Crag: Pot Hole Quarry
Routes: The Dog (HVS 5b:sec), Right Wall (E1 5c:sec), The Watzmann (VS 4b:sec), Tre-Ffynnon (VS 4b:sec)
A very brief workout on these old, polished routes: all done dozens of times before. Rather warm, and my finger remains problematic. We then did a shortened version of the Collie run up Findeg in beautiful evening sunshine with clear views to Arenig.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Tal y Fan run
Peaks: Tal y Fan
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A gentle recovery jog after yesterday's race and a night out in Conwy. I parked at Sychnant and jogged along the paths to take the curving track up the front of the hill, exploring a few hidden corners as I did so, including the old quarry and some excellent potential campsites. A relaxing 10 minute break at the top, watching the mist roll over Carnedd Llewellyn: but on Tal y Fan, all was clear and calm.
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A gentle recovery jog after yesterday's race and a night out in Conwy. I parked at Sychnant and jogged along the paths to take the curving track up the front of the hill, exploring a few hidden corners as I did so, including the old quarry and some excellent potential campsites. A relaxing 10 minute break at the top, watching the mist roll over Carnedd Llewellyn: but on Tal y Fan, all was clear and calm.
Monday, August 27, 2018
Cilcain mountain race
Race: Cilcain Mountain Race (Moel Famau)
Time/Position: 38.17 (14th from 159)
This is probably the race I've done most often - maybe 12 or 13 times since my debut in 2003. As such, this wasn't too bad in the circumstances albeit considerably slower than I used to be capable of. Conditions were good - cool, cloudy but still dry underfoot. I climbed badly, losing places, but had a reasonably quick descent (helps when you know every inch of it) and picked up a few places.
Time/Position: 38.17 (14th from 159)
This is probably the race I've done most often - maybe 12 or 13 times since my debut in 2003. As such, this wasn't too bad in the circumstances albeit considerably slower than I used to be capable of. Conditions were good - cool, cloudy but still dry underfoot. I climbed badly, losing places, but had a reasonably quick descent (helps when you know every inch of it) and picked up a few places.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Criffel
Peak: Criffel (570)
Area: Dumfries, Southern Uplands
A well-known Dumfries landmark, Criffel towers above the Solway Firth and famously looks much bigger than its modest height would imply. It is somewhat reminiscent of Slieve Donard or Yr Eifl in the way it rises from sea level, and it offered an ideal leg stretcher on the way home - involving an interesting detour through unfamiliar terrain around Dalbettie and Beeswing. The route up Criffel leaves from near Loch Kindar, south of the lovely village of New Abbey. It is very direct, but also very boggy. The first section was eminently runnable, even for Peter and myself (both rather tired), as it takes a good track alongside the attractive Craigrockall burn. Above, the open hill, which was very wet indeed, comparable to the worst parts of the Pennines. Usually, I'm told the views over the Solway Firth and Lake District compensate. Today, just more thick mist all the way up (although it had finally stopped raining, at least). We were on the summit in 35 minutes or so, and took another 20 to get down.
Area: Dumfries, Southern Uplands
A well-known Dumfries landmark, Criffel towers above the Solway Firth and famously looks much bigger than its modest height would imply. It is somewhat reminiscent of Slieve Donard or Yr Eifl in the way it rises from sea level, and it offered an ideal leg stretcher on the way home - involving an interesting detour through unfamiliar terrain around Dalbettie and Beeswing. The route up Criffel leaves from near Loch Kindar, south of the lovely village of New Abbey. It is very direct, but also very boggy. The first section was eminently runnable, even for Peter and myself (both rather tired), as it takes a good track alongside the attractive Craigrockall burn. Above, the open hill, which was very wet indeed, comparable to the worst parts of the Pennines. Usually, I'm told the views over the Solway Firth and Lake District compensate. Today, just more thick mist all the way up (although it had finally stopped raining, at least). We were on the summit in 35 minutes or so, and took another 20 to get down.
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Galloway hills
Peaks: Benyellary (719), The Merrick (843)
Area: Galloway, Southern Uplands
It seems strange that circumstances have never brought me to Galloway. It ticks lots of my boxes: a quirky and unusual area, a distinctive genius loci, interesting cultural snippets, wild mountain landscapes. There's nothing bland about Galloway, and today we left Creetown fairly early to drive into a deserted Glen Trool. If anything, the weather was worse than yesterday evening: steady, driving rain, and a cloudbase virtually down to the car park. Our initial plan had been the hugely ambitious Ring of Fire, which takes a giant loop round the range. In the conditions, that seemed unlikely, but the start - up Merrick from Glen Trool - seemed a sensible use of time, as it's the highest peak (in the whole Southern Uplands, actually) and by far the most popular objective with a well-trodden path. This skirts the Buchan Burn initially, an atmospheric tumbling river in these conditions. Good running through the mist and rain - very wet underfoot - to the Culsharg bothy. Then up steeply through a plantation to gain the open moor above. A steady haul gains the top of Benyellary, rather bleak in these circumstances with a distinct chill in the wet and windy air. We were now in the Range of the Awful Hand, running along the well-defined ridge ('the Neive of the Spit') which eventually heads up broad moorland to the Merrick. It was very grim up here, which was a real shame as it meant that a massive downgrading of plans was necessary. We ran back to Glen Trool via a food break in the recently re-roofed bothy, and then extended the day the way the conditions dictated: along the clearly defined and relatively sheltered Southern Uplands way. This did at least allow us to penetrate the Galloway interior, albeit in a sanitised way. Atmospheric native woodland with rushing torrents gives way to open moorland (and a goshawk sighting) with views up to the Rig of the Jarkness and other superbly named features (Galloway has perhaps the most evocative names in the UK with its historic blend of languages presumably a contributory factor). The route climbs gradually to a pass, after which Loch Dee is revealed, powerfully gloomy in these conditions, with the cloudbase just above and tree-covered islands just emerging from the mist. We ran all the way to the White Laggan bothy after which I began to feel the pace (perhaps still recovering from last week's ultra) so we went our separate ways back to Glen Trool. Peter went over the hills, I contented myself with a jog back along the lower route: still a good 17-18 mile day.
Area: Galloway, Southern Uplands
It seems strange that circumstances have never brought me to Galloway. It ticks lots of my boxes: a quirky and unusual area, a distinctive genius loci, interesting cultural snippets, wild mountain landscapes. There's nothing bland about Galloway, and today we left Creetown fairly early to drive into a deserted Glen Trool. If anything, the weather was worse than yesterday evening: steady, driving rain, and a cloudbase virtually down to the car park. Our initial plan had been the hugely ambitious Ring of Fire, which takes a giant loop round the range. In the conditions, that seemed unlikely, but the start - up Merrick from Glen Trool - seemed a sensible use of time, as it's the highest peak (in the whole Southern Uplands, actually) and by far the most popular objective with a well-trodden path. This skirts the Buchan Burn initially, an atmospheric tumbling river in these conditions. Good running through the mist and rain - very wet underfoot - to the Culsharg bothy. Then up steeply through a plantation to gain the open moor above. A steady haul gains the top of Benyellary, rather bleak in these circumstances with a distinct chill in the wet and windy air. We were now in the Range of the Awful Hand, running along the well-defined ridge ('the Neive of the Spit') which eventually heads up broad moorland to the Merrick. It was very grim up here, which was a real shame as it meant that a massive downgrading of plans was necessary. We ran back to Glen Trool via a food break in the recently re-roofed bothy, and then extended the day the way the conditions dictated: along the clearly defined and relatively sheltered Southern Uplands way. This did at least allow us to penetrate the Galloway interior, albeit in a sanitised way. Atmospheric native woodland with rushing torrents gives way to open moorland (and a goshawk sighting) with views up to the Rig of the Jarkness and other superbly named features (Galloway has perhaps the most evocative names in the UK with its historic blend of languages presumably a contributory factor). The route climbs gradually to a pass, after which Loch Dee is revealed, powerfully gloomy in these conditions, with the cloudbase just above and tree-covered islands just emerging from the mist. We ran all the way to the White Laggan bothy after which I began to feel the pace (perhaps still recovering from last week's ultra) so we went our separate ways back to Glen Trool. Peter went over the hills, I contented myself with a jog back along the lower route: still a good 17-18 mile day.
Friday, August 17, 2018
Cairnsmore of Fleet
Peak: Cairnsmore of Fleet (711m)
Area: Galloway, Southern Uplands
Evening arrival in Creetown. Abysmal weather of low cloud and driving rain, glowering skies, empty farmhouses, daylight limited, the full foreboding Galloway atmosphere and a memorable run. Cairnsmore of Fleet is a huge whaleback of a hill, the most southerly 2000ft mountain in Scotland. This was right at the start of an impromptu trip with Peter, and my first ever visit to Galloway (although I'd been to the nearby Lowther Hills in the 2007 OMM). From the start, north of Creetown, we set a good pace (necessarily given the lateness and the conditions) through dank woods and open fields to gain the extensive Bardrochwood. The path is excellent throughout, even when the open moor is gained, although torrents of water cascaded down it along its entire length. The wind picked up and the temperatures dropped as we ran across the exposed summit, which is enormous, more like a plateau. An exhilarating descent into the teeth of the gale, which we both thoroughly enjoyed and therefore kept the decent pace ticking over: we got back to the car around 90 minutes after leaving it. An evening spent in the time-warped Ellangowan hotel, eating steak pie in the deserted dining room with fizzy lager (the only option), was an appropriate coda.
Area: Galloway, Southern Uplands
Evening arrival in Creetown. Abysmal weather of low cloud and driving rain, glowering skies, empty farmhouses, daylight limited, the full foreboding Galloway atmosphere and a memorable run. Cairnsmore of Fleet is a huge whaleback of a hill, the most southerly 2000ft mountain in Scotland. This was right at the start of an impromptu trip with Peter, and my first ever visit to Galloway (although I'd been to the nearby Lowther Hills in the 2007 OMM). From the start, north of Creetown, we set a good pace (necessarily given the lateness and the conditions) through dank woods and open fields to gain the extensive Bardrochwood. The path is excellent throughout, even when the open moor is gained, although torrents of water cascaded down it along its entire length. The wind picked up and the temperatures dropped as we ran across the exposed summit, which is enormous, more like a plateau. An exhilarating descent into the teeth of the gale, which we both thoroughly enjoyed and therefore kept the decent pace ticking over: we got back to the car around 90 minutes after leaving it. An evening spent in the time-warped Ellangowan hotel, eating steak pie in the deserted dining room with fizzy lager (the only option), was an appropriate coda.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Letterbarrow run
A micro-break in the Lakes to introduce the children to the concept of budget hosteling (family camping trips expired in Pembrokeshire in 2011 - Kate said she would never camp again and she was true to her word). It had rained all day, so after soggy trips to Sizergh and Hill Top we settled in to the Hawkshead YHA on the shores of Esthwaite Water (the 7th English YHA I've visited in the last few years). I stretched my legs with a brisk run up the miniature local fell, Letterbarrow, which was an excellent 37 minute up-and-down blast through the village and out on the High Wray road. The last few hundred metres joins the open fell with minimal visibility, thick mist and constant light rain. At the summit, famed for its views over Windermere, thick clag. Next day, a lovely morning walk round an uncharacteristically empty Tarn Hows with a tiny glimpse of sunshine towards the end: the cloud base just failed to clear Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam.
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Long Tour of Bradwell
Race: Long Tour of Bradwell (54k/7000ft)
Time/Position: 6.43.12 (14th from 87)
This race feels like a 17 mile fell race followed by a 17 mile trail race: it gave a brilliant day out, my fourth ultra of the year, possibly the hardest and probably the best. It helped that the day dawned superbly clear, yet fairly cool, after a pleasant night at Hardhurst Farm and the Traveller's Rest near Hope. The route is supremely varied, taking a giant loop around the Hope Valley including most of the highest points in every corner (hence the large amount of climbing). It is a bit like a giant extension of the classic Edale Skyline fell race, which I did in 2009. Tracks lead south-west from Bradwell past the quarry and a long, steady climb gains the Limestone Way quite high up, from the first checkpoint brilliant grassy running leads down to the very pretty limestone valley of Cave Dale - awkward rocky descent - to Castleton. The lengthy 'softening up' process continues with another long haul over the next ridge, to Hollins Cross near Mam Tor, then down to Edale before another long climb up Grindsbrook. This temporarily echoes the Edale Skyline race, heading round the Nab and steeply up trackless ground towards the Druid Stone on the edge of the Kinder plateau. A steep and direct descent back to the valley at Woodhouse Farm then up towards Backtor. At this point, I followed a confident looking runner up the wrong bridleway - an annoying mistake, after which I got the detailed directions out and followed them religiously for the rest of the day, along with the map which remained in my hands throughout. Some complex but satisfying route-finding, which continued for almost the entire route with very little marked. Then it was a scenic highlight, over Lose Hill in perfect clear conditions, then south-west to Hope and along lanes above our campsite to Aston and a long climb along the slopes of Win Hill to the forest above the reservoir. After checkpoint six, this joins the Thornhill Trail, which gave very quick running south to branch off for Bamford village. I felt good here, half way through the race. Little lanes then climb up to reveal a great view of the whole of Stanage - somewhere I first visited to climb almost 30 years ago. It was a real highlight to take the gradually climbing track to the top of the escarpment, then run along it all the way to Burbage Bridge. I've climbed here as well, and also did the Burbage Skyline fell race a few years ago, so I knew the wonderful sweeping descent down a track to the edge of Sheffield where a road leads to a delightful stream and, eventually, the deciduous woodland of Padley Gorge. This was all entirely new to me, and was very pretty. Upper Padley is the next village, before more delightful riverside running leads upstream to the edge of Hathersage, and through Leadmill to Hazelford. More woods eventually gain the tiny village of Abney, before a final long climb back onto the moors and a steep descent to Bradwell. A memorable day out, taking in some unfamiliar (to me) terrain, and wonderfully varied throughout - with White Peak and Dark Peak equally represented.
Time/Position: 6.43.12 (14th from 87)
This race feels like a 17 mile fell race followed by a 17 mile trail race: it gave a brilliant day out, my fourth ultra of the year, possibly the hardest and probably the best. It helped that the day dawned superbly clear, yet fairly cool, after a pleasant night at Hardhurst Farm and the Traveller's Rest near Hope. The route is supremely varied, taking a giant loop around the Hope Valley including most of the highest points in every corner (hence the large amount of climbing). It is a bit like a giant extension of the classic Edale Skyline fell race, which I did in 2009. Tracks lead south-west from Bradwell past the quarry and a long, steady climb gains the Limestone Way quite high up, from the first checkpoint brilliant grassy running leads down to the very pretty limestone valley of Cave Dale - awkward rocky descent - to Castleton. The lengthy 'softening up' process continues with another long haul over the next ridge, to Hollins Cross near Mam Tor, then down to Edale before another long climb up Grindsbrook. This temporarily echoes the Edale Skyline race, heading round the Nab and steeply up trackless ground towards the Druid Stone on the edge of the Kinder plateau. A steep and direct descent back to the valley at Woodhouse Farm then up towards Backtor. At this point, I followed a confident looking runner up the wrong bridleway - an annoying mistake, after which I got the detailed directions out and followed them religiously for the rest of the day, along with the map which remained in my hands throughout. Some complex but satisfying route-finding, which continued for almost the entire route with very little marked. Then it was a scenic highlight, over Lose Hill in perfect clear conditions, then south-west to Hope and along lanes above our campsite to Aston and a long climb along the slopes of Win Hill to the forest above the reservoir. After checkpoint six, this joins the Thornhill Trail, which gave very quick running south to branch off for Bamford village. I felt good here, half way through the race. Little lanes then climb up to reveal a great view of the whole of Stanage - somewhere I first visited to climb almost 30 years ago. It was a real highlight to take the gradually climbing track to the top of the escarpment, then run along it all the way to Burbage Bridge. I've climbed here as well, and also did the Burbage Skyline fell race a few years ago, so I knew the wonderful sweeping descent down a track to the edge of Sheffield where a road leads to a delightful stream and, eventually, the deciduous woodland of Padley Gorge. This was all entirely new to me, and was very pretty. Upper Padley is the next village, before more delightful riverside running leads upstream to the edge of Hathersage, and through Leadmill to Hazelford. More woods eventually gain the tiny village of Abney, before a final long climb back onto the moors and a steep descent to Bradwell. A memorable day out, taking in some unfamiliar (to me) terrain, and wonderfully varied throughout - with White Peak and Dark Peak equally represented.
Wednesday, August 08, 2018
Craig y Forwyn
Crag: Craig y Forwyn, Llanddulas
Routes: Route 66 (VS 4c:sec), Sunset Strip (HVS 5a:sec)
We are gradually ticking a few more routes here, despite the fact that the central and best section remains banned after all these years despite the change of ownership. Today was sadly rain affected and was particularly unlucky - a deluge in the middle of a dry day. My finger injury persists, so I was happy to remain a passenger as we did the trade VS Route 66 for the third time, with its steep wall, delicate traverse and easy corner. Vic then led Sunset Strip, which is in the mould of the neighbouring Duchess which we did early this summer, but is more sustained. It starts up Route 66 before a delicate traverse left gains a steep wall before an excellent positive crack. This leads to a steep slab, with a fairly hard crux which requires a precise combination of moves using two perfect pockets. It began to rain just before I reached the crux and got gradually heavier as I grabbed the edge of the flake - not much for the feet and quite powerful for a short time. The rain began in earnest for the easier finish: a great, varied pitch. Sheltered for a while under the roof below the groove, then bailed out to do the Nick Beer 10k route round the Orme, inevitably drenched in glorious sunshine.
Routes: Route 66 (VS 4c:sec), Sunset Strip (HVS 5a:sec)
We are gradually ticking a few more routes here, despite the fact that the central and best section remains banned after all these years despite the change of ownership. Today was sadly rain affected and was particularly unlucky - a deluge in the middle of a dry day. My finger injury persists, so I was happy to remain a passenger as we did the trade VS Route 66 for the third time, with its steep wall, delicate traverse and easy corner. Vic then led Sunset Strip, which is in the mould of the neighbouring Duchess which we did early this summer, but is more sustained. It starts up Route 66 before a delicate traverse left gains a steep wall before an excellent positive crack. This leads to a steep slab, with a fairly hard crux which requires a precise combination of moves using two perfect pockets. It began to rain just before I reached the crux and got gradually heavier as I grabbed the edge of the flake - not much for the feet and quite powerful for a short time. The rain began in earnest for the easier finish: a great, varied pitch. Sheltered for a while under the roof below the groove, then bailed out to do the Nick Beer 10k route round the Orme, inevitably drenched in glorious sunshine.
Saturday, August 04, 2018
Tegg's Nose fell race
Race: Tegg's Nose (8m/1600ft/BM)
Time/Position: 1.06.18 (21st from 129)
An enjoyable fell race attached to a sheepdog trial on the edge of the Peak, at the point that the Macclesfield suburbs meet the open countryside. It is quite runnable, and a pleasantly accessible 'away day' for Simon and myself, but with little speedwork recently I suffered on the return leg. The race heads out along roads and fields towards Tegg's Nose itself, a little country park with the feel of a small gritstone edge further east, and good views over Macclesfield and the Cheshire plain. A loop round the nose, then a surprisingly steep descent down the valley and a hot climb back through woodland to regain the hill. Eventually, the route joins the outward leg which is where I began to struggle with some climbing remaining. A good few runners went past as I plodded along the fields leading back to the road.
Time/Position: 1.06.18 (21st from 129)
An enjoyable fell race attached to a sheepdog trial on the edge of the Peak, at the point that the Macclesfield suburbs meet the open countryside. It is quite runnable, and a pleasantly accessible 'away day' for Simon and myself, but with little speedwork recently I suffered on the return leg. The race heads out along roads and fields towards Tegg's Nose itself, a little country park with the feel of a small gritstone edge further east, and good views over Macclesfield and the Cheshire plain. A loop round the nose, then a surprisingly steep descent down the valley and a hot climb back through woodland to regain the hill. Eventually, the route joins the outward leg which is where I began to struggle with some climbing remaining. A good few runners went past as I plodded along the fields leading back to the road.
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Snowdon run
Peaks: Yr Wyddfa, Moel Cynghorion
Area: Snowdon, Eryri
It's been a while since I ran the tourist path from Llanberis, and seven years since I last did the Snowdon race (I 'retired' after running 1.22 in 2011, which I felt was the quickest I would ever do it). After dropping Kate off at work I parked at the far end of Padarn and ran through the town. Even though the weather was claggy and the hour early, the usual crowds dotted the path in a virtually continuous line. A squally shower hit below Hebron, and then cold mist and strong wind marked the rest of the climb. I ran down the same way until finding the crowds unbearable above Llyn du'r Arddu. To avoid them, I ran across the lip of the cwm, great views of both buttresses (I was last here for Longland's Route four years ago), then across steep grass to the Ranger path to join the Pedol Peris route up Moel Cynghorion where the weather finally began to clear. Brilliant running down the ridge to the col at the top of Maesgwm, leaving the perfect long run back to Llanberis along the Maesgwm path.
Area: Snowdon, Eryri
It's been a while since I ran the tourist path from Llanberis, and seven years since I last did the Snowdon race (I 'retired' after running 1.22 in 2011, which I felt was the quickest I would ever do it). After dropping Kate off at work I parked at the far end of Padarn and ran through the town. Even though the weather was claggy and the hour early, the usual crowds dotted the path in a virtually continuous line. A squally shower hit below Hebron, and then cold mist and strong wind marked the rest of the climb. I ran down the same way until finding the crowds unbearable above Llyn du'r Arddu. To avoid them, I ran across the lip of the cwm, great views of both buttresses (I was last here for Longland's Route four years ago), then across steep grass to the Ranger path to join the Pedol Peris route up Moel Cynghorion where the weather finally began to clear. Brilliant running down the ridge to the col at the top of Maesgwm, leaving the perfect long run back to Llanberis along the Maesgwm path.
Friday, July 20, 2018
Sawyer Mountain run
Peak: Sawyer Mountain (2618ft)
Area: Adirondacks, New York
After the morning run up Prospect Mountain, we drove to Indian Lake and had a wonderful few hours exploring the glorious environs in perfect weather. The upper sections of the Hudson river, near its source, give way to picturesque lakes, one of which (Bullhead Pond) we walked to via pristine woodland. After a picnic outside Indian Lake, we drove to Sawyer Mountain, which I ran up - more pristine woodland and a brilliant leg stretcher and Adirondack sampler. A short way beyond the summit, I got the view I wanted, north over the unspoiled wilderness to Snowy Mountain and Wakely Mountain: quintessentially North American. Then it was back to Warrensburg for Elk Sliders, chicken wings and Space IPA.
Area: Adirondacks, New York
After the morning run up Prospect Mountain, we drove to Indian Lake and had a wonderful few hours exploring the glorious environs in perfect weather. The upper sections of the Hudson river, near its source, give way to picturesque lakes, one of which (Bullhead Pond) we walked to via pristine woodland. After a picnic outside Indian Lake, we drove to Sawyer Mountain, which I ran up - more pristine woodland and a brilliant leg stretcher and Adirondack sampler. A short way beyond the summit, I got the view I wanted, north over the unspoiled wilderness to Snowy Mountain and Wakely Mountain: quintessentially North American. Then it was back to Warrensburg for Elk Sliders, chicken wings and Space IPA.
Prospect Mountain run
Peaks: Prospect Mountain (2030ft)
Area: Adirondacks, New York
This little hill essentially marks the start of the Adirondacks, a vast mountain wilderness in upstate New York. It is the first landmark after the endless Hudson plains stretching inland from New York through Albany, and as such has considerable significance, with a road to the top and the remnants of an old cableway. I didn't know any of this, however, and just used it as a brief early morning training run as the closest trail to our motel in Warrensburg (although Kate and I had walked up the even closer Hackensack Mountain the evening before). A strange start from the edge of the resort town of St George, using a covered pedestrian bridge over the freeway, then an intense uphill blast on a big trail through woodland. Very direct initially, until a few rocky twists and turns gain the top of the summit road (29 minutes of running). At the top, lots of picnic tables, car parks, chipmunks, and huge views over Lake George, New York state and the Adirondacks. Very obvious that this marks a transition zone between populated NY state and the near-wilderness of the Adirondacks. I pelted down, back to the car, and back to the hotel for breakfast at 8am and a trip north into the Adirondacks proper.
Area: Adirondacks, New York
This little hill essentially marks the start of the Adirondacks, a vast mountain wilderness in upstate New York. It is the first landmark after the endless Hudson plains stretching inland from New York through Albany, and as such has considerable significance, with a road to the top and the remnants of an old cableway. I didn't know any of this, however, and just used it as a brief early morning training run as the closest trail to our motel in Warrensburg (although Kate and I had walked up the even closer Hackensack Mountain the evening before). A strange start from the edge of the resort town of St George, using a covered pedestrian bridge over the freeway, then an intense uphill blast on a big trail through woodland. Very direct initially, until a few rocky twists and turns gain the top of the summit road (29 minutes of running). At the top, lots of picnic tables, car parks, chipmunks, and huge views over Lake George, New York state and the Adirondacks. Very obvious that this marks a transition zone between populated NY state and the near-wilderness of the Adirondacks. I pelted down, back to the car, and back to the hotel for breakfast at 8am and a trip north into the Adirondacks proper.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Mount Randolph run
Peaks: Mount Randolph (3081ft)
Area: White Mountains, New Hampshire
Storms across New Hampshire yesterday, so my planned assault on the northern Whites had to be curtailed at the tree line after I stretched my legs up the famous Air Line trail, which starts from the road near our motel. We did some excellent family walks in between torrential showers: the Lost Pond from Pinkham notch, and two short trails from Crawford Notch. Today, I left the motel at 6am and ran through atmospheric woodland along the trail to Lookout Ledge. This took far longer than I'd expected, but when I arrived the conditions were fabulous. The night's mist and cloud was burning away and the sun lit the granite ledge as I arrived. Thick cloud remained over the northern Presidentials, but huge views over unbroken forested hills to the east - the Carter Range and Mount Moriah - emerged from light mist. Wonderful ambience with the low morning sun lighting the trees. I then switched to the Crescent Ridge trail up to Mount Randolph, named after our 'home' village. This remains wooded, all rather alien to one accustomed to continual mountain views, but very atmospheric and very North American. As I got higher, I re-entered the mist and could see nothing from the wooded summit. The path wasn't particularly clear, especially when compared to the Air Line, although the markings were adequate and it was all very runnable. I rejoined the Lowe trail and thoroughly enjoyed pelting down it to the Durand road, where I extended the run by another three miles (boreal chickadee, american redstart and other interesting birds). Then it was back to check out of the motel, enjoy a stupendous breakfast at the Water Wheel in Jefferson, and drive to Vermont.
Area: White Mountains, New Hampshire
Storms across New Hampshire yesterday, so my planned assault on the northern Whites had to be curtailed at the tree line after I stretched my legs up the famous Air Line trail, which starts from the road near our motel. We did some excellent family walks in between torrential showers: the Lost Pond from Pinkham notch, and two short trails from Crawford Notch. Today, I left the motel at 6am and ran through atmospheric woodland along the trail to Lookout Ledge. This took far longer than I'd expected, but when I arrived the conditions were fabulous. The night's mist and cloud was burning away and the sun lit the granite ledge as I arrived. Thick cloud remained over the northern Presidentials, but huge views over unbroken forested hills to the east - the Carter Range and Mount Moriah - emerged from light mist. Wonderful ambience with the low morning sun lighting the trees. I then switched to the Crescent Ridge trail up to Mount Randolph, named after our 'home' village. This remains wooded, all rather alien to one accustomed to continual mountain views, but very atmospheric and very North American. As I got higher, I re-entered the mist and could see nothing from the wooded summit. The path wasn't particularly clear, especially when compared to the Air Line, although the markings were adequate and it was all very runnable. I rejoined the Lowe trail and thoroughly enjoyed pelting down it to the Durand road, where I extended the run by another three miles (boreal chickadee, american redstart and other interesting birds). Then it was back to check out of the motel, enjoy a stupendous breakfast at the Water Wheel in Jefferson, and drive to Vermont.
Monday, July 16, 2018
Mount Jefferson traverse
Peaks: Mount Jefferson (5712ft), Mount Clay (5532ft), Mount Washington (6288ft)
Area: White Mountains, New Hampshire
Rather shameful, the first time in three decades of mountain activity that I've used mechanical assistance! But, I did at least run up Washington from the north, and the day's particular circumstances at the start of our US road trip provide three excuses. Storms were forecast tomorrow, there was no way the children would walk up Washington, and we'd driven over from the Maine coast in the morning. The drive up Washington's Auto Road is enjoyable, not particularly stressful by Alpine standards, although in a $50,000 Chrysler the mind was still focused! The tree line is left, reminding me very much of Mont Ventoux, as the open hill is gained: dwarf shrubs and granite boulders. On top, wonderful blue skies although distant views were a tad hazy. Close at hand, however, the Presidential range was very clear, particularly to the north where the more shapely peaks are. We had a picnic away from the hordes on the top, but I had a strong desire to get further away from the crowds, so ran over to Mount Jefferson. This was wonderful, a brief taster of the range. The terrain is rather awkward underfoot, so progress is slower than might be expected: rocky almost throughout. The path contours the sub-peak of Mount Clay to gain low trees and a rocky section at the col below Jefferson. I wasn't even sure what mountain I was on, having made a snap decision based on the appearance of the ridge. I felt quite good though, having just run a gentle acclimatising 5k round Lake Quannapowitt yesterday, and got to the bouldery top of Jefferson in around 50 minutes from Washington. Good views north to Adams and Madison, and down to Randolph - where our motel (called 'Jefferson View') was located. I varied the return, over the deserted top of Mount Clay, just a subpeak of Washington but with good views down into the pronounced Jefferson ravine. Took an unwise direct route back up Washington, which allowed me to partially regain the moral high ground.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Druid fell race
Race: The Druid (8k/1200ft)
Time/Position: 39.33 (6th from 75)
After yesterday's long run, I started at the back of the field tonight, on a very familiar race that I have done many times. As such, I was surprised to feel reasonably good, particularly by the standards of this off-form year, and started to move through the field as the race climbs over Foel Fenlli. There wasn't much to lose with our holiday imminent, so I gave it a real blast on the descent. The race now finishes back at the pub so I didn't have the demoralising experience of comparing my time with previous years!
Time/Position: 39.33 (6th from 75)
After yesterday's long run, I started at the back of the field tonight, on a very familiar race that I have done many times. As such, I was surprised to feel reasonably good, particularly by the standards of this off-form year, and started to move through the field as the race climbs over Foel Fenlli. There wasn't much to lose with our holiday imminent, so I gave it a real blast on the descent. The race now finishes back at the pub so I didn't have the demoralising experience of comparing my time with previous years!
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Carneddau run
Peaks: Drum, Foel Fras, Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Grach, Carnedd Llewellyn, Yr Elen, Moel Faban
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
The cloudless, perfect conditions of recent weeks gave way to dull, misty and more familiar weather as I set off from Aber this morning. Up the Foel Fras race route initially, always a long climb, but every inch of it is familiar and I was glad of the cooler weather. The cloud base flirted with the top of Foel Fras but never quite covered the ridge as I continued along it, feeling better as the morning went on and starting to pick up the pace. I reached the top of Carnedd Llewellyn in 90 minutes, then pelted along to Yr Elen, always one of my favourite Eryri summits. From here, I continued down then cut across to finally get to a water source at the bottom of Cwm Llafur. From here, the terrain was less familiar. I crossed to the track on Gyrn Wigiau, then ploughed across the open moor just above Bethesda to the small col below Moel Faban. From here, perfect runnable tracks contour the Moel Wnion to eventually rejoin the end of the old Foel Fras race route back to Aber. Less than four hours, an excellent circuit.
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
The cloudless, perfect conditions of recent weeks gave way to dull, misty and more familiar weather as I set off from Aber this morning. Up the Foel Fras race route initially, always a long climb, but every inch of it is familiar and I was glad of the cooler weather. The cloud base flirted with the top of Foel Fras but never quite covered the ridge as I continued along it, feeling better as the morning went on and starting to pick up the pace. I reached the top of Carnedd Llewellyn in 90 minutes, then pelted along to Yr Elen, always one of my favourite Eryri summits. From here, I continued down then cut across to finally get to a water source at the bottom of Cwm Llafur. From here, the terrain was less familiar. I crossed to the track on Gyrn Wigiau, then ploughed across the open moor just above Bethesda to the small col below Moel Faban. From here, perfect runnable tracks contour the Moel Wnion to eventually rejoin the end of the old Foel Fras race route back to Aber. Less than four hours, an excellent circuit.
Saturday, July 07, 2018
Raven Crag climbing
Crag: Raven Crag, Langdale
Routes: Revelation (HS 4b:led p.1), Bilberry Buttress (VS 4c,4b:led p.2), Holly Tree Direct (HVS 4b,4c,4b:led p.1)
Just another perfect summer day: sunlit dew as we left the tents in Grasmere, the yellow grass shimmering in the morning sunshine. After a big breakfast, we drove back over to Langdale, and walked in to Raven Crag from the Old Dungeon Ghyll. If I've waited a long time to revisit Gimmer, it's been even longer since I last climbed at Raven Crag: in fact, it was perhaps the second or third venue I ever visited, doing Middlefell Buttress and Evening Wall with the university climbing club in 1990! The crag has more to offer, and we started on the far right hand side with the excellent Revelation, which is well named as it offers a continuous series of big holds. I led the first pitch up a scoop and delicate slab, before Vic led the second which starts up a strenuous slanting crack and continues up easy ground to another short, steep wall taken on big holds: great start. Bilberry Buttress is the classic VS of the crag, at the top end of the grade. The initial crack is off-width, polished and awkward. The second is steeper, demanding some crack technique until some superb finishing holds can be used: surprisingly strenuous for the grade. Vic linked the two together, and I led the top pitch which moves right to another crack, slightly dirty, up to a detached flake and final slab. Finally, we went for Holly Tree Direct, one of the crag's most obvious lines. I combined the first two pitches - initially up a slab which was supposedly 4c but felt easier, and then up a pillar leading to an obvious pinnacle (this bit might have been Original Route). Above, the obvious groove is undercut, so requires a subtle solution which took some figuring out. I had to retrieve Vic's gear from the top of the steep ramp, then downclimb to traverse a steep slab on small holds: with my finger injury, this was difficult. A long step gains the groove, which is easier but sustained VS. The finish traverses left to easier slabs. Jogged back to the car and got home in two hours, the roads deserted as England played in the World Cup quarter final.
Routes: Revelation (HS 4b:led p.1), Bilberry Buttress (VS 4c,4b:led p.2), Holly Tree Direct (HVS 4b,4c,4b:led p.1)
Just another perfect summer day: sunlit dew as we left the tents in Grasmere, the yellow grass shimmering in the morning sunshine. After a big breakfast, we drove back over to Langdale, and walked in to Raven Crag from the Old Dungeon Ghyll. If I've waited a long time to revisit Gimmer, it's been even longer since I last climbed at Raven Crag: in fact, it was perhaps the second or third venue I ever visited, doing Middlefell Buttress and Evening Wall with the university climbing club in 1990! The crag has more to offer, and we started on the far right hand side with the excellent Revelation, which is well named as it offers a continuous series of big holds. I led the first pitch up a scoop and delicate slab, before Vic led the second which starts up a strenuous slanting crack and continues up easy ground to another short, steep wall taken on big holds: great start. Bilberry Buttress is the classic VS of the crag, at the top end of the grade. The initial crack is off-width, polished and awkward. The second is steeper, demanding some crack technique until some superb finishing holds can be used: surprisingly strenuous for the grade. Vic linked the two together, and I led the top pitch which moves right to another crack, slightly dirty, up to a detached flake and final slab. Finally, we went for Holly Tree Direct, one of the crag's most obvious lines. I combined the first two pitches - initially up a slab which was supposedly 4c but felt easier, and then up a pillar leading to an obvious pinnacle (this bit might have been Original Route). Above, the obvious groove is undercut, so requires a subtle solution which took some figuring out. I had to retrieve Vic's gear from the top of the steep ramp, then downclimb to traverse a steep slab on small holds: with my finger injury, this was difficult. A long step gains the groove, which is easier but sustained VS. The finish traverses left to easier slabs. Jogged back to the car and got home in two hours, the roads deserted as England played in the World Cup quarter final.
Friday, July 06, 2018
Gimmer climbing
Crag: Gimmer Crag, Lake District
Routes: Bracket and Slab Direct Start (VS 4b:led), Bracket and Slab (S:led p,3), South East Gully (M:des), Asterisk (VS 4b:sec), D Route (S+:led)
Gimmer is not just one of the best crags in the Lakes, it is one of the best in the UK, with superbly varied climbs of all grades. Puzzling, therefore, that I've only visited once before, with Tim in the 1990s to do the famous crack and a few other routes. This morning, an early start from home saw Vic and I walking in from Stickle Barn before 10am on yet another glorious morning, the grass scorched yellow throughout Langdale as the heatwave continues. It's a long walk-in from here, but gentler than the other approaches, and it exposes the main south-east face brilliantly, with the upper reaches of Langdale below. The walk from this side leads neatly into the routes around Gimmer Chimney, so we started with Bracket and Slab, which features in Classic Rock but was, I think, new to me. I took the direct start, which takes a thin crack up a clean slab and gives a lovely pitch at a mild VS, with some delicate moves and precise footwork: a great start, merging with the second pitch. Vic then led the 'bracket', which traverses an awkward flake to gain a left-slanting groove. I suspect I went slightly off route on the next pitch, traversing right to a long, tricky step to gain a crack leading up to twin chimneys. Vic then led a long final pitch up the easy right hand chimney to gain delightful sun-drenched slabs which led to the top, before an absorbing descent down the South East Gully. This requires some thought and care, a series of rock steps, descending facing in, to an exposed traverse and more tricky downclimbing. After lunch, we moved round to the steeper west face, where Vic led Asterisk. This is a superb pitch: move after move of great climbing on jugs, absorbing and enjoyable throughout. After a recess, the route briefly joins the arete before ploughing directly up on great holds in a great position to a brief crux right at the top. From Ash Tree ledge, the next routes take a bit of working out, but I eventually opted for D Route, which was - to say the least - a good choice. It is delicate initially, with a tricky step left on undercut holds, but this gains the wonderful 'forked lightning crack', which - although rather hidden from below - is one of the lines of the crag. It is simple but brilliant throughout, with abundant protection, up flakes and little pinnacles, all the way to a belay just below the top of the crag: a fantastic three-star combination of routes. We abbed off a big chain to Ash Tree ledge, then traversed across to the top of Asterisk, where an awkward abseil led back to the starting point in the shallow gully. We descended straight down to Mickleden, steep but direct, and walked back along the scorched valley to Stickle Barn. That night, we camped outside the YHA in Grasmere.
Routes: Bracket and Slab Direct Start (VS 4b:led), Bracket and Slab (S:led p,3), South East Gully (M:des), Asterisk (VS 4b:sec), D Route (S+:led)
Gimmer is not just one of the best crags in the Lakes, it is one of the best in the UK, with superbly varied climbs of all grades. Puzzling, therefore, that I've only visited once before, with Tim in the 1990s to do the famous crack and a few other routes. This morning, an early start from home saw Vic and I walking in from Stickle Barn before 10am on yet another glorious morning, the grass scorched yellow throughout Langdale as the heatwave continues. It's a long walk-in from here, but gentler than the other approaches, and it exposes the main south-east face brilliantly, with the upper reaches of Langdale below. The walk from this side leads neatly into the routes around Gimmer Chimney, so we started with Bracket and Slab, which features in Classic Rock but was, I think, new to me. I took the direct start, which takes a thin crack up a clean slab and gives a lovely pitch at a mild VS, with some delicate moves and precise footwork: a great start, merging with the second pitch. Vic then led the 'bracket', which traverses an awkward flake to gain a left-slanting groove. I suspect I went slightly off route on the next pitch, traversing right to a long, tricky step to gain a crack leading up to twin chimneys. Vic then led a long final pitch up the easy right hand chimney to gain delightful sun-drenched slabs which led to the top, before an absorbing descent down the South East Gully. This requires some thought and care, a series of rock steps, descending facing in, to an exposed traverse and more tricky downclimbing. After lunch, we moved round to the steeper west face, where Vic led Asterisk. This is a superb pitch: move after move of great climbing on jugs, absorbing and enjoyable throughout. After a recess, the route briefly joins the arete before ploughing directly up on great holds in a great position to a brief crux right at the top. From Ash Tree ledge, the next routes take a bit of working out, but I eventually opted for D Route, which was - to say the least - a good choice. It is delicate initially, with a tricky step left on undercut holds, but this gains the wonderful 'forked lightning crack', which - although rather hidden from below - is one of the lines of the crag. It is simple but brilliant throughout, with abundant protection, up flakes and little pinnacles, all the way to a belay just below the top of the crag: a fantastic three-star combination of routes. We abbed off a big chain to Ash Tree ledge, then traversed across to the top of Asterisk, where an awkward abseil led back to the starting point in the shallow gully. We descended straight down to Mickleden, steep but direct, and walked back along the scorched valley to Stickle Barn. That night, we camped outside the YHA in Grasmere.
Tuesday, July 03, 2018
Cagliari run
A post-GCSE mini-adventure with Morgan, and - not wishing to push him too far - I left for a pre-breakfast run on the morning of our second day. I'd hoped to run along the obvious headland to the south of our flat in eastern Cagliari, but that proved problematic, so instead I ran along the harbour edge then along excellent cycle paths past the huge football ground, a venue famously used in Italia 90 (now defunct, I think). A further path by a major road leads to the Montargius lagoons, where I could see distant flamingos and nearby gull-billed terns. Excellent running along canal paths. Back to wake my companion for breakfast at the cafe near our apartment, before enjoying a splendid day trip to Iglesias in the Sardinian interior.
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