Greetings from the toaster Bloggers!
What a magic day!! Sunny from the start and feeling surprisingly spritely after 3 very hard days on the trot, I was joined on the hills by Alan Smith, and a herd of Westies some fresh from the Slioch race yesterday, Ellie, JD, Chris, Neil & Elizabeth. We headed north very quickly to Carn Mor trig running all the way to the top and feeling great. Great views! Dropped off the hill and Alan & I picked up mtb's brought in by Chris & Neil for 5 miles to the foot of Corriehabbie Hill while the rest all ran along the same route then made short work of the top, while the bikes were taken back out again. A slight hiccup in concentration and direction led to the pack being split up in the Glen Rinnes before me & JD recalculated and found the camper parked exactly in the right spot. Roasting hot now and food and drink was noshed down before the short road bike to the foot of Ben Rinnes where a pack of me Brenda, Chris, Ellie, Tilly & Alan enjoyed a scamper up the Ben in glorious sunshine and lingered on the summit tors taking in the Moray coast views.Magic.
Alan & I road biked the 16 lovely miles back to Tomintoul, with only one brief stop to articulate the errors of a particularly bad drivers errors to him and his missus, before an outrageously good feed of Soay sausages and lamb mince washed down with fantastic Cairngorm Ale. Another good day promises tomorrow with a run with an old Westies chum, Luke, back from Kiwiland. 103 in the bag, nearly halfway...
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Day 36 - Linn of Dee - The Lecht
After a slow start this morning Brian Brennan & Alan Smith headed away with Manny for 5 hills starting with Carn na Drochaide and finishing over at The Lecht. The weather was glorious but it was another hard day as Manny was not feeling great. They all survived and Brian did the first 3 and headed back for his car at Allanaquoich. Thanks Brian for dropping off the bike and taking away all our rubbish & supplying us with lots of goodies.
Archie & Sandra managed to track me down at The Lecht while Archie swapped wheels on bikes and sorted us again after having a visit to the bike shop. Sandra brought some more Cherry cake which is going down a treat. Tilly picked me up as we organised transport arrangments before heading to Tomintoul.
We are spending the night at Alan & Tilly's where we are about to have a relaxing evening in the hot tub outside.
The plans for tomorrow is starting at Carn Mor, Corriehabbie Hill & Ben Rinnes.
Archie & Sandra managed to track me down at The Lecht while Archie swapped wheels on bikes and sorted us again after having a visit to the bike shop. Sandra brought some more Cherry cake which is going down a treat. Tilly picked me up as we organised transport arrangments before heading to Tomintoul.
We are spending the night at Alan & Tilly's where we are about to have a relaxing evening in the hot tub outside.
The plans for tomorrow is starting at Carn Mor, Corriehabbie Hill & Ben Rinnes.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Day 35 - Glen Muick to Linn of Dee
This morning he had a 12 mile road cycle from Glen Muick to Lary. (I will let him tell you about the cycle). Alan Smith then joined us for the day, so the pair headed away with their mountain bikes to do Morven with the sun out. Quick turn around – sausage rolls, stovies, cakes, ice cream, how much can he eat…. 23 mile cycle just past Braemar where they did Creag Nan Gabhar in about an hour then a 4 mile cycle to Ballater for the 3rd Corbett of the day, Morrone which they are away doing now and then it will be a 8 mile bike ride to Linn of Dee where we will set out with the mountain bikes to Whitebridge and do Sgor Mor this evening.
Tomorrow (Saturday) he is starting from Allannaquoich car park (The Punch Bowl) for a 9am start if anyone is joining him and finishing over at the Lecht where we will spent the night with Alan & Tilly at Tomintoul. By the end of tomorrow it will be 100 down & 119 to go.
Tomorrow (Saturday) he is starting from Allannaquoich car park (The Punch Bowl) for a 9am start if anyone is joining him and finishing over at the Lecht where we will spent the night with Alan & Tilly at Tomintoul. By the end of tomorrow it will be 100 down & 119 to go.
Day 34 – Glen Clova (Wheen) to Glen Muick
Brian Bonnyman arrived this morning for the day, another new face which was nice to meet. Adie also for here joining us for another day. All 3 of them headed away to start the morning with Ben Tirran while I had a drove around to Loch Lee and was told not to stop anywhere on the way as I was required to cycle the mountain bike to the end of the Loch for Manny to cycle back. I arrived in perfect timings to hand over the bike while Adie & I jogged the 3 miles back to the campervan. Quick stop for food & drink and then a quick road bike to Milden lodge for Mount Battock. Adie, Brian & Manny set off again, while I relaxed in the sun for an hour which was great. No longer where they back again, Manny was back on his bike back up to Glen Lee. Adie & Brian headed away. He had some more food & drink while I had a head start to run up to the Stables of Lee while Manny cycled in and I could take his mountain bike back. I then left him to carry on and do Conachraig while I had a 2 ½ hour drive around to Glen Muick to meet him. I arrived 20 mins in front of him. He finished about 9pm. It was a gorgeous evening.
Day 33 - Ben Vuirich - Glen Clova
I am sure Manny will update you with his usual rant.
He headed away on Wednesday morning for a 16 mile bike ride to do Ben Gulabin where Adie & Tricky joined us for the day. Davie was heading away this morning to catch another race in the evening. A short road bike for 3 miles to then to do Monanenach while I had a lovely drive around to Auchhavan to meet Adie & Manny while Tricky went to the top of Monanenach and back down the same way to collect his car. The weather has improved so he is making most of the days.
Manny then headed away again on his road bike for a 30 mile cycle to Wheen while I headed on my way to the Clova Hotel. On the way I stopped at Kirriemuir to catch the chemist, again.... I had just been driving for a couple of miles and I saw this person cycling the opposite way, so I slowed down and noticed he had a red jacket & white helmet then I realised it was Manny, I had a quick panic and thought, oh S***I am going the wrong way, but I thought no I can’t be. I then stopped and yes it was Manny going the wrong way, he came to the end of the road and no sign so he went right instead of left. I then drove away with a rather big grin and pleased that it was not me……. and carried on to the Clova Hotel where I was parked up quiet comfortable in the hotel car park sitting in my deck chair waiting for him to arrive. He arrived in at 6.30pm just in time to have dinner, pint & watch the football….
He headed away on Wednesday morning for a 16 mile bike ride to do Ben Gulabin where Adie & Tricky joined us for the day. Davie was heading away this morning to catch another race in the evening. A short road bike for 3 miles to then to do Monanenach while I had a lovely drive around to Auchhavan to meet Adie & Manny while Tricky went to the top of Monanenach and back down the same way to collect his car. The weather has improved so he is making most of the days.
Manny then headed away again on his road bike for a 30 mile cycle to Wheen while I headed on my way to the Clova Hotel. On the way I stopped at Kirriemuir to catch the chemist, again.... I had just been driving for a couple of miles and I saw this person cycling the opposite way, so I slowed down and noticed he had a red jacket & white helmet then I realised it was Manny, I had a quick panic and thought, oh S***I am going the wrong way, but I thought no I can’t be. I then stopped and yes it was Manny going the wrong way, he came to the end of the road and no sign so he went right instead of left. I then drove away with a rather big grin and pleased that it was not me……. and carried on to the Clova Hotel where I was parked up quiet comfortable in the hotel car park sitting in my deck chair waiting for him to arrive. He arrived in at 6.30pm just in time to have dinner, pint & watch the football….
Thursday, May 28, 2009
A Wee Update
Just to keep all Blog Addicts up to date since Manny seems to have better things to do. (Anyone would think he was busy rather than just swanning about the countryside)
I've recently had a report that he is standing on top of Conacraig having had sunshine all day. So that's another 5 in the bag since his last post.
We wait with bated breath for the next blog entry from the man himself, although I must say they always seem much more entertaining when he has been battered stupid by the weather. I think that's because he's never really happy unless he's having a good old whinge.
I've recently had a report that he is standing on top of Conacraig having had sunshine all day. So that's another 5 in the bag since his last post.
We wait with bated breath for the next blog entry from the man himself, although I must say they always seem much more entertaining when he has been battered stupid by the weather. I think that's because he's never really happy unless he's having a good old whinge.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Day 32 - Feshie to Moulin Inn
Dropped off by Davy and Brenda in the jeep at the top of Glen Feshie at about 10am and a brisk walk up Leathad an Taobhain to wake up the very creaking legs, then travelled well over the very rough featureless ground to Beinn Bhreac squidging through wet peat bogs constantly. I came over the brow of a wee hummock and there were 2 eagles on the ground right in front of me – massive big things! I was scared they were going to set about me but they lumbered into the sky seemingly not too bothered by my intrusion and watched me for a while, probably deciding I didn’t have enough meat left to make a decent snack. Freezing cold NW winds made me keep moving on to stay warm, but it was clear and sunny mostly, with some massive black rain clouds passing ominously all around me, but fortunately not connecting! Another big bog hop over to Beinn Mheadhonach and a long ridge run off south to Gilberts Bridge in Glen Tilt to meet Davy & Brenny with the mtb’s then nip back into Blair Atholl for a body re-fuel. Lovely day, but it was only 3.15pm. mmm? Yeah, you guessed – crack on for another couple. I know the physio said “rest”, and the tape did help…until it fell off, but I felt I had to make use of this unseasonably good weather after a month of cats & dogs. So a quick bike wheeech into Killiecrankie (bumped into Emma & her dug, who we met at Loch Rannoch a few days previous) and up the back of Ben Vrackie and then stupidly carried on to Ben Vuirich. Mistake.It was only half way across this rough route I realised the folly - it was now 7pm and the Moulin Inn may stop serving grub at 8.30!!!. Emergency text to B instructing advanced food order while I proceeded to set the heather on fire with am insane race pace climb and descent of Vuirich, absolutely eye balls out! Crazy, just what I needed after 20 plus miles. I met Brenda, Davy and now Aidy “King of the Bens” Davis on the north side with mtb for a mad 5 mile dash to the road end for the vans, then whiz to the Moulin just in time for grub – turns out it was 9.30 last orders for grub and just as well because I had been hallucinating steak & ale pie with an Atholl Ale chaser for the last 2 hours. A good day but I think I may suffer for it tomorrow, but at least with some new company promised for the hill.
I’m away to cuddle a large Glengoyne before my coma.
Night night Blogites.
I’m away to cuddle a large Glengoyne before my coma.
Night night Blogites.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Day 31 - Dalwhinnie to Feshie
Archie beat me too it due to mince vodaphone connections.
A knackered late start again on the road bike on the dreadful A9 in minging rain and worse wind. Happy days. It improved after Drumochter when I snuck up on a John O, Groats to Lands Ender, also on a bike, but with full panniers. In the racket of the wind, rain and constant traffic he didn’t hear me and I gratefully stole about a mile and a half of draughting behind him until we hit the relative safety of the dual carriageway. I knew since he was unaware of me there was no easy way past so I shouted “Hello!” rather than just whiz past. Poor man filled his pants! He leapt out the saddle, both his feet unclipped and he did a major high speed wobble across the road with the fright!! Somehow he just held it together and we enjoyed the next 6 miles of chit chat exchanges of hopes for our different adventures. I never caught his name, (The Birmingham Biker) but good luck to you on you travels.
At the Trinafour turn off a brief feed and change of bike to the mountain variety then it was north through the Giack Pass with a now tail wind and the rain abated. Quickly covered ground to Loch Giack , and whizzed up & down steep An Dun then some lovely single track biking to the other end of the loch to climb a near vertical wall of grass to the rather disappointing tiny cairn of A’Chaornich. Another good run on the bike down the pass and a surprise to find Archie pointing his 300mm (lens) at me from Giack Lodge. Great, company for the last 2 hills. Sadly our friends Davie & Cherie McGibbon were not at home in the keepers cottage when we passed but thank you for allowing us to take our entourage of vehicles in & out the estate.( Can you freeze & post the lasagne Cherie?) Archie and I set off up Meallach Mhor and Carn Dearg Mor as the rain & thick mist set in again and we got a hearty soaking in “warm” water from the east or was it north west? mmm? Anyway it was good to be on very familiar hills with a friend to blether to and we made very short work of them descending to a high hill track in Feshie Estate to meet Davy Duncan & Brenda, having borrowed Alan Smiths jeep, and that is where I will start tomorrows trot south the Blair Atholl.
The evening was spent enjoying the sorely missed Suie Hotel bar in Kincraig for a few drinks and a magic dinner. Great beer, great food and a fine host, Mike Welding. Try it if you are ever passing folks, you won’t be disappointed.
It was off to Nethy Bridge next to see my ever patient physio Alison Robb – a woman with dangerous fingers!! “Oh God!” is not something she has said to me before in the many previous times I have visited with my varied aches and pains, but the sight of my angry red leg was enough on this occasion. After much rubbing, “ouching” and zapping, I was taped up like Blue Peter Christmas surprise and sent home to ice ice ice!!! Alison gave me the honest view that a rest day may well be required very soon to give the leg a chance, before it does not work at all, and possibly occasionally in the future too. It will be better to skip a day or 2 rather than not finish the route but I will do tomorrow as it as relatively short, and assess how the strapping does for the leg.
A knackered late start again on the road bike on the dreadful A9 in minging rain and worse wind. Happy days. It improved after Drumochter when I snuck up on a John O, Groats to Lands Ender, also on a bike, but with full panniers. In the racket of the wind, rain and constant traffic he didn’t hear me and I gratefully stole about a mile and a half of draughting behind him until we hit the relative safety of the dual carriageway. I knew since he was unaware of me there was no easy way past so I shouted “Hello!” rather than just whiz past. Poor man filled his pants! He leapt out the saddle, both his feet unclipped and he did a major high speed wobble across the road with the fright!! Somehow he just held it together and we enjoyed the next 6 miles of chit chat exchanges of hopes for our different adventures. I never caught his name, (The Birmingham Biker) but good luck to you on you travels.
At the Trinafour turn off a brief feed and change of bike to the mountain variety then it was north through the Giack Pass with a now tail wind and the rain abated. Quickly covered ground to Loch Giack , and whizzed up & down steep An Dun then some lovely single track biking to the other end of the loch to climb a near vertical wall of grass to the rather disappointing tiny cairn of A’Chaornich. Another good run on the bike down the pass and a surprise to find Archie pointing his 300mm (lens) at me from Giack Lodge. Great, company for the last 2 hills. Sadly our friends Davie & Cherie McGibbon were not at home in the keepers cottage when we passed but thank you for allowing us to take our entourage of vehicles in & out the estate.( Can you freeze & post the lasagne Cherie?) Archie and I set off up Meallach Mhor and Carn Dearg Mor as the rain & thick mist set in again and we got a hearty soaking in “warm” water from the east or was it north west? mmm? Anyway it was good to be on very familiar hills with a friend to blether to and we made very short work of them descending to a high hill track in Feshie Estate to meet Davy Duncan & Brenda, having borrowed Alan Smiths jeep, and that is where I will start tomorrows trot south the Blair Atholl.
The evening was spent enjoying the sorely missed Suie Hotel bar in Kincraig for a few drinks and a magic dinner. Great beer, great food and a fine host, Mike Welding. Try it if you are ever passing folks, you won’t be disappointed.
It was off to Nethy Bridge next to see my ever patient physio Alison Robb – a woman with dangerous fingers!! “Oh God!” is not something she has said to me before in the many previous times I have visited with my varied aches and pains, but the sight of my angry red leg was enough on this occasion. After much rubbing, “ouching” and zapping, I was taped up like Blue Peter Christmas surprise and sent home to ice ice ice!!! Alison gave me the honest view that a rest day may well be required very soon to give the leg a chance, before it does not work at all, and possibly occasionally in the future too. It will be better to skip a day or 2 rather than not finish the route but I will do tomorrow as it as relatively short, and assess how the strapping does for the leg.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Day 31 - Gaick Pass to Glenfeshie
Just a quick update to let all you Blog addicts know that the Fara was completed by Manny and Dave in sunshine last night allowing Manny to complete the 4 corbetts between the Gaick Pass and Glenfeshie today.
I joined him for the last 2, Meallach Mhor and Carn Dearg Mor and despite more peeing rain he was in good form and going strong. He was last spotted in the Suie scoffing yet more grub washed down with a couple of pints of Trade Winds in preparation for heading off for a hard time by his favourite physio to see if he can get his gammy leg sorted out.
I must say that having read reports of his leg "hinging aff" I was a bit unimpressed by the lack of limping that has been going on over the last couple of days. However when I suggested that the condition be officially downgraded to "a bit sair" I was told it merited at least a ranking of "affy sair". No doubt Alison will give a full diagnosis tonight.
Manny has promised to give a full update in his own inimitable style soon.
I joined him for the last 2, Meallach Mhor and Carn Dearg Mor and despite more peeing rain he was in good form and going strong. He was last spotted in the Suie scoffing yet more grub washed down with a couple of pints of Trade Winds in preparation for heading off for a hard time by his favourite physio to see if he can get his gammy leg sorted out.
I must say that having read reports of his leg "hinging aff" I was a bit unimpressed by the lack of limping that has been going on over the last couple of days. However when I suggested that the condition be officially downgraded to "a bit sair" I was told it merited at least a ranking of "affy sair". No doubt Alison will give a full diagnosis tonight.
Manny has promised to give a full update in his own inimitable style soon.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Day 30 - Loch Rannoch to Dalwhinnie
This morning Dave Rogers & myself set off an hour earlier for Stob an Aonaich Mhoir as Manny, Archie & Sandra were taking their bikes as it was a tarmac road for 8 miles which meant that I could then take Manny's bike back while Manny & Dave set of for Beinn Mholach, Meall na Leitreach & The Sow of Atholl. They caught us up just 10 mins before we dumped the bikes and Manny, Dave & myself headed up Stob an Aoniach.
Then Sandra, Archie & myself cycled back to the campervan & cars and drove them to Drumochter to meet them. Dot arrived this afternoon and went up and met then at Meall na Leitreach summit before they headed off again for the Sow.
A very quick turn around forManny, (think it might have something to do with Dave being around) some food & drink and a 6 mile road cycle to Dalwhinnie where Manny & Dave then headed for The Fara with the mountain bikes for at 3 miles which will help the legs. It is a lovely night and the sun is even out.
He will start the day tomorrow with a cycle from Dalwhinnie to Dalnacadoch (A9) and mountain bike north via the Gaick Pass for An Dun & A'Chaornich.
Then Sandra, Archie & myself cycled back to the campervan & cars and drove them to Drumochter to meet them. Dot arrived this afternoon and went up and met then at Meall na Leitreach summit before they headed off again for the Sow.
A very quick turn around forManny, (think it might have something to do with Dave being around) some food & drink and a 6 mile road cycle to Dalwhinnie where Manny & Dave then headed for The Fara with the mountain bikes for at 3 miles which will help the legs. It is a lovely night and the sun is even out.
He will start the day tomorrow with a cycle from Dalwhinnie to Dalnacadoch (A9) and mountain bike north via the Gaick Pass for An Dun & A'Chaornich.
Day 29 - Loch Ossian to Loch Rannoch
Manny started Saturday from somewhere beyond the back of beyond - the Loch Ossian hostel. First Corbett of the day was Meall na Meoig, then back to the track to collect the mountain bike and meet the crew for the day. Brenda, Archie, Sandra, Davy Duncan, Dave Rogers, Chris, Ellie and me biked and jogged the short distance back to the waiting vans, manned by Ken and Christine.
Archie then did some bike maintenance on Manny's MTB while Brenda and Manny had some 'van issues'. Shortly after the oven door shattered, the 'off switch' for the van had been flicked accidentally, resulting in much confusion and consternation as the vehicle showed no signs of life. Eventually the mistake was spotted, power was restored, and Archie and Sandra sped off to look for a new oven door.
Manny decided Beinn a'Chuallaich would be the day's other summit, so Ellie and Manny biked the 15 or so miles along the loch. One thing that has been noted during Manny's tour is that he is a seriously fast cyclist as well as an outstanding hill runner, and, crouched over the tri bars, he arrived just behind the cars, ready to climb the hill.
Brian Brennan joined the party at the foot of Beinn a'Chuallaich, fresh from several hours of LAMM training in the morning and looking for more. After days of sterling support effort, Davy Duncan and Ken Rumgay sat out this ascent, leaving the 6 Westies (Manny, Brian, Dave Rogers, Chris, Ellie, me) to climb the hill together. Again Brian generously took the brunt of Manny's misanthropic tirade on the ascent. Sherpa Rogers and his ridiculously big rucksack forged their own route, but met us as the summit for photos and abuse. An enjoyably fast run down the track took us back to the warmth and hospitality of the vans, where Brenda's Tea Room was doing a roaring trade as usual. I left for home, with Manny planning to cycle back along the loch to tackle 4 Corbetts on Sunday.
I'd like to pass on my personal thanks to Davy and Christine for their hospitality during the day. It was great to meet you both, and I hope to see you again later on this amazing venture.
Archie then did some bike maintenance on Manny's MTB while Brenda and Manny had some 'van issues'. Shortly after the oven door shattered, the 'off switch' for the van had been flicked accidentally, resulting in much confusion and consternation as the vehicle showed no signs of life. Eventually the mistake was spotted, power was restored, and Archie and Sandra sped off to look for a new oven door.
Manny decided Beinn a'Chuallaich would be the day's other summit, so Ellie and Manny biked the 15 or so miles along the loch. One thing that has been noted during Manny's tour is that he is a seriously fast cyclist as well as an outstanding hill runner, and, crouched over the tri bars, he arrived just behind the cars, ready to climb the hill.
Brian Brennan joined the party at the foot of Beinn a'Chuallaich, fresh from several hours of LAMM training in the morning and looking for more. After days of sterling support effort, Davy Duncan and Ken Rumgay sat out this ascent, leaving the 6 Westies (Manny, Brian, Dave Rogers, Chris, Ellie, me) to climb the hill together. Again Brian generously took the brunt of Manny's misanthropic tirade on the ascent. Sherpa Rogers and his ridiculously big rucksack forged their own route, but met us as the summit for photos and abuse. An enjoyably fast run down the track took us back to the warmth and hospitality of the vans, where Brenda's Tea Room was doing a roaring trade as usual. I left for home, with Manny planning to cycle back along the loch to tackle 4 Corbetts on Sunday.
I'd like to pass on my personal thanks to Davy and Christine for their hospitality during the day. It was great to meet you both, and I hope to see you again later on this amazing venture.
My photos are on the Flickr site, with more to come from others.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Day 28 - Kinlochleven to Loch Ossian Youth Hostel
Day 28 - Photos
Received a call this afternoon to say that was Glas Bheinn & Leum Ulleim done and that he was heading to the Youth Hostel. It was a lovely sunny day for a change so that obvioulsy has cheared him up (thank god) and hopefully the leg will be a bit better before I join him tomorrow.
Dave Rogers was going in tonight to meet him and hopefully his Dad to join them for the evening.
I am getting collected tomorrrow morning by Archie & Sandra where we will join him at Loch Rannoch. Also Johnston, Chris, Davie & Christine are hoping to be about over the weekend.
Thanks again Ken for helping out the last couple of days.
Hopefully we can hope for some better weather for the next couple of days.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Day 27 - News from the Hood
Hello bath chums!
I took my rubber duck up Beinn a Chrulaiste this morning and we had fun rafting down to Altnafeidh for a nice cup fo tea, and bread for the duck.
A dangerous road bike down the Rio Coe and along Loch Leven side to Coalasnacon, and what's this...SUN!!! Ken Rumgay had now joined the Magic Roundabout and was given a good talking to by Miss Brenda on full van instructions and how to go shopping in the brief interludes between hills. Then Dot whisked Brenny away home to sort out some other business for a few days whilst I enoyed a warm, yes warm, ascent of Garbh Bheinn and lots of lovely views and photos - HURRAY! Wait...wot's that black thing? Oh Christ! Run like there's only a pint left in the pub...too late, SPLOOSH!!
I floated gentled back to the van and paddled my bike around the loch (no, I'm not sure why i didn't just go straight across)and change out of the umpteenth set of clothes. The last hill, Mam na Gualainn was a pleasure. Good company and blethers with Ken, more views, and a good run off made it a good day after all, even if splunging wet. A mad fast cycle back to Kinlochleven to see the Doc about the duff leg and the boy was interested! He's the guy who does the blood letting on the WHWayers to check for life, so knows his stuff, and it looks like a wee strapping and stopping for 4 weeks should cure it nicely. On the otherhand I am planning flogging 14 wet miles and 2 hills to Loch Ossian tomorrow to meet the fast approaching but always late Dave Rogers and possibly my crocked back Dad, who admits that he may have got slightly carried away with his training run from Lennoxtown to Fintry...and back! Yes, before you say it - it's genetic stupidity.
Loch O means another slight fall back in timescales but given my leg is about to fall off, it is unavoidable. I can swim them but not hop them, sorry.
Lovely meal, washing, BATH, BATH, BATH at Ken & Claires house and beer and ice to cap it.
See ya Bloggers
I took my rubber duck up Beinn a Chrulaiste this morning and we had fun rafting down to Altnafeidh for a nice cup fo tea, and bread for the duck.
A dangerous road bike down the Rio Coe and along Loch Leven side to Coalasnacon, and what's this...SUN!!! Ken Rumgay had now joined the Magic Roundabout and was given a good talking to by Miss Brenda on full van instructions and how to go shopping in the brief interludes between hills. Then Dot whisked Brenny away home to sort out some other business for a few days whilst I enoyed a warm, yes warm, ascent of Garbh Bheinn and lots of lovely views and photos - HURRAY! Wait...wot's that black thing? Oh Christ! Run like there's only a pint left in the pub...too late, SPLOOSH!!
I floated gentled back to the van and paddled my bike around the loch (no, I'm not sure why i didn't just go straight across)and change out of the umpteenth set of clothes. The last hill, Mam na Gualainn was a pleasure. Good company and blethers with Ken, more views, and a good run off made it a good day after all, even if splunging wet. A mad fast cycle back to Kinlochleven to see the Doc about the duff leg and the boy was interested! He's the guy who does the blood letting on the WHWayers to check for life, so knows his stuff, and it looks like a wee strapping and stopping for 4 weeks should cure it nicely. On the otherhand I am planning flogging 14 wet miles and 2 hills to Loch Ossian tomorrow to meet the fast approaching but always late Dave Rogers and possibly my crocked back Dad, who admits that he may have got slightly carried away with his training run from Lennoxtown to Fintry...and back! Yes, before you say it - it's genetic stupidity.
Loch O means another slight fall back in timescales but given my leg is about to fall off, it is unavoidable. I can swim them but not hop them, sorry.
Lovely meal, washing, BATH, BATH, BATH at Ken & Claires house and beer and ice to cap it.
See ya Bloggers
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Day 26 - Glen bloody Etive
So far my attempt to swim the Corbetts has been successful but I think my aqua endurance is now getting very low!
A first delayed (because I was on strike)and then predictably very wet and slow flog up & down an incredibly slippy Beinn Trilleachan in 2,40! was not a good start to the day, but thankfully done in the company of Davy who kept me going at good pace and with good chat to distract me. Brenny knew the moral was dangerously low so on our return it was a delight to find sausage bacon & eggs on the go!!! Hurray!!
A very extended break to dry out and feed like no tomorrow was had as wave after wave of filthy weather poured over the van. God.
Davy had to leave us again (Bog & Burn racing tonight in Perth!) and I eventually had to get my back side out the van and bike up the road a wee bit before tackling Steep Stob Dubh & Beinn Mhic Chasgaig with another brief shower just to keep me on my toes, but thanfully the clouds slowly lifted and I even managed to get my shirt off for 20 minutes to air my scales. Brenda and Dot managed to squeeze in a trip to Glencoe for shopping - of course! and returned in time for me to flounder off the 2 smashing hills and at last a nice view all around, if not the bigger Munros.
A slithering drop north off BMC and an refreshing wade across the River Orchy, only just avoiding a dooking, let me finish the day with a short ride to Kingshouse, to have dinner and beer in comfort. Ken and Claire Rumgay from Kinlochleven joined us for a few hours to plot the next couple of days and possible medical/vet treatment for me. A very large bag of ice was procured from the bar, which is strapped to my now swollen left leg. I will have to rejig the next couple of days to suit leg/logistics/weather/National Lotto.
Night night.
A first delayed (because I was on strike)and then predictably very wet and slow flog up & down an incredibly slippy Beinn Trilleachan in 2,40! was not a good start to the day, but thankfully done in the company of Davy who kept me going at good pace and with good chat to distract me. Brenny knew the moral was dangerously low so on our return it was a delight to find sausage bacon & eggs on the go!!! Hurray!!
A very extended break to dry out and feed like no tomorrow was had as wave after wave of filthy weather poured over the van. God.
Davy had to leave us again (Bog & Burn racing tonight in Perth!) and I eventually had to get my back side out the van and bike up the road a wee bit before tackling Steep Stob Dubh & Beinn Mhic Chasgaig with another brief shower just to keep me on my toes, but thanfully the clouds slowly lifted and I even managed to get my shirt off for 20 minutes to air my scales. Brenda and Dot managed to squeeze in a trip to Glencoe for shopping - of course! and returned in time for me to flounder off the 2 smashing hills and at last a nice view all around, if not the bigger Munros.
A slithering drop north off BMC and an refreshing wade across the River Orchy, only just avoiding a dooking, let me finish the day with a short ride to Kingshouse, to have dinner and beer in comfort. Ken and Claire Rumgay from Kinlochleven joined us for a few hours to plot the next couple of days and possible medical/vet treatment for me. A very large bag of ice was procured from the bar, which is strapped to my now swollen left leg. I will have to rejig the next couple of days to suit leg/logistics/weather/National Lotto.
Night night.
Day 25 - Creran to Etive
After a quick 3 mile bike to Ellric car park, Paul Raistrick joined me for the first awful steep flog up through deep old & new bracken in a wooded hillside just carpeted in bluebells, which made a gorgeous scene, but hell to wade through! Once on the open hillside and a cold heavy shower, we made good time over to Fraochaidh (strangely not that heathery!) delayed only slighly with a bit of obedience training for Pauls giant dog, Dhu...or "DHUUUUUUUU" as the run went on! Great craic but paul had to cut off back down Glen Creran after a few more miles leaving in the nick of time before the rain tap was turned on virtually for the rest of the route. Some contouring and fiddling through rubbish ground was required to get onto the steep final climb up Meall Lighiche, where Donald had kinly waiting out some cold wet weather waiting for me to show and feed me coffee and sandwiches then aescorted me down the hill a bit before heading off back down to glen Etive, whilst I fought over an inconvenient Munro top and some hellish wet rock descending, before the final killer steep grass climb up Beinn Maol Chuluim, all done in the pouring rain and very thick clag. Utterly miserable and knackering. A brief gap in the grey allowed a surprise picture or 2 before the drop into Glen Etive to meet the van. Brenda and Davy had come a good way up the hill to try and meet me but turned back again because the weather was so manky and to avoid missing me on the hill in very poor visability. A brief 4 mile bike to the loch edge then dinner and beers with Dot and Davy and several beers. Left leg hurting a lot more today...mmm?
Day 24 -Orchy to Creran
Hello blog addicts - just catching up 3 days after rubbish west coast signals...
A very late start of about 10am but then a quick trot up forest tracks and nip up & down Beinn Mhic Mhonaidh in the mist yet again, but a lovely fast 2 mile escape on my MTB kindly pushed up to the edge of the trees by Donald Smith. Davy Duncan had come back to join us again for a couple of days between racing. A good feed and off on the bike for 9 miles to Dalmally then an out & back flog in rain and thick mist up the seemingly never ending Beinn a Bhuird. West coast hills have a hellish tendancy to start from sea level, and be very tall!! Change to biking gear again and a sursprisingly fast 30 miles to Loch Creran side, including one of the worst ever road sufaces I have ever rattled across, nr Taynuilt. Thankfully the rain stopped and Davy saw me up the last hill of the day, Creach Bheinn...in mist again. Brenda & Donald had shoved my MTB up the corrie about 1200ft and I had a fast, and very entertaining ride to the bottom, only just avoiding the deluge which near drowned the other 3 still coming off the hill! Noticed my left leg hurting a bit. A long day.Snore.
A very late start of about 10am but then a quick trot up forest tracks and nip up & down Beinn Mhic Mhonaidh in the mist yet again, but a lovely fast 2 mile escape on my MTB kindly pushed up to the edge of the trees by Donald Smith. Davy Duncan had come back to join us again for a couple of days between racing. A good feed and off on the bike for 9 miles to Dalmally then an out & back flog in rain and thick mist up the seemingly never ending Beinn a Bhuird. West coast hills have a hellish tendancy to start from sea level, and be very tall!! Change to biking gear again and a sursprisingly fast 30 miles to Loch Creran side, including one of the worst ever road sufaces I have ever rattled across, nr Taynuilt. Thankfully the rain stopped and Davy saw me up the last hill of the day, Creach Bheinn...in mist again. Brenda & Donald had shoved my MTB up the corrie about 1200ft and I had a fast, and very entertaining ride to the bottom, only just avoiding the deluge which near drowned the other 3 still coming off the hill! Noticed my left leg hurting a bit. A long day.Snore.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Day 23, part 2 - free the Tyndrum 5 !
…continuing from Part 1
Day 23 - Photos
Manny and myself said our goodbyes and headed off from the summit of Beinn Odhair …stopping almost immediately to check the map. Despite being perfectly clear, it was too long a day to make an “opps” at the start! The descent was not only long but steep down to the bealach and it seemed a same to lose around 450m of height but we agreed that section was far better being done early rather than at the end of the route. The climb up to Beinn Chaorach was actually alright …steep enough to justify going slowly. Once on the summit we got a rather “iconic” photo on top of the trig point and I mean on top of it. Think of the “Christ The Redeemer” Statue above Rio De Janeiro or the Angel of the North just outside Newcastle and you will get the idea.
We then moved onto the 3rd summit of the day and as we trotted down the ridge, I got the full story of “Manny vs the Borders Farmer” – I agree that we should have a club run on the same hill with multiple vehicles all legally parked close in the same layby. Arriving on the summit of Carn Chreag I managed to put a bit of doubt into the mind …”were we at the right cairn”. We briefly headed along the southeast ridge before looking back and deciding we were correct after all. Quick retrace of the route before another long descent towards the watershed below Beinn nam Fhuaran. One thing I have learned about the Corbetts, is each mountain really is a separate mountain (unlike many Munros where you sometimes can get multiple summits with minimal effort). It was here we met the only other folks out on the hill – a lovely older couple who commented that we had caught up with them rather quickly (they are obviously easily impressed since my legs were going into that loupin sair phase preventing anything like bold descending). The steep climb back up the other side exposed the lack of kCal and a wee piece / drink was in order. Manny had a brief sprint after a bar wrapper which had decided to head towards Ben Dorain – not what was needed at this point in the day. We arrived at the cairn and had some fun taking another summit pic via the self timer on the camera (funny what can go wrong in 10 seconds). If the ascent was steep, the descent was equally brutal but thankfully also fairly short. The last climb of the day to Beinn a Chaisteil was longer than necessary…not for any other reason than we were both getting tired (please note I had no excuse for feeling like this having done next to bugger all during the week). With the trudge over it was time for one last silly summit pic! Rather than risk an impromptu scramble through the crags of Creagan Liatha we ran down the long grassy ridge before dropping down to the track where Donald was meeting us with Manny’s mountain bike. Main topic of conversation coming down the ridge was campervans – I found myself for the second week in a row suffering from serious campervan envy (not helped by Donald’s very smart VW complete with kayak and bike racks ….I NEED WAN). Donald had very kindly brought in cans of Fanta which certainly helped for the last few miles. Whilst Manny sped off into the distance to meet Brenda and a road bike for the last spin down Glen Orchy, Donald and I had a slow trot back out to his camper. I retrieved my car and we all headed to the Bridge of Orchy hotel for some rehydration. It seemed a shame to drive south …
Don’t know about anyone else but this blog is getting to be a bit addictive – kinda like Eastenders but for real! Maybe we should produce an omnibus edition to enjoy on a Sunday afternoon ?!?!?
Rio has nothing on oor Manny - "Demon of the Corbetts"
Day 23 - Photos
Manny and myself said our goodbyes and headed off from the summit of Beinn Odhair …stopping almost immediately to check the map. Despite being perfectly clear, it was too long a day to make an “opps” at the start! The descent was not only long but steep down to the bealach and it seemed a same to lose around 450m of height but we agreed that section was far better being done early rather than at the end of the route. The climb up to Beinn Chaorach was actually alright …steep enough to justify going slowly. Once on the summit we got a rather “iconic” photo on top of the trig point and I mean on top of it. Think of the “Christ The Redeemer” Statue above Rio De Janeiro or the Angel of the North just outside Newcastle and you will get the idea.
We then moved onto the 3rd summit of the day and as we trotted down the ridge, I got the full story of “Manny vs the Borders Farmer” – I agree that we should have a club run on the same hill with multiple vehicles all legally parked close in the same layby. Arriving on the summit of Carn Chreag I managed to put a bit of doubt into the mind …”were we at the right cairn”. We briefly headed along the southeast ridge before looking back and deciding we were correct after all. Quick retrace of the route before another long descent towards the watershed below Beinn nam Fhuaran. One thing I have learned about the Corbetts, is each mountain really is a separate mountain (unlike many Munros where you sometimes can get multiple summits with minimal effort). It was here we met the only other folks out on the hill – a lovely older couple who commented that we had caught up with them rather quickly (they are obviously easily impressed since my legs were going into that loupin sair phase preventing anything like bold descending). The steep climb back up the other side exposed the lack of kCal and a wee piece / drink was in order. Manny had a brief sprint after a bar wrapper which had decided to head towards Ben Dorain – not what was needed at this point in the day. We arrived at the cairn and had some fun taking another summit pic via the self timer on the camera (funny what can go wrong in 10 seconds). If the ascent was steep, the descent was equally brutal but thankfully also fairly short. The last climb of the day to Beinn a Chaisteil was longer than necessary…not for any other reason than we were both getting tired (please note I had no excuse for feeling like this having done next to bugger all during the week). With the trudge over it was time for one last silly summit pic! Rather than risk an impromptu scramble through the crags of Creagan Liatha we ran down the long grassy ridge before dropping down to the track where Donald was meeting us with Manny’s mountain bike. Main topic of conversation coming down the ridge was campervans – I found myself for the second week in a row suffering from serious campervan envy (not helped by Donald’s very smart VW complete with kayak and bike racks ….I NEED WAN). Donald had very kindly brought in cans of Fanta which certainly helped for the last few miles. Whilst Manny sped off into the distance to meet Brenda and a road bike for the last spin down Glen Orchy, Donald and I had a slow trot back out to his camper. I retrieved my car and we all headed to the Bridge of Orchy hotel for some rehydration. It seemed a shame to drive south …
Don’t know about anyone else but this blog is getting to be a bit addictive – kinda like Eastenders but for real! Maybe we should produce an omnibus edition to enjoy on a Sunday afternoon ?!?!?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Day 23, part 1 - Beinn Odhar
Manny was aiming to cover the group of 5 Corbetts north of Tyndrum today, and a breezy sunny morning saw the team head off to take the first summit, Beinn Odhar.
Donald Smith had joined the party last night, and accompanied us on a gently paced ascent, with the full Gorman squad of Manuel, Duncan and Brenda out today. Graham Kelly and I had also made the early start from Glasgow for this one. I only found out the order of play at about 23:30 last night when I saw yesterday's blog entries, so decided to join in for the easier summit at the start of the day and go back to catch up on sleep later on.
After taking in the fine views from the summit, Graham and Manny headed off to tackle the rest of the day's business (more of that later, no doubt), while Donald, Brenda, Manuel, Duncan and me descended back to our start point, with Donald staying around to assist on bike logistics for later in the day. I wrestled my iPhone back from Manuel, and made a bolt for home.
I look forward to seeing Graham and Manny's comments on Part 2. Hope it went well guys, and I hope to join you again on Saturday.
More photos online at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Johnston.Orr/BeinnOdharWithManny and I'll try to get them into the Flickr account soon.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Start of Week 4 – Sat 16th May 2009
Apologies for posting a third entry on the trot and the WWW having to put up with ramblings, but it looks like Brenda has broken Manny’s dongle and he can’t make a connection... Either that or they are just too damn tired, trying to make this record a reality. Seriously though, the Gormanuel bagged another three Corbetts today, and was accompanied on the latter two by Westies own Oil Baron, aka Brian Brennan – Dallas meets Donkey perhaps? Anyway, maybe I’m getting a bit Confused.com, but it looks like the boy has taken the ‘end’ Corbett off one planned day, and nicked two Corbetts off the start of another planned day, for his trio today? I think this therefore leaves the Tyndrum 5 (they got out on bail), for tomorrow, Sunday, then either an easy 2 the following day, to recover, or possibly with MMM (mad mental Manny) stick them on to the following Four, and try and grab another day back, with a huge 6C day. You just never know with the MG machine, but if anyone can, it’s this guy…
Day 22 - Tyndrum odds & ends
Hi folks, sorry for silence for last few days - no reception in Glen Lyon!
Couple of big days in there with Davy Duncan and Joan & Collin Wilson’s help pulled back a good bit of time, but I fully expect to lose it again at some point, so might as well be realistic!
Hellish busy main road bike ride into Tyndrum this morning, feeling really jaded after the last 2 days efforts.
Brian Brennan had made the effort to come and track us down in Glen Lyon so he could meet up today and he enjoyed kicking my backside up the first hill of 3 Beinn Chuirn in really dank weather before and quick nosh up then up and over Beinn Bhreac-Laith & Beinn Udlaidh finishing at the high point of the road above Tyndrum at a mere 5pm! An easy day, but much needed.
It was good having Brian there to vent the spleen on and in less than nice weather, other than the final run off, it made life more bearable and shortened the day.
Thanks Brain…
Tomorrow is the classic road of 5 starting with Beinn Odhar around 9 ish if anyone fancies a sharpish trot…?
Forecast look good with sun & showers.
Donald Smith joined us tonight whilst in the middle of a life & death game of Monopoly with Manuel & Duncan and will join us on at least the first hill with the boys and Graham “ropemaster” Kelly & Don “baldy dobber” Reid.
Brenda’s tearoom is OPEN.
M&B
xx
Couple of big days in there with Davy Duncan and Joan & Collin Wilson’s help pulled back a good bit of time, but I fully expect to lose it again at some point, so might as well be realistic!
Hellish busy main road bike ride into Tyndrum this morning, feeling really jaded after the last 2 days efforts.
Brian Brennan had made the effort to come and track us down in Glen Lyon so he could meet up today and he enjoyed kicking my backside up the first hill of 3 Beinn Chuirn in really dank weather before and quick nosh up then up and over Beinn Bhreac-Laith & Beinn Udlaidh finishing at the high point of the road above Tyndrum at a mere 5pm! An easy day, but much needed.
It was good having Brian there to vent the spleen on and in less than nice weather, other than the final run off, it made life more bearable and shortened the day.
Thanks Brain…
Tomorrow is the classic road of 5 starting with Beinn Odhar around 9 ish if anyone fancies a sharpish trot…?
Forecast look good with sun & showers.
Donald Smith joined us tonight whilst in the middle of a life & death game of Monopoly with Manuel & Duncan and will join us on at least the first hill with the boys and Graham “ropemaster” Kelly & Don “baldy dobber” Reid.
Brenda’s tearoom is OPEN.
M&B
xx
Day 21 – Fri 15th May – Glen Lochay
Despite the weather deteriorating back to the pish again for our hero & heroine, oor Manuel slam dunks another 5C day, consisting of Beinn nan Oighreag, Sron a Choire Cnapanaich, Meall Buidhe, Meall nan Subh, and Beinn nan Imirean. Has this guy never read the SMC handbook, it’s just not the done thing to do multiple Corbett days, 1’s and 2’s are the norm. Then again, Manny never was normal. By my very ‘simple’ arithmetic, that means the Gormanator has grabbed a full day back from the dropped ones – brilliant! Big Jethro of the Lennox variety, is planning on joining Manny for the start of the fourth week, so lets hope the weather ain’t S.H.I.T, and the boys put in another 5C day – Go for it guys!
Day 20 - Thurs 14th May– Glen Lyon
Well, the boy is doing mighty fine. Manny managed to bag, Meall Tairneachan, Farragon Hill, Beinn Dearg, Carn Chreag, plus Meall nam Maigheach. That means not only did he climb the planned hills for the day, but managed to nab one from the next day, thus trying to eat into the three days that have been dropped from the original plan. Another 5 Corbett day is great so well done mucka!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Day 19 - Loch Earn to Tummel
Great day again!
24 mile road bike into a very strong easterly wind from Loch Earn to Crieff then the Sma' Glen - 2 hours, including draughting a combine harvester for 5 miles!
A huge lunch of pasta pies, doughnuts, cakes and ice cream, before mtb 15 miles down Glen Almond now with a big tail wind, picking of Achnfree Hill in only 50 mins! Took time to read all the wee info plaques in the glen on the way, before bashing the other 2 tops (sorry, cant remember the names at mo) both in an hour each, then a fantastic whizz down to Loch Tay to find Brenda sitting cumfy in a deck chair with drink and book in hand! A quick drink and bite then off on the road bike once more for the final 14 miles to the Lime Kilns on the Loch Tummel road, with that deadly climb to the top as a sting in the tail.
Knackered but well pleased.
Lovely dinner and good company at Davy & Christine Duncans in Aberfeldy for the night.
zzzzzzzzzzzz
24 mile road bike into a very strong easterly wind from Loch Earn to Crieff then the Sma' Glen - 2 hours, including draughting a combine harvester for 5 miles!
A huge lunch of pasta pies, doughnuts, cakes and ice cream, before mtb 15 miles down Glen Almond now with a big tail wind, picking of Achnfree Hill in only 50 mins! Took time to read all the wee info plaques in the glen on the way, before bashing the other 2 tops (sorry, cant remember the names at mo) both in an hour each, then a fantastic whizz down to Loch Tay to find Brenda sitting cumfy in a deck chair with drink and book in hand! A quick drink and bite then off on the road bike once more for the final 14 miles to the Lime Kilns on the Loch Tummel road, with that deadly climb to the top as a sting in the tail.
Knackered but well pleased.
Lovely dinner and good company at Davy & Christine Duncans in Aberfeldy for the night.
zzzzzzzzzzzz
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Day 18 - Loch Lubnaig to Loch Earn
We purposely did not set the alarm, after such a hard day yesterday, and eventually set off at 11am to head over Beinn Each & Meall na Fearna, but with Stuc a Chroin & Ben Vorlich in the way I chose to go over the top instead of around. A few people had advised to contour but my reasons were several. It was blowing an easterly gale into the corries there making it hard work. I had a bad time contouring the day before and my feet hurt like sin as a result. I was climbing strongly and on well worn paths it was a no brainer. Anyway, I finished that lot in great time 4 hours 20 mins, well pleased with myself. After a good break I biked into Loch Earnhead and proceded to MTB up Glen Kendrum then on foot up Meall ant Seallaidh, whilst the lovely Brenda pushed the bike the rest of the way to the road summit between the 2 hills, with us both doing Creag MacRanaich together in the now cold evening easterly wind. On the descent I got to have a fantastic blast for 4 miles downhill on the bike, while B ran down. I binned the planned 25 mile road bike to Comrie as it was a strong head wind in the hope it is calm tomorrow and instead had dinner & beer in the van over looking Loch Earn.
Day 17 - Inverarnan to Ledi
Sunny sunny sunny!!!
Set off at about 9am for an epic 5 Corbetts in mind, but an option to cut out early to Balquider if required. (but not) 2 hours to top fo 1st hill Beinn a Choin and glad it was in clear weather as the very complex top would have been hell to find in mist. I thought 2 hours to the next top, Stob a Choin, but in fact ended up a hard 3 hours, due mainly to an extra hill being inconveniently in the road, and I took the option to go around (an extra 2 miles onto an already 25 mile day) instead of going over the extra 1000ft. Swings & roundabouts - the glen was hellish soft long grass, untouched by human. The heat was taking a toll ( but hey, give me more!!) and it was another flog over rough ground to Beinn Stacath and feeling more than a little jaded by this point. I had a good old Complan and a roll and a bar and I was alive again. Had a great run off heading for the bottom of Ben Vane where Brenda had ran out to via Ben Ledi and was waiting toasting her buns as a RAF chopper flew over her. I had a good climb up to Vane, but the wheels started to fall off on the deceptively long drag over to Ledi. At last, at last Ledi! Now shattered and feet feeling like raw meat we toddled off the path in pain. After emergency rations, a super fast shower, and sprint to make last kitchen orders, we made it in time for dinner with Swazman and Jenny in the Lade Inn. Fantastic food and beer was had whilst catching up with them - sadly only passing through Bonnie Scotland on the way home to USA from South Africa. Look forward to catching up again properly in Sept guys. Sorry we had to go when we did but I was on the verge of passing out. A great but very hard day.
Set off at about 9am for an epic 5 Corbetts in mind, but an option to cut out early to Balquider if required. (but not) 2 hours to top fo 1st hill Beinn a Choin and glad it was in clear weather as the very complex top would have been hell to find in mist. I thought 2 hours to the next top, Stob a Choin, but in fact ended up a hard 3 hours, due mainly to an extra hill being inconveniently in the road, and I took the option to go around (an extra 2 miles onto an already 25 mile day) instead of going over the extra 1000ft. Swings & roundabouts - the glen was hellish soft long grass, untouched by human. The heat was taking a toll ( but hey, give me more!!) and it was another flog over rough ground to Beinn Stacath and feeling more than a little jaded by this point. I had a good old Complan and a roll and a bar and I was alive again. Had a great run off heading for the bottom of Ben Vane where Brenda had ran out to via Ben Ledi and was waiting toasting her buns as a RAF chopper flew over her. I had a good climb up to Vane, but the wheels started to fall off on the deceptively long drag over to Ledi. At last, at last Ledi! Now shattered and feet feeling like raw meat we toddled off the path in pain. After emergency rations, a super fast shower, and sprint to make last kitchen orders, we made it in time for dinner with Swazman and Jenny in the Lade Inn. Fantastic food and beer was had whilst catching up with them - sadly only passing through Bonnie Scotland on the way home to USA from South Africa. Look forward to catching up again properly in Sept guys. Sorry we had to go when we did but I was on the verge of passing out. A great but very hard day.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Day 16 - Cobblers to the weather
Day 16 - Photos
Woke up this morning with rain thrashing off the van and the temptation to roll over and ignore the world was strong. However after much groaning and a cup of tea we were off to start from a SUNNY Butterbridge in good company with Angela Mudge, Cat Miller, Elizabeth Adams, Graham Kelly and of course the ever dependable Chris heading for Beinn Luibhean. Good time was made uphill, with the shirt off, drying out my skin, and the views from the top were great!
Only my 5th view in 24 hills!
There was a bit of delay on the way off as Angela lost one of her pooches, Canna, who was more interested in mountain hares than Corbetts much to her masters angst! The rest of us gave up and headed for The Cobbler where I have to admit a knocking of knees and sooking in of bum cheeks as I scrambled out that wee rock hole onto the ledge to face sickening exposure. Graham & Chris had at my request put out a nice rope handrail for me to make my best friend up and down. Phew, ticked! The others all enjoyed disgustingly relaxed skips up the same rock!
Angela with both both dogs back in tow, had now caught us up again and a great technical run off the hill to the Narnain Boulders was had where I picked up my MTB, humfed up there kindly by John Bottomley, but the rest for my legs was very short lived with a rear puncture leaping stone drainage ditches after only 500 yards of exciting downhill, and with bad planning of no pump!! The bike had to be stripped into parts and humfed back off the hill again by all the supporting cast! My 2 handsome boys Manuel & Duncan had managed to walk up the hill a fair bit with Brenda & Dot and it was great to see them up there then get a good run off the hill with Duncan leading the way!
Archie accompanied me for the 11 miles of hellish road along Loch Lomond to Glen Falloch Farm then it was up Meall an Fhudair in now glorious evening sun, with John and now Johnston now taking Brenda's MTB up the hill for me to ride off. Chris & Johnston accompanied me up the hill for outstanding vistas and I got the easy bike ride back to the van to find Brenda up the hill for a run too. Great finish to a great day - at last. Many thanks to all those who helped out in one way or another, especially Dot who kept Brenda sane for just wee bit longer...
Day 15 - Lochgoilhead to Butterbridge
Manny got another three in the bag on Saturday, we met up with him as he came off Ben Bheula, Surprise, surprise it was peeing down again, far too wet for me to get my bike out and join him on the climb up to the top of the Rest and be Thankful (the climb might also have influenced my decision).
I did join him on the next hill, Bein an Lochain where the rain soon stopped, well not so much stop as change to snow making the extremely steep and slippy grass even slippier. The narrower parts of the ridge concentrated the mind a wee bit.
Back at Butterbridge, Manny devoured another stone and a half of pasta then set off on his own ( I would just have slowed him down) to knock off Stob Coire Creagach in an hour and ten minutes.
Here's a link to some more photos http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/111095326
I did join him on the next hill, Bein an Lochain where the rain soon stopped, well not so much stop as change to snow making the extremely steep and slippy grass even slippier. The narrower parts of the ridge concentrated the mind a wee bit.
Back at Butterbridge, Manny devoured another stone and a half of pasta then set off on his own ( I would just have slowed him down) to knock off Stob Coire Creagach in an hour and ten minutes.
Here's a link to some more photos http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/111095326
Friday, May 8, 2009
Day 14 - Arrochar
Day 14 - Photos
8th May 2009
Manny finished his cycle this morning from Old Kilpatricks to Arrochar. Charlie joined in for part of the cycle and Chris joined us at Arrochar where the pair headed off to do The Brack & Ben Donich. The sun came out for a very short spell and I am now sitting waiting for them to arrive back at Rest & Be Thankful where at present it is chucking down with hailstones, needless to say I am all cosy in the campervan with a cup of tea.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Day 13 - Broad Law to Erskine Bridge
7th May 2009
After Manny's horror show battering by the weather on the Moffat Hills, Brenda and Manny had to return to the Megget Stone to complete unfinished buiness with Broad Law, thereby polishing off the last of the 7 mainland Corbetts south of the Central Belt.
After Broad Law, and dropping down to Tweedsmuir, Manny was faced with a tough windy 75-mile bike ride via Biggar, Lanark, Strathaven, East Kilbride, Renfrew, Inchinnan, and finally over the Erskine Bridge, arriving at Old Kilpatrick just before the heavens opened once more with yet another torrential downpour.
The legendary Munro record man Charlie Campbell, his sister June, and myself joined Manny and Brenda later on for a few quiet drinks at the Esquire House, Anniesland to wile away the evening.
After Manny's horror show battering by the weather on the Moffat Hills, Brenda and Manny had to return to the Megget Stone to complete unfinished buiness with Broad Law, thereby polishing off the last of the 7 mainland Corbetts south of the Central Belt.
After Broad Law, and dropping down to Tweedsmuir, Manny was faced with a tough windy 75-mile bike ride via Biggar, Lanark, Strathaven, East Kilbride, Renfrew, Inchinnan, and finally over the Erskine Bridge, arriving at Old Kilpatrick just before the heavens opened once more with yet another torrential downpour.
The legendary Munro record man Charlie Campbell, his sister June, and myself joined Manny and Brenda later on for a few quiet drinks at the Esquire House, Anniesland to wile away the evening.
Day 12 - Moffat, the windy city
6th May 2009
Bloody hell! What a kicking today!
After gentle start to the day up & down Cairnsmore of Carsphairn (without having to kill the farmer) in 90 minutes and a relaxed breakfast, just as the rain came on once again, we set of for the 50 miler to Moffat. Things went swimmingly, literaly. Rain with extra rain took us to Moniaive for lunch for 1 o'clock, and the 15 min break developed into an hour, plus by the time I lost Brenda (following her sat nag) and found her again another half hour had vanished, leaving us now pushed for time!
Fortunately a reasonable tail wind took us via all the wee tiny back roads avoiding Dumfries and eventually to Moffat on the horrendously busy A701 in virtually continual rain.
A very brief interlude gave false hope of a dry run in the very low clouds over Hart Fell, White Coomb and possibly Broad Law if light allowed.
In fact the moment I set off from the van up Hang Gill someone pulled out Heavens bath plug and the whole bloody lot went down my neck!
Along the ridge to HF was reasonable plodding with good trods to follow the obvious route, but in 100yd visability. However half way across to White Coomb, on a very dodgy compass, things changed dramatically.
The first thing was a temp drop of about 10 degrees, then the heavy rain became cats, dogs, sheep, elephants, woolly mammoths, and the wind gained speed from very difficult to absolutely horrific.
All feeling in fingers and face vanished. It was clearly a survival job and I had to get off the hill asap after an epic struggle to touch White Coomb. I got bowled over once in the wind and went deaf in my left ear with rain drops hitting my hood like bullets.
As I dropped below the cloud level my heart sank into my boots when intially could see no trace of the road or van at the Megget Stone! But a bit lower and hurray! the van was just round the corner - Brenda trying to protect it from the the dangers of tipping in the wind!
The next hour I would rather forget. When I got to the van I started to shake voilently and was slow to remove my sopping garments with frozen hands and the dream of a hot shower was shattered when it turned out the water heater had not operated properly - so got a surprise cold shower! I was so cold Brenda had to help dress me and I climbed into a sleeping bag for about 30 mins with tea to come back to life.
Broad Law is now for tomorrow and the 100 miler may well have to split.
The last 3 of days atrocious weather has battered me and I need to step back a bit and hope the weather improves.
A very late evening visit to Dick & Jean Wall in Tweedsmuir finished the day on a much brighter note - thank you both for your hospitality.
Bloody hell! What a kicking today!
After gentle start to the day up & down Cairnsmore of Carsphairn (without having to kill the farmer) in 90 minutes and a relaxed breakfast, just as the rain came on once again, we set of for the 50 miler to Moffat. Things went swimmingly, literaly. Rain with extra rain took us to Moniaive for lunch for 1 o'clock, and the 15 min break developed into an hour, plus by the time I lost Brenda (following her sat nag) and found her again another half hour had vanished, leaving us now pushed for time!
Fortunately a reasonable tail wind took us via all the wee tiny back roads avoiding Dumfries and eventually to Moffat on the horrendously busy A701 in virtually continual rain.
A very brief interlude gave false hope of a dry run in the very low clouds over Hart Fell, White Coomb and possibly Broad Law if light allowed.
In fact the moment I set off from the van up Hang Gill someone pulled out Heavens bath plug and the whole bloody lot went down my neck!
Along the ridge to HF was reasonable plodding with good trods to follow the obvious route, but in 100yd visability. However half way across to White Coomb, on a very dodgy compass, things changed dramatically.
The first thing was a temp drop of about 10 degrees, then the heavy rain became cats, dogs, sheep, elephants, woolly mammoths, and the wind gained speed from very difficult to absolutely horrific.
All feeling in fingers and face vanished. It was clearly a survival job and I had to get off the hill asap after an epic struggle to touch White Coomb. I got bowled over once in the wind and went deaf in my left ear with rain drops hitting my hood like bullets.
As I dropped below the cloud level my heart sank into my boots when intially could see no trace of the road or van at the Megget Stone! But a bit lower and hurray! the van was just round the corner - Brenda trying to protect it from the the dangers of tipping in the wind!
The next hour I would rather forget. When I got to the van I started to shake voilently and was slow to remove my sopping garments with frozen hands and the dream of a hot shower was shattered when it turned out the water heater had not operated properly - so got a surprise cold shower! I was so cold Brenda had to help dress me and I climbed into a sleeping bag for about 30 mins with tea to come back to life.
Broad Law is now for tomorrow and the 100 miler may well have to split.
The last 3 of days atrocious weather has battered me and I need to step back a bit and hope the weather improves.
A very late evening visit to Dick & Jean Wall in Tweedsmuir finished the day on a much brighter note - thank you both for your hospitality.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Day 11 - Galloway
5th May 2009
Another day of appalling weather saw Manny drop another hill off schedule.
The plan was to complete the full set of Sheet 77 Corbetts - Shalloch on Minnoch, The Merrick, Corserine (Rhinns of Kells) and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn, but after the first 3 hills and 3.5 hours battering in the wind and rain Manny called it a day at the "Green Well of Scotland" at the foot of C-of-C.
So to get back on target tomorrow, Manny needs an early start to bag Cairnsmore, before cycling to Moffat and bagging the 3 Tweedsmuir Corbetts of Hart Fell, White Coomb and Broad Law.
Another day of appalling weather saw Manny drop another hill off schedule.
The plan was to complete the full set of Sheet 77 Corbetts - Shalloch on Minnoch, The Merrick, Corserine (Rhinns of Kells) and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn, but after the first 3 hills and 3.5 hours battering in the wind and rain Manny called it a day at the "Green Well of Scotland" at the foot of C-of-C.
So to get back on target tomorrow, Manny needs an early start to bag Cairnsmore, before cycling to Moffat and bagging the 3 Tweedsmuir Corbetts of Hart Fell, White Coomb and Broad Law.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Day 10 - Troon
4th May 2009
A welcoming committee of myself, Brenda, Johnston, Archie and Sandra stood shivering in the rain at Troon Marina to witness the completion of Stage 1 of Manny's epic journey. That's taken 10 days to climb the 11 hills on the islands of Harris, Skye, Rum, Mull, Jura and Arran, sailing between on John Allen's boat "Finlandia". The remaining 208 Corbetts are all on the Scottish mainland, so ought to be logistically slightly easier(?)
After a leisurely lunch at the Marina Restaurant "Scotts Troon", Johnston and I headed back to Glasgow leaving Manny to face a 32 mile cycle ride in pishing rain and howling wind into deepest darkest Galloway, to face a fun day out on the Merrick hills tomorrow.
A welcoming committee of myself, Brenda, Johnston, Archie and Sandra stood shivering in the rain at Troon Marina to witness the completion of Stage 1 of Manny's epic journey. That's taken 10 days to climb the 11 hills on the islands of Harris, Skye, Rum, Mull, Jura and Arran, sailing between on John Allen's boat "Finlandia". The remaining 208 Corbetts are all on the Scottish mainland, so ought to be logistically slightly easier(?)
After a leisurely lunch at the Marina Restaurant "Scotts Troon", Johnston and I headed back to Glasgow leaving Manny to face a 32 mile cycle ride in pishing rain and howling wind into deepest darkest Galloway, to face a fun day out on the Merrick hills tomorrow.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Day 9 - Arran
Just received message that they are heading towards Sannox Bay to drop him off and finish Goatfell at Brodick. Time will depend if he makes it to Troon night or tomorrow morning.
Will update as soon as I have more information.
Will update as soon as I have more information.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Day 8 - Saturday May 2nd
Tut tut Damon, I thought in the Eco-friendly society of today, you couldn’t leave wee messages on hills, but had to bag it and bin it! As for contents…
Well a week after An Cliseam, things haven’t quite gone to plan, but hey ho, we knew the Western Isles and sailing would always be subject to the vagaries of Mother Nature. As of Friday night, the boat had missed the cut off time for entering the Crinan Canal so crew et al, made the best of the situation and went to the local boozer. As of time of writing (late Sat a/noon), still no word that Manny is either on a mega fast sail and gonna attempt the Arran Corbetts this evening, or much more likely, just get to Arran by tonight and hit the four hills tomorrow. By my rough reckoning, even with the 1 day leeway, Manny will be two days down on his planned schedule starting this Monday. Also, if the southern Cbt’s go to plan, then his big ‘Ton’ cycle will be on Thursday and he would love any sort of company for that at any stage of the route – if anyone is free then get on yir bikes!
Anyway, seven Corbetts are safely in the bag and the Gormanator, despite his usual woes, is warming up nicely for the big stuff to come :-)
Well a week after An Cliseam, things haven’t quite gone to plan, but hey ho, we knew the Western Isles and sailing would always be subject to the vagaries of Mother Nature. As of Friday night, the boat had missed the cut off time for entering the Crinan Canal so crew et al, made the best of the situation and went to the local boozer. As of time of writing (late Sat a/noon), still no word that Manny is either on a mega fast sail and gonna attempt the Arran Corbetts this evening, or much more likely, just get to Arran by tonight and hit the four hills tomorrow. By my rough reckoning, even with the 1 day leeway, Manny will be two days down on his planned schedule starting this Monday. Also, if the southern Cbt’s go to plan, then his big ‘Ton’ cycle will be on Thursday and he would love any sort of company for that at any stage of the route – if anyone is free then get on yir bikes!
Anyway, seven Corbetts are safely in the bag and the Gormanator, despite his usual woes, is warming up nicely for the big stuff to come :-)
Friday, May 1, 2009
Day 7 - Arran awaits...
After three days waiting on Arran for Manny I had to return to the mainland today. Fortunately I had combined the trip with a couple of days of long-overdue work there, so the trip wasn't wasted. The weather was a mixture of utterly fowl and gorgeous, and during one of the gorgeous stretches I had a truly memorable run along Glen Rosa and up Cir Mhor. What a superb mountain it is. I hope he enjoys it as much as I did.
I left a wee message on top, and will quiz him on the contents to check he went to the top!
Damon
I left a wee message on top, and will quiz him on the contents to check he went to the top!
Damon
Day 6 - Jura
Manny survived Jura yesterday, (Thursday) where the weather improved and sounded like he had a good run. He finished about 8pm last night and was heading for a beer with the crew.
Long sail to Arran today and weather not meant to be very good today so they have to see how the day goes.
It looks like he will be at least a day behind and hope they don't lose any more time today. The bad news is that because he will not be in Troon as scheduled, I have a extra day which means I can go and do Stuc on the way to meet Manny.
Long sail to Arran today and weather not meant to be very good today so they have to see how the day goes.
It looks like he will be at least a day behind and hope they don't lose any more time today. The bad news is that because he will not be in Troon as scheduled, I have a extra day which means I can go and do Stuc on the way to meet Manny.
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