Puy de Dome run and ride

Peaks: Puy de Dome (1465m)

Area: Chaine des Puys/Massif Central, France

A notable landmark, obvious for miles around, this volcanic lava dome may well be one of the most frequently ascended mountains in France. I hadn't really planned to do it (I would have liked to have cycled up it, but that is now banned). However, the view of it as I approached the Puys from Troyes (where I had watched the Tour stage yesterday via a 35k ride) made it a compelling objective. Lots of cars at the Col de Ceyssat, and a famous path - the Chemin des Muletiers - leading directly to the top. This was enjoyable, albeit crowded with families and all manner of day-trippers, rather like Snowdon. At the top, it emerges onto the expansive summit dome replete with visitor centre, observatory and tracks. I took in the view of Clermont Ferrand, which is directly below, as well as the distant views across to higher hills like the Puy de Sancy. I did a few loops around the top then located a tiny steep path that immediately left the crowds behind to plough directly down the northern slopes. A long looping descent followed, quite hot at times in glorious sunshine. After a short break, I drove to Ceyssat and got the bike out for a little tester, up to the Col de Ceyssat, then the very fast descent to the edge of the city, and then the surprisingly tough climb up the Col de Moreno before a gravel descent back to Ceyssat. 

Druid race

Race: Druid fell race

Time/Position: 41.50 (17th from 100)

A dreadful race, by far my worst time on this course, a race I have done many times. I started reasonably well but faded rapidly on the climb. The descent was marginally better, but not much.

Morrone

Peaks: Morrone (859)

Area: Cairngorms, Scotland

Braemar's home mountain, quite unusual for Scotland in that it is an obvious ascent from the centre of a village. I was in two minds this morning: tired after two big days, and the weather was on the change, but I wondered whether I should max out the trip with a longer outing up Beinn Iutharn Mor and its neighbours. Some light drizzle and lowering cloud as I had my morning coffee made the decision for me: I reverted to 'plan b', which was a proper mountain run up Morrone. I could see the mast on the top from behind my camping place, so went from the van rather than the village - up through steep woods to a pond and then a superb contouring path through Morrone Birkwood, a very special habitat apparently, of 'downy' birch and juniper woodland. On emerging, the main hill gate and path up Morrone begins - clearly very popular (I think there is a race up it attached to the Highland Games). I was a bit tired, and it was a bit of a slog, but I made the summit in 27 minutes from the base of the path. At times, the sun peeked through and it then got pretty hot. On the whole though, I felt my decision was the right one, with mist down over the Cairngorms and only Lochnagar clear. I had a rest on the top, then took the obvious track to the north which then descends towards the Glenshee road after a mile or so. This descent was quite lengthy with lots of switchbacks, but led to a quiet tarmac road back to Braemar via the golf course. Unwisely, I then cut inland following my nose through a series of complex paths which never quite went where I expected them to! I ended up covering 17k with 2000ft of climbing, taking two hours, so a longer and more tiring outing than I had intended. 

Cairngorms east

Peaks: Ben Avon (1171), Beinn a'Bhuird (1196)

Area: Cairngorms, Scotland

Both these mountains are more like miniature ranges than individual peaks. I hadn't originally planned to do them, instead the intention was to head to Lochnagar. But I was enjoying this side of the Cairngorms so much that I didn't want to leave. Also, the clear weather meant this was a sensible choice as both are a very long way from the nearest road. Again, a bike shaves some of the distance and time off, so I set off on mine from the car park at Invercauld north-east of Braemar. This was very easy initially, tarmac then gravel past a sort of stately home to another estate at Altnourie. The track then becomes rough, mountain-bike territory really, but I persisted until I had done at least 5k of the route before abandoning the bike and setting out up Glen an-t'Slugain on foot. This narrows to a gorge at the top, where I crossed a stream to an old ruin which looks almost Greek in style. Above, the Slugain gives way to the much bigger valley of the Quoich, which runs all the way up to the Sneck between the two peaks (and all the way down to the Linn of Quoich which was directly opposite my campsite). Then came a real surprise, the path up the glen was remarkably good, presumably a stalker's path, gently rising, dry and comfortable underfoot. It enabled these big distances to be covered easily, and I swallowed up the ground, finding the whole ascent of Ben Avon far easier than I had anticipated. The valley tightens higher up, with Beinn a'Bhuird's magnificent cwms to the left. A steep section leads the boulder landmark of the Cleirich to a lovely green stream valley higher up, reminding me of Iceland (as did much of the scenery today). At the top, the first granite tors mark the 'Sneck', a pronounced col between Avon and Bhuird, with the wild valley of Slochd Mor stretching out below to the north. Beyond this, the ground descends to the flatlands of Aberdeenshire and Banffshire, the only part of mainland Britain that I have never visited. A series of zigzags leads up scree on the right to gain the vast Ben Avon plateau. With blue skies above, this recalls desert scenery and put me in mind of Utah or Jordan. The plateau is scattered with granite tors, like Dartmoor, and I headed across to the highest one, still surprised at how easy it all was despite the distances. I was on the summit in two hours from the bike highpoint, although it is at least 20km away (from the van anyway). I began to hatch the idea of taking in Beinn a'Bhuird too, as its highest summit - the North Top - didn't seem far from the Sneck. So I trotted down to that col, examining the Garbh Choire with its remote rock-climbing, somewhere I have wanted to visit for decades. I had very good legs, so ploughed straight up the other side of the Sneck to the granite forepeak of Cnap a'Chleirich. From here, an arctic plateau leads across to the featureless true summit of Beinn a'Bhuird. Great views down to its wild and remote eastern corries. Then, a mistake. I should have done justice to the mountain by descending the broad ridge. Instead, I retraced my steps, stupidly. This was partly over-caution, as it had clouded over and the weather looked threatening (and I was well over 20km from the van!). But it was also a desire to descend the comfortable path and save some energy. Despite that, it still feels like a mistake and almost a cheat's ascent of Beinn a'Bhuird (which I could see from my camp). The descent was even easier than the ascent. and I got back to the bike after 31k/1250m in exactly five hours. The final bike descent was initially rough, then very fast, and I had plenty of time for a toastie in the Bothy cafe before my river bath in the Dee.

Cairn Toul ridge

Peaks: Devil's Point (1004), Cairn Toul (1291), Sgor an Lochain Uaine/Angel's Peak (1258)

Area: Cairngorms, Scotland

My Cairngorms experience is not extensive, and has always been limited to forays from the north and west. I did the Cairngorm 4000s in 2017, but missed Cairn Toul (in other words, I didn't do the 4000s, but it was still a big and memorable day). I had a formative experience on Bynack More in a blizzard in winter 1991, a memory which still causes me to shudder. And more recently I did the peaks above beautiful Glen Feshie. But I had never properly explored the southern and eastern hills and approaches before, so this short trip was aimed at correcting that. I parked the van a couple of miles outside posh Braemar, and drove round to the Linn of Dee early on Sunday. It was busy already, a reflection perhaps of the better weekend weather in the east. After porridge and coffee on the stove, I cycled up the gravel road to Derry Lodge, standard practice which shaves some time and distance off these unavoidably long outings. The scenery here is exquisite, beautiful copses of Caledonian pine and babbling streams. I left the bike and trotted up the key Lairig Ghru path which goes all the way to Aviemore via Scotland's most famous mountain pass, but also gives access to the peaks I wanted to do. It was very pleasant indeed, and I adopted a loping walk/mild jog pace through the robber's copse to Glen Luibeg and its river crossing, which I did barefoot as I was enjoying the novel comfort of dry feet. Delightful native woodland here, with great views up Luibeg towards Ben Macdui, looking like a more interesting route than the one I took up Macdui in 2017 (across the plateau from Cairn Gorm). The path climbs gently and traverses the base of Carn a'Mhaim with teasing views until finally reaching a viewpoint over the grandest part of the range - Devil's Point very notable ahead, with Cairn Toul to its right. The deep Lairig Ghru running all the way up to Braeraich. And ahead, the magnificent Glen Geusachan curving up to the plateau above Glen Feshie. The path then gently descends to the base of the Lairig, crosses the river, and comes to the legendary bothy of Corrour. I found it empty so took a short break inside, very pleasant and atmospheric. When I emerged, the early cloud was clearing to bright blue sunshine. Stunning clarity, and hot as I ploughed up the steep climb into Coire Odhair above the bothy. Plenty of streams to drink from, and I concentrated more than usual on replenishing my fuel, always a good idea in the Cairngorms as you are generally a long way from your car! I took a steep short cut up towards Devil's Point (a famously prudish victorian translation of the Gaelic original) and easy ground led to this. It is a munro, but really just a spur, the end of the Cairn Toul ridge. It gives tremendous views down to the river confluence and Glen Geusachan, as well as the entire Lairig Ghru and surrounding peaks. After a banana, I trotted back to the col, and then up a forepeak to the first proper view of Cairn Toul, by far the shapeliest Cairngorm mountain (and also a pair of snow buntings, presumably breeders). Nice boulder hopping up this, with the weather now absolutely perfect, crystal clarity across the entire range and beyond. This is a major peak, a key 4000er and the fourth highest mountain in Britain, so I stayed for a while on the summit, drinking it in. I then popped across to Sgor an Lochain Uaine (Angel's Peak is a made-up name, Victorian again presumably). It is a fantastic viewpoint, promoted to munro status in the 90s, with mighty Braeraich and its wild, remote corries the most notable feature. I contoured back across Cairn Toul, saving lots of time and energy and trotted back down to Corrour, drinking often from the rushing stream which cascades down these slopes. The return was long but not too tedious, and it had clouded over by the time I reached Derry lodge after 26k/1400m of effort in around five relatively relaxed hours. A delightfully easy gravel ride back to the van for a pint of tea, sitting outside the van in the sunshine. I then took a bath in the infant River Dee before retiring to the same overnight camp with views of Macdui and Beinn a'Bhuird on a superb cloudless evening with virtually no midges.

Glenshee north

Peaks: Carn an Tuirc (1019), Carn of Claise (1063)

Area: Glenshee, Scotland

My Highlands model is now so refined that it follows the same schedule, and as such I am always seeking good options for short post-drive outings. These fitted the bill to perfection, undistinguished hills but ideally suited to a brief leg-stretcher after the drive. I left home at 7am and drove to Glenshee via stops in Lancaster and Stirling. In 2020, I did a painful trot up Glas Maol and its neighbour from Glenshee (having already traversed Beinn a'Ghlo in the morning - a reflection of the joy of being released from Covid confinement combined with the related fact that there was nothing else to do, everything was still closed!). An even more painful memory is connected with the hills on the other side of the pass - Carn Aosda, Geoidh and the Cairnwell - as I did these the day after breaking three hours for the first time at the Edinburgh marathon of 2008. Today's hills are accessed a little further down the road on the Braemar side. Carn an Tuirc is an obvious objective, a scree-covered dome, and pleasant jogging along the river led to a direct path up the front. The highpoint comes soon after, just 44 minutes from the road. Then comes grassy running down to a broad col and then another grassy slog up the very dull hill of Carn of Claise, on which I saw a sandpiper well away from its conventional habitat. Some nice valleys make the views here much more interesting, however: the Caenlochan Glen, for example, is surprisingly deep. I contoured another grassy valley (Allt a Garbh Coire) and then headed along the very old Monega Pass route which takes the wonderful grassy spur down to the pointed top of Sron na Gaoithe. This was superb, and led to a steep drop-off and more good running back to the road. Around 1.45 for the circuit, a quick invigorating bath in the Clunie Water, and then to camp outside Braemar.

HK-Conwy-Llanasa-St Asaph

I had been planning to cycle from Conwy to home for some time, as I have always assumed a westerly would ease progress. However, for complicated reasons the opportunity to go the other way arose and winds were mercifully light! I didn't go direct, as I still want to up the mileage a tad in advance of the French trip, so headed east counter-intuitively initially, turning up to Saltney Ferry for the Dee path to Queensferry. From here, I tried to follow the national cycle route which is just laughable. At times, some sections are worthwhile but most of the time it is a typically British half-hearted approach to cycling provision, ridiculously convoluted and often disgorging into the traffic anyway. So eventually I gave up and some of the sections were predictably unpleasant as I essentially reversed my memorable 'virtual London marathon' of 2020, when I ran home from Gronant. It is all a great shame, as a proper cycle path would make this a very pleasant tour of the Deeside communities, all flat. By Gronant, the traffic eases, and by Prestatyn everything changes as you access the promenade near the Nova centre. It was a glorious day, sun-drenched with classic seaside views, and the riding is good. Still not exactly plain sailing though, with sandy sections and hundreds of very slow moving and often very large human beings. I had a short break in Colwyn Bay, taking a good route to Mochdre and then down Pabo Lane to Junction and Conwy. Around 3.20 for the leisurely 80k ride. Next day, I rode back but took a different route and, with rain threatening, decided to head to St Asaph after doing the horrible climb from Gronant to Llanasa. 

Abergwyngregyn

Race: Abergwyngregyn (7.4k/390m)

Time/Position: 39.40 (27th from 136)

I was always under the impression this race ploughed up the steep tarmac towards Anafon then bashed up some heather before returning the same way. As a result, I had never bothered with it despite its 'home turf' status. There may be two different routes in the Tuesday night series from Aber - whatever the case, this course takes a logical and very enjoyable clockwise loop to the Falls and above, most of which was familiar territory. Indeed, I remembered the start from a British Champs race up Moel Wnion many years ago. It takes a very steep track to eventually join the gate that leads to the familiar circular contouring route to Aber Falls. I climbed slowly but reasonably well by recent weak standards, and then enjoyed the hard racing along the familiar tracks to Rhaedr Bach. Then comes an awkward rocky section to the main Aber Falls, which again I knew well, before the bonus climb, a draining zigzag haul up the screes and through the woodland (now mainly felled) to eventually gain the spur that comes down from Llwytmor. I have no memory of doing this climb before, and struggled on it after the fast start, and my current sluggishness on all steep climbs. From the top, the race becomes a famously fast pelt down, just a flat-out spring for the finish. I recorded 7.5 minutes for the full 2.2km descent, 3.20km pace throughout. I had done the lower section earlier this year, although the finish is actually at the cabin that marks the start of the tourist path to the Falls.

Penmaenbach climbing

Routes: Jefferson Slab (f6a:led), Y Clip Aur (f6a:sec), A55 arete (f5c:led), Agent Orange (f5c:led)

Crag: Penmaenbach, Conwy

All routes I have done numerous times before, but not for a few years, so this was a very pleasant few hours of cragging before the evening race. It was rather cool and breezy as we walked in but a little sunshine peeked through at times and it just about stayed on the right side of 'too cold' throughout. Peter and I both led the tricky Jefferson Slab, and I enjoyed revisiting the arete which is the most satisfying line on the right-hand slab. The slab in particular was harder than I remembered finding it, but all climbing is when you have had such a massive break from it! Vic and Emma climbed alongside on parallel routes. We avoided the chough nesting areas (multiple choughs flying around throughout, presumably meaning they have had breeding success) and moved to another area I have climbed on many times before, where Peter and I both led the steeper but juggy Agent Orange as the sun came out: always an enjoyable climb with sharp little holds easing progress. Then it was back to the car and down to Aber for the race.

Tour de Flint and Denbigh

This was supposed to be one of my intermittent 'cycling years' but it hasn't worked out like that yet, due to a combination of circumstances (not least poor weather). I did manage to up the mileage a little today with my first 100k for some time. This route became another of my 'Tour de [historic] Flintshire' outings, centred around a magnificent lunch in Denbigh (and spending a fair amount of time in Denbighshire!). From home, I climbed up to Buckley, then through Mold and Cadole all the way up to Clwyd Gate in the big ring. I felt reasonably good, and it is a fantastic descent to Llanbedr DC after which I took the delightful quiet lanes through Llandyrnog to Bodfari. After the early threat of rain, it became superbly bright and clear along to St Asaph. Then, after a long family lunch it was back in the saddle for the climb up the old Rhuallt Hill, then a semi-inadvertent extension to Dyserth, down Hiraddug Road where we used to live. And then finally benefiting from a now light westerly for the undulating road through Trelawnyd and Lloc to Holywell. Unusually clear views of the Wirral, Liverpool cathedrals and the Pennines. A horrible climb to Pentre Halkyn and then Rbosesmor, then tiny lanes to Northop, Alltami and back to Buckley before coasting home - 100k, 1380m in a less-than-speedy four hours.

Weets fell race

Race: Weets fell race (8.5k/450m)

Time/Position: 50.11 (21st from 131 [1st V50])

As with the Cressbrook Crawl last month, I am not reading too much into my first V50 placing here. For one thing there were two V55s ahead of me, and there was a fairly small local field competing, comparable to a Clwydian race. It is actually a famous event though, with quite a long and illustrious history (dating all the way back to 1971) and it is in the heart of traditional fell running country on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border. Weets is actually a small summit above the town of Barnoldswick (all of this is traditional Yorkshire, modern Lancashire) and the race used to dash through the streets on a direct route to the top, rather like Rivington Pike or Cilcain. It takes a very different route now, and Morgan and I arrived just a few minutes before the start (all this was only because it was vaguely en route to pick up Eve in York). Now it starts from a minor road just outside the town. Up this to a little path through heather which heads up a grassy hill before a descent down Folly Lane: this slightly arbitrary section is a little unfortunate, as the runners then double back at the bottom, climbing back into the open hill that marks the start of the real climb up Weets. From the summit trig, the route then takes another slightly arbitrary mini-loop to the north through awkward boggy and tussocky terrain before climbing back to the top then reversing the outward leg. Some nice bracing views down to Barnoldswick and over the Pendle hills. Given my continuing 'rest', I had a reasonable if slightly plodding race, but at least held my position from the summit down, only because I upped the pace on the final descent as a big group of chasers caught me up. A pleasant interlude, then it was back to the van to continue the drive to York for a very late lunch.

Cyrn Las horseshoe

Peaks: Garnedd Ugain

Routes: Clogwyn y Person arete (s3)

Area: Yr Wyddfa, Eryri

The true Cwm Glas horseshoe, as I think of it, goes up the north ridge of Crib Goch, takes in Garnedd Ugain, studiously avoids Snowdon, then descends Cyrn Las. As such, it is the connoisseur's choice, and something I have done a few times. This is an even more refined version, kicking off with the steep walk from the Pass beyond Gyrn Las and up into Cwm Glas, one of the finest corners of Wales, drawn to the superb arete line above. Shockingly, I realised I haven't done Clogwyn y Person arete this century! I did it several times in the 80s and 90s as I cut my mountaineering teeth with Tim and Stee. In fact I can remember doing it in big boots on Christmas Eve decades ago, on a freezing day with verglas on the rocks! Nothing as dramatic today, in fact we roped up for most of it. I had suggested it as a suitable mountaineering outing for the hut group after another convivial evening, particularly given the unsettled weather. It was cold and cloudy as we set off - 'we' being Steve, Emma, and special guest Peter's brother Robin from Seattle. The best scrambling follows a line of jugs up the right wall of the gully, atmospheric and superb. Then I led up an exposed section to what I thought was the crux groove. However, my memory was tricking me - in fact the first groove is considerably harder, and I was glad to have the rope for the final lurch over a horizontal spike. Above is the real crux! This is another awkward groove, which I led over the final bulge, and then bought Emma up. The arete is a wonderful line, certainly one of the region's best scrambles, and the easier ridge above leads pleasantly towards Crib y Ddisgyl. The weather had improved, the threatening start giving way to tiny glimmers of brightness and a cloudbase well above the tops - all very enjoyable. We all gathered on the summit of Garnedd Ugain, then scampered down the grass to pick up the narrow path down Cyrn Las ridge. This always takes longer than expected and was hard on the knees today after I bashed them on the slate yesterday. There's a few little rocky steps and a lot of weaving around.

Llanberis slate climbing

Routes: Fresh Air (f6a:led), Hawkeye (f5c:sec), Macsen (f5:led), Learning to Fly (f5a:led), Octogenarian (f5a:sec)

Area: Llanberis slate

An immensely long lay-off from climbing: some young people will have had entire climbing careers since I last tied on in earnest. Covid was to blame, I just never properly re-engaged. But, this March I got a pass for the wall, and used it a lot so do have a tad more strength. It's also true that I have done a little mild mountaineering in the long 'interval' and did visit old favourites like Pot Hole and Castle Inn a couple of times. But the general point stands, so I kicked off with an old favourite today - up the detached slate slab of Fresh Air. It is well bolted, of course, but a little more polished than I remembered. It went fairly well, if a little less smooth and elegant than it always seemed in the past, perhaps unsurprisingly. The weather has been unseasonably cold, but it was at least dry for this afternoon session with Steve. We then picked off the other two routes hereabouts, the 5c being much better than it looks with some interesting moves (done before, as with all today's climbs). Then it was round the corner for the two slabbiest easy routes, albeit both a tad unbalanced, before we got a bit too cold as rain threatened. Back to the hut for a superb Spanish feast, the fourth of our Nant Peris dining society outings.

Up the Beast

Race: Up the Beast

Time/Position: 44.48 (12th from 105)

There was a time when I had never missed a 'Beast' race, having done every one since it was launched. I have missed a few by now (I swapped it for the Llanrug 5k last year for example) but it is still one of the local fell races I have done most often. As such, I suspect this was comfortably my slowest ever time, but I wasn't too surprised by that in the circumstances. I told myself I would just jog round, but it never quite works out like that, and I probably went a little too hard on the first section through the woods meaning that I was blowing on the Beast and the other climbs. It was much cooler than usual, almost cold at times, and I am never entirely convinced the complex final section through the woods is always the same route! A pint afterwards in the refurbished Miners was a pleasant way to wind down.

Rhinog traverse

Peaks: Rhinog Fawr, Rhinog Fach, Y Llethr, Crib y Rhiw, Diffwys, Diffwys West, Llawllech, Mynydd Egryn, Egryn South

Area: Rhinogydd, Eryri

For me the full traverse of the Rhinog range is perhaps the best mountain day in Eryri, just edging the 3000s because it is so much wilder and emptier. There are no easy ways to tackle the northern end, which really slowed Peter and I down when we did the full south to north traverse in 2014. Today's plan was a slightly cheaty, more direct reverse version, which overcame the difficult northern terrain by using a cunning side route to the east, which was still appallingly boggy and awkward, if a little less rocky. I felt the mild cheat was justified, partly because this was a solo crossing, and as such I had to cycle back to the van from Barmouth after finishing. But also because I made up for it by sticking religiously to the southern ridge crest as I approached Barmouth, all the way to the south top of Mynydd Egryn, which makes the climax in this direction much harder. I dropped the bike off first, then the intimidatingly long 20 mile drive north to the start point by Llyn Trawsfynydd. Absolutely perfect conditions: superb clarity, mild but not hot, a gentle northerly tailwind. The initial tracks lead to a boggy wilderness south of Tyndrain and a very hard to follow, tenuous 'path' which is mostly invisible until you get higher up. It coalesces a bit and then hits a firetrack in the forest which leads very easily to the marked path up to Bwlch Tyddiad/Roman Steps. Huw and I descended this last year, so I had recent knowledge which I deployed to good effect, taking the side route, steep and rocky, up to Llyn Du, a great spot hidden in a rocky fold, typical Rhinogydd scenery. From here, I got the most direct ascent bang on: there are lots of paths but the steepest approach gets you to the top very quickly, in fact it arrives suddenly, a mere 90 minutes from the start near Traws. I then took the 'descent of doom', direct through atmospheric rocky runnels and gullies all the way down to Bwlch Drws Ardudwy, a historic Welsh pass, where I have camped twice - once with Huw last year, and once as a teenager in the late 1980s. Then it was up the path to Llyn Cwmhosan and Llyn Hywel, branching off before the latter to curve round on a tiny path to sneak up Rhinog Fach from the west. The weather continued absolutely glorious after a little cloudy interlude. Then comes the scenic highlight, for which again I picked good lines based on last year's trip, Llyn Hywel its usual magnificence, turquoise in this light. The route up Y Llethr is steep and loose, and I was now beginning to tire. Great views over Llyn and Ynys Enlli compensated. Then, the route changes completely - and the ridge takes on a grassy, gentle character. I was feeling good enough to run this, with the views of the sea getting closer with every step. Cader was coming into sharp focus across the Mawddach. Easy ground leads quickly over Crib y Rhiw and Diffwys, all absolutely superb and a wonderful contrast with the northern end. Then came a surprise. From Llawllech you can smell the sea, but then I took the direct line over the remaining summits - suddenly the route becomes much less clear and the ground far more awkward again. I had no memory of this from 2014, which makes me think we took a different line to Diffwys, as I remember it all as very easy running. So I think this was new ground, and considerably more challenging as a final descent, down to Bwlch y Rhiwgyr, a noted crossing point. Then yet more climbing over Mynydd Egryn, with an annoying and tiring route-finding error before I corrected myself and dropped past Barmouth Slabs to Dinas Oleu, emerging onto the main street with its mobility scooters and drunken brummies. The mistakes and semi-inadvertent purity of the descent from Diffwys cost me a lot of time, perhaps an hour or more compared to the direct side tracks. I had been on for a pretty quick traverse but in the end it was just under five hours moving, close to six in all. I took a little time to recuperate in Barmouth: pasty, energy drinks, crisps, although I should perhaps have indulged in a full meal before the challenging second part of the day. I knew the ride back would be tiring, and it was: the gravel bike feels like every gram of its substantial weight when one is tiring! The 10k to Llanelltyd was fine, even pleasant with its constant views of Mawddach and Cader in stunning afternoon light. But the A470 to Traws was not very nice. I had hoped to be able to take the national route via Sarn Helen but this would have been worse, and at least the route north was quiet with all the weekenders heading the opposite direction. Past Ganllwyd and Coed y Brenin via a few nasty draggy climbs before finally getting back to the van (a painfully slow 90 minutes from Barmouth!) where I briefly relaxed on my chair in the sunshine, gazing back to Rhinog Fawr and Fach as the evening light got even clearer.

Hebog loop

Peaks: Moel Hebog

Area: Moel Hebog, Eryri

After turning 54 yesterday, I decided to test myself on a time-trial up a climb I know very well. The route up Hebog from Beddgelert is, let's say, rather punishing. I did the race a few times in my late 30s and early 40s, and once more recently, and broke the hour up-and-down quite comfortably more than once. I don't think I could do that nowadays, but I was still pleased with this little session. From the old Gelert shop I took the road over the railway line to the cycle path and then the relentlessly steep main climb - which rarely lets up at all and often gets rocky and awkward. This is particularly the case towards the top, where there are multiple lines of varying efficiency. I got a pretty decent one through the scree and emerged at a very windy ridge with the mist down, stumbling across a young couple arguing about whether or not they should continue: they seemed surprised to see me emerge from the other side of the ridge in shorts. From the summit (43 minutes from Beddgelert, 31.50 for the steep part), I plummeted down the northern slopes, getting out of the wind quickly, then took the rocky and awkward descent towards the conifer plantations. This leads to a horrible path, which is actually marked out as if sensible people might want to do it. It takes a direct line through the conifers, appallingly boggy and awkward throughout, to eventually gain fire tracks back to the railway. My sole detached itself from my right shoe at the top of the track, meaning I had to hobble in without it, essentially padding along on a sock, which is rather painful on gravel. The shoes were ceremonially binned in Caernarfon.

Across the Cynllaith

Event: Across the Cynllaith (16m/3000ft)

Time: 2.40

Could there be a more perfect fallow year event than a long run/walk through a beautiful border landscape, taking obscure paths up the three main hills in the area? Probably not, so this was a delightful and hugely enjoyable non-competitive outing, part of the Trefonen hill weekend (I did the Mynydd Myfyr fell race a few years ago, which also forms part of it). It was a nice morning after a lot of rain last week, and I set off from Trefonen around 9am, jogging the paths and lanes through to a curving path up Mynydd Myfyr. A lovely descent led to a very muddy section which eventually led to the border and the path along the Cynllaith itself (the name of the river but also, I think, of the medieval bro). Then into Llansilin to check-in and enjoy coffee and biscuits before the crux of the day, a lengthy 5k haul to the top of Gyrn Moelfre via a steep lane and then a superb curving track to the broad grassy ridge over the summit. This is a tremendous place right in the centre of this beautiful region, and I'd only visited once before on the Gyrn Gallop race (which heads up direct from Rhiwlas, on the other side of the hill, and as a result I barely recognised it at all). From the summit, a long looping path led down to tarmac and eventually back to Llansilin for another check and drink. The final leg saw me catching lots of groups on the shorter 10 mile loop. It climbed surprisingly steeply away from the Cynllaith to the broad summit of a hill, which was contoured until a slightly confusing section up to the last hill of Moelydd, the last of the three. The previously excellent marking was a little confusing here, so I ploughed steeply up a nettle-strewn hillside where I surmised I would find the top, which I did. From here, Offa's Dyke led back to Trefonen along little lanes and tracks. Bara brith, tea and walnut cake to recuperate, and home before midday: a lovely event.

Carn a'Chlamain

Peaks: Carn a'Chlamain (963)

Area: Blair Atholl, Scotland

The hills in these parts are not the most exciting, with the exception of Beinn a'Ghlo, but this was a really unexpected bonus on the last day of the trip. It was only intended as something short to do on my way home, but actually Glen Tilt was something of a revelation. I looked down on it in 2020, notable as my first proper post-lockdown outing, from Beinn a'Ghlo, but I had never actually been up it before. In places, it is really beautiful, and an easy track makes cycling through it a delight. I was a little tired, I wanted to use the bike, and I needed a short outing - so Carn a'Chlamain worked perfectly. After a huge breakfast in Kingussie I tried to waste as much time as possible given the rather inconvenient weather pattern which was seeing later and later clearances. Sure enough, it was still dull and even drizzly when I set off from the Old Bridge of Tilt above Blair at 11am. A lovely 10k ride up the glen, very gentle even on the gravel bike (which was necessary), past Marble Lodge to a little shieling and the start of the broad south-east ridge up Chlamain. Still a lot of low cloud around, but I started anyway and with no need to save energy anymore decided to up the pace a bit. The mountain itself is basically the highpoint of a vast undulating plateau although the summit cone is quite attractive. Initially a steep path led to a gentler track, which kinks up the hillside and then becomes very runnable up to an indistinct section near a forepeak and a rocky section. I met a lady who had lost her phone here, and scanned the last section looking for it. I got to the summit in less than an hour from the bike, and the lady then emerged having found the phone. It finally started to clear a little, revealing the plateau and the Cairngorms beyond. Good views of Beinn a'Ghlo directly in front as it cleared completely while I descended. i took a running approach to the descent though - 25 minutes from summit to bike, nice to up the pace for a change (1.24 for the 10k/750m outing). After a snack and drink, the gravel bike return down Glen Tilt was even more delightful and I stopped frequently for photos - some really beautiful sections of native woodland and hidden pools. I had a bath in the Tilt before heading for home.

Allt Taige horseshoe

Peaks: Carn nan Gobhar (993), Sgurr na Lapaich (1150), Sgurr nan Clachan Geala (1093)

Area: Loch Mullardoch, Scotland

These hills between Strathfarrar and Mullardoch are quite remote, even if you can get fairly close to them by road. That road leads up from Cannich through its beautiful glen until it reaches the dam at the end of Loch Mullardoch. Here I spent the night, which was very windy at first, watching hares, mistle thrushes and wheatears. The morning was cloudy again, so I took my time before heading out along the north of the loch. I missed the path up the forepeak of Mullach na Moile, instead heading up the bleak valley of Allt Mullardoch before striking west up a very steep hillside. This was direct at least, and I found a little scrambling before reaching the Mullach. Prospects were a little bleak ahead, a thick cloudbase draped quite low around the peaks, including Carn nan Gobhar, to which I was heading. This was a rocky slog, reminiscent of the Carneddau, which led to a double top. The mist was pretty dense, so I hung around for a while. I was in no rush, and I began to get hints of a clearance which I felt would make the day far more pleasant and interesting. Eventually I got bored so took a bearing north-west towards the obvious bealach below Lapaich. At this point the mist began to clear and as I approached the bealach I could see the wonderful lonely loch of Tuill Bearnaich and the snowy Coire nan Each above. This was one of those places that exerts a peculiar pull - I experience a similar phenomenon above the Oxnadalur valley in Iceland. Hard to leave, a wonderful ambience, with golden plover adding their distinctive notes to it, along with a distant ring ouzel. To the north, even remoter valleys drained into Strathfarrar. Above the bealach, the east ridge of Sgurr na Lapaich heads upwards through little crags: with a wonderful cwm left and the loch below, mist swirling around but much less dense now. At the top, a little scrambling as the ridge narrows to a small summit. This was tremendous, a great peak, and I got intermittent views of the valleys all around as the mist drifted in and out. Then came a delightful romp along the lip of the cwm heading south to Sgurr nan Clachan Geala, a distinctive top. Again, this felt so special I sat there for some time just drinking it in. Eventually I dropped down directly to the base of the valley containing the Allt Taige, which my route had formed a horseshoe around. Slightly boggy down this, with lots of little deer paths but nothing very established. I ended up heading all the way down to the lochside, and the sun finally came out in earnest at this point, illuminating the entire valley. It soon became very hot and rather tiring along the path and back across the Allt Taige, which apparently has a fearsome reputation when in spate. Then a drive to Inverness via the Beauly road in glorious sunshine, and down the A9 to Feshiebridge.

Gleann nam Fiadh horseshoe

Peaks: Tom a'Choinich (1112), An Leth-chreag (1051), Stob Coire Dhomhnuill, Carn Eige (1183), Mam Sodhail (1181), Creag Coire nan Each (1055), Craig a'Chaorainn, Sgurr na Lapaich (1036)

Area: Glen Affric, Scotland

I'm calling this the Gleann nam Fiadh horseshoe, as that seems the obvious descriptor, and it seemed to me a very obvious route from the map (and in execution) although it doesn't seem to be much of a 'thing'. Whatever, I have wanted to visit Glen Affric for years, and it didn't disappoint when I arrived in stunning afternoon sunshine yesterday. It is remote and exquisite, a wonderful combination, bang in the centre of northern Scotland and a fairly long drive, even from the Great Glen let alone anywhere else. A pleasant night in the van besides Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin, certainly one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland: but it was a misty start, and quite midgy, as I had my coffee and porridge waiting for it to clear. As I took the initial track up beside the river towards Toll Creagach it began to clear and by the time the track diminishes to a boggy and vague stalkers path the day was crystal clear and the scenery stunning, the perfect May day in the Highlands with a rushing stream and superb array of peaks ahead. A steep climb gains the rocky south-east ridge which leads via some little slabby steps, all very pleasant, to a whaleback plateau. Not a well defined summit, although the views now open out. I was in two minds initially, whether to have an easy day taking in the lump of Toll a'Creagach to the east or whether to go for the big peaks further west. From the summit, the choice was obvious as the view west towards Carn Eige and Mam Sodhail was up there with the very best - an obviously perfect ridge looping around the Fiadh. Just one tiny problem - although I was above a cloud bank to the north, quite spectacular, mist was also gathering around the higher summits and the crystal blue clarity had gone. This didn't seem much of a problem as the escape route into the glen was obvious, so I started west along the broad ridge - absolutely superb over a range of subsidiary peaks. First down to the pronounced Garth Bhealach, cloud lapping up from the northern corries, then up the very steep climb to the pyramidal (from this angle) An Leth-Chreag. The mist was down, but it was only light and as I traversed Dhomnuill it lifted again to allow me to really enjoy the mild pinnacles and very mild scrambling at the head of the valley. It became clear that the route to Carn Eige was a lot easier than I had expected, with less height loss and gain. Instead, an easy traverse on springy grass even had me running across before a sharp climb to the top of Carn Eige, the highest mountain north of the Great Glen and a long way from my van! The easy theme continued across to its sister peak Mam Sodhail, which is far more shapely. In fact it looked superb from the col, given scale by its dramatic north-east face above lonely Loch Uaine: a fabulous location. An 11 minute slog gained the summit of Mam Sodhail with mist draping the upper slopes. Stunning views down to Gleann a'Choilich to the west. Then came the next bonus of the day - a contrasting 5km ridge that led all the way down the other arm of the horseshoe to distant Sgurr na Lapaich. This was just wonderful, and the weather started clearing again - blue skies above, mist burning away. Two smaller tops led to a final climb up Sgurr na Lapaich: all runnable, mostly on springy turf, although I was conscious of saving energy so just 'moved quickly' instead. Huge views west towards Sgurr nan Ceathramanh and others. Lapaich is quite impressive from the east, in fact it is the most notable peak in the view from my lakeside camp. The descent kinks south down the ridge and was just as enjoyable as the route from Sodhail until it reached the boggy base, after which a long wet trot finally got me to a stream and my first drink of the day! Spent a while rehydrating, then ate, replenishing me for the last section down a track to Affric lodge and then a hot haul in very warm sunshine along empty tarmac back to the van. A bath in the loch, then down to Cannich after a fairly big day - well over 26k, 1620m.

Loch Quoich ridge

Peaks: Gleouraich (1035), Spidean Mialaich (996)

Area: Loch Quoich, Scotland

I have a vivid memory of looking across to these peaks from the South Glen Shiel ridge 12 years ago, with a stunning cloud inversion filling the valley between. It was an equally stunning morning today, to drive from Tyndrum through Glencoe to Fort William: deep blue skies and crystal clarity. However, after breakfast in the Fort, just north I ran into a huge bank of cloud, initially making me regret not sticking to my original plan of the hills around Loch Arkaig. My thinking was that I wanted an easier day so as not to wipe myself out before getting further north. This was why I headed down the 25 mile single track road from Invergarry to Kinloch Hourn, a road I had often driven past but never taken. It starts off as a rather dull rural drive but as it gets further west towards Loch Quoich the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic and increasingly archetypal 'west', and at this point the thick cloud began to clear. By the time I finally set off, the sky was deep blue. I had difficulty locating the correct stalkers path and wrongly followed a track initially before righting myself and finding the superb path, which winds up the hillside soon giving superb views out over the loch towards the edge of Knoydart, the spire of Sgurr na Ciche instantly recognisable. This view dominated the day, although closely followed by the wall of the South Glen Shiel ridge. The path eventually leads to the broad ridge of Drum Seiliach with a mild sense of exposure poised above empty valleys, that containing the River Loyne was particularly notable, deep and empty. Then a steep final climb to a forepeak and then the main summit of Gleouraich. One early walker was there but he soon left and as usual I had a Scottish peak to myself: truly wonderful expansive views in all directions. The rest of the ridge to Mialaich was hugely enjoyable, scampering over the rocks to a steep descent to a marked col, wild cwms to the north, dropping steeply to the glen. Then a surprisingly lengthy haul to the top of Spidean Mialaich, not quite as special because the ground then levels out to the east (although Ben Tee remained notable with its pointed profile). I jogged the descent, very easy on springy turf down to a boggy section west of Loch Fearna before heading direct to the stream for a drink as I was badly dehydrated. From here, a track makes downward progress even easier - 2.45 for the circuit. I felt rather tired, strangely, and was in a dilemma as to what to do with the rest of the day, not wanting to batter myself too much. So after eating I lay down in the van with the doors open, gazing upwards to the slopes of Gleouraich from a superb parking spot above the lake when I spied an eagle. My binoculars were right next to me, so I could see the distinctive white tail that made it only my second ever white-tailed sea eagle. And then another came into view, wheeling around then heading west towards the finest scenery. I had originally planned to spend the night here, and it was a stunning spot, but in tbe end I cycled up to the pass above Kinloch Hourn seeing nothing at all on the 50 minute ride, no cars or people. After a bath in the loch, I spent some time just drinking in this fantastic location before opting to make the long drive to Glen Affric via chips in Fort Augustus.

Ben Challum

Peaks: Ben Challum (1025)

Area: Tyndrum, Scotland

I have gradually ticked off most of the notable mountains in the Southern Highlands by now, almost always 'en route' to more favoured areas further north-west. My last trip was less than a fortnight ago, and it was then that I noticed Ben Challum for the first time really - a bit of a lump when seen from the west but an obvious objective to kick off this latest test for the 'new' van. The usual routine - 6am start from home, breakfast in Lancaster, lunch at Firkin Point, then setting off from Kirkton in rapidly improving early afternoon weather (it had been cloudy with drizzle all the way up). The usual bafflement as I passed multiple groups of young foreigners walking the West Highland Way (I always want to tell them to do Offa's Dyke instead, rather than just follow a road for several days). The route up Challum breaks off from the WHW earlier than I had realised, at the old cemetery, but I overshot leading to an annoying slog, wasted energy, to get to the level crossing and start the real slog up the boggy western slopes of the hill. This is admittedly a bit of a dull slog, but it soon reaches a broad plateau and then things improve as Ben Challum coalesces into a nice looking peak. To the south, great views over the southern triptych of Ben More, Stob Binnian and Cruach Ardrain. It gets drier underfoot too, and a steeper final climb leads to the south summit, and then a delightful ridge connecting to the main summit. Here, my 5.10 approach shoes fell apart after years of service, the sole detached almost completely. I fashioned a temporary fix on the summit and then enjoyed the views and the prospect of a longer trip further north to come. The peak drops away impressively north and west, especially down to deep Gleann a'Chlachain and the Allt Challum north to broad Glen Lochay. Views were good but a little hazy, again it became much clearer as I descended, the sky turning to deep blue. The shoes held out with laces tied around the bottom, but I chucked them before my fish chowder, chips and soda bread in the Real Food Cafe and another peaceful van night in Dalrigh.

Cressbrook Crawl

Race: Cressbrook Crawl fell race (10.5k/400m)

Time/Position: 53.30 (7th from 67 [1st V50])

The ethos of the fallow year does not encompass complete avoidance of racing, but they have to fulfil certain criteria - namely, something I haven't done before, so I have no previous times to compare it too. Ideally, somewhere beautiful and not too hard as well. So I found myself heading over to the Peak on a glorious May day, to the tucked away hamlet of Cressbrook overlooking several of the Dales. The whole event was delightful, and it hasn't been staged since 2019, some explanation for a fairly small field (there were lots of other races on this weekend too). A road climb led to a wonderful looping descent down old tracks into Miller's Dale. Over a little bridge then a long climb up into the hills on the other side of the dale. Really delightful where it levels off through High Dale, most or all of this new terrain for me then a kink south to join the beautiful River Wye along its tranquil banks. Finally it was up onto the Monsal Trail, where I found myself weakening when I should have really made up ground. A proper river crossing over the Wye (similar to Wincle Trout) and then a horribly inevitable climb back up the lanes and little paths to Cressbrook. I was in 6th place at the start of this but was passed as we approached the village, although I did win my age category which was nice, as was the sumptuous array of incredible homemade post-race cakes. I have always preferred the prettiness of the White Peak/Derbyshire Dales, but I crossed over to the dark side for some bouldering at Windgather to cool down.

Bochlwyd horseshoe

Peaks: Tryfan, Glyder Fach

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

An old favourite, and perhaps the best way to maximise contact with Welsh granite whilst minimising the time required to do so. I first did this route in 1988, so know it pretty well! The weather was supposed to clear this morning, but never really did so, although I did get some spectacular views at times. I felt a little tired on the North Ridge, which took me exactly an hour (I have done it in 45 minutes in the past). I took it fairly direct, finding lots of little variant grooves and the like - in fact it was the first time I have been up the North Ridge since my Tryfan book was published. I had it completely to myself, as I did the summit, which is always a treat. A quickish descent in 13 minutes taking good lines down to Bwlch Tryfan, and then I felt much less tired for Bristly, approaching from the left and taking fairly direct lines to Pinnacle Gap, one of the more dramatic spots in the Welsh mountains, before escaping up right to a very misty Glyder plateau. This always means slightly tricky nav on the Glyders, and the cloud was thick enough to give drizzle, so I was glad of my coat. I descended the Gribin, sticking to the strict classic Bochlwyd Horseshoe route. This was a bit slower than usual, and I emerged to sunshine and spectacular cloudscapes on the shores of Llyn Bochlwyd. Down the steps and back to the car in time for lunch and an online meeting, just a tad over two hours for the loop.

Wnion loop from Aber

Peaks: Moel Wnion, Gyrn, Llefn, Moel Faban

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

The tiny little brother of the much bigger Llewellyn loop from Aber that I have done a couple of times, and as such suitable for a time-constrained outing. A dense sea mist made this interesting, and I was in a thick layer of cloud as I plotted my own way up Wnion from Aber (there isn't really a direct path) including a little woodland. I emerged from the mist at the cairn on Ffridd Ddu, looking down on a blanket of cloud over the Menai Strait. From here it is easy to join the main northerly path up (taken by the Foel Fras race decent) and the atmospheric conditions remained interesting - thick mist giving way to spectacular clearances over Llwytmor. It was clear on the summit, so I pelted down the Wnion race route, over Gyrn to Llefn, then the steep trench that leads directly to Faban (just under 14 mins for this section, taken at speed). Then I dropped through the gorse to take the intermittent ancient tracks that traverse the base of Wnion then curve round to the east and Aber. I re-entered the mist as I headed north and it was an absolute pea-souper almost all the way back.

Levengrove parkrun

'Race': Levengrove parkrun (Dumbarton)

Time/Position: 19.21 (3rd from 126)

Various commitments meant I had to return home after a very short trip, but it had served its purpose admirably as a stress test for the van. After another good night's sleep, I woke to the forecast low cloud, although it was dry and didn't actually look that bad (and I knew that it was better further north) so it was still pretty hard to start driving south. To ease the blow, I had decided to take in a parkrun, and the Levengrove parkrun in Dumbarton was perfectly placed. Beautiful light as I drove along Loch Lomond, with tendrils of mist draping the hills. Levengrove park was very nice too, with the River Leven on one side, and the Firth of Clyde on the other (although where the 'firth' begins and the river ends is debateable). It was all very nice, and I enjoyed the three lap parkrun, although I was a little tired and more than a little sluggish. An uphill drag at the far end of the park was enough to really slow times, but it was very enjoyable, and I then had breakfast before leaving the town. 

Tyndrum hills

Peaks: Beinn Dubhchraig, Ben Oss

Area: Tyndrum, Scotland

With such limited time at my disposal, I just focused on filling in a few obvious gaps in the Southern Highlands (not that I'm a munro bagger or anything). I have been up Ben Lui twice in the past, and it is one of Scotland's finest mountains, but I hadn't done its twin satellites on the Tyndrum side. So this seemed a logical outing from my base in Dalrigh. After a good night's sleep in the van, and a bacon bap, I set off across the Fillan into a glorious morning towards the wonderful regenerated woodland of Coille Coire Chuilc. A long and rather boggy haul up the shallow Allt Choire Dubchraig, rarely particularly steep, leads into the upper bowl and the ridge east of the summit. After this, the hardest work is done and the broad ridge was superb in crystal clarity - the Southern Highlands at their sparkling May best. When it is like this, it is magical: and it took me right back to my first ever May trip in 1989, when I went up the southern Glencoe peaks with a similarly inexperienced lad from Ruabon (it was a Manchester University hiking club trip). In a different technological context, we had no weather forecast and after a stunning, glorious start on Buachille Etive Beag it changed very suddenly on Bidian nam Bian, one of Scotland's more serious peaks, and a salutary lesson ensued. No chance of that happening today, the weather was set fair until tomorrow morning at least, and there was barely a cloud in the sky as I reached the undistinguished summit of Dubhchraig. From here, the ridge stretches out to Ben Oss with Lui in the distance. I could also see across to yesterday's peaks as well as the hills across the valley like Beinn Dorain. I trotted along the ridge to a steep descent down to the pronounced Bealach Bhuidhe (with lonely Loch Oss shimmering below) before climbing back out the other side to a forepeak, and then another descent before the main summit of Ben Oss was reached. This mountain is famous for its full-on view of Ben Lui, arguably one of the best views in Scotland. A couple of snow patches lent this particular definition. I then had a bit of a dilemma: whether to continue to Ben Lui or fashion an interesting descent down to Cononish. I went for the latter, returning to the col as I thought I had read it is the best way down to the glen. I had actually read that it is the worst way down, and that it is conventional to retrace steps. Oh well, I should concentrate harder! It was fine, a little steep at the top and then tiresomely tussocky at the bottom, but the Choire Bhuidhe was completely untracked, empty and with the Highland flavour I enjoy. A tricky river crossing at the bottom, but with a superb view up to the central gully of Ben Lui. A climb then led to the track that becomes a road lower down the glen, because there is a working goldmine two-thirds of the way up. It is still a long haul back to Dalrigh though, and I began to feel those 10,500ft of ascent over the last 24 hours, and another 20k day, albeit at a very gentle pace. A river bath in Strath Fillan, and then a gentle amble through the birch woods to the Tyndrum cafe for scampi and chips.

Ben Vane-Ben Vorlich

Peaks: Ben Vane (915), Ben Vorlich (943)

Area: Arrochar Alps, Scotland

A steep double-header with well over 1800m of climbing. I wouldn't normally do a biggish day like this immediately after driving up, but I only had 48 hours in the Southern Highlands, a brief test for my still unconverted van! An early start, but an efficient drive saw me parking at Inveruglas before 1pm. So it was perfectly feasible to combine these two and still have time for tea at the Real Food cafe. A roadside jog along Lomondside led to the tarmac road up to Loch Sloy. This part of the Arrochar Alps is a little spoiled by the access road to the reservoir and numerous power cables. However, Ben Vane is pretty impressive from the approach road, as it A'Chrois across the valley. The road makes for quick progress and then it is on to the stepped climb up the obvious south-east ridge. This was initially delightful in perfect weather, weaving round, passing little crags, the views opening out. Higher up though the wind became quite strong and there are a lot of false summits on this hill. So many that it became quite tedious and time consuming at the top. Once there, great views over this mini range, back to the Cobbler and Ben Narnain, both of which I did two years ago. Ahead, Ben Lomond and most of Loch Lomond. And to the north, the familiar hills around Tyndrum. The descent was easy and enjoyable, and then I took a traverse line, perhaps some kind of ancient path, which cut the corner below Loch Sloy to nasty tussocks. After a drink from the stream, I located the Vorlich path and started up this, conscious I had already done 1000m of climbing. As such, I was pleased to feel good and actually found Vorlich a bit easier, as the steepness relents halfway to a traverse before an interesting broad ridge through little crags (typical of this micro-region) leads to the trig - although the true summit is a little way beyond this. Windy but bracing views across the Southern Highlands, the quality of light improving as the sun dropped a little. A quick descent, jogged in places, back to the tarmac and long gentle descent back to Inveruglas and a cleansing bath in Loch Lomond. Less than 4 hours for the 20k/1850m route, so not too slow. I refuelled in Tyndrum and slept in the little Dalrigh carpark - perfect.

Border League relays

Race: Border League final relay, Birkenhead Park (1 mile)

Time/Position: 5.20 (14th team?)

A novel finale for the border league this season. All positions and prizes were already sorted after Hoylake in March, so an informal team relay around Birkenhead Park preceded the presentation at the historic rugby club instead of the usual 7th raee. I went off first for our four man Buckley veteran's team, and was fairly pleased to get round the anticlockwise circuit (like a short version of the usual borders lap) in 5.20. The gentle drag at the end always slows times a little, and did so today. Richard Shearer, Jez and Liam made up the rest of our team, and we all ran fairly similar times although lost out to Wallasey veterans on the night. Possibly 14th team overall, not sure.

Cader south (east)

Peaks: Gau Graig, Mynydd Moel, Pen y Gadair, Mynydd Pencoed

Area: Cadair Idris

The mirror image of the 'northern' circuit I did on this day (I think) last year, a rather strange and entirely coincidental quirk. Maybe not entirely coincidental, however, as there is something about Cader from Tal y Llyn in springtime. I can remember doing the southern loop for the first time in April 1989 or thereabouts, and have also taken Morgan round it at this time of year too. Today we set off from the car park at the top of the pass, where I did my Maesglase traverse earlier this month. This gave a superb climb to Gau Graig which I had never done before - just 28 minutes to the cairn. Then, you are perfectly placed at the end of the main ridge. So after enjoying the expansive views over Aran, Rhinog and Waun Oer, we set off at a sustainable jogging pace west towards Cader. This was brilliant, superb views on all sides, comfortable pace, and the great thing about approaching from this direction is that the scenery changes from the gentle eastern hills to the dramatic glacial cwm of Llyn Cau. We stopped briefly on Mynydd Moel (these two are the 'alliterative hills', and MM is something of a tautology too!). Then an another easy climb leads to the trig on Pen y Gadair, still fairly empty as it was before 10.30. The descent to Mynydd Pencoed is awkward and rocky, indeed I have never done it this way round, anti-clockwise as logic takes you clockwise round this famous cwm. My knee was a tad painful but this eased as we got to the base of Cwm Cau to enjoy one of Wales's finest views, the classic glacial scenery building to the pyramidal peak of Pencoed. Steep, awkward but fairly fast down to the Tal y Llyn car park, and then came the sting in the tail, up the bridleway to the top of the pass. Again, this was new ground for me and a very useful discovery as I have always wanted to do a long loop around Cader, which I reckon would be better than the Snowdonia marathon, a Welsh TMB! As such, this route above Tal y Llyn would avoid the busy road. Two hours for the 14k/1050m round, in more cool but delightful spring weather.

Chester parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun B course

Time/Position: 19.02 (8th from 434)

These plods around the parkrun are at least saving me from total atrophy in my fallow year. This was another perfunctory trot, again in nice dry conditions on the B course. Hopefully they will enable me to retain a semblance of pace through all the resting. Huge field today, very crowded at the start.

Bethesda hills

Peaks: Moel Faban, Llefn, Moel Wnion, Gyrn, Moel Faban

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

A little run over little hills. A beautiful spring morning, it was cool and crisp as I set off from the middle of Bethesda, climbing indirectly through the terraced streets to Cilfodan - the final picturesque terrace before fording Ffos Rhufeniad and then the climb up Moel Faban through lovely open hillside. This is one of the quickest routes to a great view in the whole of Eryri, well under 20 minutes from town. A steep gorge separates Faban from Llefn, after which I skirted Gyrn then took a circuitous route up Moel Wnion. The usual bracing views over Anglesey, the Carneddau and Glyderau. From Wnion, I pelted across to Gyrn but then traversed Llefn and back over Moel Faban, mindful of a painful knee that has developed through resting too much! Warm down walk through the delightful Nant y Coed above Llanfairfechan: my first redstart of the year. Always my favourite time of year in the Welsh hills.

Elidir via Creigiau Gleision

Peaks: Elidir Fawr, Y Garn

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

A rather unusual circuit, but rewarding as a result, and it was nice to push the pace a bit for a change. It was a route of two halves really, starting from Ogwen Cottage then cutting up the untracked hillside above Hafod taking sheeptracks and tiny paths to eventually gain the base of Creigiau Gleision, one of Eryri's most obscure crags. I've done a few routes up here, winter and summer, the best probably being Needle's Eye Arete, a semi-classic scramble which I did with American novice John Boyle a few years ago. The whole place is pretty esoteric, crumbling and neglected. I headed up the main gully, quite atmospheric, then traversed out left to take the South Arete at its base. It is easier and less intimidating than Needle's Eye, which I could see across the broad gully. A few little shelves and rises, then it weaves back right to a narrow solid crest. All quite pleasant, and there are tremendous views across Nant Francon and up Ogwen. From the top, a nice traverse path misses the summit of Foel Goch and leads to the main Elidir-Glyder highway. I upped the pace from the col, but felt sluggish on the long haul out to Elidir. The weather was improving all the time, the early cloud melting away and sunshine easing the windchill (a cold but fairly clear snap). Around an hour to the top of Elidir via this very circuitous route, and then I triggered memories of the Pedol Peris (which I haven't done for at least a decade) by taking the runnable route down to the bwlch then the gentle climb round the side of Foel Goch up to the screes that lead to the summit of Y Garn - just under half an hour peak to peak, probably just a little slower than I used to do it when running the Pedol (which I did three times in total). A knee injury flared up on the descent to Llyn y Cwn (7 minutes) but didn't really get worse as I hopped down the boulders and steps past Twll Ddu to Idwal. I can never go particularly fast on this section, but the knee wasn't agony and I have always felt it easier to go quickly down this section (which has definitely got easier over the years, with step construction, a new bridge, and even gravel in places). So I got from the top of Y Garn to the cottage in 34 minutes or so at a steady but unspectacular pace.

Graianrhyd-Chester climbing loop

Upping the cycling mileage and elevation given my plans for the year, although I am still deliberately keeping things gentle and modest for now, until I am ready to return to the longer rides. This is because I am conscious that it has been some years - seven or more - since I last did 100 mile days. This morning I concentrated initially on climbing, taking the hideous Horeb climb up Hope Mountain/Waun y Llyn. This is much easier to run then cycle, and I think my pb for running is actually quicker than on two wheels. Even on the lightweight Scott, it was hard work. Down to Llanfynydd, then the shorter but still very nasty climb up to Cae Hic. Then it was along to Graianrhyd and then the superbly enjoyable road to Llanferres: lovely surface, lovely cycling, lovely scenery throughout. Less pleasant through Cadole to Mold, then up to Buckley. From here, I extended the day but reverted to flat terrain, through Saltney to Chester, then back home via Lache Lane: 60k/2800ft.

Chester parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun

Time/Position: 18.47 (7th from 352)

A perfunctory plod around the B course, by way of keeping things ticking gently over in the fallow year. To my slight surprise, and slight annoyance, conditions were perfect: the mud section was very dry, and the temperature was cool so it was a good opportunity to record a fast time (but current fitness levels do not allow!). It was also a rare dry day, sunny even, so Kate and I then exploited it by taking in the hills above Llanarmon yn Ial, with a pint in the Raven to follow.

Snakes and Ladders

Route: Snakes and Ladders ('VD')

Area: Llanberis Slate

A unique (mild) adventure and a wonderful tour of the most obscure and fascinating areas of the quarries, some of which I had never visited before. I wasn't really expecting to do it this afternoon, as the weather wasn't very nice and my companions had done it on their previous hut visit. But after the morning bike loop and a spot of lunch we ventured out from the hut and walked up to the quarries in persistent drizzle, emerging at Dali's Hole. Normally, I object to English names in Eryri. However, I make something of an exception for the quarries for several reasons: first, the quarrymen gave some of the areas 'English' names anyway (like Australia); second, lots of the rock features may not have been named; and finally, many of the climbers names are inventive and/or funny. We hopped the fence by the hole (a blue lagoon with surreal dead trees when the water is lower). This used to be a sports climbing area, on which I have done some good routes, but all the bolts have been chopped.  We walked round the top then entered the lower tunnel which leads into California, a giant bowl of slate preceded by a steep atmospheric traverse around a pit. Snakes and Ladders then begins in earnest, with the hardest section. Three via ferrata rungs lead to a hanging chain of thick iron rungs. It is too heavy to pull on and too awkward to haul up, especially with the rock soaked by the rain (slate being notoriously frictionless in the wet). Vic led, and Steve and I followed, me hauling upwards until I could grab three protruding giant iron spikes. Above easier ground leads to another haul on the chain, then a tunnel that leads to an ab station. This first short abseil leads back to the terrace above Dali's Hole. A contrived but essential start to the full experience! Vic had already found the Tunnel of Love, which is invisible until you spy a tiny crevice. We slid through this, almost a caving squeeze, into a wet tunnel with daylight at the end, which led into the vast expanse of Australia. I have climbed on all the lefthand levels but have never been down to the base before. It is a spectacular spot, which evokes a kind of industrial glacier, a wasteland of slate boulders, which some of the names reflect. Tricky route finding and awkward terrain along the base, then we picked a steep route to left of the 'rognon' which eventually gained the Salt Pans, a level, boggy plateau. Some old buildings are reached, and then the first ladder, a solid affair which leads to the next level on the East Face of Australia. It was so wet that I protected the top section with makeshift via ferrata gear, clipping the rungs. Then an exposed terrace leads rightwards to a double ladder (a transition is made from one to the other, which I protected as the second ladder starts in space). Then we reached the atmospheric Pen Garret hut (possibly a caban, not sure) where some quarrymen's boots are still present, along with the Hogiau Pen Garret signatures. All of this had huge personal resonance and a very strong connection for me. Even though Taid didn't work the Llanberis quarries, the life and culture a few valleys away was the same. I'd heard of Pen Garret before but never been up this far (although again we were now looking across Australia to the upper tier on the West side, which I have climbed numerous routes on). From here, we moved right again, back above California, then dropped down a scree path to a grassy plateau, and then leftwards along a grassy corridor with a misty Yr Wyddfa ahead. Then begins the most memorable section, all new terrain, all hidden to the casual visitor. It started raining in earnest, wind howled through the gap, and we approached the lip of the 'Lost World', another giant chasm. Two abseils lead via a shelf to an easy chain and then the base of the Lost World, an incredible place, slowly being reclaimed by nature. It was a relief to be out of the wind, as it was getting quite cold, but the oppressive weather made it even more atmospheric. There is one escape, over boulders to another tunnel which leads through a huge rock wall into Mordor, an even more remarkable and hidden corner. In this case, the enormous walls are ringed by a circular plateau, with a pit dropping still further to the bowls of the earth. Instead of descending this, however, an escape is possible, by traversing above the pit to a final set of ladders. These are the longest and most intimidating of all, with some missing rungs and rope attachments. One leads to a step to the next, after which a little plateau gains two shorter ladders and the 'Khyber Pass' at the top of the quarries. This is the end of the action, and our descent led pleasantly down the quarrymen's steps to eventually regain the main track which leads gently down to the hut and another gastronomic extravaganza, this time with a Middle Eastern theme. 

Nant Peris bike loop

This is supposed to be a cycling year, so it was perfect timing to join our vagabond dining group on a morning ride from the hut through Llanberis to Llanrug. Nice views of Caernarfon, and then comes the sharp double climb over to Waunfawr, steep in places. The roads were quiet, so it was a great opportunity to do this route which I wouldn't contemplate at the weekend. From Waunfawr to Beddgelert the route essentially reverses the Snowdonia Marathon, gently undulating with a very fast descent into Beddgelert. Then the beautiful scenery up to Llyn Gwynant before the long climb begins. This went pretty well and was good training for my planned summer Pyrenees cycling trip. It is steady for the most part, and it was a great time to do it, relatively quiet on a road that can get very busy. From Pen y Gwryd, I turned up to Pen y Pass where we regrouped before enjoying the effort-free descent down the Pass to Nant Peris and the sharp final climb to the hut. Only 50k but with a fair amount of climbing.

Pico do Papagaio

Peaks: Pico do Papagaio (982m)

Area: Ilha Grande, Brazil

After three days in Rio, I headed off to Ilha Grande, still in Rio state but an immense contrast with the chaotic metropolis (Brazilian states are enormous). The entire Costa Verde on the adjacent mainland is beautiful and mountainous, and this theme continues on the island (half an hour by speedboat from the little coastal town of Conceicao do Jacarei). Arrival is into the small settlement of Vila do Abraao, the liveliest place on the island but still a tranquil spot, as there are no metalled roads or cars anywhere on Ilha Grande. The journey took some time (at least four hours) so I spent yesterday relaxing and was raring to go first thing in the morning, and it was a stunning start weatherwise, deep blue sky and a light breeze. A long switchbacking track for around a mile leads to the start of the narrow trail through the rainforest (perhaps not strictly defined, but the closest realistic description). This was a fairly extraordinary experience, mildly intimidating at first as I had no idea how well travelled the route was initially. For all I knew it may have been rarely ascended. Lots of birdsong, although most species remained elusive at first. The forest was very dense and the humidity quickly became stifling, in fact almost unbearably so where the trail steepened - which was often. A gorgeous little stream valley, chattering clear water, provided some relief. After about 40 minutes of effort, a runner descended past me, instantly setting my mind at ease about the route's popularity. That said, there was no way I could have even considered anything more than fast walking in this humidity. Above, I could see sunshine dappling the trees and after an awkward bouldery traverse the route kinked and it was clear I was on a broad ridge - even though the forest was so dense I still had no views at all. The humidity dropped noticeably at this point, a blessed relief, although it remained hot. I began to sense the summit was near and eventually spied a giant anvil-like rock feature that marks the true summit and gives the peak its name ('parrot'). At this precise point the route becomes unclear for the first time. I took the side path initially (which in retrospect was the correct one) before having second thoughts and taking a very steep direct route up to a clean granite slab and, finally, views out across the sea and over to the mainland. In the humidity, all was shimmering, the peaks of what I assume is the Serra d'Agua suspended above a soft-focused Atlantic. Unbroken pristine forest in every direction. I climbed the slab up to a wall, and then retreated. I later found this was just a few metres away from the circuitous, indirect route taken by the standard path I had missed. A far more comfortable descent, past a friendly nine-banded armadillo and a possible grey-cowled wood rail. A breeze made life a little more comfortable and the crystal blue sky later clouded over for my afternoon birdwatching ramble, 5k through the forest towards Palmas, returning at the col after seeing coati and numerous new bird species including various tanagers, woodcreepers, and a probable (stupendous) black hawk-eagle. Refuelled with a caipirinha and moqueca fish stew.

Pedra da Gavea

Peaks: Pedra da Gavea (844m)

Area: Tijuca National Park, Brazil

Supposedly one of the world's highest mountains rising 'directly from the ocean' but I fear that is a bit of local parochialism (it would even be challenged by certain Skye peaks). Whatever, it gave a superb outing at the start of my Brazilian trip, and also a truly memorable view from the summit. It is nowhere near as internationally famous as the Sugarloaf or Corvovado (Christ the Reedemer) but it is much higher than both, and looks very impressive from the famous beach of Ipanema, the first place I went to on arrival in Rio. Pedra da Gavea is right out in the southern suburbs of Rio, bordering the national park of Tijuca, pristine forest and one of the world's largest 'urban' national parks. I adapted to the excellent Rio metro immediately, and took it to its endpoint at the Jardim Oceanico. From here, a brisk 2k along the road and across the Muzema (I think) river lead to houses in the district of Joa and a steep climb which led to an initial checkpoint. Above, steep Flemish style cobbles led up to a more formal checkpoint, which was just opening as I arrived at 8am, a huge stroke of luck. Another world is immediately entered, a thick forest canopy with breadfruit hanging from the trees and brown capuchins in the trees. Above, a small party of coatis broke cover and moved quickly into the undergrowth. In the canopy, numerous bird species although as ever tropical birding is a rather frustrating experience. It was superb, and the sun broke through the canopy as I climbed. I overtook some early starters although a runner passed me too (I was going at a brisk walking pace, not really running). It was humid but not unbearable. The route continues steeply to reach an awkward slab and then a sort of rocky stream gully with running water. It eventually emerges at a clearing (the Mirante da Lage) with a view of the gigantic monolithic peak marking the main western summit directly above. The route then opens out slightly and the angle eases as the path curves eastwards towards the sea and below the giant rock walls. Then a plinth gave an outstanding view landward to Tijuca, pristine forest and a wonderful landscape. A little higher, and an even better view, with the terminating rock wall framing a dramatic view down to Rio as the mist cleared below. I could see right across to the distant Corcovado with Christ the Redeemer emerging from the tendrils of mist. At the end of this section I finally reached the locally notorious Carrasquierra, a 40 metre slab. This has a crack running down its length but is more broken on the right, where I took it. I was surprised by the fact that two or three moves were genuinely tricky, perhaps grade 3 scrambling in British terms although not particularly exposed despite the fact that the Atlantic Ocean stretched out to infinity below. Open cracks and polished holds, all very reminiscent of Tryfan Bach! Mist was flirting around as the angle eased at the top, but behind a staggering view down through the clouds to the little peninsula of Guaratiba and the town of Vargem Grande (perhaps). The path narrows and continues on a slightly exposed traverse line through thick vegetation above the ocean. After the traverse it climbs again steeply through ancient tree routes up an open gully with more easy scrambling to finally gain the plateau-like summit, characterised by low vegetation. The little green bushes (bromeliads?) on black sand strongly recalled the Canary Islands, far away across the Atlantic! I went up to the sharp rock at the eastern summit, then gently down to the open plinth that most people take photos from. This is a truly staggering spot, poised directly above Sao Conrado beach and the peak of Morro dos Irmaos (looking tiny from above) which guards the end of Ipanema, which I could also see. Ahead, the vast Atlantic, and just inland and over the ridge the endless sprawl of Rio across all of its hills, truly the Cidade Maravilhosa. I was a little concerned about descending the Carrasquierra with crowds coming up, so headed back down. It was fine, with one small group of five coming up. The rest of the descent was simple and I took it nice and easy, saving energy. I took a slightly different route back across to Muzema and back to the metro, where I refuelled with guaravita and a palm heart and chicken empadinha.

Waun Oer-Maesglase ridge

Peaks: Mynydd Ceiswyn, Waun Oer, Cribin Fawr, Craig Portas, Maesglase, Moel Cwm yr Eglwys

Area: Maesglase, Eryri

Classic bank holiday crowd avoidance strategy, always very satisfying. This was particularly the case today in bracing sunshine on Easter Saturday, as I started from the busy car park above Tal y Llyn after dropping my gravel bike off in Dinas Mawddwy. It is years since I have been up on this ridge, almost certainly 1994 en route to Rheidol where I was working at the time. It is obscure, but as a point-to-point it gives a brilliant outing of around 14k. You start high, but tussocks and bog make the going awkward until gaining the path below Ceiswyn. This is a minor summit with great views over Cader. Then the going becomes delightful, not too boggy on a defined little path over to Waun Oer, marked by a large cairn with great views over Rhinog and Aran. I saw a lone walker here, the only person I encountered all day despite the hordes elsewhere in Eryri. A very steep descent and short climb leads up Cribin Fawr after which I think I was breaking new ground, remarkably enough. I certainly have no memory of the rest of the ridge, including Maesglase. It was all excellent, especially the cwms and ridge leading to Maesglase, and from the dominant peak I took the very steep descent down to the minor summit and continuation ridge that leads all the way down to the road and then Dinas Mawddwy. A drink and crisps in the cafe, then it was all the way back to the car on the bike. If anything this was harder than the ridge, as my gravel bike is far too heavy for climbs like Bwlch yr Oerdrws, which leads back to the Cross Foxes. The next climb up Tal y Llyn wasn't much fun either, really hard going, painfully slow, and unpleasantly busy roads too.

Bala parkrun

'Race': Bala parkrun

Time/Position: 18.43 (2nd from 103)

In the spirit of the fallow year, almost exactly a minute down on last September's time, which was a narrow age group course record. Those records have now been erased, of course, but I intended today to be a mild session in advance of a run in the hills on what was a nice, clear Easter Saturday. It was pleasant enough into a gentle headwind and I kept a respectable pace ticking over.

Northern Carneddau

Peaks: Drosgl, Bera Mawr, Yr Aryg, Foel Fras, Llwytmor

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

The instinct is always to go clockwise around the northern Carneddau, but today I reversed it, partly because of a ferocious south-westerly. It went reasonably well but I was very tired, and the wind very strong. From the A55 I headed up towards Moel Wnion, intending to climb to the high traverse path thereby avoiding the unpleasant gorge that drops down from the Drosgl-Wnion col. Annoyingly, I didn't go high enough so had to negotiate the gorge anyway! So lots of wasted effort before I even got to the slog up Drosgl via the ancient Llwybr yr Aryg. The going gets easier here, with a short climb over Bera Mawr and Yr Aryg before I took an unwise shortcut towards Foel Fras: never a good idea. The wind raked the summit, knocking me over, and led to a pretty unpleasant haul across to Llwytmor, where it remained ferocious. I found an old shelter on Llwytmor Bach, which gave temporary respite, before a very steep, very direct descent down to the conifers back to Aber.

Berwyn loop

Peaks: Cadair Bronwen, Cadair Berwyn

Area: Berwyn

You don't go to the Berwyn in winter expecting dry feet, but I tried a few little variants on my standard 10 mile Berwyn route today in a futile attempt to minimise the bog. From Llandrillo I took the familiar steep road and tracks towards Moel Ty Uchaf. Here the sun came out, illuminating the stone circle. I took a steady approach in the spirit of the fallow year, basically fast walking. Higher up, instead of the direct route up Cadair Bronwen, I took the main bridleway contouring (and descending) above a side valley until a short climb gains Bwlch Maen Gwynedd. From here, I ascended the route I normally descend, up to Bronwen's summit (less than five minutes from the bwlch, running most of the way). The rest of the ridge was predictably boggy, hard work all the way to the trig on Cadair Berwyn. Great views, nice and clear now - the best day for a while. Because of all the recent rain, the descent was even boggier than normal - and it is normally very boggy indeed! So much so that I took a different route back to Llandrillo, lovely tracks (dry throughout) which emerged at Cadwst Fawr farmhouse in Cwm Pennant. Then along the Ceidiog back to Llandrillo.

Hoylake BL

Race: Hoylake 7.5k (Borders League race 6)

Time/Position: 27.44 (53rd from 363 [2nd V50])

The final fixture marking a memorable league 'grand slam' (or triple crown?) season, with Buckley winning the overall team championship plus the veteran's league, and me winning the V50 category. There were several other factors today: Hoylake was where I ran my first ever border league race in 2006. And I also maintained my record of counting for the team overall in every fixture. Also, I think this was my 90th ever borders race, so getting quite close to the century. It is only my third season category win though, following the V45 prize in 15-16, and the V50 prize in 21-22. Having said all that, this was not a great race for me, certainly the least enjoyable of the season. I went off too fast, unusual for me, then really struggled on the incoming leg despite just a mild crosswind blowing along this exposed section of prom. From the lifeboat station, this new route headed east along the prom before taking the inland gravel path up to Leasowe lighthouse, reversing the summer seaside 5k route temporarily. Then it was back to the prom for the long run-in: the wind was light, but as I was tiring it was enough to really slow the pace from 3.25 to 3.45. I was passed by at 8-10 on this section, which was a shame on the last race of the season.

Eilio CW

Peaks: Foel Goch, Foel Gron, Moel Eilio

Area: Moel Eilio, Eryri

Various circumstances dictated a quickish 90 minute outing this morning. So I opted to run the Eilio ridge clockwise from Padarn, removing some of the silly extra bits from the Maesgwm Muddle race (which I ran in 2017). I jogged through town before turning off for the YHA and repeating our bike climb from Thursday, all the way up the gravel to the bwlch at the top of Maesgwm. Considerably easier on foot than on wheels! Unlike Thursday, almost no wind and high cloud, with mist just covering the top of Eilio. I kept a steady pace going up the valley, where the Muddle race descends from its unpleasant side-trip to Cynghorion! After a brief stop at the col, I slogged up to Foel Goch - a repeat of last Thursday - then the always enjoyable trip along the ridge via Foel Gron to a misty Moel Eilio. It is considerably harder this way round, but then comes the superb 10 minute descent to Bwlch y Groes. After this, I ignored the Muddle extension to Cefn Du, instead taking the logical Snowdonia Marathon descent down the track and tarmac to Llanberis in just under 10 minutes: 20 minutes from Eilio to town. A little hobble down to Electric Mountain then alongside Padarn back to the free parking.

Chester parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun (B course)

Time/Position: 18.54 (5th from 294)

A pre-open day plod round the Chester B course in surprisingly dry conditions. After a longish session on the climbing wall yesterday, I was a little tired so just aimed for sub-19 minimum standard. The off-road section was probably the driest I have ever seen it, and has possibly had some chipping laid on to it.

Foel Goch gravel bike/run

Peaks: Foel Goch (Eilio)

Area: Moel Eilio, Eryri

A bitterly cold easterly wind this morning, although it was clear and sunny. My head said it was perfect hill running weather, but after another convivial hut evening the plan was for a group bike ride so I set off with Vic and Emma - them on mountain bikes, me on the gravel bike. This was a great help initially, into Llanberis and up to the youth hostel with a tailwind. But then life got tough. It was really the first time I have ever taken the gravel bike properly off-road and I almost immediately regretted not having my mountain bike. It was just too heavy, and the gearing unforgiving. The road from the hostel is very steep in places and then joins the familiar (now quite manicured) track that curves up into Maesgwm. The weather was very clear and bracing throughout, but the easterly remained bitter. After a painfully slow ascent, far slower than I can run it (or even walk it), we arrived at the col of Maesgwm. Vic and Emma continued on their route but I locked the bike and scampered up to the top of Foel Goch in an icy, strong wind. I needed to get back for work reasons and descended quickly back to Llanberis before tackling the headwind back to the hut.

Pedol Marchlyn

Peaks: Elidir Fawr, Mynydd Perfedd, Carnedd y Filiast

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

A long time away from the mountains, for various reasons, but another night in the Nant Peris hut was scheduled after a contrasting weekend in Madrid. I was too late leaving work to join the rest of the group in the quarries, but on a rare good day this quick outing seemed an obvious choice. I parked in Deiniolen and headed up the straight, narrow road to Pen y Bwlch (I think). From here, somewhat easier gradients lead up to the Marchlyn closed road. All fairly easy progress, all on tarmac, until I took the direct short-cut up to the top lake. From here, I took a minor path that provides an excellent way to the summit of Elidir. I'd never done it before - it is far better than the hellish slog from Nant Peris. It is a little vague, and some snow was lying in places covering the path, along with a little verglas on these north-western slopes. Superb views from the top with mist peeling away from all peaks to the north. Then came the familiar descent down to the Perfedd bwlch, but I cut upwards up a little gully to gain an excellent short-cut up Perfedd. From here, a rapid traverse to Carnedd y Filiast in less than five minutes, then the awkward bouldery descent until the excellent curving path which leads back towards Marchlyn. A quick and civilised descent, 1.28 for the round. I arrived at the hut in Nant Peris just as the rest of them emerged from the quarries.

Deeside BL

Race: Deeside 7.3k (Borders League race 5)

Time/Position: 25.43 (47th from 384 [1st V50])

The real fallow year can now begin after a successful start to the new year, with several important events bleeding over from last year's racing. Of these, the continuation of the border league season was something of a priority (this was my 89th or 90th borders race). A cold and unusually early outing over the familiar Deeside course, from the usual manic start on the athletics track up the sharp Kelsterton hill. I had planned to hold back for this, but my immediate peers started off very quickly and seemed to be disappearing out of sight! So I pushed through and actually kept a decent pace going for the double (or triple) climb. After this, and the left turn on top of the hill, this fixture always becomes a flat out pelt back down Golftyn lane to the stadium - 3.25km pace or so, which seemed reasonably similar to previous efforts when I was younger and fresher. I caught Jez and some other team-mates at the turn, and we pushed on in a fairly tight group, packing well. With one fixture left, I have a 30 point lead in the V50 individual category, with Buckley now comfortably top of the first division overall, and miles ahead (1000+ points!) in the veterans competition. Some kind of modest grand slam looks on the cards with only one competitive race left.

Carsington Water trail half

Race: Carsington Water trail half marathon

Time/Position: 1.25.51 (5th from 359 [1st V50])

Rather unusually, I found myself in an exact tie for 4th place on this race by chip time. In the race itself, I was jumped on the line by a runner I'd just spent the last three miles trying to get past! It was another very nice event, and another free entry from the RunThrough stable of events (after winning my category at the Ladybower race in October). A damp and misty day on the edge of the Peak, which was unfortunate as I had been looking forward to some pleasant lakeside views. I started off slowly, in the spirit of the 'fallow year', and found myself in 7th place after an initial 5 mile doubling back route along the western shores of Carsington. Back to the start, and then a full lap of the lake, on which I started to feel pretty good after the steady start. As a result of recent rest days, I felt very perky and enjoyed the muddy running through potholes at the southern end of the lake and then the much tougher eastern side. I hadn't really done any research but had guessed things got harder here, and they did, with several sharp climbs and muddy, wet terrain. We began to catch the 10k runners, and then I caught a pair that had set off fast. I passed one at the 10 mile mark and then embarked on a fast finish, feeling surprisingly strong and upping the pace considerably. Still not enough for a finishing kick sadly! After taking the van on its first long drive (and an early start from home) I stopped in Ashbourne on the way back for a very gentle pootle on the gravel bike along part of the Tissington Trail.

Atalaya

Peaks: Atalaya East

Area: Yaiza, Lanzarote

I had already taken the broad runnable track from the open valley above Yaiza two days ago but this morning planned to run to the top of Atalaya and back. It's the highest summit in this part of Lanzarote but is disfigured by numerous masts. Sadly, on emerging from our guesthouse I found a drizzly morning with clag draped around all the tops: I could have been in Llanberis. I should have grabbed some more kit but instead headed up the broad track in a t-shirt hoping for a clearance. At the top of the track I took the northerly continuation along the broad ridge that is so obvious from Yaiza. This was outstanding: wonderfully runnable on a hard-packed volcanic surface. The weather was by far the worst of our short trip however, and I soon entered the mist. It was a little breezy and I was getting quite wet. Not cold, of course, but it doesn't need to be very cold in these circumstances. I skirted a side peak then ploughed up to the north-eastern top. This was broad and featureless, the characteristic black gravel of the island. I called it a day and plummeted back down the same way to Yaiza, emerging from the mist near the top of the track. After breakfast, we took the choppy ferry ride to Correlejo in Fuerteventura, where Kate and I undertook a 10k walk to the top of another miniature extinct volcano, Bayuyo, which gave excellent views of northern Fuerteventura (which I'd never visited before) and back across the Atlantic channel of La Bocayna to Playa Blanca.

Caldera Blanca

Peaks: Caldera Blanca, Quebredo, Montana Caldereta

Area: Tinajo, Lanzarote

The highlight of several short forays into the distinctive volcanic landscape of Lanzarote. Things kicked off yesterday with a run up the small peak of Montana del Medio, the mountain that loomed above our accommodation in Yaiza. I continued over the track up to another mini-caldera, the Gisela, before returning for breakfast. This was a longer outing with Kate, jogging through the lava from Macha Blanca white-washed village. This was awkward but enjoyable and we then took a nicely exposed direct slanting line up to gain the lip of the caldera with surprising ease. It is quite a sight: a perfect circular depression curving up to a higher summit (although still below 600m - all these hills are small). The 'ridge' (actually the rim of the caldera) was nicely narrow and well-defined - Kate and I made reasonable progress until shelved rock led to the summit. Two Canarian ravens and at least 10 berthelot's pipits provided the company, although there were quite a few other hillwalkers around. Views were a little hazy, with high cloud and occasional sunshine. This was a bit of a shame as the landscape is spectacular: huge black lava fields recalled the 'sandur' of Iceland, punctuated by isolated volcanic cones. We continued down the far side of the Caldera, almost completing the loop but I broke off for the side top of Quebredo before taking a direct line back to the base and a homeward jog through the lava fields. I took in the smaller Caldereta, running a complete loop of it and then catching up with Kate near the car. We refuellled with excellent tapas at a characterful tavern in Teguise.

Ruthin parkrun

'Race': Ruthin parkrun

Time/Position: 18.18 (1st from 107)

After my personal parkrun worst at Wepre a fortnight ago, this was quite a bit better, my third time at the Ruthin event and only 20 seconds down on my course PB. I was around a minute ahead of second place so wasn't really pushed and tried to keep a steady effort going in the spirit of the 'fallow year'. A delightful cool down along the banks of the Clywedog and 'Lady Bagot's Drive'.