30th Apr-3rd May 2016- Fort William to Knoydart (CWT)

I met with Chris and Adam on the platform of Lichfield to catch the last train to Birmingham. After waiting in pub and McDonald's in Birmingham we caught the Megabus at 2:35am which got us wearily to Glasgow about 9am wear after breakfast caught the train to Fort William and after fish and chips caught the last ferry to Camusnagaul on the other side of Loch Eil. 

The start of the walking

We started walking along the CWT  (Cape Wrath Trail) which for the first 6 miles along quiet road we experienced our first wet weather but the showers didn't last and we then turned off the road and after a short walk on track up Cona Glen we found a place to pitch the three tents by a stream.

Rough camp

On Sunday morning it was a damp start and after we all packed up we continued up Cona Glen. It was a long walk along the glen before the real climbing started, but the weather improved giving some decent views of the mountains around the valley. 

Cona Glen

As Chris and Adam stopped for a break before the climb i decided to go off and sneak in a Corbett Sgurr Ghiubhsachain. 

Cona River with Sgurr Ghiubhsachain in background

I went up to the pass and then turned off the CWT up the steep slopes to the col before my hill where i dropped some gear so i could enjoy a lighter pack up the steep rocky ascent to Sgurr Ghiubhsachain where i was treated to some awesome views. 

Sgurr Ghiubhsachain summit

It was windy so headed down picked up my stuff and then down to the pass again where i followed the CWT again' managing to catch up with Chris and Adam before reaching Glenfinnan. 

Heading down towards Glenfinnan

We stopped at the Glenfinnan hotel for a pint and a very good meal as it started raining again which made it difficult to carry on walking again. But we did continue along the CWT passing the impressive Glenfinnan viaduct and then a few miles on tarmac track to the Corryhully bothy our overnight stop. 

Glenfinnan viaduct

We were joined by a guy called Ross who had already got the fire going as we tried to dry some stuff before going to sleep.

Corryhully bothy

It rained all night but was just spitting when we headed off again on Monday morning up the valley and up a decent path up the mountain pass between Sgurr Thuilm. It was a boggy path down and we got our first short hailstorm. 

Descending off the pass

We followed the river down wondering where to cross but we went too far down as when Adam tried a crossing the fast moving water almost knocked him off his feet. So we went back upstream getting hit by another short hailstorm before me and Chris found a place to cross. 

The river, wish we'd crossed this high up

After we all got across we trudged our wet feet down into Glen pean and then we walked through the forest in Glen Dessary to A'Chuil bothy where we settled for the night. We were joined by a couple of other walkers and we got a good fire going trying to dry wet socks and boots.

A'Chuil bothy, Adam stoking the fire

An earlier start Tuesday morning as it was a long walk to Inverie. It rained when we left but was on and off in the morning as we headed through forest and then out onto open hillside with views back down Gen Dessarry.

Glen Dessarry

It was a boggy path and a steady ascent up the valley, but at the high point the views over Lochain Mhaim were a stunning reward. 

Lochain Mhaim

On advice we kept to the north side of the loch but had to traverse the boulder field. We carried down the valley and a steep descent to the sea and stunning setting of the Sourlies bothy. 

Chris heading down towards Loch Nevis and Sourlies bothy

There was a steep descent with a zig zag path down to sea level and then a walk beside Finiskaig river to the bothy. We had a quick lunch at the bothy and then headed off again. 

Loch Nevis

We crossed some marshy ground and Adam enjoyed watching me then Chris go waist deep into the bog. 

Bog of doom

We then crossed the death bridge before the steep zig zaggy slog up Mam Meadail our gateway to Knoydart. 

Top of the pass

We all made it to the top and on the descent towards Inverie we had great views of the bay in the distance. 

Looking towards Inverie

It seemed a long walk into Inverie but we made it in time to check into our hostel before walking to our main objection, The Old Forge Pub (most remote pub on mainland Britain) for some good food, good beer and whiskies.

The Old Forge

9/10th January 2016- The Spine Challenger

The time had come round for the Spine Challenger and time to try to tackle some unfinished business. On the Friday i took the train to Edale to have the whole afternoon to register, have kit checked and socialise in the pub before trying to get some sleep at the hostel.

The start

I woke just after 4am, had breakfast then we made our way to the start. We all assembled at the start line at 7am, it was dry and mild as we set off. We all spread out as we made our way up Jacobs Ladder and into the clag. From here i only saw a few people along the Kinder edge but caught up with a few other runners as we came close to Snake Pass, it rained for about an of hour. Over Bleaklow was easy enough, but Black Hill took more effort but at least it was dry again.

Looking back while ascending Black Hill

Progress went well and i managed to get off Blackstone Edge before it got dark. Visibility was difficult as i made my way to Stoodley pike, and then to checkpoint 1, coming in after 12 hours. After eating a jacket potato with chilli and sorting out some kit fron my drop bag i left the checkpoint into the rain and up the path (which had turned into a waterfall) back to the Pennine way. I was now doing better than the previous year.
The rain stopped and a clear evening made things easier, and i breifly ran with Jerome for a bit and two other supported runners, being treated to some pizza and coffee from their support crew. After Little Wolf Stones i was on my own for the rest of the race, not even seeing another runner.
All was going well until i was closing in on Gargrave and there was a snow storm which affected my navigation across farmers fields costing about 3/4 hour. I eventually made it to Gargrave (74ish miles) about 7am freezing and shivering. I put on extra layers and got myself warm before pushing on, luckily the snow had stopped.

Looking back to Gargrave

On the way to Malham where the ground wasn't covered with snow i had to wade through upto knee deep water from the river Aire. It was then onto the limestone pavement above Malham Cove where i carefully walked across it as it was very slippy. I had a quick sit down and coffee at checkpoint 1.5, chatted to the support crew and then got going again hoping to get over Pen-y-Ghent before dark.

Leaving Malham Tarn checkpoint

After the checkpoint I had the gruelling slog up Fountains Fells which was followed by the ascent and decent of Pen-y-Ghent making it to Horton in Ribblesdale just before dark.

Approaching Pen-Y-Ghent

I had a coffee with the mountain rescue team and enjoyed a stew at the cafe before heading out onto the last 14 miles. On route I changed my socks as my feet we're feeling very sore as I should have looked at them back at CP1.5,

Cam High Road (beautiful)

The Cam High road was covered in snow and the long monotonous track went on forever. I panicked for a lot of it worrying about the amount of battery I had in my torch which made it seem to make the section seem longer. But I eventually made it into Hawes and the finish (via a minor detour) completing the 108 miles in 38 hours and 26 minutes, being the 5th challenger back.

26th Dec 2015-1st Jan 2016- Toubkal, High Atlas

On Boxing day i caught an early flight from Stansted to Marrakesh in Morocco. I arrived in the afternoon and was able to have a wander round the city and have some dinner before meeting Mohammed our guide and fellow walker Hannah.

Oukaimeden

 The next day after breakfast we we're taken by minibus up into the mountains via windy roads to the ski station Oukaimeden, but there was no snow as it was very warm for the time of year. We started walking along track and path to the mountain pass Tizi n'ou Addi (2960m), where we enjoyed the view before carrying on down into the valley and to our first night stop in the Berber village of Tachedirt.

Tizi n'ou Addi

At the Berber lodge we had lunch and mint tea and then after a walk round the village had a traditional meal including a soup and a tagine, well fed.

Looking back at Tachedirt

Monday morning we left the village following a track down the valley, it was a cold start but was very warm when the sun got to us. The track took us to the pass Tizi n Tamatert and as Mohammed stopped at the tea shop, me and Hannah made it up to a little peak Aourirt (2724m) where the ground was rough and loose but at the top had great views over the valley below with a backdrop of higher mountain peaks.

Hannah on Aourirt

We then headed down and after a tea it was down a windy path into the valley and then a traverse to the Mohammeds home village of Aremd where we stayed in another lodge and again ate well. The lodge was also inhabited by another organised group Exodus, who were also heading up Toubkal.

View of Toubkal from the odge at Aremd

Tuesday morning after breakfast the mules were loaded and we headed up the Mizane Valley on a steady uphill path. Despite it being a sunny day, we were in the cold for most of the morning as we were in the shade.

Waking up the Mizane Valley

There were some icy patches which the Mules struggled with, but despite this it was another easy walk and we made it to the Neltner refuge at 3200m for lunch.

Neltner Refuge

After lunch i took out in the sun to do a small hour walk up a hillside for good views upto the head of the valley. Back at the refuge it was busy with all the people there to climb Toubkal or other hills in the valley.

View from my afternoon walk

After dinner we went to bed in the shared dorm, where i got my first proper night sleep.

The next day we geared up and headed up the valley to the mountain Ouanoukrim. At the head of the valley we had a steep snowy slope to ascend, so with crampons on walked upto the col Tizi n Ouagane.

Heading up Tizi n Ougange

At the top we had a quick rest and then carried on, heading up on a ridge which became a rocky scramble, so  crampons off. It wad a nice scramble with only one nervy bit due to loose rock. At the top of the ridge it was a big snow slope upto the top, so with crampons we ascended to the summit zig zagging uphill on the icy snow.

The slog up Ounoukrim

It was hard going due to the slope and altitude but we all made it to the summit of Ouanoukrim (4089m) with great views of Toubkal, surrounding mountains and the sahara.

Toubkal from Ounoukrim

It was quicker on the way down but i failed to keep up with Hannah on the descent as she speeded downhill to the ridge. It was back along the ridge and then the snow slope back into the valley and back to the refuge for lunch.

Back at Tizi n Ougange

Thursday was new years eve, we had an early start for the ascent of Toubkal. We left the refuge just as it was getting light and it was straight uphill up a stoney path until the gradient eased off.

Uphill to Toubkal

We eventually came to the snowline but the snow was grippy so didn't bother with crampons, just easing an ice axe on the steeper gradient.

The start of the snow to Tizi n Toubkal

We passed a lot of people on the way up to the col of Tizi n Toubkal. It was then an easy uphill walk along a ridge to the summit at 4167m where we took photos an enjoyed the sun and took in the views.

Toubkal summit

Me, Hannah and Mohammed

Ounoukrim from Toubkal

We came down a different way, along a rocky ridge and then a scree slope downhill which me and Mohammed raced down, but unfortunately Hannah didn't like the scree and when she caught up tried to hide her dislike of the route down. 

Descending from the summit

We then came to the snow so put crampons on for the descent until the snow ended and then it was back down the same way to the refuge. We then had lunch at the refuge, then loaded the mules for the descent back down the valley to Aremd getting there just after 3pm. 

Back at Aremd

We had our final dinner together at the lodge and all had an early night, not making it to midnight.

On new years day after breakfast we got a lift to Imlil and then another lift back to Marrakesh and after checking in at the hotel and having a shower i went for another look round the city.

Place Jemaa el Fna, Marrakesh

In the evening i bumped into the Exodus group in a bar, and so joined them for dinner having a very goof meal in a restaurant looking over the busy Place Jemaa el Fna. The next day it was an early flight back to Stansted.

1st November 2015- White Rose Ultra

On Saturday evening I arrived at registration at the race Hq in Golcar to the west of Huddersfield and declared that I would do the 60 mile race as opposed to the 100, as I didn't feel motivated enough for it. So after registration I had a quick pint at the Golcar Lily and then slept in the warehouse of the race Hq.
It had been misty in the night for the 100 mile runners, but this had cleared and was turning out a sunny day. We set off with the 30 mile runners at 8am and the first miles ticked away as it does when talking away to other runners. The checkpoints were every 5 miles, with water and some basic snacks, but the water was well needed as it was a very hot day for November. The route followed trail, track and road and after the 15 mile checkpoint went round Pule hill and then down into Marsden along the road. It was then upto the Wessenden reservoirs and upto Wessenden head for the checkpoint. 

Wessenden Reservoir

From the checkpoint it WS along the road for a couple of miles with fantastic views of the valleys below. After another 8 miles it was the end of lap 1 and 30miles in about 5hr20. After a quick coke and a snack it was out again into the heat. It was a more lonely experience as I ticked off the miles meeting more people at checkpoints than runners. This let me focus on the route findings and I soon clocked up the miles and was at the checkpoint halfway round lap 2. I aimed to make it into Wessenden reservoirs before dark so pushed on. I managed to pass a few more runners before I made it to the checkpoint at the end of Wessenden reservoirs when it got dark. 

It was a brief stop at the checkpoint to sort out the headtorch and then continue by torchlight. Some of the markings were a little tricky in the dark but I managed to keep a steady pace and ended up finishing in a respectable time of 11:20.

16+17th October 2015- The Mamores

On Thursday from Glen Nevis campsite I walked up the valley, through Nevis gorge and after passing Steal falls ascended into the tranquil Valley of Allt Coire Guibhsachen and up onto the col between Carn Mor Dearg and Aanoch Mor. From there ascended the steep hillside and across to the top of Aanoch Beag, for a fantastic 360 view, as it was another sunny day. 

The Mamores from Aanoch Beag

I then backed up onto Aanoch Mor and then down the grassy slopes following the ski tows to the Nevis Centre. It was then a tricky downhill to the bottom, due to no path. But once down it was forest tracks to Fort William to pick up supplies for a two day trip.

Start of Downhill MTB route at Nevis Centre

Thursday night I stayed at the Glen Nevis youth hostel so I could get an early start on Friday. I left at 7:30 in the dark, following the road up Glen Nevis to the start of the path up Mullach Nan Corrien. 

Foggy Glen Nevis

It was a little path through the woods till it came to open hillside and then a good slog uphill to follow the ridge to the top (munro 1). The sun had come out on the ascent and was turning into a hot sunny day.

Top of Mullach Nan Corrien

After taking in the views, I continued along the Mamore ridge to Stob Ban (munro 2). 

Stob Ban

It was then a descent down to a small Loch under Sgorr an lubhair which was followed by a steep ascent to the start of the Devil's Ridge. It started off as a narrow grassy ridge with steep sides and then to a narrow rocky ridge with some fun scrambling.

Devils Ridge to Sgurr a Mhaim

After the ridge it was an ascent upto the summit of Sgurr a Mhaim (munro 3) and more impressive views. After a small rest it was back over the ridge to Sgorr an lubhair.

Devils Ridge to Sgorr an Lubhair

From here there was a small descent and then a bigger ascent onto Am Bodach (munro 4). From Am Bodach it was down and then upto Stob Coire a Chain (munro 5), where I pondered the next difficult ascent up An Gearanach. 

An Gearanach

It was a little ascent and then an easier than expected ascent up the steep southern slope up onto An Garbhanach. But from here it was a scramble across a ridge to the true top on An Gearanach (munro 6). 

On top of An Gearanach

It was back the same way across the scrambly ridge and down to the col below Stob Coire a Chain and then a traverse below the peak to the col below Na Gruagaichean. It was then a long slog upto a flase summit with a cross on.

Na Gruagaichean (false summit)

I briefly basked in the sun before then carrying onto the actual summit of Na Gruagaichean (munro 7) which was a rocky peak where I was surprised to meet someone else enjoying the view. After a good chat I carried on to the highest peak of the Mamores, Binnean Mor (munro 8).

From Binnean Mor

I then descended towards the loch at Coire an Lochain looking for somewhere to camp and settled with a high camp on Sgor Eilde Beag at about 950m. I pitched the tent and ate dinner while the sun went down and the temperature dropped. It was a cold night and not tranquil as the sounds of the rutting stags echoed around.

Sunset looking southish

It was a frosty start, but another beautiful morning. After a pork pie breakfast I pitched the tent and then set off for Sgurr Eilde Mor, which started with an icy ascent up its steep western slope. 

Frosty Morning

It felt hard work, so at the top of Sgurr Eilde Mor (munro 9) I has a quick break. On the way down I passed a couple of walkers who’d had an early start. 

Top of Sgurr Eilde Mor

I went down past the loch I’d passed previously and then down into a valley where I was able to collect some much needed water. It was then up the other side of the valley and a traverse to a small loch below Binnein Beag and a steep rocky slog into the top of it (munro 10) where I was shortly joined by the walkers I’d met half an hour ago.

Binnein Mor from Binnein Beag

It was now about getting down to Glen Nevis to walk back to Fort William. So I picked a line, occasionaly following a path and eventually getting to the bottom of the glen. It was then a long walk athrought the glen, with the highlight being Steall Falls and going through the Nevis Gorge.

Steall Falls

After the gorge the path comes to the car park at the end of the Glen Nevis road, so I briefly followed this until there was an offroad alternative through Nevis forest and a track which went all the way to Fort William where my walk ended. 

Back at Fort William