St Cuthberts Way

After a long break from doing support back up for Scott we ended up doing one of those last minute things as the weather forcast was looking good for that weekend. Scott got in touch friday to see if I was up for it and with permission from she who must be obeyed got the go ahead. The plan was to run (Scott only ) St Cuthberts way over the two days:-http://www.stcuthbertsway.fsnet.co.uk/ .
This time had I had no idea of distance and any support points so on a wing and a prayer set off for Scott's place Friday evening for a early start Saturday morning.So up early Saturday we set off for the starting point at Melrose abbey.

Melrose abbey

Today's destination was a B&B in Kirk Yetholm which as most people know is the finishing point of the Pennine Way.Support points were going to be difficult to sort out due to lack of time as I love to plan these things out and get the fun off playing support.Scott would be " running" away from access roads for me to get the car near so it was first thought of meeting north of Jedburgh . Scott thought about it and rightly said it would be best if I just went to Kirk Yetholm and had a wonder up the hills.We agreed I would find a location on the trail near the road to leave a drop bag as early in the run he would be going through places with "shops".After a coffee in Melrose Scott set off up the hill and I drove off to find a good place for a drop bag.

one of the many way points.

I sent a text to Scott telling where he would find his drop bag and set off for Kirk Yetholm via a place called Morebattle and from then on the fun started for me.It was a lovely clear , cold ,dry day but snow had played a visit through the night in this area and the small lanes were untreated so I crawled along until I ended up parked out side the border hotel.I had planned a "little jog" myself but as I had trouble just standing up in my trainers changed into walking boots and headed up the hill on St Cuthberts Way which at this point is the final part of the Pennine Way.

rather slippy for running or driving

 

I headed up the hill out of the village heading for the Cheviot hills and after a mile and a bit headed off the road and up the trail.

Pennine way nice but very cold

I walked a few miles over the tops but after taking a few photo's with my gloves off found I had lost use of my fingers LoL. The visibilty was fantastic and it was a good place to be never mind how cold it was on the ridge.

on the ridge

looking north

I turned to head back off the ridge and really felt the cold as I was head on to a strong wind . On the way down I met a couple walking up and they were saying what a great day it was to be wondering about the hills to which I agreed.Arriving back to the car and dumping my pack in the boot I just could not resist the temptation of the smoking chimney and the thought of a beer.There is a new plaque on the wall at the entrance to the bar marking it as the start of the across Scotland route to Cape Wrath and I was told it was going to be officially unveiled next weekend so I expect Cameron McNeish will be there.
I was now waiting for Scott to show up and praying like mad he did not want picked up anywhere as I was on my second pint and driving was out.Scott arrived in due time got changed in the gents and we settled by the fire for a couple of drinks.I had booked a table for a proper meal for later so we just left the car and walked down to the B&B a short distance away.Returned later for more beer and food and some great banter with the locals.( I wont mention the rugby but being the borders a good mixed group were propping the bar up.)

and why not

and him

The forcast for the next day was several  degrees warmer so could be boggy if it was all melted so we turned in for the night.
Day Two
After a very full breakfast we had a quick plan of the day and we agreed to meet in Wooler for a coffee. went back up to the car before Scott headed off up the hill where I was the day before and I set off for Wooler.

saw this on the way

I ended up killing time in town then walked up the "way" to see if I could meet up with Scott who arrived soon after I got there so it was a quick dash back into Wooler for a coffee and scone as we wanted to get out to holy Island before the tide came in.Topped Scott's water bottles up and off he set I was going to find my way to St Cuthberts cave which he would be running past so we could have a refuel station and I would be having a break .Glad I had the smart phone as finding my way along the small lanes was not easy but eventually I found where to park and set out on my walk to the cave.It was very boggy in places and I wondered how Scott would be getting on in the mud as you could not run in it.
I found the caves easy and as it was sheltered from now a strong wind I setup shop and had a chill out waiting for Scott.

A sheltered St Cuthberts cave

Scott turned up and had a quick refuel as Lindisfarne was a must  by now, only problem we had was only small hamlets on the way so no shops for me to get more water.Scott headed off again and I walked my way back down the hill to get the car out of the muddy car park.We met up again at a place called Fenwick which had no shops but we still had a bit of water left . Scott arrived and changed into his shorts for a the last few mile "sprint"to the finish.I drove to the start of the causeway and was glad to see we had 2.5 Hours to get over and back before the tide cut us off.

a wee Scott heading off on the causeway

I drove ahead of Scott over to Holy Island and waited by a "coffee" shop for him to arrive.This he did in due time and after a coffee and a short walk round the village we set off back to the main land as I wanted day light to see where I was going.Here are a few photo's of Linsisfarne :-

theAbbey

looking back to the main land

harbour with Lindisfarne castle in the distance/

So ends another adventure along the trails of Britain just wonder what the next one will be ????

Lesley's first Munro

It all started off with Scott , Lesley and I saying the usual "what's on next weekend and to Scott what run do you fancy ? Callander to Killin was the reply ! Well I thought that's Scott by himself then as Lesley and even more myself did not stand a chance of running that far. I came out with the fateful remark well we could do a walk and meet up and somewhere later and somehow  Ben Vorlich was mentioned. "I have never done a Munro said Lesley" !! Oops I thought what have I done now as it's been a year since I managed one. We will see what the weathers like and make a choice later .
As it turned out the weather was not going to be very good in the west so the Friday night was spent working out where to go and what to do.Scott was quite happy to do his long run anywhere and just said stick to the east highlands. I must admit I did have a urge to go somewhere I had not done before and so the final call was made a walk up the northern end of Glen Isla and if able head up a Munro .
We had arranged to meet Lesley at our place then head off north so at 9am we all piled into Lesley's car and headed to Perth. The plan was to "throw" Scott out at Perth and let him run to Dunkeld and we would continue via Blairgowrie then north on the A93 before heading over the B951 to Glen Isla.All went well until we went to turn off on the B951 to Cray the road was closed ! so it was about turn and drive back for a few miles before taking the detour we had missed on the way. Eventually we were back on the planned road before taking a single track way up Glen Isla to Auchavan farm where the road ended.A few hundred yards of land rover track and we parked up by the river. Lesley changed into her boots and we sorted ourselves out for our "little" adventure. I must mention at this time we had perfect blue sky and it was a gorgeous day for a walk.

A happy Lesley ready for the start

To be fair on Lesley she was just holding the walking poles for me as I needed them not her for when we went up the hills.The first 3k we were walking on a good land rover track to Tulchan Lodge along the river Isla

John on his way up the track

Look at that sky

We were having a good walk up the river but the old man would not stand still for a Photo so Lesley had to do her little run stops to get ahead to take one so here it is included . One point about the walk Scott checked on line and the Estate were quite happy for walkers to make their way over the land if they stuck to the known routes.To make the point about being responsible walkers we heard the shooting going on and saw that the beaters were out on the hills on the other side of the river we did take a few photo's but they were difficult to see at that distance.

yes there are people shooting on this hill

We were in no hurry and were just enjoying the nice walk up the glen mind you I was waiting to see what the first climb I had let myself in for was looking like.There was no way we ( I ) could not try going on the tops on a day like today just knew that I would be knackered by the time we got there.We had a break by the last line of trees before starting up the hill to get on the ridge.

the first look at Monega hill before rest at trees

We followed the faint track up the side of the hill after cutting a corner off and crossing the burn which in retrospect we would have been better going past the signpost and picking the track up later, but never mind even Lesley's little legs managed to get over with the little help of a walking pole.
This is the time when when the "baby steps" came into play to prevent getting into oxygen debt and end up gasping for air. Well that's what I have to do anyway and Lesley managed to control her enthusiasm and do the same.I must add at this time that may have been a mistake as she was talking all the way up while I could only manage a grunt back so I had to say she could talk as much as she like but not to expect an answer.We had a short break on the first shoulder of the hill and just sat enjoying the views and both admitted what a good day we had for walking.I just hoped I would feel the same if or when I got to the top.

rest break part way up Monega hill

We climbed the hill to the top at 908 meters and had fantastic views of the corries at the head of the river Isla. To be honest we had missed a very faint track that cut out some of the climb up the hill and was a shorter route to Glas Maol but we were glad we had come that way.We took our time and had a good look round as now we had "cracked" it and were standing on the plateau with sheer drops down into the corries

giving fantastic views far and wide.

corrie view

Lesley above corries

top of corrie

long way down 

We spent some time enjoying all we could see but then had another 2 miles to walk to get to the objective of Glas Maol . The cloud was starting to increase from the west so we headed off over the plateau in case the weather caught us out.Walking down and up again over little Glas Maol at 973 meters I must admit I did not have much left in the legs but Lesley was enjoying it and only 1.5k to go. We had to drop down a little before the final climb up to the summit and she asked if I was ok and that little devil in me came out and I said " that's far enough we can go back now". I can't tell you the look of disbelief on her face but she always gets her own back someway.Hence out with camera for the red face old man.

red face revenge photo on final climb

The wind had increased by now and we had lost some of the blue sky but we knew we had made it so walking over the last rise we could see the cairn. We walked to the top together and the pleasure we both had was brilliant, Lesley had climbed her first ever Munro and I had managed another one much to my surprise.

Lesley top of Glas Maol 1068 meters

We sat in the shelter of the cairn and had a wee nip from Lesley's flask and something to eat as we were not in a hurry not in a race just enjoying the moment. A few more walkers came and went but I think we just wanted to make it last.

needed to lean on something

Lesley took photo on her phone but we had no signal to send to Scott and Olga so having a last look round we reluctantly started the long walk off the hill and back to the car.
When we had finished we had covered just over 15 miles and over 1100 meters and both a happy couple . I was so pleased to be the companion to escort Lesley up her first Munro and see the pleasure on her face at the end of the day.The pints of guinness in the pub that night went down very well.

Great Glen Way support

After a great weekend doing my support role with Scott's ultra running I thought it was time to update my blog.
In a nut shell we have been talking about the Great glen way run for a while but the weather was never friendly frame of mind or free weekends were never available. At the beginning of the week Scott said he was on for this weekend was I up for it , it was no contest I was hooked even though still shaking off man flu.
Scott did all the planning for accommodation and what stages he wanted to do and I worked round how to make sure I was in the right place at the right time with the right "food". This is my view of the weekends adventure and I'm sure Scott will be doing his on the running side so both perspectives may be seen.
I met up at Scott's flat Friday evening after he got home from work transferred my gear over to his car and headed off to Fort William with an early start for Saturday morning scheduled.We did manage to arrive at a reasonable time and a couple of pints taken before alarms were set for silly o'clock.
Dragging ourselves out of bed Scott got ready for his run complete with head torch and we left 05:15 disturbing the night porter. Scott had said I could sleep in and catch up later but I felt that part of the "fun" of support is to be at the start and finish.
I watched Scott disappear into the night and i completed loading the car before heading off for Neptune's staircase at Banavie. As I normally did when doing support "work" I had a few geocaches to look for while waiting to meet up but unlike Scott I was not geared up for "night" searches so it was a very slow drive to the staircase.
I parked up and walked over to the lochs where I new I would see Scott at some time and by then it may be light enough for my search.

Neptune's staircase

Within about 15 Min's after I took this Photo Scott arrived and the light had improved enough for me to wish him well as he started up the canal side and I went geocaching. I new I had well over an hour to get to our planned meeting point at Gairlochy so my my own search started and I found the cache quite quickly so I thought what the hell I'll just have another slow drive up the B8004 and settle myself in at Gairlochy. I am always a little worried that I can't get parked were it's easier to help Scott on his run but I suppose that's the "support" side thinking. The B8004 looks down over the route in places so took the chance of an early morning photo in the slight mist.

Caledonian canal

I never saw Scott at this time but he would be running up the right hand path by the canal which can just be made out over the water.I did disturb some of the wild life but never met one car in an 8 mile slow drive.
I had plenty of time when I reached Gairloch and parked up with ease ( so much for worrying ). I even had a picnic table by the side of the way so I set up shop on it while waiting for the man.
Among the treats I had with me today was a portable gas stove loads of water thermos flasks two large and a small one with fresh milk.As we were treating this as an adventure run etc not a race apart from the usual banana's / marmite crisps / bread rolls / cans of soup cookies / coffee instant and ground plus a small cafetiere. I boiled some water up and made a coffee and put the rest still boiling into one of the flasks as it saves Scott hanging around getting cold / stiff waiting for hot water and I had only a rough idea of when he would arrive so had the place to myself and walked about taking photo's and watching what wild life there was. I must add at this time it was never cold and it was very pleasant to be outside at that time of the morning. There was no wind and all water surfaces were like glass mirrors but my photo's don't do it Justis

reflections

water mirror

Scott turned up and had his "proper" coffee and we chatted for a bit before he disappeared over the bridge and away from the canal to run round Loch Lochy as the path wound along the hillside in the forest.This is where the road goes on the other side of the loch so we would not be meeting up until the end of the Loch Lochy Another picnic area had been agreed to meet at as the way came back over to my side at Laggan Lochs. I again arrived in plenty of time and set up camp on a picnic table this stop had been counted as a "proper" refuel stop so hot soup was going to be on the menu.

vegetarian french onion soup

Note cafetiere on the left , blue flask full of boiling water and the soup waiting it's turn and was going to be put in the grey flask if I got the timing wrong. I did my usual photo shoot and even the big loch were windless and to think the number of times I have driven past this place and never bothered to detour for a look.

looking back down Loch Lochy

 I would be having some time to myself while Scott headed for Fort Augustus as the track and road parted company again.
I new I would have plenty of time at Fort Augustus so went geocaching again and even had a little jog down the Great glen way myself for a few minutes as that's all I could manage.

I had found another picnic table for later but was to early to set up yet so spent some time chilling out as I think the early morning was catching up and to think this only just coming up to half way.Scott came along and again we had coffee and snacks and as he said coffee was going down well but would not be a good idea for a serious race. He headed back up into the forrest and I headed off to the next meeting point at Invermoriston. This is another of those places that I have driven through in about 5 minutes and what a sin it's too nice to bypass. Parking no problem more picnic tables village hall with new toilets and drinking water made available very nice place.There were local walks around the village so i did some exploring before Scott arrived and saw the largest highland bull ever .

some great  animal

Telfords bridge

Plenty to do here and had a look at some of the paths and "caches" plus one of Telfords original bridges
and some pleasant trails to walk.
We rested up for a bit before Scott set off on one of the legs he was not to sure of 14 miles no support or opt out places so biting the bullet and a change of shirt off he went.

So Drumnadrochit was my next point of call and I headed off up the A82 which could have been a pleasant drive apart from a few speeders that were racing along. At drum I set up base again and had a walk round town but refused to go to the Nessy exhibition just put the seat back and closed my eyes for a bit. Again more coffee and cookies and crisps later Scott was ready for the last leg of 18 miles and I was pleased to see apart from getting a bit tired he was moving well.I saw him off then had to find my way to some very minor roads which he would come out on at the top of the hill a bout 7 / 8 miles away. After a hairy drive on a very minor road I did my last couple of caches before waiting for Scott to arrive and now I was really feeling the early morning start and I was lucky to find a place to squeeze the car in so the road was clear and I could stretch my legs. I did take the chance of looking up some bronze age remains so educated myself while waiting.

old settlement

The great Glen way exit to the road.

Scott arrived out of the forest and we met up on the minor road so we topped up his drinks changed shirt to a dayglo yellow as we new it would be dark by the time he reached Inverness and he set off again now knowing 10 miles and it would be over.
I headed off to Inverness and had intended to see Scott once more after about 3 miles for a final check before the road and path parted ways again but was caught out after a couple of miles where the path had taken a new route so I missed that chance. I drove down into Inverness and managed to park the car and walked up to the Great Glen finish at the castle which had a very convenient pub on the corner looking down the way so pint in hand I sat waiting for the runner to appear up the hill. He came into sight with  Sandy one of his old mates who lived in the area he had met up with earlier on the run  and had arranged jogging the last few miles to the finish with him. After a couple of Photo's on Scott's camera (so not in this blog) we all adjourned across the road for some well earned pints and a satisfied look on our faces so well done the runner.

Coniston weekend

We had planned months ago to spend a weekend at Coniston in the lake district as Scott had entered the marathon trail race and I foolishly had entered the reported 14k trail run.
With Scott's hospitalisation earlier and the resulting leg problem running was not an option but as we had accommodation booked we thought what the hell go down for a few beers etc. We were both very pleased when Olga said she would come down with us and we would all take a family weekend.Saturday morning with the car loaded up we set off down to the lakes and what was a glorious day and took a steady drive down to the lake district.

Scott and I were staying in one b&b and his mum was in another as we could not get all together as the area was very busy that weekend.
After checking in to our b&b's we had a walk round a very pretty village and sampled a few local brewed ales.

Olga and I in a day glow top

The sun hotel where Olga was staying the second night had a great beer garden and fantastic views over the village

After a few beers the next day was planned and I thought :- I've paid my fee , I've got a number shall or shan't I. Beer is good for making silly descisions so I picked up my number and thought I would give it a go. The fact that I had somehow packed my running shoes club vest and shorts may have something todo with my final thoughts of the event.
I got up early Sunday morning to head off to the start area as I was trying to find Andrew one of "Waister" forum friends who was running the full event. I had no joy but did later find out that he had been doing the earlyer challenge event and had started before I got down to the start area.
I found out that the route had changed a bit and the 14k was now going to be nearer 16k and it started to sink in that trail runs can go up as well as down. Scott turned up to wish me well and took a couple of photo's on his phone so here is one of a person not knowing what he was letting himself in for

little does he know whats ahead

I did not see Olga before the start but Scott stayed to cheer me on my way. I thought that if I managed about 4 miles an hour over the hills I may be back before 1 o'clock so that gave every body (Scott & olga ) to do their own thing while I was enjoying myself.
The run started off and I planned to start at the back and go very slow to try to get the full distance in (before dropping out ). My planned walk / run went out of the window when the announcer said that the police had now closed the roads in the village so we could start and get through traffic free talk about pressure and that's before the off.We headed off down the field and then came back up the road to the village the atmosphere was fantastic and the support was brilliant and I just kept thinking go on you can walk later just get through the village. I was still about last even at this stage and when the marshal radio's in "that's the last runner" going past him you know it's you.I did not know but Olga had turned up in the village and saw me heading over the bridge and she took one of her famous "that's him in the distance photo's"

where has everyone gone ?

After the village we headed off up the lane and picked up the trail proper so I settled in to a slow run / walk and to be honest walking became the norm on all the "Ups" and managed to run on the flat and let gravity work going down.After a pleasant undulating trail through the woods we hit the first long drag up a very minor road after a few k. I was happy to see that i had actually caught a few people up and managed to pass one or two runners on the way up. The temperature was quite high and I did see a couple of people starting to walk back saying they were too hot.After the lane part we entered the trail proper again with quite a lot of loose rock, shale and tree roots to contend with as it went on up and up and up. I stopped at the one water station and had a chat with a few other tail enders before setting on upwards again.We went round Tarn Hows and although I was very tired by then could not fail to see how pretty the place is.
After the final climb I was going along by myself the fitter ones had left me behind and I had lost the ones that had been following me.It was about the 11k to 12k that a few alarm bells started going off and cramp spasms hit both legs so ended up doing a little shuffle step as stretching out stopped me dead. The views were fantastic over the lake but then trees blocked my view and by now I just wanted a drink. After a while I could hear the announcer at the finish but to me it felt like miles away. There was one final sting in the tail when you had to do a small loop round the field before heading to the finish line. That part I did enjoy as I was in a gap to myself and got shouted on all round the field support was fantastic and to give the announcer something to do he broad casted all my details so I had a mention in dispatches. Just under 16k in 2hours 15 mins and the oldest runner in that event and I could still walk !!
That was it I had done my very first trail run I had covered the longest distance in a race since 1986 and I had a big stupid grin on my face. After 10 mins I found Olga walking down to the finish and she though I had dropped out as I was to "early" she sent a text to Scott so we could all meet up for a pint (or two ). But what a great day / great event / great weather and the people where fantastic.

Olga and I that evening

We all met up and Scott got me a pint it was all good stuff so it's now back to shedding more weight and trying this running lark again. I 'll just finish off with a couple of Photo's taken above Coniston by Scott

lots of trails to walk

Carn Dearg walk

Scott fancied doing a Munro run from Dalwhinnie to Rannock station and I was going to take the opportunity of doing "another" Munro for myself. The plan was for me to drop him off at Pitlochry for him to get the train up to Dalwhinnie while I drove the car round to Rannoch station way park up and do a walk myself.
The weather forecast was not to great but we agreed to give it a go.After dropping Scott off I drove out to Rannoch moor way to park the car at Loch Eigheach and the start of the "road to the Isles " path. I was going to follow this path for about three miles before striking out for the ridge I planned to walk up to Carn Dearg

road to the isles track

The path was a good one and climbed its way slowly making it a nice easy start to the walk for the next two miles. I did not like the look of the clouds sweeping in on a very strong wind so I put my over trousers on just to be on the safe side as the last thing I wanted was to get soaked in the first hour.I made may  to the only foot bridge after hopping over a few smaller burns on the way with all the rain we'd had even the small burns were full.

good foot bridge

From the bridge you could see the start of the ridge I was heading for but once again noted the low cloud and short showers I had walked through.After another mile walking the path was starting to break up but still easy walking.I was looking for the junction of another path shown on the OS map to choose my route up to the ridge. Much to my disappointment the path shown on the map did not exist  OS had it wrong so I made the call to carry walking on the track as it was still gaining height and would make my own way up the ridge.

bog / heather and rocks

I spent some time looking for a way to get to the ridge as the terrain was going to be tough walking country plus I would be climbing a few hundred feet over this type of ground .

climbing up to the ridge

After taking quite a while for me to pick my way up the hill I did come a faint track which other walkers have used so I gratefully headed up on that one.The wind was picking up and the temperature falling the higher I got until at last the start of the ridge was reached . I knew I had at least 3k to make my way over the ridge to the summit cairn of Carn Dearg and the wind was now head on the only good thing about it was it did blow some of the cloud away and I had glimpses of the fantastic views.

walking on  the ridge

After climbing over three  of tops at 700mtr/820mtr and 860 mtr I was getting the rubber legs feeling and my friend the weather was throwing all it could at me. The rain had turned into little balls of ice and at one point I had to turn my back and shelter as it peppering my face and it Hurt !After climbing over the last top I could just make out the summit cairn in the distance for one final pull. It was about this time that my hip started to play up but there was no way I was not going to get to the top now.I could just make out two other walkers at the cairn at this time so I included them in the next photograph and as you see the weather could have been kinder

summit cairn

In fact the weather god thought he may as well give us the works so we went from freezing rain to sleet the just for fun some snow.It was very exposed on that part of the ridge but I found a rough windbreak and managed to sit out of the main force of the wind.

It was at this time I heard from Scott who was heading over my direction , we had walkytalkies that we have used on other occasions so we were able to let each other know how we are getting on and where we could meet up.I explained that I was just going to head off back down the ridge as I could feel myself starting to chill down and my hands (with wet gloves ) were going numb.He was going to be about one hour behind me so I knew he would catch me up while I was still on the ridge. It was about this time I realised I had a tough walk ahead of me as my hip was giving me problems and I could not bend my leg up very far without yelping (what a wimp ) and had about 5 to 6 miles back to the car.

overlooking Rannoch moor

back along the ridge

True to form Scott caught me up just before we had to head down off the ridge and I was not looking forward to stumbling down the boggy heather etc.We slowly made our way down and eventually picked up another track (not shown on the OS map). I was quite certain that this boggy track would meet up with original track I had walked up and having no obstacles on it I was managing to walk keeping my leg straight .
Scott was chilling down (he was in running gear ) and I was pleased when he saw I was on the track ok he could head off to the car to get a change of clothes.At this point I still had about 2 miles to go which took me ages and I was relieved when Scott came round the corner to meet me and we headed back to the car. I had fun trying to get my left boot off as I could not bend my leg and it was a struggle to get the over trousers off. Scott did the driving as we headed back over to the caravan and the main target was the real ale pub which we both liked.
On reflection I did enjoy the challenge of the walk yes the weather could have been better and I could have done without injuring myself but it's still good to know I can still manage being out of my comfort zone and get out there to do things.