Wednesday, May 20, 2009
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.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Day 5 - Mull
Received message this evening, Manny survived today but has pulled!!!!! groin, which he is relieving by stretching!!!! and pain killers, just as well I am home really as I may be called on to carry out a massage!!!!!!!!!!!!! Should now be tucked up in bed preparing for another hard day on the pills........... sorry hills..................
Day 4 - Rum
Manny had a pleasant run over the island's two Corbetts, although feeling weakish, and as of last night, had sailed to Mull and was just off Tobermory. Hopefully he's feeling a bit stronger for today's Corbett.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Day 3 - Monday on Skye
Monday 27th April
Manny headed away early this morning to do Glamaig & Garbh-bheinn in horrible wet conditions today finishing with a bike ride to Elgor Pier where he met the boat crew to have a quick turn around to get to Rhum this evening.
I received a message at 9pm to report that they had arrived safely and it was a stunning evening and they were all sitting with a beer and dinner on deck.
So he plans to do Askival & Ainshval tomorrow and try and head to Tobermory where the boat crew change over.
Manny headed away early this morning to do Glamaig & Garbh-bheinn in horrible wet conditions today finishing with a bike ride to Elgor Pier where he met the boat crew to have a quick turn around to get to Rhum this evening.
I received a message at 9pm to report that they had arrived safely and it was a stunning evening and they were all sitting with a beer and dinner on deck.
So he plans to do Askival & Ainshval tomorrow and try and head to Tobermory where the boat crew change over.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Day 2 - Skye Washout
Sunday 26th April
Just completed day 2 and at the present time we are parked outside the Sligachan where it is chucking down and about to head for tea & pint.
We managed to get a lift from Milovaig to Uig on the Friday night which meant I could get my 1st sail today (Sunday), as I was not going to be doing any of the sailing due to the logistics of where the van was meant to be.
On Saturday I left Manny while he headed for An Clisham & 20 mile bike ride to Rodel, while Sandra, Archie & myself had a couple of hours to wonder around Harris. We found an intersting hardware shop where Manny collected his bike from that Mindy had arranged, but as there was not much else to do we headed to the pub for a light refreshment before catching the bus to Rodel where I made the decision that we were just going to be booking into the Rodel Hotel for the night.
The weather today (Sunday) was lovely when we left Rodel at 8am this morning but by a couple of hours into the sail it was getting rather choppy, and one ended up feeling very sick, needless to say I was so pleased to see the the van parked at Milovaig.
From here on its my turn to do the driving so I had my 1st drive of the trip in the campervan I had to run Anne, a member of the boat crew to collect a car from Uig and I then headed to meet Manny at Sligachan. It was a long journey doing 40 mhp due to the winds and the roads. I passed Manny just a mile away from Sligachan where he was like a drowned rat. He made a wise decision not to go and do Glamaig & Garbh-bheinn today.
The boat crew, John, Archie & Sandra left Milovaig to head to Elgor Pier but had to turn back after an hour and half due to the weather conditions.
We will check the forecast for tomorrow and update where we are.
Just completed day 2 and at the present time we are parked outside the Sligachan where it is chucking down and about to head for tea & pint.
We managed to get a lift from Milovaig to Uig on the Friday night which meant I could get my 1st sail today (Sunday), as I was not going to be doing any of the sailing due to the logistics of where the van was meant to be.
On Saturday I left Manny while he headed for An Clisham & 20 mile bike ride to Rodel, while Sandra, Archie & myself had a couple of hours to wonder around Harris. We found an intersting hardware shop where Manny collected his bike from that Mindy had arranged, but as there was not much else to do we headed to the pub for a light refreshment before catching the bus to Rodel where I made the decision that we were just going to be booking into the Rodel Hotel for the night.
The weather today (Sunday) was lovely when we left Rodel at 8am this morning but by a couple of hours into the sail it was getting rather choppy, and one ended up feeling very sick, needless to say I was so pleased to see the the van parked at Milovaig.
From here on its my turn to do the driving so I had my 1st drive of the trip in the campervan I had to run Anne, a member of the boat crew to collect a car from Uig and I then headed to meet Manny at Sligachan. It was a long journey doing 40 mhp due to the winds and the roads. I passed Manny just a mile away from Sligachan where he was like a drowned rat. He made a wise decision not to go and do Glamaig & Garbh-bheinn today.
The boat crew, John, Archie & Sandra left Milovaig to head to Elgor Pier but had to turn back after an hour and half due to the weather conditions.
We will check the forecast for tomorrow and update where we are.
Day 2 - "Over the sea to Skye"
Sounds like a tough day, and to quote our intrepid hero, with a very slight tad of ED licence -
"Sailed at 8am and weather was magic, then up to F5/6 in the Minch, so only landed at 2pm. Got going on the bike at 3, just at it started to really sh*t out bigtime. Had to pedal into gale force rain uphill and feking downhill too! Shagged, and hills simply not safe. Waiting for the van to blow over. Time for a beer!"
The weather forecast ain't too great for this coming week but hopefully good enough that the Gor-man can keep on schedule, although it looks like his first week 1 day leeway has disappeared already after a no hill day today. Still, loads of time yet so not to worry...
"Sailed at 8am and weather was magic, then up to F5/6 in the Minch, so only landed at 2pm. Got going on the bike at 3, just at it started to really sh*t out bigtime. Had to pedal into gale force rain uphill and feking downhill too! Shagged, and hills simply not safe. Waiting for the van to blow over. Time for a beer!"
The weather forecast ain't too great for this coming week but hopefully good enough that the Gor-man can keep on schedule, although it looks like his first week 1 day leeway has disappeared already after a no hill day today. Still, loads of time yet so not to worry...
Day 1 - The Clisham & more besides!
Saturday 25th April
Hi folks!
First day went great with Mindy MacLeod setting me up with borrowed bike and bus lift to the start line for Clisham. My dissappointment of being on my own for the 1st hill was soon dispelled with the unexpected company of a new friend, Alan "ae up lad" from Sheffield, who's lovely missus Kay, insisted I take him up the hill so she could get piece to read her paper. A smashing walk & pint after Alan, many thanks.
On the post-pints cycle to Rodel, chose to ignore Mindy's advice and headed down the east coast road, which was absolutely fabulous and well worth the extra hills.
A note of thanks to Neil MacLean of Leverburgh for a loan of a good bike, appreciated indeed.
The setting at Rodel in lovely weather, with my first sight of the much discussed yacht "Finlandia", owned by John Allen (ex Cairngorm MRT leader and author of his just launched "Cairngorm John", tales from the mrt"), all just set the adrenaline pumping!
A quick visit to the quaint St Cuthberts ancient church on top of the hill then down to find Brenda and booked us into the fabulous Rodel hotel and made very welcome by Donnie MacLeod.
A beautiful meal with the crew John & Anne, Archie & Sandra overlooking a stunning sunset bay, and a few drinks to celebrate a great start to the trip finished the day off just nicely.
Another 58 days of the same would be grand...
Hi folks!
First day went great with Mindy MacLeod setting me up with borrowed bike and bus lift to the start line for Clisham. My dissappointment of being on my own for the 1st hill was soon dispelled with the unexpected company of a new friend, Alan "ae up lad" from Sheffield, who's lovely missus Kay, insisted I take him up the hill so she could get piece to read her paper. A smashing walk & pint after Alan, many thanks.
On the post-pints cycle to Rodel, chose to ignore Mindy's advice and headed down the east coast road, which was absolutely fabulous and well worth the extra hills.
A note of thanks to Neil MacLean of Leverburgh for a loan of a good bike, appreciated indeed.
The setting at Rodel in lovely weather, with my first sight of the much discussed yacht "Finlandia", owned by John Allen (ex Cairngorm MRT leader and author of his just launched "Cairngorm John", tales from the mrt"), all just set the adrenaline pumping!
A quick visit to the quaint St Cuthberts ancient church on top of the hill then down to find Brenda and booked us into the fabulous Rodel hotel and made very welcome by Donnie MacLeod.
A beautiful meal with the crew John & Anne, Archie & Sandra overlooking a stunning sunset bay, and a few drinks to celebrate a great start to the trip finished the day off just nicely.
Another 58 days of the same would be grand...
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Day 1 - Harris
Saturday 25th April
Well, after a bit of jiggery pokery, oor Mad Manny has got off to a great start, ie he managed the first hill. The tele call said that he started approx 12 midday and (with another walker) had a congenial up and down, on the hill that is, and after a bit of mist and clagg, in typical fashion, he got a view to the Uists in a 30 sec sunburst, once he had descended. Anyway, him and crew are currently holed up in a rather convenient hostelry, ie beer and grub, and will endeavour to start day 2 if things don't get the Whisky Galore treatment.
Well done Boyo, 1 down, 218 to go...
Well, after a bit of jiggery pokery, oor Mad Manny has got off to a great start, ie he managed the first hill. The tele call said that he started approx 12 midday and (with another walker) had a congenial up and down, on the hill that is, and after a bit of mist and clagg, in typical fashion, he got a view to the Uists in a 30 sec sunburst, once he had descended. Anyway, him and crew are currently holed up in a rather convenient hostelry, ie beer and grub, and will endeavour to start day 2 if things don't get the Whisky Galore treatment.
Well done Boyo, 1 down, 218 to go...
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Schedule
Here is Manny and Brenda's provisional schedule.
The plan is to start on Harris with Clisham on Saturday 25th April, then polish off the island Corbetts first with a sail down the Scottish west coast taking in Skye, Rum, Mull, Jura and Arran en route. The idea is to hit the mainland at Troon around the 1st of May to tackle the Galloway and Borders hills during 3rd and 4th May, before the long cycle north to arrive at the Arrochar hill for 6th May.
No doubt the schedule will vary over time, so please check this blog for the current status of Manny and Brenda's progress.
The plan is to start on Harris with Clisham on Saturday 25th April, then polish off the island Corbetts first with a sail down the Scottish west coast taking in Skye, Rum, Mull, Jura and Arran en route. The idea is to hit the mainland at Troon around the 1st of May to tackle the Galloway and Borders hills during 3rd and 4th May, before the long cycle north to arrive at the Arrochar hill for 6th May.
No doubt the schedule will vary over time, so please check this blog for the current status of Manny and Brenda's progress.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
