Sunshine for the Skye 10k!

Matt has been enjoying quite a few days out in the hills lately, so in an effort to redress the balance somewhat I decided to float the idea of a 10k race on Skye to my running buddy Helen. She's fairly new to running so wasn't hugely keen on the idea of a race when I first broached the subject, although I didn't help matters by only giving her about 5 days' warning. However she set herself the challenge of seeing if she could go the distance before the race, and after realising it was definitely do-able she began to come around to the idea (especially when I mentioned that there may be a medal in it for her!).

The forecast for the whole area was fantastic for race day so we packed plenty of sunscreen, stocked up on post-race goodies at the supermarket on the way, and enjoyed a fabulous drive out to Skye in glorious sunshine with clear blue skies. On arrival at the race, which set off from Dunvegan Castle, we were a little behind schedule and only had half an hour to spare in which we still had to register for the race and get changed. Still we were at the start line in front of the castle with plenty of time and soon we were setting off out of the castle grounds and past lots of spectators who did a great job of cheering us off on our way.

The first section of the race headed off-road through undulating woodland which, although offering plenty of much-needed shade from the scorching sunshine, was unfortunately also offering shelter to plenty of flying insects, and as the gradient increased so did the number of flies we swallowed as we gulped down the fresh air.

We continued uphill for the first couple of kilometres and enjoyed plenty of shade until we left the wood and headed out into open country. Luckily we had a fair breeze to keep us cool but could still feel the strength of the sun as we ran. More uphill followed but we were rewarded at the top with our first water station, a very welcome sight and we glugged back plenty of water to help wash down all those flies. We were happy to see a small downhill section next in front of us, and got our breath back before tackling the next looming hill which lead us up onto the road.

We'd approached Dunvegan along this way in the car and had seen the 5k marker by the road, so knew we were approaching the halfway point which cheered us up no-end, and we knew we'd done most of the uphill work by now and that it would be mostly flat or downhill from here. We were also quite high by now so were treated to a lovely cool breeze along this section, without which this part of the race would have been almost unbearable. We kept up a comfortable pace along the road, and just when pounding the tarmac started to get a bit boring we realised we were approaching Dunvegan and the slope was increasing downhill. We made the most of the gravity and got up some momentum down the hill into Dunvegan itself, and soon passed a sign telling us the castle was just three quarters of a mile away.

Unfortunately dropping down to this level meant the breeze had died away completely, and we found ourselves running along a sun-drenched road with no shade or breeze to speak of. Our progress for this section was painfully slow and we worked really hard to resist the urge to stop and walk as we could see many others doing in front of us. Unfortunately we realised we weren't catching anyone up so were clearly going no faster than the walkers, but the principle still mattered and when we finally jogged into the car park and up to the finish line a few minutes later we felt duly pleased with ourselves and our efforts on such a scorching hot day.

We were handed our medals which Helen received with absolute delight, having just finished her first ever race. She did really well considering she'd only been running for a few weeks and the weather had made the run so much more challenging. As for me I was just pleased to have been able to get round without walking or feeling that my growing bump was in the way too much. We were chuffed to find our time was 1hr 6mins, much faster than we'd anticipated and, we felt, rather good for a 4-month pregnant lady and a new beginner :o)


We travelled back tired and happy, admiring the breathtaking views all the way home, and I found myself thinking, not for the first time since moving up here, life doesn't get much better than this...

Jen x

Agag's Groove, Buachaille Etive Mor

The VDiff dream team was reunited in fine style this week with an ascent of Agag's Groove on Buachaille Etive Mor.

You've all seen the Buachaille, that fantastically shaped, very photogenic mountain at the top of Glen Coe that cries out to be climbed.

It looks like we picked a perfect day for it too and we set off in high spirits as we marched up the path and scrambled up half of Curved Ridge until we got to the bottom of Rannoch Wall.


The route follows an obvious groove that can be seen from the A82 and looks brilliant as you scramble towards it from below.


We managed to turn a classic 4 pitch VDiff into 5 pitches, we wouldn't be the VDiff dream team if we didn't have some route finding difficulties.

Rich approaching 2nd belay

Rich approaching 4th belay (supposed to be the 3rd we think)

After the 5 pitches we continued the scramble up Crowberry Ridge (with an unintentional trip up Crowberry Tower) which comes out at the summit cairn of Stob Dearg, we had an amble along the ridge that joins it to a second Munro in perfect weather before we headed down and home.

A great route in a brilliant position with not another climber in sight. Lovely.

--Matt

1 hill, 17 wind turbines and 5 wee trout

Jen had agreed to give me time off from all the DIY and dropped me off at Loyne Dam so I could walk back over the tops and maybe try to catch us some dinner.

I soon began to think I'm made a bit of a mistake, it seemed like a hell of a slog up the hill and we soon got caught in a shower. Dylan was having a great time, within 5 minutes of setting off he'd found a deer leg which he refused to give up. We eventually made it to the broad ridge that runs north from a small undistinguished top called Carn Ban up to the rocky top of Clach Criche and things were looking up - the route looked like it was getting a bit more interesting and it also looked like we'd done pretty good with the weather. The shower had passed, rain was blowing down from Cluanie and down Glen Loyne but it seemed to dissipate before it reached us.


We followed the chain of lochans along the ridge and then struck up the final slopes to the corbett. The wind had picked up and almost blew us up the last bit. Luckily, the top has a massive cairn that we could shelter behind and have a spot of lunch. Its maybe not the most interesting hill but has great long distance views towards Glen Shiel, Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach and across Loch Garry to Ben Tee.


It was at this time that I discovered Dylan had a liking for Jelly Babies, I think him and Jen must have spent some time curled up on the sofa sharing a few packets of them whilst I've been working. Still, it means I have a way of disposing of the horrible pink ones.

By the way, the white on his whiskers and side in the photo is where he has been "helping" us decorate.

We headed of to investigate the wind turbines that dominate the view to the east. I know a lot of people are against them but there is something about them that is a bit hypnotic, especially up close.

We continued south east down to a small loch, I'd received some insider knowledge about the quantity of fish in this loch and was keen to investigate. My first fishing trip a few weeks ago was fairly successful and I was keen to see if my beginners luck was still with me.

It was! I caught 5 trout despite Dylan's help, every time I cast he wanted to go and fetch it back unless I distracted him by throwing a stick in the other direction. As well as the fish, I also managed to hook my finger twice and my jacket once. Good fun though.



It soon started hailing so took that as my cue to leave and headed down to Invergarry, and the sun came out as we ambled* through Glen Garry forest back home.

--Matt

* I had sore feet by this point so it may have been more of a plod than an amble

A Skye Secondment

I'd managed to get my list of jobs down to 2 pages (both sides, size 6 font) and was awarded a 24 hour day pass. I headed over to Skye for a quick North/South (and nearly North again because I couldn't find the way down) traverse of The Storr whilst I waited for my climbing partner to turn up, unfortunately his "pass" was revoked at the last minute - Permission denied.


I didn't want to waste my time off so I headed down to Loch Slapin so I could have a crack at Blaven (Bla Bheinn) in the morning and awoke to stunning views as the sun hit the mountain across a mirror still loch.


I was clicking away with my camera whilst drinking my cup of tea I realised it was only 5.45am, a bit earlier than I planned but I made the most of it and got ready to set off up the hill.


The sun rose above the hills behind me and gave me some great views as I climbed the path. Eventually the path starts to zig zag steeply up the east ridge and the walk gets more interesting, there is lots of scrambling to be found, all easily avoidable if you wish which takes you up to the north summit and exceptional views to the main Cuillin ridge, across to the hebrides and over to the rough bounds of Knoydart.


I arrived at the summit at about 8.15 am and spent at least 45 minutes relaxing and taking it all in (and taking more photos) from both the North and the South top (minor scrambly bit to cross the gap) and then descended down the southeast flank on loose rock and scree.

A popular day to be out and about - I must have passed a dozen people whilst I was coming down, all wanting to know about my early start.

The path down follows a gorgeous looking crystal clear stream that was too inviting to resist on a hot day, twice I gave in to temptation and did my best impression of a Timotei shampoo advert.


I was back at the hostel for lunch time, do you think get to save up my 4 hours of unused leave for another day?

--Matt

River Garry Fishing

For a special birthday treat for Mr Parrish (known in fishing circles as J R Hartley) we spent the day fishing on the river Garry.

We started the day with Ben instructing me in the intricacies of fly fishing and showing me his special technique. Fortunately for us one of the locals turned up and pointed us in the right direction and gave us the inside knowledge.

For a while it was like watching Brad Pitt in "A river runs through it", until Ben managed to catch his landing net which was on the jetty 6 foot behind him.


Jen brought us down some lunch and then I stepped up to the plate to show Ben how it was done, hey presto, fish on. Unfortunately it would barely feed the cat, never mind the 3 of us so we popped it back in.

Thankfully we did manage a glimpse of greatness, young Jack caught a lovely salmon to show us that it could be done.


We had a great day, thanks to Kevin for the invaluable advice, if it wasn't for you we'd probably still be untangling our line. We owe you a pint.

--Matt