The Last Ramsay Round Recce before the atempt

Day 1 22nd May
18 miles 6,200 feet

After travelling up early Will and I arrived at Glen Nevis campsite, set up camp then headed straight for Fersit. Our plan was to complete the Grey Corries section of the route. In November we had cut short an attempt at them all in one go, due to severe winds and fading light. We left the car and ran around the base of Stob Coire Mheadion and Stob Coire Essain, to travel up the valley along the left hand side of stob coire claurigh. The wet weather on the drive up thankfully didn’t follow us, and we set off in beautiful weather. My usual map reading error led us up on the traverse around too early but we carried on and did a bit of extra ascent. We were glad we did as if we had of gone the easiest - correct - route we wouldn’t have seen about 70 deer all in one mass herd.

Eventually after a detour to a small bothy, we arrived at the col between Stob Ban and Stob Coire Mheadion. We ascended Stob Ban so that we could check out the descent line, up and down. After a long ascent we were finally back on the route that we left in November. The descent of Stob Ban was fast and enjoyable on yielding ground. 20 minutes and we were on the valley floor. The ascent of Stob Coire Essain is the longest on the round, within a leg. It felt it; we took a longer line which saw us traversing a long way across the summit ridge. We both agreed it was not the fastest route, and more direct was better. Stob Coire Mheadion was a nice up and down, we then descended a good line but went down to the grit road at Loch Treig too early and struggled a bit in crags. But it was a good day out and not too long given we had 2 long days yet to do.

Day 2 23rd May
22 miles 5,700 feet

Bill had travelled up and he joined us for a point to point from Fersit dam to Kinlochleven. In dank weather we crossed the dam and sniffed out the route through the woods and up the tough tussock strewn climb of Stob Coire sgriddon, we picked our way up and eventually made the top in thick cloud. The conditions slowed us down as none of us had been on these hills before. Chno Dearg was fairly confusing with several little ups and downs on the way, the climb was easy though. We took a break on the top and got cold, probably not the best place to take a break, as a stiff wind whipped around the cairn we sheltered behind.

The line off Chno Dearg was good but we ascended a bit early to the summit ridge we all agreed a longer lower traverse would work better. We had a quick stop on the summit then descended a confusing -well in cloud anyway - ridge line towards the railway underpass. The line we took was good; this was aided by finally getting lower than the cloud and getting a sight line to the bridge. The long run around the West end of the Loch Trieg and on around the river to the track and on to Loch Elide Mor was more fun and easier than I had anticipated. Now the sun came out for the first time to make it all the more pleasant.

This wasn’t to last and when we got to the end of our recce at the lodge at the bottom of Sgurr Elide Mor the heavens opened. Bill decided to walk the 4 miles down to Kinlochleven, due to a sore knee. Will and I ran to keep warm. Our reward for this was a cup of tea in the Climbing centre in Kinlochleven. Will and I shook hands in the knowledge that we had now, finally, set foot on the entire round.

It was another good day out. But after retrieving Wills car from Fersit and having a shower we were too late for a choice of food, again. So it was the Indian, and another Chicken Madras. It seamed to be doing the job anyway.

Day 3 24 th May
9.5 miles 5,800 feet

Will and I decided that a circular run from our campsite at Glen Nevis would be prudent, as we had to travel back home later on. So we decided on Ben Nevis followed by Carn Mor Dearg then a descent off the Ramsay Round down to the climbing hut, a run around the base of Carn Dearg and then onto Melantee before descending via the tourist path to Glen Nevis.

For the most part the weather was good and we found the route reasonably easy to navigate. Even the snow covered clouded top of Ben Nevis was negotiated reasonably easily. For several reasons we were well off the schedule on Carn mor Dearg, in fact at that time we should have been on the next summit, Aonoch mor. It was slightly disconcerting. But we decided that an impromptu toilet break followed by a lot of snow on Ben Nevis and a lengthy chat with a Ramsay Round completer, on descending Ben Nevis, explained this lack of speed over the ground.

We ended the day with an ascent of melantee, which pleased me, as for years I have looked at it from all angles but for one reason or another never ventured onto its top. Will was also pleased to add another top. The final bit of ascent to it was tough and all the previous 2 days hills could be felt in my legs. Will made me feel better by admitting he found it tough as well, even though it is a short ascent. We descended back to the campsite happy at finishing our recceing and also finishing our serious training before our attempt on the round with Bill Williamson and maybe Chris Reade on June the 6th.

Maybe it’s the training or a slight lack of confidence, but I feel that this round suits me less well compared to the Bob Graham and the Paddy Buckley Rounds. I am starting to think that the long ups are not what I do best. But I suppose I will find out soon enough. Hopefully I can be good enough at them to get the job done.

2 day Ramsay Recce Blighted by bad weather

8th May 2009
4,400 ft 13 miles

This was a rubbish trip. The snow line was down to 1,000 feet and I never really had a chance. Being on my own meant the safety margins would be tighter. On the first day my aim was to go over Ben Nevis then Carn Mor Dearg , over Aonoch Mor then to descend down to the Nevis Range. This didn’t quite happen I ascended Ben Nevis and climbed up into a white out. I decided better of carrying on with my proposed route and carefully navigated my way off the top. These were the toughest conditions I have ever had to negotiate on a mountain top. What made it tricky is that it is a flat top with shear drops on most sides, if you get your navigation wrong it can and has been fatal - hence the navigation lines on the maps - which I had to use. So I was glad to get out of the clouds and down safely.


9th May
21 miles 6,300 feet

The 2nd day started with a downpour, and during this I drove out to Loch Treig, observed the torrential rain from my car. I decided that, with the cloud down to the snow line at about 1,200 feet it would be too much of a chore to go on new ground, and I wouldn’t learn much either. It had taken me 10 minutes to rationalise the pros and cons in order to make this decision, as the rain continually lashed my car. I went back to Fort William and did a run from my hotel to Stob Ban over Mullach Nan Coirean - in deep snow - and back to Fort William via Cow Hill. The weather got better as the day went on and I descended Mullach Nan Coirean in sunshine. Their were only 1 or 2 more showers as I made my way back to Fort William to finish an enjoyable, mixed terrain run.

Duncan and Chris Paddy Buckley round

2nd May
10 miles 5,500 ft

Ian and I started to enjoy our bacon bun in the pinnacle café in Capel curig just as Chris came in to his 2nd rest stop. We had travelled down to help both of them on their PB attempts. Duncan was going to start here at 10:00 am, where as Chris had started in Pont Caer Gors some 10 ½ hours earlier. Chris was going well and took a quick breather before heading off to Moel siabod and the start of his third leg.

Ian set off with a nervous Duncan on a fine day. Dead on 10 am I waved them off, then set about killing 6 hours of time, prior to helping Chris on his final leg. After successfully killing the time I made my way around to Aberglaslyn where I joined Chris on his final leg. He was still going strong and soon we were off, I was nominated as the navigator, somewhat reluctantly I took up the challenge. It was only my 3rd trip around this leg, and one of those was my own round. So I wasn’t exactly confident. But in the clear weather it wasn’t to be too much trouble.

Apart from a few minor errors we pretty much took the ideal lines. I proceeded to take some snaps in the gorgeous afternoon sun as we made our way towards Y Gyrn. As we descended to the col we started choosing our line of ascent in order to miss as much of the heather as possible. It worked and we picked a good line up. The rest of the run around the Nantlle Ridge went well, the weather started to show signs of changing as the clouds rolled onto the ridge. Chris finished strong and in an impressive time of 21 hours 26 minutes.

I got a lift and retrieved the car. There was a rumour that Ian was to have a crack at the whole round. But after 1 ½ legs and about 9 hours he started to feel tired and came down about half way along Duncan’s leg 2. We met up and made our way to Llanberis to wait for Duncan, Here I was meant to join him to go over the Glydderau on his 4th leg. So after a curry Ian and I dozed in his car waiting. At about 1 am the rain and wind started to lash the car. I thought it would be bad for Duncan on his Snowdon leg.

Duncan and his support came in revealing that they had called it a day. He had been thwarted by bad weather in much the same as last year. In fact he had done exactly the same round as last year, and been hit by bad weather at the same point in the round over Snowdon. Commiserations given, and a beautiful bacon bun courtesy of the Andy and Pam, consumed, and it was 3 am and Ian and I were off for what was to be the most tiring drive of my life.

The Highland Fling Race

25th April
53 miles 8,500 ft

After an overnight stay in Milngavie Will and I registered for the 7:00 hrs start. We, like most others, distributed our 4 food bags in the relevant cars; these would then be distributed down the course for us to collect. We then made our way to the start line.

Will decided to start mid pack; I started further forward near the elite runners. I noted Jez – the favourite – in front lined up with a few other familiar faces. Murdo set us off and we quickly made our way through the town centre and onto the West Highland Way trail, which would take us all the way to Tyndrum. I set off at a comfortable marathon pace (probably 4 hours ish). My initial plan was to run and break it up with walking breaks from the start. But the terrain was easy until Inversnaid so I decided to run as much as I could, and walk the steep hills. As I approached Conic Hill I could make out the leaders in the distance about half way up. Conic Hill ascent was to be my first walk of any length. I made a good quick descent picking out some good grassy lines, and overtaking a few runners mainly the super vets and women that started at 06:00 hrs.

I soon arrived at Balmaha and the first checkpoint. I collected my first food bag and spent 5 minutes sorting my water and food out, and then off I ran. The route now follows the east side of Loch Lomond through forests. Every now and then the route pops out onto the road and then back into the woods. I ran most of the undulating trail to Rowardenan checkpoint. To this point I was sticking to an, optimistic 9 hour schedule. After a quick break I was on the trail again but this rough section, which for the most part is hard to maintain any speed on, is very rough and rocky with lots of trees to weave around. This started to fatigue me. After this section I never felt quite as strong again. Maybe the fast start had caught up with me.

I reached the last checkpoint at Bein Glas farm in glorious sunshine. Sitting down in the sun made me realise how hot it was for the first time. I had many conversations with runners along the way, but for the first time I had a good chat with a spectator whom had done the race last year. He made me realise that the game was up on the sub 9 hours. I re adjusted my goal, and In my foggy mind I thought that 2 hours 25 mins from here was plenty and sub 9 ½ hours was not a problem. The uphill section out of Bein Glas was tougher than I remember from the West Highland Way race of 2004. I began to suffer cramps as I neared the forest. Occasionally I had to stop to stretch out my calf muscles and even my quads. I have never cramped like that before. I struggled through the forest section were a couple of runners overtook me. I was struggling on the downhill bits of the rollercoaster style steep ups and downs. Eventually I got to the road crossing and flatter terrain.

I managed to get back into a proper running rhythm again, albeit a lot slower than 20 miles ago. I crossed the road again and was now getting that feeling like it was the last 4 miles of a marathon, except I had very little idea of the distance left. Apart from walkers telling me “well done not far to go”, the walkers were great all day, considering the inconvenience we must have caused them. I was trying to recall this section from when I did the 2004 WHW race, but I was too tired to recall it in enough detail. I came to a slight incline in a small section of road and started to walk thinking that even my sub 9 ½ hours was up. But as I rounded the corner I noticed some race marshals. I looked over my right shoulder, and across the field was a large finishing gantry. So I entered the field and noted that I had 1 ½ minutes to make sure I ducked under 9 ½ hours. So I made an effort across the last bit of trail. I did it, just; in 9 hours 29 mins and 40 secs. The time was not that important it just kept me going when I felt pretty weak towards the end.

I sorted myself our and retrieved the flask of coffee just as Will came over the line in 10 hours 22 mins. We both had the beautiful stovies I kept mine down Will didn’t, and vowed to give it another go next year. Both the stovies and the race.

I felt it was a good effort, as I had never done that length of race before. I’m sure I can improve on that time in the future. The race is really well organised and ranks up their as one of my favourites despite my own suffering at the end. Jez Bragg won the race in a new record time of 7:19:09.

Anniversary Waltz Fell Race

11th March
11.5 miles 4,500ft

The anniversary waltz is a race I had been meaning to do for about 3 years. But for varying reasons this year was to be my first chance. So even though I was still feeling a bit rough from a stomach bug, I decided to take part.

Ian Cookson joined me and we both started together in the middle of the pack. I vowed to set off steady and see how the stomach felt. The perfect weather inspired me to push a bit harder and soon after starting on the first bit of trail I overtook Ian. I felt o.k. and so continued at about 90 % effort.

The views were amazing from the tops, as I scooted over Robinson, Hindscarth and Dale Head. It was now that I chose the wrong line off Dale. I should have known it was the wrong line as I was now completely on my own going down the right hand line towards the tarn. I had overtaken fellow Bowland runner Declan at the top, and by the time I descended to the tarn I was 200 yards behind. We continues this cat and mouse game – not the he knew it as I didn’t have my Bowland vest on – over High Spy until I finally passed him on the top of Cat Bells. I then lined up Paul Morton but could not quite catch him.

I was pleased with my effort and felt remarkably o.k. considering how unsettled I had been the previous week. It was a beautiful day to be in the Hills. The race was brilliantly organised by Steve and Wynn. Ian enjoyed also enjoyed the run finishing 190th in 2h 18:50. I finished 105th in 2h 07:56. The winner was Morgan Donnelly in 1h 35:58.

Day 1 The hardest Munro

4th April
25 miles 9,100 ft

Saturday was planned to be the long day of the two. It proved to be, but not quiet as we planned it. It proved a tough way to bag 1 new Ramsay Round Munro.

Our initial Idea was to run from Glen Nevis Car Park where Wills truck would be left. Then follow the River of Nevis over and around to Loch Elide Mor then run all the Mamores back to either the Youth Hostel or the car depending on levels of tiredness.

Will, Ian and I followed this plan well for a while getting a soaking from the incessant drizzle as we made our way down the side of the river. We trudged through heavy ground before reaching the shooters track and easier running ground. After 3 hours 20 minutes of run walking we reached the foot of Sgurr Elide Mor. This ascent proved taxing and the rain seamed to get heavier. We made the top and bizarrely it was dead calm (maybe the eye of a mini storm). We descended to the track that skirts around Binnein Mor and leads to Binnein Beag. At the bottom we put some on extra clothes as the wind started to bite. The ascent of Binnein Beag was good. We had a quick chat with some walkers on the top then managed to track too far right onto tricky rocky ground on the right, never again! As we ascended Binnein Mor the cold began to bite and my hands were numb. Even with winter climbing gloves and jacket on, the combination of rain then icy 50 mph gusts with snow chilled my body and hands.

We ascended too direct and had to track right around to the ridge, kicking steps in the snow covered slope, it was now almost a white out, and once I gained the ridge the wind was even worse. I continued but had to stop as Ian was nowhere to be seen. Will went back for him – he had slipped and fell 15 feet but was o.k – now that I was stood still my whole body was cold, and I began to shiver. When they caught me up and said that they had enough I was glad. I was ready to get out of their anyway. So we decided to descend to Mamore lodge via Na Gruagachean. We then joined the West Highland Way for a few miles, the wind was still quite strong and I was still uncomfortably cold. So Wills idea to ascend to the col between Sgurr A Mhaim and Stob Ban was a good one, at least I would warm back up again. So we slogged off up the 2,000 ft ascent and over the other side to thankfully land back at the car 10 hours after leaving it.

In all we had bagged one new munro and spotted the correct line onto Sgurr Elide Mor . It was probably the hardest way to gain 1 new summit. But we vowed to scrap the previous day 2 plans and carry on where we left off, and finish the Mamores once and for all.

Day 2 Five new Munros.

5th April
16 miles 8,300ft

What a difference a day makes. Although feeling a bit fatigued Will and I decided to ascend back up to just below the summit of Na Gruagachean and run all the way back to the youth hostel, and then walk back to the Bunk house.

Ian dropped us off at Mamore lodge and decided he would have an easier day by making his first trip up Ben Nevis. Will and I proceeded to have a great day in the Mamores. Once we made the 2,400 foot climb back to the RR route, we spent 5 ½ hours tracking the munros back to Glen Nevis youth hostel. We even tried out a new line off Sgurr a mhaim contouring out the ridge on the way to Stob Ban. We decided that although it was fairly quick, this was offset by the tricky off camber running, and may be a bit wearing at the end of the round. The rest of the route seamed pretty straightforward especially in the sunny clear weather.

As we approached the final summit of Mulach Nan coirean We realised our mistake last time that we went to the far set of cairns to the left and not the near ones, which is the summit, so this time we made the correct summit and consequently the right decent. We used our knowledge from our Friday recce of the decent through the woods, to easily make it to Glen Nevis Youth Hostel. It was a fantastic 7 hour point to point from Mamore lodge to the Ben Nevis bunkhouse, in beautiful if blustery cool weather, on some of the finest ridges I have run. We were even ½ an hour up on our Ramsay Round schedule. It certainly made up for Saturday.

I now think that Scottish weather has to allow you the chance to do what you want on the hills. I think the weather will be of more importance on this round than on either the Bob Graham or Paddy Buckley rounds. So fingers crossed for the 6th of June.