Helsby climbing

Crag: Helsby
Routes: Flake Crack (VS 4c:sh), Twin Caves Crack (HS 4b:sol/sh), Dinnerplate Crack (HS 4c:sh)
Flake Crack is probably Cheshire's most famous climb, although such a claim should be seen in relative terms! I've done a few routes at Helsby over the years, but it's not somewhere I've spent much time. However, I had a couple of hours spare today, and with a long spell of dry and sunny weather continuing, it seemed like a good choice (as it tends to be slimy and green in winter). I was alone, so did Flake Crack on a loose shunt. Although short, the route deserves its minor classic status: a perfect sandstone crack and a very strong line. Easy climbing up a lower pillar, nice moves up pockets and interesting knobbly sandstone, leads to the juggy crack itself. This is not too polished, and gives excellent juggy laybacking: made slightly easier by the ripples and rugosities on the left wall. An exciting finish, particularly with the rope trapped in the deep crack! The route to its left (Twin Caves Crack) felt a touch harder to me, despite the grade (these routes may have been upgraded now). The crux comes low down: a fierce pull (on jugs, admittedly) and high step left to overcome a mini-roof. Then fine climbing on great holds to a steeper finish. Again, cleaner and more solid than is typical for sandstone. Less sustained, perhaps, but with a harder crux. The same could be said for Dinnerplate Crack, which again has a very steep start involving a haul up big rounded jugs to high footholds then easier climbing up to a final slab. A jog round Helsby Quarry to finish.

Rab Mountain Marathon, Glyderau

Race: Rab Mountain Marathon, Day Two
Time/Position: 125pts in 4.26 (12th from 175 [2nd Veteran])
A great day and an elegant traverse of the Glyders in perfect morning sunshine that was spoiled slightly by a careless error right at the end (actually, after the finish) which cost me the first Veteran prize. Local knowledge was a huge advantage, even more than yesterday: I immediately knew where all the checkpoints were and just constructed what I felt to be the most logical route, prioritising the bigger value controls. No excuses, as these cwms have been my playground for almost 30 years! After a spartan breakfast in the half light at 6.30am, I jogged along the old Nant Ffrancon road initially, then steeply up the stream into Cwm Coch below Yr Esgair: a tough climb up to a 20 pointer. Then superb running, the highlight of the weekend, taking the little contouring path around all the east facing cwms towards distant Cwm Clyd. The sun rose over Tryfan, I was completely alone but totally confident about the onward route: superb! I went 'off piste' into Cwm Clyd, a hard slog up difficult ground, and dibbed the CP in this lovely wild cwm, one of my favourites. I knew I would get across to Bochlwyd quickly, and did so, pelting down to Idwal in 10 minutes then taking the shortcut path above Clogwyn y Tarw (which we descended as recently as May). The CP at Bochlwyd seemed to be in wrong place, but was easily located, then it was up to Bwlch Tryfan under deep blue skies (much cooler than yesterday). The next CP at Llyn Caseg Fraith was perhaps the scenic highlight of the weekend. Still early morning, so the famed view of Tryfan and Bristly Ridge across the blue lake was crystal clear. I had loads of time, and dithered about getting an obvious 15 pointer a few hundred metres down the Mymbyr side. I decided against it, which was the first decision to cost me the category win (although at least this one was a little more understandable, as I knew the run-in to Capel along the ridge would be harder than the map suggests). After contouring Foel Goch, I helped some lost competitors find an awkward CP in a wide re-entrant. Then it was the run for home along the superb, but boggy, ridge. Three more checkpoints were close together among the knolls and gullies of the lower slopes: the bottom one was particularly hard to find. But despite wasting ten minutes searching numerous re-entrants for the checkpoint, I had well over half an hour left when I finally located it. I sauntered down to the finish above Capel and dibbed for the final time. Immediately afterwards (as I was walking back to the car) another runner (still going fast, clearly not finished) passed me and said 'aren't you going for the easy ten pointer?' I looked down at the map and realised to my horror that I hadn't marked a checkpoint less than 1km away along the valley bottom. I'd just discounted all 'Carneddau' checkpoints at the start of the day without thinking, not realising some were 'live' and right next to the finish. All I had to do was walk along the road and back, and I had 35 minutes spare in which to do it in perfect comfort! I asked if I could carry on, but unsurprisingly it was impossible as I'd dibbed at the finish. As it happened, somewhat inevitably, this cost me first Veteran place - but at least my own stupidity is the only thing to blame.

Rab Mountain Marathon, Carneddau

Race: Rab Mountain Marathon, Day One 
Time/Position: 190pts in 5.38 (11th from 175 [3rd Veteran])
There is something remarkable about the last weekend in September. This was my sixth Rab Mountain Marathon, always on this weekend going back to 2008, and every one has been characterised by near-perfect weather. Last time it was on home ground in 2012, I made my worst ever mistake on a mountain marathon and ended up well down the field. The main issue today was likely to be whether I had the legs for a long outing, as it could hardly be more of a contrast from the Wirral series I've been concentrating on. The organisers seem determined not to repeat 2012's rather restricted field of play, and did a fine job: in essence the decision was whether to run day one in the Carneddau or Glyderau. I opted for the former, on the assumption that it would be more runnable. This was not the case, but it was indeed a harder day. Set off from Capel Curig in glorious sunshine, and ran down Ogwen for a bit before taking the path towards Cwm Eigiau. Very nasty terrain, bog and tussocks, and Peter went past me at this point as we both went for the same first three checkpoints. Stunning views down Ogwen to Tryfan: crystal clear light. After another CP higher up, I crossed the bwlch below Helgi Du and initially tried to contour across for a CP on the Cwm Eigiau side. There are too many crags hereabouts, however, so a higher line was necessary. After dibbing, it was steeply down into Cwm Eigiau then a heads down plod up the bridleway towards a big value 30 pointer hidden among the knolls high above Llyn Dulyn. Quite hard to find. I then ran across the boggy ground to emerge as planned near the shelter on the top of Foel Grach. From here, good running down the spur north of Cwm Caseg led to another CP. This is one of my favourite areas: wild and remote in Welsh terms. The next CP was given an unusual descriptor: micro-saddle. I dropped down the scree to Cwm Caseg and without thinking too much, ploughed straight up the steep hillside to the ridge of Yr Elen heading for the obvious 'micro saddle'. The CP was actually a good 100 metres lower down the ridge: an annoying error. From here, I ran flat out to gain another CP in a huge and complex sheepfold near the climactic final climb of the old Carneddau race route. Then it was a long contour to Cwm Llafur below the Black Ladders. I made another mistake here, going too high for the CP and wasted time - all for a mere 10 points. Seemed odd that this was such a low value CP: I should have ignored it. A run down Llafur then round to marshy territory and two more checks. Above, a 20 pointer lurked. I had the time but did I have the legs? I concluded that I couldn't be bothered, and instead virtually walked down to the final CP above Nant Ffrancon (again hard to locate, hidden below a spur) and finished way too early: with over half an hour to spare. Still, I found myself in 10th place overall overnight. A very pleasant evening at the camp in Nant Ffrancon with Peter, Huw and others, even found space for a small measure of Penderyn as I was missing the crucial match that night. It did get rather cold later on under a huge moon and clear sky, especially with my less than ideal bubble wrap mattress.

Wirral Multi-Terrain Series, Arrowe Park

Race: Wirral MT Series, Race 4 (Arrowe Park, 4.8m)
Time/Position: 26.20 (9th from 204 [1st V40])
This has been a brilliant series: it seems odd that I've never done the races before. If anything, the races are tighter and the competition (almost) as intense as the border league. The routes are all very varied and genuinely multi-terrain. This one, two laps round Arrowe Park on the western side of Birkenhead, was another parkland route. A big loop of a field took us into the woods for some dark and muddy tracks: fast and gently downhill almost all the way. The usual frenetic pace at the start, so I tried to relax into it and hang back a bit: my usual tactic, although it's not a tactic to take too far over these short distances. I felt quite fresh and pushed on as we emerged from the woods to a series of fields which leads gently but continually uphill back to more woods and the second lap. I went past the quick Richard Webster on the first lap and managed to maintain a reasonable pace for the second lap (the woods now very dark!). Felt faster but a little more comfortable than the other races, though the 'speed' may have been illusory given the dark. I finished the series with the maximum 25 points from three category wins, so won the V45 category (9th overall). The series has punctuated a rather intense month of racing: this was my seventh race since the start of September!

King John's Castle fell race

Race: King John's Castle (4.6m/865ft)
Time/Position: 41.44 (2nd from 30)
Beautiful late summer weather made Llanarmon yn Ial even more tranquil than usual this morning. For various reasons, I've never done this fine race before - although it takes in some of my favourite Clwydian paths. Lots of other events this weekend, so a small field left the Raven pub down the road to the little twmp, site of an ancient Welsh castle supposedly rebuilt in the twelfth century by English King John (hence the race title). Up and over this, then along fields, through thistles and up a very steep road towards the Gweryd Lakes. After a contouring road, it was straight up to the summit of Moel y Plas. Ian Houston was well out in front, with a Buckley trio of me, Simon E and Andy chasing. I felt I'd gone off a little too hard and was suffering in the heat of the climb, but just about held it together as Simon pulled away. From the top of Plas, the race heads south momentarily before wonderful running along the ridge to Moel Gyw and the familiar steep descent down the ridge back towards the village. I closed the gap gradually, and we were equally matched throughout this section, but thick vegetation meant we both missed the tape over the stream towards the finish. This meant a longer extension down a track to gain the road further north: we lost half a minute or so, although just about kept our places. From here, I managed to open up a very small gap on Simon during the fast half mile along the road to the finish at the pub. Wound down with the prize giving and some excellent soup in the sunshine.

Wirral Multi-Terrain Series, North Wirral Coastal Park

Race: Wirral MT Series, Race 3 (Wallasey, 4.3m)
Time/Position: 25.26 (11th from 195 [1st V45])
Very tight in the V45 category, so all to play for in this third race. Back to the seaside for this one. It starts on the beach just west of New Brighton and then allows for a great deal of latitude in terms of route choice as several hundred runners stormed along the vast expanse of sand heading towards Hoylake. I went a bit too far left, trying to avoid any of the soft sand, then veered back right through some channels to join the main pack of runners. I was well off the pace initially, perhaps 30th, but I gradually worked my way up as we left the beach then headed inland on dune paths towards the Coastal Park. Down a road, then tracks led back through fields to the dunes and an excellent narrow path above the beach - towards the setting sun. The race ends with a mile of hard running back along the beach to the very distant finish: felt like we were running across the Sahara! I gained on Richard Webster of Wallasey, who had a one-point lead coming into this race, and went past him with about 500 metres to go. It's neck and neck (equal points) going in to the final race. Beautiful sunset over the Irish Sea.

Ras Fawr Llanddoged

Race: Ras Fawr Llanddoged, Conwy Valley (12.5k)
Time/Position: 49.39 (3rd from 40)
The little lanes above the Conwy Valley give wonderful views over the Carneddau: one of my favourite areas, so I've been meaning to do this long-established race for many years. Finally got the opportunity to coordinate it with a family outing today, and thoroughly enjoyed the event. Given its location, it's hardly surprising that the race is tough and hilly. Fortunately, the Gran Fondo bike event in April 2014 took the same initial hill from Llanddoged up to the top road, so I had prior knowledge of its gradient! A very steep start leads to a couple of brief (very welcome) interludes before climbing viciously again. It goes on for at least 3k, then continues (albeit less viciously) along the ridge. I pulled into third place on the hill, and there I stayed, well behind the two leaders but with a comfortable gap on the rest of the field. Beautiful running, in complete isolation, on empty lanes with the Carneddau stretched out in front. The final 5 or 6k is largely downhill, although there is one sharp sting in the tail just before the finish.

Barrel race

'Race': Colomendy Barrel Race
Time: 14.14
A reprise of John M's novelty barrel race, last run in 2012, on which I have the dubious honour of holding the record. Took a few seconds off that this year in controversial circumstances (in that I cheated by taking a short cut up the steep steps rather than the road back to the pub: in my defence I would question whether this gives much of an advantage when carrying an empty beer barrel!). From the pub in Cadole, a select band of 17 competitors enjoyed fast running down to the leat. Flat out along this then across the Alyn river to pick up an empty beer barrel of your choice in Loggerheads. No beer dregs leaked out this year! I did, however, end up inefficiently carrying it in front of me like a giant baby again.

Wirral Multi-Terrain Series, Royden Park

Race: Wirral MT Series, Race 2 (Royden Park, 5m)
Time/Position: 29.35 (17th from 230 [3rd V45])
A monstrous case of the DOMS after the Ben race, despite Sunday's leg loosener up Ben Ledi. I certainly hadn't recovered in time for this, the second race in the Wirral series, but went along anyway and plastered my legs with Deep Heat in a desperate attempt to relieve the pain. A long warm-up with Simon and Andy helped loosen the tight quads a bit. It was a gorgeous evening on the Wirral, and the heathland of Thurstaston Country Park is surprisingly scenic with a miniature sandstone edge giving views over the Dee Estuary. Felt a little like Fontainebleau in places! This route is even better than the beachside of race one: really varied and interesting. It goes through sandy woodland, tree roots and twisting paths, before climbing up on to the sandstone escarpment - rather like a mini fell race at this point, with some large sandstone steps to be negotiated steeplechase-style. This wasn't ideal given the state of my legs, neither was a brief rocky descent to a road. A flatter woodland section back to the start field allowed me to regain my equilibrium, and I made up a few places on the second lap. I finished seven places down on race one, well behind the runners I finished with at that race, and third rather than first in my category, but it was the best I could do in the circumstances. Another great race though, and therefore very popular: there must have been almost 400 runners including the separate women and juniors races.

Ben Ledi

Peak: Ben Ledi (879m)
Area: Trossachs, Scotland
My quads had taken quite a pounding on the Ben race descent, so a warm-down was vital to stop me seizing up for a week. We had a long drive home in store, though, so despite the perfect weather a smaller peak seemed prudent. Ben Ledi occupies a superb position at the southern extremity of the Highlands and seemed ideal for our purposes this morning. It is the first real mountain reached after Stirling and the view south from the summit is over Loch Venacher and the lowlands. It is a very pleasant objective, eye-catching from Callander and beyond. We parked at Corriechrombie at the bottom of Loch Lubnaig and adopted a vigorous walking pace up the lower slopes of Ben Ledi. Kate had enough after the first steep 'staircase', so went back while I jogged up to gain the open hillside above the conifers. After steep scree, the path switches back sharply to take the obvious broad summit ridge northwards. Great views north-east to Ben Vorlich and the Breadalbane hills taken by the OMM in 2011, and west to Ben More, Stobinian, Cruach Ardrain and other mountains I have enjoyed in the past. The first summit cross I have ever seen in protestant UK (although I think it had just been adapted from an old fence post!). One hour from the car, and the mist rolled in for the five minutes I was there! Jogged down, trying to loosen the legs and mitigate the inevitable DOMS after the Ben race, in around 40 minutes.

Ben Nevis race

Race: Ben Nevis mountain race (10m/4500ft)
Peak: Ben Nevis (1344m)
Time/Position: 2.05.46 (95th from 486)
A bonus weekend in the Highlands at the end of summer and, as luck would have it, high pressure began to build just as Kate and I arrived at our cottage in Glen Dochart. The event, perhaps the most famous mountain race in the UK, is notoriously difficult to get into, and I'd only got in via a cancellation in April. I hadn't done enough specific training to record a decent time, which was a shame given the superb conditions, and I knew I would descend slowly with the continuing weakness in my ankle but was looking forward to it regardless. Jez also had a place, so we met him in glorious sunshine near the start in Claggan on the edge of Fort William. After following the pipers round the field, we set off for a lap of the shinty pitches then the road to Achintee and the start of the normal tourist path. I descended this after doing the Carn Mor Dearg arete way back in 1989, but I haven't been back since, so didn't really have many preconceptions beyond the obvious fact that it would be an arduous and rocky descent. The race was very enjoyable with a real sense of occasion. The conditions were incredible: deep blue sky, rather too hot on the lower section up to the Red Burn but perfectly cool above. The track above Achintee climbs fairly gently and is generally runnable, but is rough in places, similar to its Snowdon equivalent. I dipped my head into the Red Burn, where the route takes a giant kink then changes character. Above, it steepens considerably as you gain the sloping roof of Ben Nevis itself. I just kept a steady pace going up the steep and arduous scree until the path veers right and the angle eases for the long haul up the final slopes of the half dome-like summit. The final km or so is across the almost flat rocky plateau. I gained the summit in a rather slow 1.21. The descent went as well as could be expected. I gained quite a few places on the steep scree, which is terrain I thrive on, then slowed (as everybody does) for the very steep grass which gives a direct route to the Red Burn. After this, the angle eases for the rocky track back to Achintee: this is where I lost time and places, awkward in new shoes. I made up for the lost time a tiny bit on the road back to Fort William, but it was too little too late. Great race though: Ben Nevis, Yorkshire Three Peaks and Man v Horse were the three 'away days' we targeted this year. Didn't do very well in any of them, but thoroughly enjoyed all three. After a post-race dip in the river, we headed to the Clachaig for wild boar and haggis, accompanied by An Teallach beer, gazing up Glencoe in stunning late afternoon sunshine. Conditions were exactly the same when we last visited the Clachaig after running the Aonach Eagach in May 2012.

Wirral Multi-Terrain Series, Thurstaston

Race: Wirral MT Series, Race 1 (Thurstaston Beach 5m)
Time/Position: 29.23 (10th from 217 [1st V45])
This is a long-running series of races restricted to a group of local clubs, every week in September, at different Wirral locations. All the races are multi-terrain, varied and excellent - but for various reasons I haven't been able to compete in the past. This opening race starts at the Wirral country park in the same place as the May race: but then heads up the 'beach' in the opposite, northerly direction. Rockier and more awkward this way round. After a mile or so into a headwind with the sun setting over the estuary, it heads up steps then along the Wirral way cycle path back to Thurstaston. Two laps, which helped me pace it. I moved up the field and felt surprisingly strong for the second lap, which was very refreshing given the year I've had. Indeed, I've waited all year for a half-decent performance and finally got one here: possibly my best race of 2015, certainly since Twin Piers in January. Kept passing runners until the last half mile, and just managed to squeeze into the top 10 in a fairly strong field, just male club runners drawn from Merseyside, Wirral and Flintshire clubs.

Wild Wales Challenge

Road Cycling: Wild Wales Challenge (Bala-Bwlch y Groes-Dinas Mawddwy-Aberllefenni-Corris-Machynlleth-Tywyn-Llwyngwril-Cregennen-Dolgellau-Brithdir-Bala)
Distance/Climb: 90m/8500ft
As with last year's event, this superb day out proved that I am wrong to think I know North Wales like the back of my hand! Some highly obscure roads and wonderful riding. Having only done one short training ride (the Tour de Flintshire), I was a little concerned about my bike fitness. Although last year's route was longer, I was at least bike fit after the Alps. This year, we left Bala with some mist and high cloud around. Along the side of Llyn Tegid then up the easy side of Bwlch y Groes above Cwm Cynllwyd. I've done this climb before and really enjoy it. It is gentler, with several flatter sections, and far less sustained than the desperate Mawddwy side (down which we had to descend). I waited for Vic and friends to reach the Bwlch, then set off as I was keen to get a clear run at the steep and dangerous descent down to Dinas Mawddwy. After a brief respite, the road headed from Aberangell up impossibly obscure roads through the Dyfi forest. A very hard climb followed, with superb views of Cader Idris higher up. This was really energy-sapping and completely unexpected (for me). After Corris, more sharp climbs on the minor road past the Centre for Alternative Technology led eventually to the first feed and checkpoint in Machynlleth. After a nice rest, we headed to Tywyn, taking the inevitable turn away from the main road and on to the hilly route through 'Happy Valley'. This has another climb, culminating in brief Alpine style hairpins, before a scenic and fast descent to Tywyn. I went straight to the Race the Train HQ - wrongly - then spent a frustrating few minutes looking for the town hall and lunch stop. From here, I teamed up with Vic and friends for a brief flat coastal stretch heading north towards Rhoslefain. Tiny roads and another steep climb led up the hillside, with increasingly wonderful views over the sea to Llyn. The roads became tracks, almost wide paths, more suitable for mountain bikes for a while. Then a very steep descent lost all the height gain in a matter of minutes, down to Llwyngwril. The crux came shortly afterwards: a desperate and quite lengthy climb, very steep, inland to gain a high and very narrow road overlooking the Mawddach estuary. Quite beautiful, but tiring. We were rewarded with a superb descent, eventually, past Cregennan lakes with views of Cader and Tyrrau Mawr above. For me, the lowpoint came after we past the Gwernan car park familiar from Ras y Gader. We didn't take a direct route to the third and final feed and checkpoint at Brithdir. Instead, little roads through beautiful ancient woodland led down to the edge of Dolgellau at Tyddyn Ednyfed and yet another hard climb to Tabor. Brithdir was a relief, and the final stretch was easy by comparison. This took yet another obscure and narrow road, gently climbing to Pont Rhyd y Gwais. Then superb riding back to Llanuchllyn, working as a mini-peloton and eating up the miles back to Bala. It is a classic event, uncommercial and low-key, and although the route was marginally easier than last year's epic anniversary special, it felt just as hard to me as I had no bike fitness at all this year! The route planners have an admirable knowledge of minor Welsh roads and an eye for a logical yet challenging giant loop.

Creigiau Cigfran/Penmaenhead climbing

Crag: Creigiau Cigfran, Llanfairfechan
Routes: Don't Fence Me In (f5c:led), Blue Streak (f5c:led), The Last Waltz (f6a:led), The Great Wall (f6b:led/sec), Wellington Rib (VD:sol), Great Grass Gully (VD:des)
Crag: Penmaenhead, Colwyn Bay
Routes: Helyg Crack (f6a:led*), Intruder (f5+:sec)
I've driven past these crags hundreds of times, probably thousands, and have often wondered whether they would be worth a visit. As it happens, several people must have had the same idea as some recent bolting has occurred, to supplement a few of the obvious easy lines done many years ago. It seems likely to remain fairly obscure, however, as the crags are scattered around the hillside above Llanfairfechan and not particularly easy to find. It took us a while, but we eventually emerged above the scree near Fence Buttress, a 20m high slab of microdiorite which looked like a decent enough place to start. This slab gave two lovely climbs on good rock, surprisingly good and rather reminiscent of Tremadog VS's in style (albeit a poor man's Tremadog!). The left-hand line took a scrappy groove up to a steep slab. Delightful moves up this on small positive holds led to a flake, then a leftward trending finish up an open groove. Some light rain, but fine rough rock and good friction. The right-hand line (Blue Streak) was perhaps slightly better: a similarly simple route with lovely relaxed slab climbing, a little more open position up the slab to finish in the same place. Vic and I both led both routes. After a heavy shower while we ate our lunch, we moved further left to the main wall. The rock here is smoother, not as good, closer in slatey style to nearby Penmaenbach. I scampered up the Last Waltz at a mild f6a: nice, clean slabby climbing with a thought-provoking and quite technical (but brief) crux step left half way up. The Great Wall is obvious, but takes a devious line up the 30m high main face. It gives an unusual sports route, weaving round and demanding a variety of different climbing styles. Vic led, and negotiated the crux moves round the obvious early overhang, but he ran out of quickdraws and lowered off from the junction with the 6c direct version of the route. I followed up, a tricky step left and 6b moves through the bulge, and led through the indirect and devious left-hand finish. Some rests broke up the technicality: low in the grade. An easier finish, with some rope drag. The hangers were missing from the lower-off, and I wasn't prepared to lower off a single, badly placed bolt. So I found a sound bolt higher up the direct line and brought Vic up. We descended through gorse, then I nipped up the old V Diff line taking the clean rib: fun. Then it was across to the more familiar Penmaenhead for something a bit steeper. A short descent to the crag with more rain threatening, so I kicked off with the steep and sustained Helyg Crack. Hard to start, with an awkward bridging move to gain the badly placed second bolt. Above, an easier section leads to a rest. I took the top section too far left, lured by the wrong lower-off (should have checked the topo first). I needed a rest as a result - annoying. The actual line remains steep and polished, but is on good juggy holds. A good, sustained route. I then followed Vic up the easier Intruder, which I've done before. This is also steep and sustained, but very juggy: some superb holds.

Birchwood 10k

Race: Birchwood 10k (Warrington)
Time/Position: 37.49 (27th from 900 [3rd V45])
My slowest 10k time for nine years. I wouldn't normally have done this, as I don't normally make the transition from mountain to road until much later in the year, but it goes past my workplace on the Warrington campus and could obviously be combined with an IKEA trip for the family. I expected to suffer a little bit, but certainly didn't anticipate such a bad race. Felt awful for the last 5k and completely fell to pieces after a decent first 5k (17.30 for the first 5k, over 20 minutes for the second 5k!). A good event though: well organised and probably quite a fast course if you have the legs, with just a few motorway bridges to negotiate.

Tour de Flintshire

Road Cycling: HK-Buckley-Rhosesmor-Babell-Gorsedd-Rhuallt-St Asaph-Llandyrnog-Moel Arthur-Mold-HK
Distance: 100k+
Satisfying to weave the two Flintshire 'end-to-end' routes I'd worked out over the last few weeks into this, the inaugural Tour de Flintshire! Still needs some refinement and improvement, but this initial version gave a varied and excellent ride. From home I headed through Buckley and Sychdyn and up the short, steep climbs to Rhosesmor. Then over on wonderful quiet roads to Rhes y Cae (although not before making yet another erroneous detour: there are just no signposts up here!). From Lixwm and Babell, I headed north of the A55 on an extension to Gorsedd and Lloc which shows off another aspect of the county, with views over the Dee estuary to Wirral. Along the unpleasant Dyserth road, but only briefly before heading inland towards Cwm then back over the A55 to the old Rhuallt Hill and down to St Asaph via Pont Dafydd. After a superb feeding halt (thanks mum!) it was along the main road to Bodfari and Llandyrnog, and then the crux climb over the Clwydian ridge at Moel Arthur. This features in the '100 great British cycle climbs' book and fully warrants its place. It goes steeply up to a brutal 20% ramp, with a terrible rutted surface. A few minutes of pain, out of the saddle the whole way, before it eases for the last section to the bwlch between Famau and Arthur. I may have done it from this harder side before on a mountain bike, and have done it numerous times from the gentler eastern side. It adds a brilliant extra dimension to the Tour; a completely different ambience to the landscape further north. From here, a fast descent to Hendre and Mold, then back to Kinnerton. It would be nice to refine it further to take in some more notable Flintshire landmarks as well as some places of personal significance (and also to further minimise the main roads). So perhaps go further north from Lloc to take in Maen Achwyfan then Gwaenysgor and Dyserth before reaching St Asaph. Then, on the second leg, head off to Cilcain after the climb, then through Gwernaffield before reaching Mold and the homeward leg.

Maeshafn climbing

Crag: Maeshafn
Routes: The Bulger (HVS 5a:sh), Bulger Variant (HVS 5a:sh), Little Finger Jam (VS 5b:sh), Sling Variant (HS:des), Dandy Lion (HS 4b:sh), Sling (HS 4b:sh), Wanderer (VS 4c:sh), The Arete (VS 5a:sh)
On my own again, so I decided to sweep the entire amphitheatre wall on the shunt as quickly as I could without resting, as time was limited and I was here for 'training purposes' only. I've led all these routes in the past and done them many times, so I did the Bulger twice (once up an eliminate line to the left, avoiding the crack where possible). Little Finger Jam has always had a horrible start, but it is now polished and even harder. I came in from the left on a loose shunt. Then descended Sling and went up it by another eliminate avoiding the big holds. Further right, The Arete gives a slightly longer route and was good fun alongside its easier neighbour. Jogged back over Moel Findeg in beautiful weather to my car, which I'd left in the village.

Carneddau run

Peaks: Drum, Foel Fras, Yr Orsedd, Pen Bryn Du, Foel Ganol
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
It seemed possible that this would be the last opportunity for an evening run in Snowdonia this summer, and the weather looked perfect, so Jez and I headed over for some 'Ben Nevis training' now we've both got a place in the race. The long climb from the coast, an extension of the normal race route, is ideal for that purpose although my legs were rather tired after the last two days. We kept a reasonable pace ticking over on the steep tarmac leading up from Aber, but it was with some relief that we gained the contouring bridleway which leads to Bwlch y Ddeufaen. The evening was developing perfectly: superb clarity of light as the sun began to drop over Anglesey. We stuck to the race route, over Drum, then the short descent before the boggy climb up Foel Fras. I usually walk most of this, and today was no exception - tired and dehydrated. We relaxed a bit at the summit of Foel Fras, great views over the rest of the Carneddau. A brilliant descent followed, as I took Jez over one of the my favourite corners of Eryri - the little known ridge over Yr Orsedd and Foel Ganol. The light was fantastic on this section as the sun dropped further. We took a direct line back to the top of the tarmac - must admit that I was tiring on the road run back through Aber.

Flintshire traverse

Road Cycling: Higher Kinnerton-Buckley-Sychdyn-Halkyn-Rhes y Cae-Lixwm-Babell-Caerwys-Tremeirchion-St Asaph
Distance: 60k
A more refined and geographically accurate version of the Flintshire end-to-end route I did a fortnight ago. Now I just need to weave the two together for a logical and elegant Tour de Flintshire. As I cycled inland from Sychdyn, I racked the darkest recesses of my brain to remember the layout of these tiny lanes which used to be my training ground when I lived in the village. This worked, just, and I emerged in Rhosesmor in beautiful sunshine after a series of very sharp climbs which brought back memories of tough runs. From here, I did a loop round Moel y Gaer, then down to Halkyn and along a superb moorland road to Rhes y Cae. We used to sledge here: great views and a very interesting post-industrial landscape. From here, the hinterland is characterised by a series of twisting and hard-to-follow lanes. I had no map, so guessed the onward route through Lixwm and Babell. From here, a lengthy diversion to Cilcain down tiny rutted tracks and onwards to Tremeirchion. Then a fast and enjoyable descent to St Asaph for lunch.

Sticklepath Horseshoe fell race

Race: Sticklepath Horseshoe, Dartmoor (9.7m/1700ft)
Peaks: Belstone Tor, Oke Tor, Steeperton Tor, Cosdon Beacon)
Time/Position: 1.25.45 (5th from 40)

You might expect the landscape that inspired the Hound of the Baskervilles to play host to some decent fell races. It does indeed, and the Sticklepath Horseshoe is perhaps the best and longest established of all the Dartmoor events. The route is a classic horseshoe, just shy of 10 miles, over four distinct summits. It doesn’t have much climbing in comparison to a typical Welsh or Lake District mountain race, but this Devon terrain is surprisingly awkward: a mixture of bog and boulders in places. The local runners and organisers were a very welcoming bunch, and the field was small, but drawn from a good range of South-West English clubs. After a loop around fields near the picture-postcard thatched village of Sticklepath, we headed up steep tracks to the equally scenic Devon village of Belstone and the first checkpoint. A group of five of us broke away from the rest of the field after half a mile. At Belstone, this little group also began to fragment. Two lead runners, much quicker than me, flew up the first real summit (Belstone Tor: already reccied with the family 11 days ago) with me hanging on to the back of two slightly slower local runners. I stayed with a guy from the local Okehampton club until the top of Belstone Tor, desperately trying to stick with him as he knew all the best lines. But at the summit he pelted away and I couldn’t match his pace so reverted to my usual ponderous plod, with nobody visible behind. Only then did I notice that the four runners in front of me had all dispensed with map and kit: I suddenly felt handicapped by my old bumbag, full waterproofs, map and compass. A superbly runnable ridge followed, all the way over Oke Tor to the top of the remote Steeperton Tor. As its name seems to suggest, a sharp descent into a gorge follows, before a hands-and-knees climb to the top of the next peak. I momentarily thought I might catch the two lads in front at this point, but soon conceded defeat as I slowed for the long final climb over the highpoint of Cosdon Beacon. The final descent was confusing for a non-local, and I made two minor errors, but they didn’t cost me too much time and I finished in fifth place in 1:25. I finished in a similar position in the big-field Tywardraeth Trotter race during our last Cornish holiday two years ago. No chance of staying for prize giving or enjoying the homemade flapjacks though. My impatient offspring then insisted I get straight in the car and drive five hours home to Flintshire in my running shorts, Devonian mud still plastered to my legs.