Shropshire road cycling

Road Cycling: Church Stretton-The Burway-Bridges-Stiperstones-Wentnor-Asterton Bank-Church Stretton
Distance: 35k
It is no exaggeration to say that I found the infamous Asterton Bank climb more physically demanding than both the Galibier and the Izoard. It wasn't helped by the fact that I hadn't properly recovered from Saturday's race and was carrying running shoes and climbing shoes in a rucsac! In addition, the two earlier climbs on this route - The Burway and Stiperstones - are themselves vicious pieces of work ramping up to 20%. Indeed, as I started out in Church Stretton I found myself straight into the Burway with almost no warm-up. After a steep climb past the last few houses, it ramps up to 20% for a long and sustained hard section with no respite. It then eases slightly as it climbs above Carding Mill (memories of the Long Mynd Valleys fell race which heads off from the valley). Great views soon open out over the Mynd and Stretton Skyline. I've done 5 or 6 fell races round here, but have never bothered to bring the bike along: a mistake, as it is superb (albeit hard) cycling country. The Burway then relents towards the Long Mynd plateau, but continues gradually uphill for 3km before dropping down towards the Welsh border. A great descent to Ratlinghope and Bridges, truly delightful secluded hamlets, before another brute of a climb up to the Stiperstones. This was shorter and led to a delightful open section: peaceful, traffic free, wonderful. I stopped at the Stiperstones for a run and a few climbs on Cranberry Rock (below), then headed down via Kinnerton to Wentnor. I was feeling tired, not recovered from Saturday, and a tad concerned about Asterton Bank, conscious also of the extra kilos in my heavy rucsac. A gradual climb leads to the hamlet then it is across a cattle grid and straight onto the awful first hairpin that leads to 1km of agony. The next few minutes were the closest I have ever been to abandoning a climb and/or falling off due to gravity. In these circumstances, I found it worse than any of the Alpine climbs I've done, worse than the Flemish climbs too - even the Koppenberg! I struggled up, but I did complete the climb without stopping and greatly enjoyed the route back to Church Stretton across the Long Mynd plateau, now bathed in warm sunshine. A very short but very sharp little circuit.

Shropshire climbing

Crag: Stiperstones, Shropshire
Routes: Fossil Arete (M:sol), Central Route (M:sol), Original Route (M:sol), Cranberry Wall (M:sol)
Crag: Gaer Stone, Shropshire
Routes: West Arete (D:sol), South West Arete (VD:sol), East Wall (M:sol), East Arete (M:sol)
I'd never been to the Stiperstones, so they made an obvious target for my Shropshire bike ride over the Burway. It goes without saying that these crags are not exactly classic venues, but I liked the idea of combining cycling, climbing and hill running into one active morning. After two steep drags (above), I left the bike at the Stiperstones car park and jogged up to Cranberry Rock (the only 'legal' crag on the Stiperstones). This has four extremely easy scrambles facing Wales. Later, after the ride back over Asterton Bank, I jogged up to Hope Bowdler Hill east of Church Stretton (recognising the path immediately from the climax of the classic Cardington Cracker fell race route). The Gaer Stone is a weird pinnacle of rock half way up that is very noticeable on the race as it goes right past it. There are no real lines apart from two vague 'aretes' but again it was fun just to scramble around and complete the four supposed 'routes'. Shame it's not a bit more coherent as the rock is interesting and quite good - reminded me strongly of Esterel and Blavet (the rock that is, not the quality of the routes!) Had lunch overlooking Caer Caradog, then a short hill run before heading for home.

Ras Foel Fras

Race: Foel Fras fell race (12m/3200ft)
Time/Position: 1.43 (3rd from 32)
Although done with the best of intentions, it seemed a shame that this race was 'shortened' to an out-and-back climb up Foel Fras. If races are going to be changed just because of a bit of mist, it changes the nature of the activity. Perhaps 'trip hazards' will be marked soon? My guess is that the organisers still have memories of this race in 2009 when a brief spell of bad weather on Garnedd Uchaf sent runners off in all directions with a few hypothermia cases. This was my fifth time at the race, so it was actually quite an interesting change to blast straight up and down Foel Fras from Aber - in terms of distance it was about the same as the normal course, but I was looking forward to the navigation challenge of the main event. After the tarmac, I found myself in 2nd place as a runner from Dark Peak went past to win the race quite comfortably. By the time we entered the persistent drizzle and thick mist on the top of Drum, I'd slipped to third, and here I stayed after slowing for the next climb through the clag to Foel Fras. A huge descent after the long climb, great fun, completely alone as I was eight minutes ahead of the next runner (although several went wrong on the descent, following the fence down to Bwlch y Ddaefaen). Tellingly, perhaps, my time wasn't much quicker than my PB for the normal course.

Llangollen run and bouldering

A jog from Pontcysyllte viaduct through Trevor to the canal and the Offa's Dyke path which leads via a gentle climb through woodland to the Monument Road. Kate jogged back, and I enjoyed a brief bouldering stint on the Graffiti Walls (Taffy's Wall, the Scoop, Right-Hand Crack and many more easy problems) before running along the panorama and joining the Dinas Bran race route to the top of the castle and down to the school and an excellent pie in the Corn Mill.

Clogwyn y Tarw climbing

Crag: Clogwyn y Tarw (Gribin Facet), Ogwen
Routes: Slab Direct Route (VD:led), Llyn (HS 4b:sec), Slab Climb (D:led), Yob Route (HVS 5a:sec)
A frustrating few weeks, watching the wonderful weather come and go with no opportunities to get out climbing. At last, I managed to grab a short evening session in Ogwen with Vic today, although low cloud made it less summery of late. It was, however, bone dry for my first visit to this crag for well over 20 years. I hadn't led trad since last September, so needed easy mileage. As such, Slab Direct was perfect - a well protected crack and a long 50m pitch up the right-hand side of the big slab, just under the steep retaining wall. Great to be back, albeit on a geriatric, very easy climb. Just concentrated on the placements and ropework, and enjoyed the simple movement across easy rock. It finishes up an open groove. Still rather cool and cloudy as I followed Vic up Llyn. I have a memory of doing this before: a nice route albeit rather short. It's easier than it looks, as long as you use your brain! There are a few steep moves on good holds to gain the wide groove - almost a chimney higher up. A thrutch up this allows for more elegant moves up the edge of the groove to the thread. Then some elegant semi-back and footing as the groove becomes a chimney. I led the easy but nicely exposed final pitches (3 and 4) of Slab Climb to finish, keeping to the left-hand edge. Rather polished but pleasant: and a walk down memory lane as it was one of the first routes I ever did, almost a quarter of a century ago. The descent between the two buttresses is surprisingly awkward. After lunch, we did Yob Route. This is a splendid pitch: long, sustained and varied. An easy slanting crack leads to a mini-groove. This is hard to exit, tricky moves up and left on small holds, but gives access to a lovely straight crack/groove. Nice sustained VS climbing up this before a hard finish. This, for me, was the only problem with the route: it is disjointed, as the crux at the very top seemed much harder than the rest of the route (which was sustained meaty VS climbing). The crux is 5a/5b and involves an awkward smear for a very high hold on the left. My left arm is weak at the best of times, never mind after months off climbing! So a strenuous and ungainly haul got me to the belay. Abbed off to avoid the descent for a third time.

Manchester Velodrome track cycling

A steep learning curve: and in this case that is not just an overused metaphor. This was a great opportunity to try track cycling for the first time, and as such an interesting experience: albeit a discipline dependent on the kind of explosive power I am completely unsuited to - being built more like Chris Froome than Chris Hoy. The two hour session at the National Cycling Centre Velodrome (Manchester) was good, though, with excellent tutorials although rather late for me (8-10pm!). The bikes take some getting used to: no brakes, no gears, constant pedalling required. The banked curves take even longer to get used to, although my biggest issue was not so much the steepness but riding in a group with no brakes. After a few laps, we got higher and higher on the banking - with a couple of loops high on the advertising hoardings. Amongst other things, we did a 2 lap pursuit (which I narrowly won), and a timed lap (a very slow 23 seconds in my case).

Carneddau walk

Peaks: Carnedd y Ddelw (688m)
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
With the beautiful weather continuing, E and I took the tiny road above Rowen to Bwlch y Ddaefaen. This is now almost unpassable, with a strip of thick grass in the centre. But we arrived unscathed and enjoyed the walk to the bwlch and steep ascent up into the Carneddau. E was a little tired so didn't want to continue to Drum, but we spent some time at the cairn of Carnedd y Ddelw (688m) eating peanuts and enjoying the views to Anglesey, the Orme and Foel Fras.

Tattenhall Tough Team race

Race: Tattenhall Tough Team (9m+)
Time/Position: 59.02 (2nd from 165 [3rd Team from 55])
The helping skeletal hand from the grim reaper is much appreciated on this excellent team event, as it comes just as the infamous 'railway' reaches its most absurdly steep gradient at the top. The whole race is really enjoyable: this year I joined Jez and Steve Toogood in a team ('Toogood and Two Bad') with a combined age of 137. Last time I did it, in 2011, heavy rain fell constantly. This evening, perfect clarity of light: a superb midsummer evening as the recent spell of glorious weather continues. We started off slowly, just behind the leading team from West Cheshire. The road is gently downhill to Burwardsley and, despite our plans to run as a 'peloton' in-form Jez took off on the first hill towards the Pheasant to win the race comfortably. Steve dropped behind a little, so I concentrated on sticking with Dave and the rest of the leading trio. Great running up the steep steps in the woods, a lovely XC section through the Peckforton Hills which soon leads to the Railway. This is what gives the race its reputation and character: an inclining track which steepens continuously until reaching a little wall at the top (hence the grim reaper's helping hand). I momentarily moved into second place until we re-grouped for the run through the fields towards a low sun setting over the Clwydian hills. Glorious running, albeit a bit of a shock to the system after all the recent mountain races. Once we got to the road, it was a matter of keeping a decent pace going. It was nice to finish 2nd overall, but the truth is that Jez was miles in front and the overall placings are besides the point - it's a team event. As such, Steve had an excellent run to leave us in third place overall.

Ras Pedol Cwm Pennant

Race: Cwm Pennant Horseshoe fell race (28k/6000ft)
Peaks: Moel Hebog, Moel yr Ogof, Moel Lefn, Trum y Ddisgyl, Mynydd Tal y Mignedd, Craig Cwm Silyn, Garnedd Goch
Time/Position: 2.55.10 (8th from 80)
A superb route, looping round all the peaks that encircle this most beautiful of valleys, subject of Eifion Wyn's famous poem. It's a very recent addition to the calendar, and was part of the Welsh Champs this year: an exciting prospect and a much needed additional long mountain race in North Wales. Nice weather, high cloud, not too hot, as we set off from the hostel on the very long climb up towards Moel Hebog. This is relatively gentle, and I kept the usual tortoise-like pace churning over until we reached the open hill with views out over the Moelwynion and later, Snowdon. A steeper section led to Moel Hebog summit in 48 minutes. A very steep descent to Bwlch Meillionen, moving up the field a little. Then a steep but very enjoyable climb through a rocky gully up to Moel yr Ogof - where Owain Glyndwr was pursued by a 'strong English party' 600 years ago! Superb running along the continuation ridge to Moel Lefn then through the tortuous and twisting terrain leading through the slate quarries, crags and bluffs down to Bwlch y Ddwy Elor. After Jura and our week in Scotland, I felt I had a bit of endurance (at least by my usual sorry standards), but was still pleased to feel good and strong (again, by my sorry standards) for the scenic ridge and steep climb up to the edge of Trum y Ddisgyl. The route then gets even better, as it takes in the best section of the Nantlle Ridge - which I haven't been on for a good few years. Narrow and rocky, with some mist starting to roll in, brilliant stuff. Simon E was pushing me the whole way, and we were steadily moving through the field. We took a direct scrambling line up the rocks of Craig Cwm Silyn with Noel from Eryri and seemed momentarily to be gaining on the small group in front. But the subsequent ridge crossing was tricky in the mist and we were lured off course along a spur. We righted ourselves after a quick bearing, and soon got back on course, but we inevitably slowed down and lost a couple of minutes. Over rocky terrain to the final peak of Garnedd Goch, then the arduous descent down Cwm Ciprwth. I'd never been here before: it's a wild and pathless valley, characterised by a very awkward combination of tussocks, heather, rock and hidden ditches. Simon and I did run it, but slowly, and only picked up the pace for the better path down through the beautiful lower reaches that give access to Cwm Pennant itself. Then comes a long 3k+ road section (more echoes of the Jura race) on which I started well, but began to fade as we approached the finish. Simon went past and I limped home, painfully slowly, through a final series of fields and draining short climbs.

Yorkshire Tour de France loop

Road Cycling: Halifax-Bradford-Oxenhope Moor-Hebden Bridge-Cragg Vale-Ripponden-Halifax
Distance: 70k
Stable weather had set in, I was in Huddersfield for the evening, the Grand Depart of the Tour comes this way in a couple of weeks, and some cycling training was necessary before our summer Alps trip. All in all, it seemed essential to get out for an evening ride, so I left (well after 6pm) from Greetland near Elland. Dreadful rush hour traffic, so I tried to escape up a side road above Halifax. This was steep, and it didn't work as it bought me back down in the middle of Halifax where the traffic was even worse. Indeed, the traffic was so unpleasant that I abandoned my plans to find Shibden Wall and instead headed straight for Queensbury via another steep climb out of Halifax. More traffic meant I missed a crucial turn and ended up in the Bradford suburbs (this area is essentially one giant gritty northern conurbation). A lengthy detour brought me out near Denholme and then finally the open moor as I headed along the Causeway to Oxenhope. This was much more like it: curlews and lapwing, soft sunshine and a low sun. Oxenhope was picture postcard, with a cricket match in progress, and I joined the Tour route (Stage 2) well before the first category 3 climb: Cote d'Oxenhope Moor! An Alpine style hairpin leads to a long drag before a superb descent, fast and long, with great views of the moors, all the way down to scenic Hebden Bridge. From here I continued on the TdF route to Myholmroyd and the turning for Cragg Vale, England's longest continuous climb. This is almost 10k, but so gentle that even I could get up it in a biggish gear at a reasonable pace. The traffic had died away by now, and I was enjoying myself. A sharp turn as the route briefly enters Lancashire, then another good descent to Ripponden. Another hill was inevitable, and the climb out of Ripponden (Category 3) is sharp enough to take the breath away. I was tiring after a long day, and yesterday's race, so was glad it didn't go on too long before leading to the descent back to Greetland.

The Beast

Race: Up the Beast fell race (4.5m/1500ft)
Time/Position: 38.06 (8th from 134)
A torrential downpour hit Maeshafn just before the start, which saw us all huddling under the trees for protection. The rain and thunder eased for the run through the woods towards Bryn Alyn and the climb up the Beast, although left the ground sodden and the stiles very slippy and hazardous. Some explanation, maybe, for the fact that it was by far my slowest ever time for the route. Always provides tremendous entertainment, though, and I kept running up the Beast, paying the price later as I hauled up the limestone crags that characterise this area and the race. I felt a bit better on the second climb back over Bryn Alyn, and the return run through the woods, but wasn't able to claw back many places. Bigger field than ever this year, which is not surprising as it's a great local race.

Crianlarich peaks

Peaks: Ben More (1174m), Stob Binnein (1165m)
Area: Crianlarich, Southern Highlands
Possibly the most sustained continuous climb in the British Isles? This was an ideal short but intense work-out to break our journey home, as the 1000m+ vertical interval begins from the road in Glen Dochart and ends on the summit of Ben More. It is absolutely relentless and not really runnable (for me, anyway). However, I went flat out and managed to skirt the rocky hollow of Sloc Curraidh and gain the summit cairn in less than an hour (58:50). A crystal clear morning had sadly given way to cloudy conditions, but I had hazy views throughout. I passed dozens of early starters on Ben More so had the continuation ridge to myself. This gave excellent running down to the pronounced Bealach Eadar da-Bheinn. A large snowfield lent definition to Stob Binnein's ridge: indeed, this peak is well defined, graceful and more aesthetically pleasing than its slightly higher twin (although as a result of their height both are very prominent landmarks throughout this part of the Highlands). I thoroughly enjoyed the ascent of Stob Binnein - which I managed in 10 minutes from the col. Flat out running back to the col, then the contouring path which gave superb level running with views of the Bridge of Orchy hills until plunging steeply down to pick up a good path in Glen More. Back to car, sweaty (2:14 road to road), to continue the drive back to Wales. Total climbing for the week (Sat-Sat) was over 7500m/25000ft.

Beinn a'Bheithir

Peaks: Sgorr Dhonuill (1024m), Sgorr Dhearg (1001m), Sgorr Bhan (947m)
Area: Beinn a'Bheithir, Central Highlands
This shapely massif is nicely poised above Loch Leven and lends itself to a fine traverse. Kate dropped me off at the car park in Gleann a'Chaolais and I ran through the conifer forests which spoil the northern slopes of the massif, promising to meet them the standard two hours later in Ballachulish itself. I was last here in 1989, when I failed to find the way through the forests. Now, it is all much clearer, and nicely runnable - which meant I gained the broad gully above the trees in less than half an hour of running. This leads steeply up Coire Dearg to gain an awkward shifting scree funnel. Steep, loose and tiring, and the whaleback ridge above is slightly disappointing. After around 1k of gentle uphill trotting, however, I gained the summit of Sgorr Dhonuill in 58m (these hour-long Munro climbs have become a familiar holiday theme). This has famously excellent seaward views, poised as it is above Loch Leven, Ardgour and Lismore. Sadly, it was a little hazy with high clouds after a crystal clear morning. Still, onward prospects looked superb. A surprisingly rocky and exposed ridge (for a few metres) leads from Dhonuill down to a pronounced col. The ridge stays well defined throughout, though broad, and leads quickly to the summit of Sgorr Dearg, the companion peak and second Munro. From here, I was pleased to see that the onward traverse over the sub-peak of Sgorr Bhan looked well worthwhile - a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing curving ridge, set off by the remains of a large snowfield and cornice. Tremendous running down this beautiful ridge, with views directly ahead opening out over Bidean nam Bian, Aonach Eagach and the other peaks of Glencoe. From Sgorr Ban, I should have headed east down a spur to the valley but instead followed the excellent ridge of Ben Ban - poised directly above Ballachullish with good views over to the Mamores and Ben Nevis. The path then contoured unhelpfully round and back up the valley, losing me valuable time! So I left it and bushwhacked down through bog and heather to emerge at the village school: met the family in a cafe around 2:22 after leaving Gleann a'Chaolais, a very enjoyable traverse. A tranquil afternoon on Lismore followed.

Dalmally peaks

Peaks: Beinn a'Chochuill (980m), Beinn Eunaich (989m)
Area: Glen Strae, Central Highlands
Completely overshadowed by neighbouring Ben Cruachan, these peaks nevertheless give an enjoyable and very runnable outing. They made an obvious pre-breakfast target from our Taynuilt cottage, and I got back before 10am. I'd already done Ben Cruachan in 2005, and although we had wonderful ever-changing views of it and the Taynuilt Peak from our front room window, I thought it better to tread new ground. A short drive from the cottage meant it was only 7.30am as I set off on the long and gradually inclining track which makes for fast running above the Allt Mhoille towards the head of the valley. After 4 or 5k, a very tenuous path heads steeply up the vague SE ridge of Beinn a'Chochuill. Surprisingly windy and cold as I gained the main ridge - with obvious 'weather' approaching. Yes, I was getting the worst of the day's conditions again. I pelted along the superbly runnable ridge to the summit (58m from the road), and its famously excellent views of Ben Cruachan, keen to get them before the weather closed in. I did so, and was not disappointed - the entire massif, one of Scotland's finest, in perfect detail and complete with quite a bit of old snow in the gullies. More fabulous running back down the ridge to a steeper descent and good views over to Ben Starav and the Blackmount. Inevitably, the weather closed in for my ascent of Beinn Eunaich although the rain stayed fairly light. I took a bearing from the summit and ran flat out down the south ridge to Stob Maol and a steep descent back to the valley (2:28 in total). Back, as planned, in time for breakfast.

Beinn Lora

After a day trip to Mull, and a walk round Craignure, we tagged this splendid little hill (a 300m 'Marilyn') on to the end of our day after seafood in Oban. Left Benderloch with K and E and enjoyed the tracks through the forest and the superb views over the Firth of Lorn from the 'Eagle's Eyrie'. E enjoyed negotiating the boggy ground below the summit, and the views of Lismore, Mull and the sea were superb - as showers tracked across the Firth of Lorn and the Beinn a'Bheithir massif, but missed us.

Bridge of Orchy peaks

Peaks: Beinn Dorain (1076m), Beinn an Dothaidh (1004m)
Area: Glen Orchy, Central Highlands
This beautiful peak is a famous landmark that marks the entrance to the Central Highlands: a near-perfect cone that sweeps down to the A82. But although I'd driven past Beinn Dorain dozens of times, I'd never been up it (or its neighbour Beinn an Dothaidh) before. It seemed like the perfect opportunity for a quick run to stretch my legs after the Jura race. We'd all enjoyed a family walk round Glen Nant yesterday, and all drove over to Bridge of Orchy at midday in changeable conditions of squally showers with some hope of a clearance later. Kate dropped me off at the station, giving me two hours for both peaks while they went in search of lunch. I felt quite good for the runnable but not very scenic path up Coire an Dothaidh, making very quick progress up to the rocky terrain around the head of the cwm as it closes in on both sides. Sadly, the weather also closed in at this point and I got a real soaking as I gained the flat bealach between the two peaks. Torrential rain and fairly brisk winds for the onward route, which weaves up a flat ridge to two steepish snowfields. Then an interesting and intricate onwards route to the right of some crags and the main ridge: occasional fleeting views down to the A82 far below. This twists around until eventually curving back on itself to the summit in 60 minutes from Bridge of Orchy. A brief but memorable clearance gave views south over Beinn Challum to Ben More before the weather closed in again. Superb running led back to the bealach, then a very boggy slog up the less interesting (but still shapely) peak of Beinn an Dothaidh - the second Munro. Misty on the summit, so I pelted back through the bog to meet the family at the station just as the sun came out (2:18 in total).

Jura fell race

Race: Isle of Jura fell race (28k/2370m)
Peaks: Dubh Bheinn (530m), Glas Bheinn (562m), Aonach Bheinn (500m), Bheinn a'Chaolais (733m), Beinn an Oir (785m), Beinn Shiantaidh (757m), Corra Bheinn (573m)
Time/Position: 4.36.57 (69th from 213)
Probably the most interesting and memorable mountain race in the British Isles. A magical event, with a superbly challenging and scenic course accentuated by its location on this inaccessible island: just getting to the start is an adventure in itself. We finally managed to combine the race with our usual Whit family holiday in Scotland, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the journey via Dumbarton to Tarbet and the north of Kintyre to the Port Ellen ferry. A nice day exploring the delights of Islay, including several calling corncrake, then we took the small ferry across to Jura and a sunny but windy camp near the little river running down to the sea from the island's only hotel. Venison lasagne was good ballast for the race, which started in perfect sunshine next morning, the few remaining tendrils of mist peeling away from Beinn an Oir as we began the long but gradual climb into the wilds leading up to the first hill of Dubh Bheinn. The views of sea and mountain soon become spectacular: out over Islay, then over to Kintyre, Ben Cruachan and Mull. Lovely running past beautiful little lochans over the steeper second peak of Glas Bheinn led to the highlight of the day: a perfect runnable ridge to Aonach Bheinn with the sea glistening below, Colonsay coming into view and the first Pap (Bheinn a'Chaolais) towering above the deep cleft of Astaile. The first very steep descent follows, losing thousands of feet down to the deep and wild valley of Gleann Astaile. Here lies the only water source, so I drank tactically from the stream and filled a collapsible bottle which I sipped on the massive climb up Chaolais. Hard to exaggerate the steepness and length of this quite intricate ascent up the first of the Paps. A little cloud passed over the summit, giving some shade, but it was a superb place raised directly above the Atlantic and the beautiful beaches of Colonsay (the Irish hills of Antrim visible in the distant south?). The next descent was one of the roughest I've ever experienced, steep and exciting initially, then a combination of unhelpfully large scree and small boulders. A 'controlled fall' down this, starting to pick up a few places after a very slow start, led down to another superbly wild col between the two highest Paps and above Gleann an t-Siob. Then it is straight into the next big climb up the wonderful highpoint of the island, Beinn an Oir (Hill of Gold). This has a little light scrambling to ease the pain, and if anything is steeper than Chaolais. The climax of the hill is a narrow and bouldery ridge, and more stunning views now focused on the wild north and west of the island - completely uninhabited and untracked. An easier descent leads to a short and mercifully flat, broad col, before the third and final Pap of Beinn Shiantaidh. I was tiring now, and ate a bit on the climb (no water source, so I was glad I'd been so diligent at the stream on Chaolais). The descent from Shiantaidh is perhaps the worst of all, certainly the most notorious, as a direct line to the final peak leads over a crag. This means that a circuitous route down arduous shifting boulders, intertwined with good runnable scree, leads to a long and easy contouring route (far from direct) down to the remote Lochanan Tana and the cruel final climb up the 'extra' peak tagged to the end of the route. This was hard, steep and heathery, and a few sweets on the summit of Corra Bheinn were welcome. Hot sunshine now for the very long and very boggy descent down to the road: arduous and knee-deep mud in places. After the final checkpoint at the Three Arch Bridge (crowds, people, tarmac!) a 5k+ section of road leads past a series of lonely white-sand beaches to Craighouse and the finish at the Distillery. Went past 6 or 7 on the road but still finished miles down the field: still, I had no intention of racing even if I'd been capable of doing so over this distance. It was lovely to jog round in 'holiday mode' and savour the views. A truly wonderful circuit: I'd always felt that the Laugavegur in Iceland (done in 2008) would never be beaten as a mountain running experience, but this got very close to it (and my other longstanding favourite - the Jungfrau marathon).

Llandegla Mountain Biking

MTB route: Bwlchgwyn-Llandegla Black/Red-Bwlchgwyn
Distance: 25k
Extended the normal route by cycling up from below Bwlchgwyn, then met Rich and repeated the Red Route, but branched off for the recently completed 'B-Line' Black Extension. This is quite exciting, particularly as I struggled with what is now virtually non-existent suspension on my front forks. Some steep North Shore type obstacles, and many big ramps and sharp climbs. All in glorious warm sunshine. Enjoyable, as was the excellent barbecue at the cafe afterwards. This stood me in good stead for a wild camp with E that afternoon. We tried several secluded camping spots in Idwal, all of which were too windy, made an evening meal on a bluff overlooking Nant Ffrancon, then retreated to the valley for an excellent camp (in advance of a Capel-Crafnant partial walk next morning).

Clwydian race route

An attempt to link various fell race routes into a longer training circuit, ostensibly to check on the condition of the forthcoming Hotfoot race - which I've taken over the organisation of this year. It was also hopelessly late last-minute training for the Jura fell race (in 8 days time!), so a tad worrying as I struggled on the climb up Moel y Gaer after the descent from Penbarras (Hotfoot up Famau route). Superbly clear evening views over Snowdonia compensated, and I felt better for the ridge along from Famau over Dywyll (now following the Llangynhafal Loop route). From the end of this section, I descended the bridleway towards Cilcain (Clwydian fell race route), then contoured along to descend the normal Collie route. I met Huw et al, and we then ran back up to the top of Famau (Collie classic route!), then down to Penbarras and my car. A lengthy but slow outing.

Thurstaston MT race

Race: Thurstaston Multi-Terrain Challenge (6m)
Time/Position: 37.09 (11th from 121 [3rd V40])
A disastrous pacing error saw me blow up completely half way along the horribly long bridleway leading to the finish. I had to walk for a while on the fields as several chasers flew past: desperately unpleasant, particularly as I normally pride myself on my (slow) pacing. This part of the Wirral was almost Hebridean-feeling this evening, as the sun set over the Dee estuary and the Welsh hills beyond. Beautiful weather and a great race, with superb running along the beach for 1.5 miles: I was feeling quite good for this section, and was up in 6th place as we left the sand and headed up twisting roads to the woodland. I started to struggle a bit on the little paths through the trees, then lost it completely on the very long, very straight bridleway that leads to the finish at the visitor centre. Obviously went off too fast, or perhaps feeling the effects of over-racing (four races in ten days).