Leg Six : Cape Wrath Trail - 2016 [Kinlochbervie to the Cape]

10-11th August 2016

Distance : 26km

Height : 750m

Time : 7hours

First view of the lighthouse (telephoto) not long after leaving Blairmore

In 2015's stage, I successfully finished at Kinlochbervie after walking over Foinaven and down the Loch Inchard road. This meant that 2016 would be fairly straightforward from an 'effort' point of view, with not much distance to cover to complete.

I decided to incorporate the final leg within a family holiday to the North-West in a campervan. This would hopefully allow me the freedom required at this stage. However, things were slightly complicated by me being the sole driver...

We departed the Clachtoll campsite near Lochinver and drove to Durness (Sango Sands campsite) via Handa Island. Arriving at 2pm meant I had an hour or so to pack the rucksack and check my overnight gear. I also made three phonecalls. Firstly to the MOD to check whether the Cape Wrath range would be operating the next day. It wasn't. Secondly, to John, the ferryman for the Kyle of Durness - yes he would be working. Finally to James, the bus driver to ask what time the first bus from the lighthouse would be leaving. This was the important call - it would determine my walking schedule. John told me 11:30am would be the departure time.

Off to the Durness Visitor Centre for the 15:40 bus to Kinlochbervie. The driver pulled in with his bike trailer clanking. This was the same bus and driver who had collected me in 2015 from Kinlochbervie and returned me to my car at Inchnadamph. We rattled off to Kinlochbervie, patiently negotiating the single track road from Durness to Rhiconich. I jumped out at the pier, he wished me luck and after setting the watch, I headed north.

Onwards to Sandwood

The wind was quite keen so I had to zip up and wore gloves as I walked the road through Oldshoremore and then Blairmore to the car park for Sandwood. I had last been here in 2000 when it was a whole lot smaller. There was a cafe now, toilets and at least thirty parked vehicles. It was about 6pm by now and there were many walkers arriving back from Sandwood looking like they'd had a good day.

I had a feeling of smug satisfaction to be walking in the opposite direction at this time of day and made sure to greet them all as I passed on the track. It was clear the John Muir Trust have tried to improve the track, but not enough to make it a simple motorway.

After another hour or so and passing 37 other walkers (yes I counted!), the bay came into view and I wandered down through the dunes to the sand. The wind was blowing from the north-west straight into the bay with some huge breakers crashing onto the shore. The tide was out, but the water was still trying hard to stay on the land.

I walked north along the sand, enjoying the wonderful sense of solitude here. Sandwood really is a special place and I was happy to find it still invoked the same wonder I felt 16years earlier. Soon enough, I reached the outflow from Sandwood Loch curving across the sand to the sea. Just as I was deciding on the best place to cross, I noticed a large tent in the dunes from which a family of three and a dog emerged.

Sandwood evening stroll

They had wellies so made light work of the river crossing. I had to remove my boots and socks (not for the first time in the past 5 outings!) and waded to the other side. In my bare feet, I continued walking along the sand after a quick glance at the map to make sure I wasn't going to a dead end against cliffs. After a couple of hundred metres or so, with the boots back on I left the beach and climbed up the hill beside the Amhainn Strath Chailleach. It was a significant river and I vaguely recall reading about previous accounts of it being impassable. I made sure to cross at the earliest opportunity and then followed it inland for another fifteen minutes until the land flattened out into a wide strath.

It was now about 8.30pm so I decided to pitch my tent on some very tussocky ground near the river. After cooking and eating some food (pasta) which required some nursing of the stove in the breeze, I wandered up to a nearby knoll for a look back towards Am Buachaille at the south end of Sandwood. The sky was clearing of clouds and I worried if the wind dropped, it was going to be a cold night.

As expected, I shivered through the night in my lightweight sleeping bag only to be awake by 3am tossing and turning trying to stay warmish. At 5.30am I gave up and with the light of the sun brightening the flysheet, decided to start the day. My estimates on the map suggested only a couple of hours walking to reach the lighthouse from here, so 11:30am felt like a long way away. I would take it slowly.

By 6.30 I was on my way, sunglasses on the head as I was walking almost directly into the early morning north-easterly sun.

The moor between Sandwood and the Cape was a lonely but beautiful place studded with wee lochans

Soon enough, I reached the fence-line marking the boundary of the MOD area beside the Keisgaig River. I took heed of the warnings not to "Pick up suspicious objects". Looking at the land ahead, I decided I would climb one final peak before the end of my walk and altered direction slightly to the east to the domed summit of Cnoc a' Ghiubhais (298m). The map suggested cairns on the top - and there was a huge one on the main summit constructed of sandstone blocks. I wondered if the military had been involved.

From this viewpoint I was to finally see the north coast sweeping west to the Cape and then turning south. The blue sky was striated with high-level cloud being whipped by the wind. The end was in sight!

The end is in sight! (under my right elbow)

It was 8.30am. I had about 5km to go to the lighthouse so sat down in the lee of the wind for some food and thought over the whole walk.

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Although I hadn't walked the whole route in one expedition, I felt an enormous sense of achievement in reaching this point. The logistics of arranging transport at either end of each section were fun to plan but the most enjoyable aspect of planning was finding a route. This 'trail' is not your average long-distance footpath. It is unmarked and there is no optimum line. With the publication of various guidebooks and websites, there is a popular route appearing but I was able to ignore that. I wanted to incorporate hill summits where possible, Corbetts preferably. I had compleated the Munros in 2011 and had changed my focus to the Corbetts soon after. Conveniently, there were several Corbetts not far from the traditional Trail.

The Geograph website had been my most valuable resource for researching a route by providing me a vague idea of whether I'd be wallowing in peat-hags or if a river was likely to be crossable.

I had used Citylink buses, Scotrail trains, local buses and the D&E Durness Bike Bus to get to my start/finish points. Sadly I hadn't resorted to hitch-hiking but that would have added too much unreliability to my tight schedules. Time was limited and I didn't want to be waiting beside a Highland road longer than necessary.

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After some photographs from the cairn, I reluctantly continued north. No need to look at the map now - everything was laid before me. A little short of the lighthouse road, my boots became wet for the first time on this leg. That was fairly incredible to believe, but the ground was dry and since I was taking my time, I'd been able to choose the best lines. I walked on the rough tarmac for a few hundred metres before leaving it and climbing up to one last bump at Dunan Mor (163m) where the lighthouse came into view.

The lighthouse from Dunan Mor

The weather was changing now with clouds thickening from the north and as I wandered around the delapidated complex I felt some dots of rain. The cliffs of the Cape were impressive and I marvelled at the nesting sea birds far below. At 10:30am I heard the low hum of an engine in the distance and then spotted the first minibus chugging along the road in 2nd gear.

The minibus approaches.

Tourists disgorged towards the light; some went into the Ozone Cafe which had sprung to life in one of the adjacent buildings. I patiently waited for the bus to leave and take me back to civilisation and the end of my journey.

Pentland Skyline

I ran this route twice in 2015; once in Easter then later at the end of August. I decided it was time to try another attempt. With Strava I could compare the three attempts to check fitness levels.

The traditional Skyline route start and finishes at Hillend, passing over Caerketton and then Allermuir (twice). But all of my attempts were from Flotterstone, so ~3km shorter with one less hill. On the map it makes for a much more logical route.

Cloudy but warm at 19° I parked at Flotterstone at 4pm when the car park was starting to clear of day trippers. Shoes on, a final swig of water and the watch was started. 

The climb up Turnhouse was uneventful - 18mins, managed to run on anything that wasn't steep. No stop at the top, just passed straight over and down to the col and onto Carnethy. No stop, then down to the next col running fast on the descent feeling good. On the climb to Scald Law I was in the zone with my mind wandering. Dropping off Scald Law I passed a couple of women heading over from South Black Hill. Checked the watch - 49mins. I knew my last attempt took 68mins to West Kip, and was now certain I could beat that. I cranked up the pace over East Kip and horsed to West Kip in 58mins. Happy Days! 

Stopping for a break, I gobbled some peanuts and water before taking a couple of pictures

The view east from West Kip back along the ridge.

Dropping off West Kip,the segment fever grabbed me and I descended as fast as possible to the Drove Road getting a PB on the way. Just before reaching the track, I tripped on a tussock and fell head over heels into a bog. 

Onto the track, I continued the jog, passing a couple of walkers who I'd seen on the summit of West Kip earlier. Onto Hare Hill, still running everything I could until the path deteriorated into wet bogland and moss on the descent to Green Cleugh. I was expecting wet feet, but not as bad as this on the descent. Into Green Cleugh, the summer bracken guarded the rough mudside down to the marsh in the base of the pass. From above I had seen traces of squashed grass about 10m to the south of the wall-line and decided to follow it. Not a good plan - soon I was splashing knee deep through copper coloured watery mud to stumble onto the track on the far side. Oh the joys. 

Up through the avenue of bracken onto Black Hill and more knee deep heather slowing progress. The descent off Black Hill was not too bad, the path is improving until a couple of hundred metres above Den's Cleugh when it disappears and I had to weave a way through the bracken and flies. 

I climbed slow and steady onto Bell's Hill, starting to feel the pace now, 2hrs in. Plodded down to Maiden's Cleugh and over Harbour Hill. the descent to Phantom's Cleugh made my legs feel like jelly and the leap over one of the wee streams was an effort. 

At the summit of Capelaw, I collapsed to the ground for some more nuts & water 2hrs 22mins. 

I struggled to get going again for the run down to the Red Road and ascent to Allermuir. Really peching now. I knew my best time between Allermuir and Castlelaw was 11mins, didnt think that was under threat now as I slogged along the track over Fala Knowe past a cyclist coming up from Castlelaw Farm. 

On the final climb to Castlelaw I had to stop for a breather - unusual but allowed me to have a quick glance at the view and the kilometres under the feet. The red flag on the summit was blowing indicating activity at the firing range below. I descended the loose hill side to the track and jogged slowly down to the farm passing the hill fort. My knees and feet were hurting now. 

In the gloaming I spotted three or four groups of soldiers carrying large packs and weapons. Some were wearing coloured bibs, I guessed it was some sort of exercise. Through the gate behind the farm and then down to the tarmac at Glencorse. It was 2hr57min on the watch. I had thought the 3hr mark might be achievable so kept glancing at the watch on the final jog back to the car. 3hr01.

Moffat Festival of Running 2016

I stumbled across this race on the excellent Scottish Running Guide directory (where I find most of my races!). Looking for something in July that would fit my schedule.

This one was advertised as a 15km 'hill' race as part of the annual gala celebrations in Moffat. I found a video on YouTube that displayed the course - it did look good fun:

With a 7.15pm start on a Tuesday evening, I could leave work at the end of the day and drive down the M74 in time. All looked good.

The day arrived and after an uneventful drive, arrived at Moffat one hour before the race start. I parked the car on the way into the town centre just before the kids' race passed by. I walked into the town centre to register and pick up my number before returning to the car to change out of my work clothes.

At 7pm I headed back towards The Ram, a famous statue in the high street that marked the start location. There was a noisy atmosphere with a lot of chatting and nervous laughter from other competitors. I soon noticed there was a good number of running vests around, more than other races this year. Many were club vests. "Aye Aye" I thought, a bit of a serious feel to this race...

At the start

There was a 5-4-3-2-1 countdown by a woman with a loudspeaker before a gala attendant blew a hooter for the start and off we went. As per usual, a cracking pace to begin up the high street north.

Soon enough we left the Edinburgh Road and onto the single track road towards Ericstane. The first mile clicked past - 6min35 - whoah too fast. But the field spread out and I found myself in a group of four; three men, one wearing Vibram Five Finger shoes slapping his way up the road. One woman keeping silent but with a graceful running style.

I tried hard to keep the pace, but gradually over the first 6km slipped back until I was alone in my reverie as we left the tarmac. The race itself is in three parts: from the entry central page: "the first 3.75 miles undulates with a subtle but gradual rise of 350 feet.  This is followed by the most challenging part of the route, just under one mile of steep track rising 550 feet.  Care should be taken here with the track being stony and uneven in places.  On reaching the top, there is a spectacular 4.6 mile downhill descent back into Moffat town centre on the A701."

The hill at Ericstane was definitely the crux of the route with everyone reduced to walking some sections. With the early evening sun low in the sky, we actually ascended into the light. I ran when I could, but could not sustain a pace much faster than walking. Eventually I could see the A701 ahead and salvation from the ascent.

Onto the tarmac again and DOWN!!! All the way back to Moffat. Athletes were all spaced widely which made for a pleasant run, but once again I suffered cramps in my right side which caused me to slow the pace.

A crowd surrounded the finish line which I crossed in 1hr 9mins. 58/218.

7hills Challenge 26th June 2016

Waterloo Place, before the sun came out

Finally, after 10years of living on the route, the planets coincided and we got our chance to compete in this iconic race. The premise is simple; start on Calton Hill, run over 6 hills of Edinburgh in order and return to Calton Hill. No set route, you choose but you must pass in the right order.

As we arrived early on the hill, before registration had opened, the weather was cool (12C) with an easterly breeze. We got our bearings and joined forces with Andy & Anja to gather thoughts and selfies.

09:45 arrived, we gathered at the start, and odd start location in the long grass on a slope and with a 5-4-3-2-1 we were off with a cheer. 290 runners.

The Castle passed in a flash, the only short cut option being the arcades onto Cockburn Street. My last recce up the High Street had been marred by coaches of tourists spilling out to the Castle. Thankfully our strength in numbers this time meant some more of a running thoroughfare and after a quick paper punch, I was off down Johnston Terrace.

I overtook a pair of blokes in Bread Street and then didn't see any other competitors for a while. Something was up.

At Roseburn the run up Murrayfield Gardens felt lonely, and at the top I decided to go straight on along Lennel Avenue to Ravelston Dykes rather than left along Campbell Avenue. As I joined RD, another runner passed in front of me. Rats!!

I followed him up Corstorphine Hill  between the golf course and as I reached the tower, I overheard a marshall saying I was in 4th position! Happy Days! Returning to the meadow on the descent, there was now a train of runners - must keep going.

I reached the car park, some dog walkers looked like they were waiting for me to pass left down the track - obviously the other 3 had gone that way. I went my own way down Kaimes Road and was soon on their heels at Old Kirk Road. A hairy crossing of Glasgow Road and then at the cyclepath I passed the mother-in-law who was out to photograph us.

Through Carrick Knowe, Stenhouse and Chesser we were a steady 4 although I could see the fellow in 2nd slowing and being caught by 3. The sun burst through near here and on went the shades. At the Allan Park steps we both caught 2 and overtook him. I was now in 3rd.

Past the tennis courts at Craiglockhart, and then up the tree roots. The guys in 1 and 2 went up the right hand side of the slope, I went left (the way I had gone on recce) and suddenly I was in the lead!

To be First up Craiglockhart felt weird, and a great welcome from the marshalls. Grabbed some gummy bears and stuffed in my mouth before hurtling down to Greenbank and the water station for my first drink.

Through Braidburn Valley Park and left onto Braid Road. The steps up to the hotel were a killer and if I hadn't heard the panting of number 2 behind me I would have stopped for a breather. At the top of the road, the water station was still setting up, I didn't stop but just thanked them for volunteering. Onwards to the summit, a quick stamp and then across the golf course.

As I crossed the fairway, a golf ball bounced along the ground in front of me - quick! run faster and get off this place. Number 2 was on my tail, but didn't seem to be gaining; I wondered if he was just using me and waiting for the final straight to streak past.

I found the Gorse Gutter easily enough and with my trail shoes made light work of it bursting out into the light on Braid Road where a group of mothers and bairns stood waiting at the top of the Lang Linn with a banner for Daddy. Sharp right long the Burn and down to the bridge to pass a load of dogwalkers blocking the way.

Immediately I stopped to walk the Blackford ascent. Number 2 caught me up. Asking him how he was doing I then confirmed my suspicion - he had come all the way up Ravelston Dykes. That meant (since he was going at my pace) that Haymarket is no quicker. I veered off right for the Black-Murray alternative ascent to Blackford - aka the avoidance of the sleeper staircase. Walking and jogging I got out of the trees onto the meadows and saw a huge contingent of supporters/marshalls on the summit. No sign of Number 2.

With 50metres to go he appeared at the trig point to a cheer of applause. Rats again!! However, as I reached the trig, he opted for some water - I opted out and headed off the hill to laughter from the marshalls.

As I approached the infamous Allotment gate my right upper quadrant pain started. Down the steps, a wave to the camera and then a bit of wandering through, not quite sure where I was going. Along West Savile Terrace the pain worsened and I felt my pace dropping. But number 2 was not gaining.

Up Mayfield and past the Cigs, I was definitely flagging. I chose to cross to the east side and doubled over for a 10second break. Meanwhile number 2 continued up the west side. I watched him pass. He was not looking good either, a very slow pace. At Duncan St I passed him again and got across Minto Street just as the lights changed.

In Blacket Place, Susan(?) from the Parkrun shouted support and told us the water station was "Just round the corner!". And so it was, I ran up Dalkeith Road the water in sight.

Two cups and a bit of banter with the marshall, number 2 appeared for some drink too. On we plodded past the Commy and then at the entrance to Pollok Halls, the ground started to rumble, the air crackled and the lightning whoosh of the race leader whizzed past. "Och well," I said, "that's not too bad, I was expecting to be caught about Craiglockhart!".

Hill 6, just after the race leader passed into the distance

I couldn't run any further after the grass, and the stone stairs up Arthur's Seat were really tough going. I just wanted to stop and sit. But the panting of Number 2 was still there and I kept going. "Out the way slow people!" I felt as I squeezed past other hill climbers who had as much right as me to be there.

A few steps short of the left turn I realised Number 2 was no longer behind me. Aha! He's finally succumbed to my stonking pace. But it was not to be. He had gone up the gully, and was just reaching the foot of the final summit dome as I started the traverse left. Rats!! Again!

The summit was hard won, but the rising wind a pleasant cooler. I looked over my shouder and noticed a baldy fellow in a white t-shirt approaching fast. Another racer I presumed.

Me punching on Arthur's Seat, oblivious to the fact I was now in 4th position

Down to the Dry Dam path. Number 2 was 100m ahead now and running hard on the descent. The path was very busy, the busiest I've seen it when running and I had to herald my approach a few times to clear a path. Another racer passed.

As the path levelled out and turned left towards the Parliament my calves started to twitch with cramp which was quite unsettling. Thankfully it looked like Number 2 was suffering the same effect and soon enough I was alongside him talking about cramp as we ran past Holyrood and I overtook again.

More racers streaked past into Calton Road. I kept going up to the footpath which I was looking forward to as a walking break. Near the spot of the path where I'd normally start running again, another competitor passed and we both agreed it was too late to run. I automatically assumed he was a racer, but I now know he was a Challenger...

Up the final hill to Calton, lots of runners passing now. I was spent. They were gone round the corner out of sight.

Onto the grass, a final burst of energy and the adrenaline of the finish led me to the line.

What a race. I loved it. 5th position.

Thanks to Number 2 (whoever you were*) for keeping me going.

*I think he was Simon Beckett #322.

Post Script...Having now reviewed photographs captured around the route, I now see Number 2 and I both dropped to 3 & 4 on the Arthur's seat climb. And then I dropped from 3 to 5 about two hundred metres from the finish.

Next time...I would change three sections of the route:

1. Braidburn Valley Park
2. Blackford Hill
3. Arthur's Seat

The Challenge results are in and I can now reveal that the runner in 4th (5th) position is....

Highlander Mountain Marathon 2016 [The Final Fling]

Day Two, emerging from the cloud above Strathfarrar

In April 2014, Sally and I had competed in our first Mountain Marathon together, held in the hills around Glenfinnan. The weather had been spectacular and made for a wonderful weekend romping over the rough hills either side of the Mallaig road. We came 12th overall in the C class event, which for a first time team we were very happy with.

In April 2015, we tried to do it again and drove all the way to the start line at Elphin in Assynt. However, the weather was against us and freezing temperatures combined with driving wind and snow made for an ominous feeling at registration. As we stood in the queue for the minibus to the start, we both looked at each other from under our already soaking hoods...and binned it :-(

2016 came round and we were determined to compete again. Thankfully the planners had chosen June for the event so at least (we hoped) there would be no snow! Our training went reasonably well, both completing the Marcothon in December 2015 provided a decent foundation of fitness on which to build. We had a good two days in the Ben Alder forest in May testing out gear and navigation. We managed to get over four Munros and a Corbett in reasonable time. Unfortunately Sally suffered from a respiratory issue for the weeks leading up to the HMM, and I stupidly over did it on a walk in the Blackmount on the 30th May (26km, 2600m ascent, 10hrs). By the time Saturday 4th June arrived, we were both operating at ~85% of capacity....

Gear

I had ditched my coldest gear (spare gloves/balaclava/down gilet) and had bought a very lightweight windproof jacket (Mammut Ultimate Jacket) to replace my Haglofs heavier fleece. We took the Vango Banshee tent again (for comfort) but I took my ridiculously light (and thin) Mountain Equipment sleeping bag with a silk liner. We both decided to take poles; there wasn't much of a decision to make. We can be the bumblies with poles. I opted to run in shorts, but packed tights for the overnight (and potential windy summits). Sally carried the food, I carried the tent and stove. We both carried midge nets!

Day One

We drove into Cannich at 07:15 on the Saturday morning, directed to the church to park the car. The weather was heavily overcast, with no wind. Changing into our Fellraisers at the back of the car, the midges began to bite. After registration in the village hall, we boarded the 08:00 bus (one was due to leave every 30mins) and set off. Cannich is the access point for three major glens - Affric, Mullardoch and Farrar, but still we were unsure where we were going. 

In April 2009 when I was trying to gather up my remaining Munros, I passed through Strathfarrar and spotted a huge white marquee tent set up on a flat area of grass halfway down the glen. There didn't seem to anyone around. Later research revealed it was the site of the 2009 HMM. With this knowledge, I guessed the HMM might be returning to the same location for its final fling. 

The bus didn't turn left down Affric, nor right to head for Struy at Strathfarrar, instead it chose the middle road and headed up Mullardoch. Twenty-five minutes later we stopped just short of the dam for a brief walk up the tarmac to the start pens. 

On the hillside to the north of the dam, we could see many teams already striding purposefully across the heather in all directions. The cloud base was at about 350m, only one hundred metres above. After a final kit check to fasten straps,buckles and laces, we dibbed in the Clear thingy before pacing to the start and the clock started. 

I chose to plot only the first two CPs - and quickly realised we'd be heading for Strathfarrar to the same mid-camp spot as 2009. Happy days!! 

The first CP was easy to find above the dam, but the next was going to be trickier. Logic told me to follow the ridgeline over the hill even if it meant ascending higher than necessary, but with very poor visibility due to the cloud, it would be an easier nav. And so it turned out, many other teams were doing the same and we pursued a pair of men all the way to 800m.

The sky brightened and suddenly we emerged from the cloud at 850m to observe a cloud inversion all the way to the Strathfarrar Munros to the north. But alas, within minutes we had descended into the cloud again to find CP#2 at  a stream junction.

Our route to CP#3 was not great, and I think I hurried the nav for this leg so that we were dragged with the fall of the ground rather than heading the in the right compass direction. It was very difficult in the poor visibility. At about 400m we emerged below the cloud and could see a sparse forest below. That placed us on the map and we made 45° direction change to eventually reach the CP#3.

Down through the forest to CP#4 on a Knoll at 250m, now racing with two other teams stepping on groundfall branches and twigs. At the CP, Sally had to adjust her shoe and apply a Compeed.

Looking at the map for the next CP, we could see it was across the other side of the glen and the easiest route would be to follow the obvious tracks on the map. There was a more direct route, but it would be through more heather and tussocks - to be avoided!

Crossing the River Farrar was via a ford (thanks to Nick Brown for recording the moment!)

Crossing the River Farrar - cool feet!

As we started the ascent of the north side of the glen, we were passed by two runners slogging their way up the hill. Very impressive. We grabbed a cup of water crossing the Allt Toll a Mhuic and then another 2km to CP#5. Time for some food and we stuffed some nuts & chocolate down our necks. Meanwhile two or three teams passed through the CP...I was champing at the bit so got on their tail as soon as we could.

We then climbed Gob a Chairn to the Munro top of Creag Ghorm a Bhealaich up a long easy angled grassy slope. Superb underfoot conditions, but the sun was beating down and without a breeze it was slightly sweaty. A mixed team in front of us were struggling; well, the male member was struggling and the female heroically took his pack and carried it up the hill on her front! What a woman!!

The view from the summit was stupendous, now that the cloud layer had burnt off, and I could see our next CP was going to require a ridge walk for a km or so.

The ridge east to Sgurr a Choire Ghlais

At the bealach before the next climb, we stopped for more food and then contoured around the west side of Sgurr a Choire Ghlais. Dropping down the south ridge we managed a trot on the grass, but were passed by a fast running male team just as we were spotting a route to descend into Coire Mhuillidh where the next CP was located.

A drink and refuel at the busy CP; teams on our route, others appearing from the south. As with the HMM in 2014, there was a long section of contouring near the end of day one, and so it transpired. The terrain was not kind and I found it difficult finding a decent line. There were actually teams above us and below all following different contours, but generally heading in the same direction. The teams below us were making faster progress.

Eventually we reached the penultimate CP of the day and then quickly headed down to the Allt Choire Mhuillidh where there was a bridge marked. I could just see the teams that had overtaken us on the contouring scouting back and forth near the river. So we headed in their general direction. Soon enough I spotted a hydro dam in the defile below, but 20m further upstream in the trees (literally) was a wooden footbridge - happy days!!

On the far bank we joined a LR track and we trotted down the hill to the final CP two hundred metres short of the finish.

Overnight Camp

As expected, the camp was on the flat grassy expanse near the outflow of Loch a Mhuillidh. The marquee tent was twice the size as in 2014 with food & beer on tap. At the road bridge over the river, two signs marked upstream for drinking water, downstream for washing. Competitors in lycra stood and sat in the water washing salt and sweat from their bodies. As the sun descended, the wind rose, at least the midges were absent, but it was a bit parky. The ceilidh burst to life at about 8.30, but I was asleep by 9.30, drowsing to the hum of the generator interspersed by the whoops of the flingers. 

We were awake at 5.45, packed by 6.15, in the marquee by 6.25, queuing for bacon butties, breakfasted by 6.50, in the MASSIVE queue for bogs at 7. One difference between 2014 and 2016 - there seemed to be fewer bogs, and with more competitors, made for some long queues. 

Day Two

The start was located on One Tree Hill or Tom a Mhein on the map, a wonderful spot to start the day amongst the midges and heather. 

One Tree Hill (day two start). Thanks to Simon Caldwell. 

Since we all started within 30mins of each other between 7am and 7.30am, there was a different feel to the day, with several trains developing and after two CPs it was clear who we were competing against. The climb out of the glen to the south was bloody awful. Loose and muddy, midgy, mild and thick clag. But at 500m as with day one, we emerged from the cloud into bright sunshine to CP#3. 

Sgur na Diollaid lay between us and the next CP. Knowing it was a Corbett that I hadn't climbed forced my hand. Even if the optimum line was a lower level contour, I had to climb it. 

Sgurr na Diollaid

The peak itself is actually two rocky tops, the western one had a CP on it, not sure which class, but it wasn't ours! The rest of the route for day two was fairly straightforward, and with the train ahead of us, we just ensured we kept our place. At CP#4, there was a choice of routes to CP#5 - along and up, or up and along. Defying the train ahead, we chose up and along. It turned out to be the right choice as we reached CP#5 ahead of the train we'd been following, and ahead of team C11. Sadly our decision to eat some food resulted in the train overtaking us here and we were on catch up again. 

The last three CPs were mostly contouring, not a lot of ascent and with the dry ground made for decent progress. The final descent off the hill was a delight - we picked up a good LR track at about 400m and trotted down it passing many teams still walking. At the road at 60m was the penultimate CP and then a 1km slog along the tarmac to the finish in a dusty car park outside the village hall. A bit different from the Glenfinnan railway viaduct in 2014!! 

Overall we were pleased with our result, 15th in C. 12:04:53, and with our new found veteran age (combined 91!), we were 2nd placed Mixed Vet team in Class C! Almost certainly the fastest team with poles. Is there a category for that? I think we could maybe have skimmed 20mins off the time on day one, but day two we were at maximum (apart from the chosen Corbett diversion!) The weather had made the event special and apart from CP#3 on day one, the navigation had been straightforward. 

Very sad that it is the final event for the HMM but glad we were involved in the last three. I would be gutted if I had only competed in 2016. 

Balmoral 10K

Saturday morning I drove up the A93 in cold temperatures to arrive in Braemar in a full snow storm. When I'd finally reached the car parking field at Balmoral, the snow had turned to rain.

There was a running festival over the Saturday and Sunday. The 10K was only a small part of the event so there were many runners and families coming and going. I got changed in the car park and wandered to the start passing by the front of the Castle.

Balmoral

Behind the start line, markers were laid out to group runner in their expected finish times : 35mins, 40, 45, 50, 55 etc. I lined up at 45 and was relieved to see some other old duffers like me.

Balmoral 10K start

The first 3.5km followed the river Dee through the forest and a light snow snow shower coated the wobbling lycra. There were a few kilted runners bravely lollopping past; I was impressed. Soon enough, the killer hill began and we turned left away from the river to climb steeply up a loose gravel track for about a kilometre. At the summit of the climb, a pair of bagpipers heralded our passing and the RAF cadets served out water. Then it was a fast descent back towards the Castle, past the walled garden and a U-turn along the front of the castle to the finish. 

45m10s 133/1734

Kilomathon 2016

Next on the schedule was the Edinburgh Kilomathon...13.1km (odd distance) starting at Ocean Terminal and finishing at Murrayfield Stadium.

On Sunday 20th March it dawned bright and dry. I jogged to the bus and arrived at Ocean Terminal by 8am where I stood in the doorway of the shopping centre enjoying the warm sun though the windows. There was actually a keen easterly wind which made standing about outside for a long time slightly uncomfortable.

With a few minutes to go, I headed to the start pen for my estimated time. There was banging music playing and a great atmosphere. Off we went round the back of the shops and past Brittania, soon to join the North Edinburgh Cycle Path for a couple of km to Victoria Park. Some contrived looping round the park until rejoining the cycle path and continuing to Murrayfield. Then through Roseburn Park and into the Stadium complex for some more odd route weaving to extend the distance. (Not a great event). Finally a wee sprint beside the pitch along the west stand.

56m34s.

Strava route