountain Ash this New Year's Eve. It's a long way to go for a 5k but it was absolutely worth it - a brilliant atmosphere quite unlike any of the other 530+ races I have done: a night-time circuit round a distinctive valleys town, with big enthusiastic crowds and fireworks beforehand. After a coffee in a tiny cafe, we watched the junior races and mum and dad got a great viewing spot near the start. The atmosphere builds, with the mystery runner lighting the torch, excellent fireworks, and a touch of tension in the air - the field for the elite race is obviously very strong. I felt pretty good off the back of the handicap race two days ago and a recent return to informal speedwork. The race takes three laps of the town centre circuit, which heads out to the Bailey's Arms at the far end of town, rounds a tight turn and then runs back to the main square with the Guto statue which is the race's epicentre. The crowd and atmosphere here was tremendous, with a loop round the main road and back out again. My pace stayed fairly steady and I felt controlled and comfortable throughout, more so than at the handicap (virtually identical times) so I wonder whether I should have pushed a little more. I would have been first V50 had I been five months older, and indeed first V40 had I been five years younger (!), but had to settle for 2nd V45 on the night. A great way to end the year.

Deeside handicap

'Race': Deeside handicap 5k
Time/Position: 17.20
It's been a few years since I turned out for this Christmas informal handicap so it was good to be back on a speed session perfectly placed three days after Round the Walls and two days before Nos Galan. The route round the industrial estates and beside the Dee is fast and flat and I finished mid-table in the handicap, fifth fastest finisher.

Round the Walls race

Race: Round the Walls Chester (4m+)
Time/Position: 26.06 (14th from 440 [2nd V45])
My 9th or 10th time at Round the Walls, and I have never done the same route twice! It must be a nightmare to organise, with the constant work on the walls combined with weather conditions. The Bridge Street crossing has recently closed so I knew a variant was likely: sadly, however, it just doubled back after King Charles' Tower, heading down the ramp and back along the canal path, a deep trench at this point. This meant the race missed the best bits over Eastgate and down towards Handbridge, although at the bowling green it headed back to the walls up steep steps by Bonewaldesthorne's Tower and back along to the Roodee. Both sections on the Roodee were muddy and very slippery in my racing flats, like Bambi on Ice, losing lots of time. The drizzle, persistent at the start, eased a little during the race to give a dry finish and family walk back to the car.

Tegid Way

The traditional pre-Christmas outing, and a very good one this year. The Tegid Way is a fairly new 18 mile waymarked route that links Cynwyd with Bala, travelling west the whole way albeit by a highly indirect and winding route that avoids all main roads and embraces the best scenery. Jez and I met Peter in Bala, then drove back to start from Cynwyd via a giant dogleg that heads away from Bala and up to the Berwyn ridge and Pen Bwlch Llandrillo. This is a long but gradual climb, ideal for me as I had gone over on my kneecap on the steps down to Gwernymynydd on Friday night - it was a little sore on the descents. Just below the bwlch, the route heads down another superb track to Llandrillo with great views west - cloudy with intermittent sunbursts. From Llandrillo it finally begins to take a more direct route, across fields and then back over the Dee to gain a long and unexpected climb up a steep minor road to eventually gain the quiet village of Llandderfel. Beautiful scenery throughout this section, all obscure: in fact I'm not sure I have ever been along some of these paths or roads before. Finally, Llyn Tegid comes into view - although there were still several detours above the main road on the northern side, and all the way round the edge of Bala, before we got there (2.47 from Cynwyd). A drink in Stori was an excellent way to end an excellent day.

Marchlyn horseshoe

Peaks: Carnedd y Filiast, Mynydd Perfedd, Elidir Fawr
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
After doing this route as a hill-walk with the scouts a couple of years ago, I'd squirrelled it away as a nice shortish run. It was the perfect option today: a cold, crisp winter morning, heading home from Beaumaris. It seemed likely to be tricky conditions high up, with a bitter windchill and 'icy' snow, so I felt the Carneddau race route (my original plan) might be unwise. I parked in Deiniolen and jogged up the very long tarmac road towards Marchlyn. You can park much higher up, but I felt the need for more mileage. I broke off to join the obvious snaking path (Minffordd) that slants leftwards to gain the shallow col below Filiast and the hill that marks the true start of the Glyder ridge. The normal path up Filiast was problematic: ferocious windchill, scoured, fully iced-up over a couple of inches of snow. Tricky in old Inov8s, as was the awkward bouldery summit (47 mins from Deiniolen). But the onward route to Mynydd Perfedd was superb - the sun breaking through banks of cloud above Glyder Fawr and superb views to the glistening white Carneddau. The wind dropped a little, and Elidir Fawr looked very inviting in the sunshine with its curving ridge. I kept to the ridge crest on perfect virgin snow. Huge banks of black cloud over Snowdon but the sun peeked through. From the summit, I descended direct - this was OK at first as the snow was soft and thick. Lower down, however, the slopes were scoured, hard ice. This was a real issue, and I actually had to retreat from the direct line to the lake. I found a gentler route down but still had to kick steps until the angle eased. Fast running all the way back to Deiniolen from the top lake (1.43 in total). This followed my usual 12 mile loop of the Beaumaris hinterland, and preceded a 14 mile Eglwyseg run the next day.

Nant y Pandy Parkrun

'Race': Nant y Pandy Parkrun (5k)
Time/Position: 19.39 (2nd from 38)
I had no idea that a delightful hidden valley lurked in the middle of Llangefni. It was reminiscent of Fairy Glen or Nant Gwynant and was a genuine surprise. We were on our annual trip to Henllys, so this was an ideal way for both of us to get a Saturday run in. The route takes the tightly defined wooded valley of the Cefni river before opening out to a broader valley with nice scenery. This was much more exposed, into a strong headwind, and leads eventually to the turn-around point on the shores of Llyn Cefni. One young runner was miles ahead, and I was effectively running on my own with the 3rd runner a fair way behind. The return was great, a slight tailwind, a few steep climbs and flowing descents. Not the quickest course, perhaps, but certainly one of the most enjoyable parkruns around.

Ellesmere Port Parkrun

'Race': Ellesmere Port Parkrun (5k)
Time/Position: 19.46 (4th from 66)
Given the recent rain, this was surprisingly hard going. It is almost entirely flat, but also almost entirely cross-country, two laps across wet fields and woods in Whitby Park. My shoes, with worn soles, were not ideal as I slipped and slid round sections of the course (which I had never done before).

Tal y Fan from Conwy

Peaks: Tal y Fan
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A reprise of a run last done many years ago. Since then, I've done multiple combinations of routes up this little hill, from Aber, from the Conwy Valley and, of course, from Porthmadog in July! This particular route leaves the kitchen and walls, then heads up the Hendre road all the way to the top: this is tough but runnable all the way. The tiny road then gives way to a rocky track below Llangelynin church, then over the fields to join the valley. I then cut directly across to gain the wall, which leads steeply over several little tops to the trig point (58 mins from the house). It was cloudy and cool, good running conditions. I descended due north from the summit, straight down to gain a very good track leading east to the standing stones below the quarry. From here, I picked up my favourite tracks leading past the stone circle to Sychnant and back to Conwy in time for lunch. A lovely outing.

Birkenhead 5.5m

Race: Birkenhead 5.5m (Border League race 3)
Time/Position: 32.10 (44th from 345)
Earlier this year I recorded my slowest ever time on this very familiar four-lap circuit. A minute quicker than that today, so at least I am going in the right direction (although still 30 places and over a minute slower than my best). I have done the race at least eight times, and always quite enjoy it despite the laps, as I like the park. It was icy in places today, and I slipped on the tight corner after the pond on one of the loops. Crisp sunshine throughout, and we popped to Bold Street by train immediately after the race.