Pentland jog

Peaks: Allermuir Hill 

Area: Pentlands

The start of a Scottish trip I had really been looking forward to, and it could hardly have been more auspicious despite being just a short early morning birthday jog at the edge of the Pentlands. We'd arrived in Dreghorn in Edinburgh suburbia in thick sea fret the night before - I believe this is the 'haar' of the east coast, although as I spend very little time 'east' it is all unfamiliar to me. The mist made life tricky navigationally, as I had no map, but followed my nose across the bypass and up tracks which started to gradually climb upwards. I was fairly confident I could find my way to the top of Allermuir Hill, and as I climbed the mist gradually dispersed to leave a superb cloud inversion: all of Edinburgh hidden by the haar, with the tops of the higher Pentlands poking through the mist, and views all the way down to Tinto (done a few years ago). I jogged to the top of Allermuir, the closest proper hill to the city, and took it all in. It seemed to bode very well for the rest of the trip. Reluctantly, I headed down into the mist and took a direct line on instinct back to the Travelodge for birthday breakfast and then a great family day out in Edinburgh (glorious sunshine soon broke through).

Carneddau run

Peaks: Drum, Yr Orsedd, Foel Ganol, Foel Dduarth

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

A dull and drizzly morning, yet again in this dire May. But by the time I got away, late morning, it was beginning to clear and I even got a bit of a tail wind for this most familiar of trips. It is always an excellent outing, much better as a run than a walk as it is one of the longest continuous climbs in Snowdonia - at least 8k from the A55 (47 minutes from the bridge to the summit of Drum). I did a little loop around the summit as the mist cleared Foel Fras, but sadly my time was limited so I headed back - but took the wonderful ridge over to Yr Orsedd to vary the descent. This has always been a great favourite of mine, and the clearing weather led to crystal clarity and wonderful views over the deep blue sea below. I avoided the tarmac on the descent by heading towards Llanfairfechan and back round via the A55.

Tour of Bradwell

Race: Half Tour of Bradwell Reverse (28k/1070m)

Time/Position: 2.49.06 (14th from 63)

Fourth race in eight days, so it does feel as if normal service is gradually being resumed. Welsh races remain notable by their absence, however, perhaps just as well as the weather has been dreadful: the worst May I can ever remember. It had dried out a bit today, though, and was merely cold and cloudy as we set off from Bradwell on a staggered start which worked well. I ran the Full Tour of Bradwell in 2018, which was a pretty memorable 34 mile journey taking in Stanage Edge and many other parts of the Peak. This was a lot more civilised, and I thoroughly enjoyed the race. In fact, it was the most enjoyable race I've done since before Covid. An initial climb over private land led up to a long and gently rising track which wound its way towards the Derwent valley, with views of the Dark Peak edges ahead. It was very pleasant indeed and led eventually to the flat disused railway at Shatton. I remembered this from the full tour, and a relaxed rhythm makes for quick progress up towards the Ladybower reservoir. From here, the route kinks up through the forest to gain open moor below Win Hill. Down through Aston to Hope and then the long but steady climb up to the top of Lose Hill. This was wonderful. I felt pretty good, the views are excellent, and it wasn't raining for a change (although it stayed dull). A fast descent down to Castleton, surely one of England's nicest villages, before another long but fairly gentle climb all the way up Cave Dale. I remembered this well from the full tour and was glad to be climbing not descending, as the limestone is very polished and was very wet: a racing descent would have been awful. I had been keeping pace with Mark from Wardlow, and his local knowledge and company was a great help for the lengthy descent through the quarries from the crossroads back to Bradwell.

Blackstone Edge

Race: Blackstone Edge fell race

Time/Position: 38.05 (47th from 190)

Refreshingly normal, in the sense that 200+ runners gathered at the start in the tiny hamlet of Lydgate and ran this short, intense event as a normal race. No waves, no distancing. After last night's track race, and a little leg loosener around Manchester this morning, it was nice to finally be in warm sunshine as M and I drove all the way round the edge of Manchester to the race, on the edge of the Pennines above Littleborough. I came here in May last year, just after English lockdown lifted: it always feels like alien territory, but I like racing here with fond memories of things like the Haworth Hobble and Heptonstall fell race (both not far away over the Yorkshire border). It is always hard, though, and this was no exception - a comfortable initial path leads to a horrible descent through the 'bog of eternal stench' before a killer climb up to the trig point at the top of Blackstone Edge. Gritstone boulders are never easy to negotiate, which slowed progress along the top, before deep tussocks further slowed the continuation descent. Then it was back up through the bog before finally being able to open things out on the paths back to Lydgate.

Trafford 3000

Race: Trafford 3k

Time/Position: 10.13 (2nd V50)

This was a little disappointing. After my conservative effort last month, I felt I was in shape to go under 10 minutes again. But it was not to be. I was in the slowest heat again, and was perhaps a little too cautious again in terms of the pace. A young lad and I were reasonably well matched and this helped keep things ticking over - again I upped the pace considerably for the last couple of laps (2.55/km pace) but couldn't duck under 10 let alone get close to my PB.

Clwyd Gate-St Asaph

I've never been able to work St Asaph into my 'compass point' runs from home, largely due to the busyness of the roads. But this was a shorter route that has been in the back of my mind for a while. I started high up at the Clwyd Gate in warm sunshine (for a change, although it didn't seem likely to last). I headed north along the OD path, over Fenlli, Famau, Dywyll, Arthur up to Pen y Cloddiau. From here, it is downhill all the way to Bodfari. I had plans to continue to Rhuallt, but didn't feel all that great, a bit tired throughout. So, after a gel, I took the road towards Trefnant. Not particularly pleasant, so I tried to take the riverside path on the east of the Clwyd. Two problems: first, only one bridge as far as I'm aware (and that was destroyed in floods). Second, the path was overgrown. So, reluctantly, I headed back to the road and took the straight tarmac through to Trefnant, then St Asaph for lunch: 28k in a rather slow 2.40 with just under 3000ft of ascent.

Llangollen gallop

Race: Gallop in the Gloaming (5m/250m)

Time/Position: 38.19 (5th from 27 [1st V50])

I arrived with mere minutes to spare to this little bonus event. It was an informal race put on by some Llangollen runners but it took a delightful route, completely different to the very familiar Dinas Bran race route (which I first did almost 20 years ago) from the school. Instead, this heads along the canal - a very fast start - for over a mile towards the Chain Bridge (I was still a little stiff after a full day's climbing at Tremadog, combined with the long drive!). We crossed the Dee then headed up Velvet Hill, traversing in from south to north - lovely views as the skies began to darken ominously. The route then veered back to the east, across the road and then the gentle climb through the woods above Valle Crucis. We started in five different groups for Covid reasons, so it was hard to get a handle on position, but I began to claw places back and ran with Andy from Buckley for most of this section. The race ends down the road from Eglwyseg, steep and fast back to the school in what became another torrential downpour.

Tremadog

Crag: Craig Bwlch y Moch

Routes: Tro (HS 4a:sec), Llafur (E1 5b:sec), Boo Boo (VD:led p.1,2), Rienetta Variation (VS 4a:led), Merlin Direct (HVS 5a:sec)

Back to old haunts, the first visit to Tremadog for a while. Again, the weather dictated a change of plan this morning and we took a familiar detour in search of dryness. It worked a treat, and the day was far better than I expected after waking up to constant rain (it has been a terrible, wet May so far after a wonderfully dry April). I am still very rusty indeed, so we kicked off at the right-hand end of Tremadog with Tro, which I have done at least twice before - a nice climb which Vic led, completely dry, which has a few crucial pocketed holds allowing steep terrain towards the top to be negotiated comfortably. We then upped the grade dramatically, taking advantage of rope above to do Llafur, a technical E1. This was not wise in terms of using my (currently very limited) arm strength, but was a fine pitch that would have been a shame to miss, and I've never done it before. Crisp moves up a corner lead to a lunge for a jug, then lovely slabby climbing on small positive holds to an overhanging groove. This is strenuous but has decent holds and leads out rightwards to good rough rock and a gently sustained finish. Far too steep for me at present, but I did manage it clean. I then dropped the grade dramatically for Boo Boo, the easiest route on the crag. Even I have never stooped this low before at Tremadog, but it has now come to this. A steep groove leads to a climb through a tree (literally) before sloping shelves lead left. The sun came out for the delightful top slab, which is a little vegetated but very simple and gently angled. After lunch, much better was to come, however, as I led the Rienetta variant first pitch up to the Merlin crack in more glorious sunshine. Again, this is easy (and I've done it before) but it was still refreshing and wonderful to be back climbing properly. It's a decent length too, 30m or more, with a couple of tricky moves up the initial rib, then slabby shelves up to the giant flake belay. Then came Vic's lead of Merlin Direct. I've done Merlin at least twice, and both routes share the initial steep layback crack. But whereas the normal route slinks off to the right, the Direct moves up, then left on to the beautiful headwall. This gives spectacular climbing on perfect little holds and is quite glorious. When it came to my turn, I romped up the crack, then strenuous moves up the top section to gain some technical little shuffles left onto the headwall. This is spectacularly positioned and reasonable until just below the top. The last two moves were hard for me with failing strength - indeed I had to change position awkwardly for one move as my left forearm was pumped. Not too surprising in the circumstances. Time flies in these circumstances, but I was horrified to discover it was not far off 5pm at the car: I had to be in Llangollen for 7pm, and I had to do this via a complicated route in what became another torrential downpour!

Eilio-Maesgwm

Peaks: Moel Eilio, Foel Gron, Foel Goch

Area: Eilio, Eryri

I had more ambitious plans for this morning, but the weather dictated a dramatic downscaling, with thunder forecast and angry clouds wreathing the Pass. So I set off from Padarn, through Llanberis and up the little lanes to gain the main track to Bwlch y Groes. My memory of the Eilio race (which I did in terrible weather around this time of year in 2014) is that it takes a direct line to the top. The main track heads west to the bwlch, though, and is longer but gentler. It gives great running, and a bit of sun came out as I turned left for the main climb up Eilio from the north. I felt a little sluggish for this, but it is steep in places especially towards the summit itself (37m from Llanberis). It was misty, but a few clearances made for spectacular views across to Elidir as storm clouds gathered then dispersed. The usual superb romp along the ridge, over the lesser tops of Foel Gron and Foel Goch - a grassy romp throughout, always exhilarating with all the great views (Cloggy etc) in front. At the Maesgwm col, I took the track down (now manicured) avoiding the sting in the tail up Cynghorion. This makes for a more pleasing circuit, I think, particularly if you stay on the track all the way to close up the loop at Ffordd Cleggir. Back to Padarn via Pete's Eats. After lunch, fierce hail and thunderstorms as I searched for hawfinches at Caerhun.

Aintree 10k

Race: Aintree 10k

Time/Position: 36.26 (20th from 396 [1st V50])

The biggest race I've done since the pre-Covid days, this was a great solution to all the current issues. Last time I raced at Aintree was the British XC champs in 2019, so this was a little more relaxed. Some quick runners in my wave, however, which was a continuous flow of runners discharged into 5k laps round the racecourse. It was all a bit confusing, with slower half marathon runners and faster 10k runners all on the course. That said, it worked well given the numbers. My tactic was just to lock into 3.40 per km pace for a benchmark to build on this year. I held a very consistent pace although there was a bit of a headwind at times, and am currently ranked 15th V50 in the UK (probably a reflection of the lack of races!). If I could take half a minute off this soon, I'd be fairly happy, albeit still well down on my PB.

Liberty Hall circuit

Liberty Hall sounds like it should be in New York, but it's actually a ruined hunting lodge in a very remote spot high on the Berwyn. I've been meaning to try a loop over to Liberty Hall for a while, and this was an excellent little outing. I have a few circuits from Corwen that work well, so this adds to the list. From town, a steep but excellent path leads to Pen y Pigyn, a great viewpoint over Corwen and the Dee valley. Above, more conifer forest eventually gives way to open moorland, skylarks and sunshine. Less than 30 minutes from Corwen, I reached Liberty Hall, a complete ruin along the lines of Gwylfa Hiraethog, and a kind of Berwyn summit in its own right. The sun was out after some very showery weather and the views west were superb. A great descent led back to the trees on the south side, then down to the familiar North Berwyn Way, which I've done a few times in both directions. A fast descent to Cynwyd, then along the banks of the Dee in beautiful weather. Finished up Gypsy Lane and Ffordd Ty Cerrig for a 10m+ circuit, 90 minutes.

Carneddau loop

Peaks: Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewellyn

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

Another familiar outing, but with an interesting twist for the last day in April in that it started snowing just as I began the Llech Ddu spur and by the top of Llewellyn the landscape was entirely covered and the day became rather hostile. I set off from Gerlan, as usual on this loop, jogging up the lane that crosses the Llafar and Caseg streams. As with yesterday evening, the ground was still pretty dry in Cwm Llafar, usually a very boggy locale, although the weather was clearly on the turn with clouds scudding in from the north. The upper reaches of Cwm Llafar are some of the most dramatic in Eryri with the walls of Llech Ddu and Ysgolion Duon hemming the cwm in. In fact, all the high cwms of the Carneddau are some of my favourite parts of Snowdonia. I ploughed up the steep side valley below Llech Ddu then doubled back along the nicely exposed path that leads to the base of the Llech Ddu/Crib Lem spur, one of the best easy scrambles in Wales, albeit a little short. For position and isolation, though, it is unmatched. The snow was fairly light at first, and I took a direct line up the spur and thoroughly enjoyed it despite cold hands - only the 4th or 5th time I've done it. I didn't hang around, getting from the bottom of the scramble to the summit of Dafydd in 19.59. The snow was sticking on Dafydd and the mist was down, so I pelted along the familiar ridge to Llewellyn, reaching the top in 25 minutes. The weather had really closed in by now and it was very cold. The snow was of the dense variety making nav quite tricky, even though I had run from Llewellyn to Yr Elen just a couple of weeks ago. I ended up dropping down the very steep western slopes to Cwm Caseg in thick mist and diabolically slippery snow covered scree (particularly in old fell running shoes). I took my time, necessarily picking my way down, and eventually confirmed my location as the vague outline of Llyn Caseg began to show at the base of the cwm. This is one of the remotest spots in Snowdonia (another of my favourite places). Many years ago I came up here for some solo ascents of the snow gullies. It's a long way back to Bethesda, so I jogged at sustainable pace gently downhill, just enjoying the surroundings as the weather began to clear. By the time I reached the lower valley, the sun was out, the skylarks were singing, and the weather was warm: an extraordinary contrast. I popped out by the car in Gerlan completing a full loop with no retraced steps, so from an aesthetic perspective actually an improvement on the familar old Carneddau race route. Later that day, a five mile Collie jog in warm evening sunshine was a nice way to warm the bones.

Siabod loop

Peaks: Moel Siabod

Area: Moelwynion, Eryri

Last time I did Siabod from Pont Cyfyng was on my birthday with the whole family three years ago. It's a circuit I've done many times over many years but treated as a mini-session today as I was quite late starting off. Conditions were perfect for a quick time: it has been an extraordinarily dry April and it was nice and cool throughout. I took it easy on the steep tarmac, then pushed a little as it levels off towards the quarry pools. A sharp climb gains Cwm y Foel in its bowl below the Ddaear Ddu (SE ridge), usually a boggy hollow. Some bog today, but far better than usual and I took a good line up to the ridge. This is a bit too broad to take directly and always involves some weaving around, but I did it fairly directly and got to the trig in 48.22 from Pont Cyfyng, almost 5k uphill. Views were superb across to Yr Wyddfa and down to the sea - perfect clarity. I took the race descent straight down, always awkward through the rocks near the summit, and continued fairly cautiously to reach the A5 in 23 minutes. Warm down to Bryn Brethynau, the beautifully situated North London MC club hut (!) where I looked back up Siabod watching swallows feeding, and then to the pied flycatchers in Coed Hafod: a superb evening's entertainment.

Band of Hope

A slightly longer ride on the new bike, testing its climbing capabilities just a little. I decided to stay fairly close to home, formulating a 'boucle' with Hope at its centre. From HK, it is essentially a continuous climb through Penyffordd and Treuddyn up to Llandegla. Glorious though, with the scenery gradually shifting from pastoral to open moorland with views of distant Arenig and Aran. From Llandegla, I turned back to Bwlchgwyn, then the plummeting descent down to Cefn y Bedd and all the way down to Rossett for another scenic contrast. After two pork pies and a pepsi, I crossed the border and turned off for Eccleston, with trees in full blossom and birds singing: another wonderful spring day. Into Handbridge then home down Lache Lane - 62k in 2.30, which is OK by my appalling cycling standards. 

Trafford 3000

Race: Trafford 3k

Time/Position: 10.23 (1st V50)

Not an obvious place to be on yet another glorious spring day, but I was desperate to race again and these brilliant track meets were an obvious starting point as they are 'Covid-legal'. I've raced at Trafford twice before, and that represents (almost) the grand total of my track racing experience. My 3k PB is 9.49, recorded in 2013. I knew I couldn't run sub-10, as I've been training for very different things! I started getting a little more specific last week which is not exactly sensible or thorough preparation, but that has always been my approach - do everything averagely. As it happens, I'd been too conservative with my time prediction and found myself in the slowest heat. I was thoroughly enjoying myself three laps in, which is not really the idea! I was reluctant to take the lead, but had to after three laps and 'won' the heat fairly comfortably with a big negative split, 3.05/km pace on the last lap. Mixed emotions - it does bode well (I am currently ranked 9th V50 over the distance in the UK - doubt there have been many times recorded!), but I should have been a tad bolder. Plenty of chances to race the distance again this summer though.

Carreg Wastad

Crag: Carreg Wastad, Nant Peris

Routes: Skylon (HS 4b:led p.2), Crackstone Rib (S 4a:sec), First Test (VS 4c:sec), Wrinkle (VD)

The longest lay-off I've ever had from proper climbing, so this was always going to be tricky. I remained passenger for most of the day and was happy to do so, partly because I've led all these routes in the past anyway and partly because I have very little upper body stamina at present. I followed Vic up the first pitch of Skylon, which I've led in the past - it is easy bar one or two tricky moves where the crack steepens. I then led the simple final pitch up slabby shelves. Crackstone Rib is probably the best Severe in Wales but I didn't feel up to leading even this familiar and easy classic. It is always wonderful though, with its slabby traverse left to the brilliant exposed step on to the rib and tiptoeing finish upwards. First Test is a little more obscure and takes a not-very-obvious line up the vague corner right of Wrinkle. If we got the route right, it gives good climbing with sharp incut holds and an unsurprising lack of polish. It steepens at a white wall with good moves to a big hold (I've never done it before, as far as I can remember). I led a bit of the last pitch of the very simple Wrinkle (last done 30 years ago!) but didn't even fancy that.

Llewellyn loop from Aber

Peaks: Bera Mawr, Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Grach, Carnedd Llewellyn, Yr Elen

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

A slightly refined version of a longish loop I've done twice before. That said, I included Bera Mawr, which always slows progress considerably. In essence, this is Carnedd Llewellyn from the coast, as it sets off from Aber and takes the 1000m peaks race route above Aber Falls and into Cwm Afon Goch, always a lovely place to be, particularly on a perfect spring morning (which this was initially). The route up the cwm is not easy, however, and twists around boulders and the river bed continually. I can never remember the exact race route, even though I've done it three times, and headed up to the plateau too early - this means a very steep climb up the side of the cwm to gain marshy ground below Bera Mawr. I was going slowly, and it looked like it would cloud over, so I decided to take in the complex top of Bera Mawr for the views (after all, it features on the cover of my new book). The rocks do slow you down, and by the time I rounded Yr Aryg it had clouded over and was pretty chilly. I began to speed up a little over Foel Grach and there were a few snowfields on the familiar climb up the north side of Llewellyn. Predictably cold at the summit, and I had it to myself despite the end of lockdown. Probably the least sun-drenched spot in Wales today, so I pelted down and across to Yr Elen, one of my favourite Welsh mountains. I always enjoy the view back to Llewellyn, and Ysgolion Duon looked pretty hostile and wintry today. Down the steep spur and then to the base of lonely Cwm Caseg following the old Carneddau race route towards the giant sheepfold. I drank from the stream and refuelled on authentic Turkish lokum, before taking a higher contouring line to leave Cwm Caseg than I have taken previously. There's a narrow path that loops the drystone wall and takes a comfortable line round the shoulder of Gyrn Wigiau to gain the valleys above Bethesda - much better than looping lower down. From the boggy base of Cwm Marchnad, I aimed for the gap between Moel Faban and Gyrn which gives access to the series of superb ancient tracks that lead north then east around the base of Moel Wnion. You get a raised grandstand view of the Menai Strait throughout - absolutely brilliant. Back to the car in Aber in a fairly relaxed 3.40.

Pot Hole climbing

Crag: Pot Hole Quarry

Routes: Selva (VS 4a:sec), Cristallo (VS 4b:sec), The Dog (HVS 5b:sec), Right Wall (E1 5c:sec)

Another training session at the old venue, kicking off with easy routes on the right and moving across to the better lines on the left. All of them done dozens of times before, the low crux on The Dog becomes harder and more polished with every passing year. By contrast, Right Wall is the nicest route on the crag now in my view, technical and interesting with sharp little incut holds. It was an absolutely glorious spring evening, so we finished with a run up Bryn Alyn and over to Findeg in crystal clear evening sunshine.

Tattenhall circuit

A pleasant bike ride, 60k or so, in perfect spring weather. I met Peter and Jeremy in HK and we rode out to Holt via Pulford and Rossett - always a long and exposed drag for the last few miles towards Holt, even when the winds are light. Over the old Dee bridge and into England, then we broke off from Churton towards the Peckforton Hills along a narrow lane with dreadful road surface. A pleasant cafe break in Tattenhall then back to Chester via quiet lanes, along the Dee and back down Lache Lane.

Cylch Machno Round

Peaks: Y Ro Wen, Foel Fras, Manod Mawr (Graig Ddu), Moel Marchyria

Area: Cwm Penmachno, Eryri

Another idea I have had in the back of my mind for some time, and as I was tired after recent mileage, and with a vicious wind likely, today seemed a good opportunity to head across to the ancestral home for an attempt to link the surrounding hills into a logical round. It was a brilliant outing, hard in places, but it definitely needs a little refinement as sections of it could be made even better and more challenging/logical. I parked in Penmachno itself, and took the Ty Mawr road which forks off to the north after a mile or so. A steep tarmac climb leads to the unmarked turn on to a boggy bridleway which leads via Bwlch y Groes to Dolwyddelan. I assume this is an ancient crossing point but now much of it is in conifer forest with multiple deep bogs slowing progress. At the bwlch, great views to a snowy Siabod, with the side peak of Drosgol nearby. I cut through the conifers to gain surprisingly comfortable terrain which I assumed lead towards Y Ro Wen. It did, and in fact I picked up a comfortable track towards the top which led to the summit. This has a surprisingly commodious wind shelter for such an obscure peak. Sadly, it did little to mitigate a vicious north-westerly which cut into me continually throughout this section. In response, I ducked down to the Machno side but was then surprised to find a path which led round the conifers of Cwm Penanmen to gain open ground below Foel Fras. Cwm Penanmen, above Dolwyddelan, is well-known for Carreg Alltrem and its little collection of excellent rock climbs. The weather was closing in a little, with sleet and low cloud. I ploughed up the front of Foel Fras to its unmarked summit, then came the worst part of the day - tussocks and bog along the plateau towards Llyn Bowydd and Cwt y Bugail. The latter is the sight of the most remote slate quarry of all, where taid worked in (I assume) the 1930s. It is at least 500m up, exposed to the full force of the westerly wind. It was an essential part of the 'round', as was Manod Mawr, which dominates the head of the valley. So I trudged dutifully up its steep slopes to the summit. Mist, snow, wind: no place to linger. The terrain down to Rhiw Bach quarry (another of taid's workplaces - visited with dad a few years ago) is complex, so I took a weaving line down to the winding house. I then had the opportunity to join the marked slate trail down to Cwm, but rejected this for a contouring line up to Moel Marchyria, fixated on the skyline. This was predictably pathless - very arduous until a track is gained. Very steep ground then leads to the lonely road up to Migneint. Down this to Carrog and Beniarth, before a 5k road jog back to Penmachno - 24k, 1300m. This needs refining to include Moel Penanmen, Llyn Conwy and Pen y Bedw: then it will be the full tour, industrial heritage and landscape combined.