5th April 2014- South Downs Way 50

After a night sleeping in the car I registered and waited for the race to start at 9am. It was a pleasant day and was nice running in the sun. Some chatting and nice running I was soon at about half way at Black Cap. The legs seemed okay, but the aches came at about 30 miles, so the aid station at Southease was a welcome sight. The check points we're brilliantly stocked with sweet and savoury food and also fruit and refreshing coke.

Closer to forty miles, it was getting harder but coming into Alfriston the end felt a lot closer. After a quick stop at the aid station it didn't seem to take too long to get to the next aid station at Jevington. From here it was one small hill and four miles and it didn't take long to get to the trig above Eastbourne and then it was a plod down hill and then through streets to the finish at the sports centre, where the end was after a gruelling 400 metres on the athletics track. I had finished the race tired and happy as I had bettered my expectations and finished in 9 hours 2 mins and 23 seconds. I had just missed the rain which started a few minutes after finishing. 

22-24th March 2014- Costa Blanca

Saturday. I arrived at Alicante airport and after getting my bag, joined the long queue for the car hire. I then got supllies of food, water and gas and then drove to Finestrat. I had a quick meal of rabbit stew and then parked at the car park at Font Moli and got my things ready. By the time I got walking it was 5pm. I headed off along the path marked with yellow and white paint markers, going uphill along the western face of Puig Campana.

Puig Campana from Finestrat

It was a hot evening and sunny as it usually is on the Costa Blanca. Going steadilly uphill, there are good views from the path to Aitana and the valleys below. After passing several people coming off the hill and about an hour of walking I came to Refugio Vera Catral. The refugio was empty apart from lots of spiders. I managed to get some sleep after a small supper and a bit of reading.

Refugio Vera Catral

Sunday. I woke and waited for it to lighten up before packing up and heading out. I carried on up the trail to Collada de Pouet, where I said "hola" to a runner before heading off in the direction of Collada del Llam. I passed over Paso de los Bandoleros which has great views of Puig Campana behind and Sanchet up ahead.

Sanchet

It was warming up and was turning into another "Scorchio" day. After Collada del Llam, I took the path heading west and after coming out of a small wooded area, I scrambled up the side of Sanchet until coming to the ridge on its western side. I carried on up the ridge up to the summit of Sanchet. There is a rocky ridge with some exposed sections, but there is the option of a safer lower route.

Sierra Bernia from Sanchet

From the summit, there are great views of miles of coastline, Puig Campana, Ponoch, the Sierra Aitana and further to the north the imposing ridge of the Sierra Bernia. I descended from the top the way I came but taking the easier route this time (rather than the ridge). I then met back with the path to Collada del Llam, taking a small shortcut to Pasos de los Bandoleros to avoid a large crowd of local walkers and a group of mountain bikers.

Puig Campana from Ponoch

From Pasos de los Bandoleros I then walked upto Ponoch and enjoyed the summit to myself for a few minutes until I was joined by another group of local walkers. After writing in a little logbook on the top I headed down and back to Collada de Pouet where I stopped for lunch.

Aitana from Puig Campana

After filling my stomach I then started the long ascent up Puig Campana (1408m), following the painted markers to the col at the top and then followed the path the short ascent to the top of the mountain. Where it was almost as crowded as Levante beach in summer in Benidorm. For this reason I didn't stay long to enjoy the view, just enough time to apply sun cream and eat something.

Panaroma from Puig Campana

I then followed the path back down to Collada Pouet and went back to the Refugio Vera Catral. It was only 4pm and instead of staying another night in the refugio as planned, I headed off down the path back to the car in Finestrat. Where I drove for about an hour to the other side of Aitana and parked at the car park at Font de Partagas at 1000m above the small town of Benifato. I then slept the night in the Fiat 500, and it was cold (about 2degrees) and a bit cramped. I was also woken by  the police at midnight who just asked if I was okay before they headed back down into the valley.

Blossom on the trees at Font Partagas

Monday, I eyed a day walk to the Summit of Aitana. I headed up s broad track to Collado de Tagarina and it was turnoing to another hot day so I applied sun cream before heading east up Pena Mulero at 1305m and then carried on along the ridge towards Pena Roc. 

View to Pena Alta from Pena Mulero

There was a vague path along the ridge, but it was a bit more scrambly onto the top of Pena Roc, which has great views and big drops to the east and southern sides.

Pena Roc

After some food I retraced my steps along the ridge back over Pena Mulero to Collado de Tagarina. Where I carried on west climbing up to Pena Alta at 1502m. The views we're amazing and I carried on to Pas de la Rabosa and then up the other side to the highest I could get on Aitana as the actual summit at 1558m is occupied by a military complex.

Panaroma from Pena Alta

I then followed the path down to Font de Forata and then walked along a track back to Font Partagas, enjoying the sight of the steep rocky sides of the Aitana range.

Path back to Font Partagas

28-30th March 2014- Bouldering Albaraccin

Albarracin

We arrived in Albaraccin on Thursday afternoon. The four of us checked into our little bungalow and then headed off for a walk round the stunning little town of Albaraccin before dinner, drinks and bed. On Friday, me and Hayley headed off in search of boulders. We followed the wrong path initially and then after some wasted time started walking up the road from the town and we’re eventually picked up by some locals who took us upto the boulders. The first rock of the year felt great and the sandstone was beautiful with awesome grip. In the largest area Arrastradero, we started off with some easier problems to get warmed up. We started with 4’s then quite a few 5’s and then peaking with a 6A called Besabiceps. After a few more problems we called it a day after a good session, saving some in the tank for the next day.

Me on La Rodilla de Luxor (6A)

On The Saturday it was an early start and after the 40minute walk up the road to the bouldering area, we found the area Cabrerizo. It was a cooler day and the rock seemed cold but after a few problems and a coffee we had warmed up. After a few 5’s and 5+’s and coffee breaks we moved on and did a 6A called La Rodilla de Luxor and when the parents arrived we worked on a 6B with the beautiful name of CAB-B5-L1 which Hayley after a few attempts showed me the way up before I completed it after several attempts. The elbows we’re starting to ache, so we decided to taper down with some easier problems but after another 5 we decided to call it a day. Which meant we got back to the parents at about lunch time so all afternoon to get back to their place.

H on CAB-B5-L1  (6B)

Jan/Feb 2014 Long Winter Runs

Back into the running, training for various races in 2014. A long 19mile run with LRC buddy Chris on the Malvern Hills getting some good hill training in along the ridge and back.  

The Lakes

The following weekend in the Lakes with Chris. On the Saturday sticking to the lower paths following part of the Lakeland 50 route in a run which totalled about 25 miles in the wind and rain but still better than expected weather.  On Sunday a shorter 9 mile route from Dubbs Resevoir to Kentmere, over Garburn Pass and back to Dubbs.

Chris, Snow, Lakes

The next weekend (again with Chris) on the South Downs Way reccying the last half of the Centurion SDW50 mile race. From Lewes to Black Cap, and then following the trail to Eastbourne with 40-50mph gusts on the hills including some sideways hail. 28 miles of fun. But the left knee is sore so time to rest for a bit. 

Me looking special in my red hat on the South Downs

6-8th January 2014- Richmond Forest Park

The bus left Nelson Monday morning 8:15 dropping me off at Pelorus Bridge at 9:15. There was a cafe attached to the campsite, so I had coffee and cake before I started. It was very sunny and hot and this lasted all day. I set off down the Maungatapu Road which was about 7-8 miles to the end where the Pelorus Track starts. The tarmac soon gave way to gravel track, a few cars passed in the right direction, but no offer of a lift until I was near the end anyway.


The Pelorus Valley

I came to the road end and started on the Pelorus Track, which took the form of a narrow path with no surfacing but well placed marker arrows on trees. I prefer this to the well surfaced tracks on the great walk tracks. The path followed the Pelorus river and after a few hours walking I came to Emerald Pools a popular swimming spot, where I met 3 guys who we're doing the full Te Araroa Trail (3000km trail from the top to the bottom of New Zealand).

Very Swingy Swing Bridge (1 person only)

After lunch I carried on along the trail, enjoying a few 1 person at a time swing bridges over the river. The trail passed Captains Hut and then I finished for the day at Midday Hut, with 6 beds it was lucky that only 5 other people turned up. The hut was very hot and there were loads of Sandflies around.

Middy Hut

I woke early on Tuesday morning and set off at 6:00, as the weather was meant to turn for the worst in the afternoon. I set off the steep path upto Mount Fell (signs saying it takes 9 hours), following the orange triangle markers.


Chain for the steep bit up Conical Top

The climb was through the forest and went on and on but eventually came to a steep rocky outcrop. The only way was up the steep sides, but there are chain guides to hold onto. I came to the top and I was on a grassy top Conical Top, with the mountain goats. It was clear and I had great views.

On Conical Top looking over towards Mount Fell

After going over the grassy top I followed the markers over a rocky ridge covered in trees, linking Conical Top and Mount Fell, before a steep rocky ascent upto the peak of Mount Fell at 1602m. The views on top were brilliant, but you could see and feel the clouds coming over.

Turn off for Mount Fell

I carried on over the top and down to the junction for Mount Fell Hut but despite the weather turning I carried on to try for Mount Richmond but it soon changed and the lack of visibility meant seeing the markers was so difficult, so using rare common sense, I turned back for the hut.

In Mount Fell Hut

It was still only 12 midday so I had a long time in the Mount Fell Hut at 1280m, luckily I had my book. I hoped the weather might clear after a fews hours but it carried on all night. It was freezing in the hut but I was on my own, so could move around to keep warm.

Poor Visibility on the tops

I woke at 6 Wednesday morning hoping the weather would have changed but it was raining. I got ready and thought I couldn't hang around waiting for the weather as I had a long day ahead. So left at 6:30 and headed up back over Mount Fell, just about following the marker posts.

Brightening Up

It started to clear a little but it didn't make it easier on the steep rocky descents. I followed the markers back down and through the forest but it was very slippy in places especially when crossing over rooty downhill bits. I finally made it back down to Middy Hut at about 11, and had my first lunch and a big drink from the Pelorus River.



Rocks Hut

The weather had improved but there were still occasional showers but with some sun. I carried on back upto Rocks Hut, which took me a couple of hours following the path up through the forest. At Rocks Hut I had lunch 2 and then walked upto a lookout with great views of all the mountains around.

Dun Mountain from The Rocks Hut Lookout

I carried on to Dun Mountain Saddle and then flew upto Dun Mountain as it was sunny and thought there'd be good views from the top. I flew back down as I saw dark clouds coming and hearing thunder. I put a waterproof jacket on and enjoyed some rain including some hail as I descended to Coppermine Saddle. 

Mountain Bikes on the Dun Mountain Trail (Dun Mt in background)

The shower ended and I followed the Dun Mountain Railway path to Windy Point and then went up a steep path upto Wooded Peak where I followed the long path across the ridge before it rejoined the Railway Track and followed it back to Brook Street on the edge of Nelson.


Views from Wooded Peak

 

29-31 December 2013- The Routeburn Track

The Divide Car Park

The bus arrived at The Divide at about 5:45, so I got straight to walking to my first hut. The Lake Howden hut is only 3km but there is a little turning off to go up Key Summit at 919m high which on a sunny day like it was provides brilliant 360 views.

Key Summit

I arrived at the hut at about 7pm, signed in and then made dinner of noodles with tuna. After a long hut talk from the Warden, I went to bed. It rained in the night and was still doing so in the morning, so I got into wet weather gear and started off towards Mackenzie hut.

Lake Howden

There were no views today and as the track went slowly up through the bush, the only decent thing to see was an impressive waterfall, Earland Falls.

Earland Falls

I arrived at the Lake Mackenzie hut after 2 hours walking and in my damp state I entered the hut and made a cup of tea to keep me warm. I checked the weather report, which just said rain and then headed off back into the wet.

Ascending from Lake Mackenzie

I continued on the track and it started to gain in height as I was now above the tree line. It was still raining, but about 30 mins before I reached the high point at Harris Saddle (1255m) the rain stopped and got a break in the clouds so I got dome views at Harris Saddle.

Harris Saddle Shelter

I sat and ate lunch (Camembert pita) and then went on the side trip up to Conical Hill. It is a nice steepish track up Conical Hill, but is worth it for the view on the 1515m peak. I had some breaks in the cloud and managed to get good views to my east.

View from side of Conical Hill

After some time on the top I descended back to Harris Saddle and I continued along the track around Lake Harris and then to my hut for the night, Routeburn Falls hut by three small waterfalls. It was only about 3pm and I could have easily finished the track off that day.

Following the track

The hut at 1000m offered great views into the valleys below but this was soon obscured as it started raining again. I had a long time to kill so read (finished) my book, made dinner then after the hut talk went to bed about 9pm.

Routeburn Falls Huts and valleys below

It was a cold night and on Tuesday (New Years Eve) morning, it was evident that it had snowed as there was fresh snow on the higher peaks. I packed up my things and carried on the last 6 mile section. It started raining so i was in waterproofs again.

Descending to Routeburn Flats

I tried to go on a side trip up the Routeburn North branch past the Routeburn Flats hut, but didn't as there was a river crossing I didn't fancy. So thought I could do a track at the end of the Routeburn to kill time while waiting for my 2pm bus.

View back up the valley from a swingbridge

On the last section I walked with a Swiss guy who was after the 10am bus so I thought I would try and get on this. We just about got to the Routeburn road end in time to catch the 10am bus and I got on this one to get back to Queenstown for 12.

26-29th December 2013- Milford Track

The Start

Boxing day I woke , slipped out the hostel in Queenstown and caught an early bus 6:50am to Te Anau Downs. It was a longish journey and got there for the boat which left a 1pm to Glade Wharf. The boat went down Lake Te Anau providing great views of the mountains around and glacial valleys. The boat arrived at Glade Wharf the start of the Milford Track at about 1:45pm.

Coming into Glade Wharf

The path to the first hut was only a few miles so I slowly walked to the hut across the well made paths to the hut. It was warm and sunny and there wasn't as many sandflys as I expected. I was one of the first at the hut so chose a bunk, meandered round and got to meet the people I would be spending the next 3 nights with. After some reading, playing cards and a nature walk with the hut warden Ross i had dinner and then waited for it to get dark and then walked 100m from the hut to see some glow worms.

Views of the valley

On friday morning I tried to lie in as much as possible as I knew there was only about 10 miles , plus some extra, to do today. I had breakfast and then headed off down the track. Most of this section was in the bush but breaks in the trees provided great views of the valley. It was a dry day with some cloud early on getting sunnier as the day went on. Trying to consume time I did every side trip available including the Hidden Lake (not very hidden) and the smaller (but nicer in my opinion) Prairy Lake.

Waterfall at Priary Lake

I got to the shelter by Pamplona and had some lunch at midday, but I had already done two thirds of the track. I carried on after some brie and made it to the Mintaro Hut at about 2pm. So I decided instead of hanging round the hut, I dropped my bags and decided to go up Mackinnon pass as the weather was good and thought there was the possibility that I may not be good the next day.

Views ascending Mackinnon Pass

I carried on up the track and then the path started to get steeper and gaining height. But still it was a good path and was quite easy to ascend. I made it to the top by the Mackinnon memorial in about 75 minutes and I was rewarded by awesome views over the valleys below.

Views from Mackinnon Pass

I walked a bit further to the actual highest point of the walk to get views of the valley i'd just walked and then I came back down. Back at the hut I went down to the river and took a dip in the very cold water to feel clean again. At the hut had dinner, chatted then read before going to bed.

The Mackinnon Memorial

Saturday morning turned out to be very sunny and hot, so we would get views at Mackinnon pass anyway. I had breakfast while watching the Kea (a noisy NZ bird, that likes to steel things, even boots) put on a show outside the hut.

Kea at the Hut

I left the hut and started up the hill, passing a lot of my fellow trampers on the way. I made it to Mackinnon pass, took more photos and chatted with the other walkers. After a brief stop at the shelter at the top of the pass I continued down the descent towards the Quinton shelter.

Descending from the Pass

The descent was fun as the track was a bit rougher than the other side and provided good views of Mackinnon pass above. I made it to the shelter and met with the two German girls and we had lunch together along with complimentary tea and cake left in the shelter.

Weka

The three of us left our bags at the shelter and went on the side trip to see the magnificent Sutherland falls, which are the highest in New Zealand at 580 metres. We got to about 50 metres from the falls and got soaked, but we dried off in the sun on the walk back to the shelter.

Wet Idiot

From the shelter I continued along the track and it wasn't far to the hut for the night, Dumpling Hut. By the hut is an awesome swimming spot on the Arthur River and there ended up ten or so of us jumping off rocks into the cool water.

Sutherland Falls

Soon after we got in from swimming, the heavens opened and it rained quite a bit in the night. It was our last night and a lot of played cards, dice games and drank whisky until it was time for bed.

The Swimming Hole

On Sunday morning, I lay in a bit but was still walking at about 8:30. The aim was to walk slowly as you didn't want to be waiting around Sandfly Point for long, as you would get eaten alive. The weather again was good. The last section is about 18km long but less eventful as the day before, as most of it just followed the river in the bush with a few decent swingbridges.

Random swing bridge shot

There is a couple of impressive waterfalls, the Mackay Falls and Giant Gate Falls, where I stopped to have lunch.The track then continues along Lake Ada and then the track ends at Sandfly Point. The last couple of miles I finished with another Englishman and the two German girls and we were at the end at about 1:15 with a wait for the boat at 2pm. But at least we had great views of Milford Sound.

Sandfly Point, Milford Sound

The boat picked us up and the 30 minute trip gave us brilliant views of Milford Sound, including an impressive look at the awesome Mitre Peak, when the boat pulled into the Milford Sound boat terminal.With the few hours I had till my bus at 5pm, I joined an American couple (who had been in our group) for a couple of beers and something to eat, at the only cafe in Milford Sound. I was glad I had packed the food for the Routeburn to, as there is nothing else apart from hotels in Milford Sound village. I then caught my bus to The Divide at 5pm.

Mackinnon Pass