28th June 2014- Lake District 10 Peaks Long

A pleasant morning provided a hint of what the day was going to be like with a dry, cool day and great visibility when the clag lifted from the high tops as the morning went on. We we’re picked up from Keswick FC and taken to where we started at Swirls car park. I felt good goin up and over Helvellyn in the clag and after the first checkpoint up the boggy section to High Raise in the clag.

Ascending Helvellyn in the clag

Descending High Raise I felt tenderness coming no so started on the Ibuprofen. After Bowfell the peaks of Great End, Ill Crag, Broad Crag and Scafell Pike we’re soon ticked off even Scafell wasn’t too much of a problem up Lord's Rake and down Foxes Tarn and then soon found myself on the corridor route towards Great Gable.

Lord's Rake upto Scafell

Great Gable was its usually grind and not much better on the downhill. After the checkpoint it was the long detour to Pillar which despite a few moments of fatigue I was at the summit and then heading back for the Moses Trod path and to the best checkpoint at Honister where I had Spag Bol and a can of coke.

Pillar summit. Great Gable + Scafells in the background

This gave me the energy to get upto Dale Head tarn and then some good running to the checkpoint Nichol End and then to the foot of Carlside Skiddaw. I was feeling alright but that was soon sapped by the steep uphill of Carlside and after that the steep uphill to Skiddaw was very slow interrupted by regular stops for breath. There we’re no rewards at the top as it was very windy and cold and after dibbing in the last summit I managed to run all the way back to Keswick FC to finish in 16:30:08. This was probably the toughest race I'd ever done, but that's no suprise with 73km and 5600m of ascent/descent.

Large summit, Skiddaw

24-25th May 2014- Brecon Beacons

I left the car in Pencelli at 11am on saturday morning and started walking through lanes and fields till I started to ascend more rapidly up open access land. It was very hot and sunny and I was glad I had factor 50 on. I walked over the first small hill then started ascending Wynn Rydd??? passing several horses on the way.

Two of many horses

From Wynn Rydd the views to the west provided a preview of what was to come. I rejoind the path and walked up the hills on the way to Pen y Fan, including Fan y Big and Cribyn

Looking at the hills which lay ahead

The closer I got to Pen y Fann there were more and more people about and when I got to the summit of Pen y Fan I didn't hang around as it was rammed with people including people dressed if they we're going for a day on the beach and morons you would expect to see on a reality tv show like 'The Valleys' (never watched it). 

Pen y Fan

I then walked over Corn Ddu and then down to The Storey Arms as quick as possible to get away from the crowds. Once I crossed the road and started heading up Fan Fawr there was no one around, just sheep. It was a tough ascent and in the heat it was hard work. I made it to the top cairn and then over to the trig point and then had a little break enjoying the views and solitude.

Trig at Fan Frynych

I then headed down into the valley and after cooling my feet in a stream I headed up Fan Llia. After coming to what felt like the top I then headed back along the Beacons Way and after the trig at Fan Frynych I walked a bit till I decided to make camp.

A very pleasant evening

It was a pleasant calm evening and after the sun went down I got a vvery good nights sleep. I woke Sunday morning and it was looking like it would be another dry, sunny day. I started walking at 7 and followed the Beacons Way back to the Storey Arms and then up the path to Corn Ddu. There were a few people about but it was nice to not have crowds on Pen y Fan as per the day before. 

Pen y Fan in the morning (no crowds)

I retraced my steps and did all the same hills again, Cribyn, Fan y Big etc. I wanted to go quicker but I was sloeed down by a poorly toe which was making quick descents a bitpainful.

Looking back to Pen Y Fan

It was a nice day, but a bit windier,  but that gave some relief from the heat. I made it hack down into Pencelli and it was very hot without the wind. I made it back to the car before midday and it was a shame to leave with such good weather.

Cheers

3rd May 2014- Malvern Hills Ultra

It started a cold frosty morning around 2 degrees, but clear and the temperature rose so it ended up a long hot sunny day. Me and Chris arrived at Holt Castle, registered and we started with another 80 or so runners at 8:30 It started with some lanes and a couple of woods but then a nasty bit on the main road to the checkpoint at Martley.

The Start

From Martley the route got a lot better as it joined the Worestershire Way and included some small but tough hills including Ankerdine Hill and a few other hills before coming into the second checkpoint after 17.5miles. From here it would be a lot more up and down till the next checkpoint at half way. After the second checkpoint me and Chris ascended together up North Hill and after a punch point I enjoyed a good running section and then ascended Worcestershire Beacon.

Run to the Hills

I then enjoyed mainly downhills to the checkpoint at The Malvern Hills Hotel and after a refuel and restock of water I carried on, retracing my steps on the Out and Back course, passing Chris on the way out of the middle checkpoint. After a couple of miles on the hills, I realised I'd left my map at the last checkpoint so I buddyed up with a very good runner called Louise. I was a bit worried about keeping up with a UTMB finisher and three time Ironwoman.

Coming into the midway checkpoint

Louise managed to keep me going at a good pace. It was easy to the next checkpoint but it was a long one to Martley and I had a couple of tough moments including the ascent up Ankerdine Hill. We made it to the checkpoint in Martley and after being fussed over by the ladies at the checkpoint. We endured the last 7.5miles to finish the race at Holt Castle, where Louise was awarded the trophy for first female finisher. I congratulated several other finishers and me and Chris's wife Emma cheered him as he finished, looking releived to have finished. I have to admit I was fairly wrecked to and my feet we're very sore, but thats no suprise after 52 miles and 8000ft ascent.

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