Well, that's what the training plan was telling me I should be running today, however I didn't feel overly comfortable at all, even though I was only running at a slow pace. I'm on the tail end of a cold at the minute so it's probably just that which made me feel tired.
For this run, I ran from home, along to Rivington top barn, up Horrobin Lane and then back home along the side of the reservoir.
Note to self - my Nike Free road shoes are absolutely pitiful on any tiny little bit of mud and there were a number of times during this flat, easy run where I was just trying to stay upright!
Total distance - 5.5 miles
Sunday 31 May 2015
Saturday 30 May 2015
Where Does All My Time Go?
Seriously, where?
I did this run last Saturday and am only just typing up my blog (today is Wednesday) because I just haven't had the time or energy to write it earlier.
That being the case, I can't remember much at all about the run itself. It was only a short three miler with Ruby up to Two Lads and back and I just remember that I felt quite tired on the climb up to George's Lane but nothing new there.
I also remember that I went out in shorts and t-shirt because it was finally sunny but I soon realised that it wasn't as warm as it looked and when I was running up to Two Lads I was really wishing I had taken my buff and gloves with me as my ears and hands were hurting with cold.
Anyway, that's about it really. So boring I'm not even going to bother sharing this on Facebook!
Total distance - 3 miles
I did this run last Saturday and am only just typing up my blog (today is Wednesday) because I just haven't had the time or energy to write it earlier.
That being the case, I can't remember much at all about the run itself. It was only a short three miler with Ruby up to Two Lads and back and I just remember that I felt quite tired on the climb up to George's Lane but nothing new there.
I also remember that I went out in shorts and t-shirt because it was finally sunny but I soon realised that it wasn't as warm as it looked and when I was running up to Two Lads I was really wishing I had taken my buff and gloves with me as my ears and hands were hurting with cold.
Anyway, that's about it really. So boring I'm not even going to bother sharing this on Facebook!
Total distance - 3 miles
Thursday 28 May 2015
Wheezy!
When is it ever going to warm up??? I can't believe that today, at the very end of May, I had to wear a wind stopper on my lunch run with Kathryn. Granted I took it off after a mile or so but still, I shouldn't have to wear it at all at this time of year. I'm so sick of being cold.
I'm also sick of having a cold!
Straight from the start of today's run I was feeling tired and unable to hold a decent conversation. I just let Kathryn do all the talking in the hope that it might slow her down a bit so that I could catch my breath and keep up but she doesn't do slow.
By the time we were a mile and a half from the end I was really struggling and our pace dropped from 8.26 minute mile to 9.40 minute mile!!! I think that is our slowest mile to date on these canal runs.
Rest day tomorrow.
Oh, except for spin at altitude!
I really don't do myself any favours do I?
Total distance - 5.5 miles
I'm also sick of having a cold!
Straight from the start of today's run I was feeling tired and unable to hold a decent conversation. I just let Kathryn do all the talking in the hope that it might slow her down a bit so that I could catch my breath and keep up but she doesn't do slow.
By the time we were a mile and a half from the end I was really struggling and our pace dropped from 8.26 minute mile to 9.40 minute mile!!! I think that is our slowest mile to date on these canal runs.
Rest day tomorrow.
Oh, except for spin at altitude!
I really don't do myself any favours do I?
Total distance - 5.5 miles
Tuesday 26 May 2015
Vernons 5k - Race 2
Tonight was the second race in the Vernons 5k series. Last month I got a 5k personal best time of 23 minutes 20 seconds but I had serious doubts as to getting anywhere near that today because I haven’t run since last Wednesday due to a very painful back. I also still have a cold and found myself toeing the start line coughing up the odd bit of phlegm (nice).
I'd like to be able to tell you that I proved myself wrong and had a storming race due to the week's worth of rest... but I'd be lying.
Truth is, it was terrible!
The worst part though is that I actually felt like I was running really well. I felt quite strong and light on my feet and when I crossed the finish line I was really excited to look at my watch and see my time as I felt like it was quicker than last month so I was incredibly disappointed to find it was over a minute slower than last month!!!!
OVER A MINUTE - ON A 5K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know it's irrational to be annoyed when I haven't been well (and am still not over my cold or bad back) but I think it's because I felt so good in the race that I felt sure I had done at least as well as last time and it's the extent of how much worse I did that I'm dwelling on. A few seconds I could handle but over a minute is huge in such a short race.
Excuses I know, but my performance also won't have been helped by how cold I was at the start. The start was supposed to be at 7pm and we even got an e-mail yesterday stating this but it didn't actually start until 7.15 which was ages after I (and everyone else) had finished my warm up. I'd already done 2.5 miles so didn't want to do any more and was getting pretty cold on the start line. A few people complained to the organisers for not telling people this and were told that the start would be 7.15 for the whole series now. We were all shivering away at the start line and a lovely girl named Clare gave me a big hug to warm me up.
Ah well, it's done now, nothing I can do about it. Just fix my back, train harder for the next one and hope I don't get another cold!
Total distance - 5k plus warm up and cool down
Wednesday 20 May 2015
Back Ache!
Tonight was the first Jubilee race of the year and, as usual, I was volunteering rather than running. I’ve been promoted this year though and took the role of time keeper rather than my usual spot at the far end of The Street.
I had been struggling to get motivated to go for a run all day so I decided to arrive early at Rivington and go for a run before helping out. I parked up near the top barn and ran up to the pigeon tower car park then down the road to Lead Mines Clough, along through the clough then up to Jepson’s Gate, then down the road, up the slipway and back into Rivington.
It was a tough one and I was feeling pretty sluggish. I have felt a cold coming on earlier today and I still have my bad back so the combination wasn’t ideal for running.
After standing out at the Jubilee for a couple of hours (I also helped out at the junior race beforehand) my back was really stiffening up. Need to get it sorted before next week’s race!
Total distance - 5 miles
Monday 18 May 2015
Slippery When Wet!
That refers to the canal towpath today. My feet were sliding around all over the place when I first set off along the canal at lunch today with Kathryn but she seemed to be fine until we got onto a certain bit (which we had been forced to go onto because there was a film crew where we actually wanted go go and they wouldn't let us through) and then she found it slippery too. I'm surprised one of us didn't slip and fall into the canal and resemble the blow up doll we saw floating face down in it today, albeit we wouldn't have been naked!
I didn't stop slipping until we got onto the bit of towpath which has now been relayed with little stones.
Despite yesterday's very hard run, I felt great today and full of energy. Usually on my lunchtime run at some point I'll start to feel really tired and want to stop but I didn't get that today and felt fine the whole way round and was able to hold a full conversation where usually I have to shut up and let Kathryn do all the talking in the hope it might tire her out a bit so she'll run slower.
So glad I've had a decent run after a spate of bad ones.
Total distance - 5 miles
I didn't stop slipping until we got onto the bit of towpath which has now been relayed with little stones.
Despite yesterday's very hard run, I felt great today and full of energy. Usually on my lunchtime run at some point I'll start to feel really tired and want to stop but I didn't get that today and felt fine the whole way round and was able to hold a full conversation where usually I have to shut up and let Kathryn do all the talking in the hope it might tire her out a bit so she'll run slower.
So glad I've had a decent run after a spate of bad ones.
Total distance - 5 miles
Sunday 17 May 2015
Help! They're Trying to Kill Me!
After lying awake since 3am this morning I hauled myself out of it at 6.30 and got ready to head out to the barn to meet up with the Lostock lot for a trail run or should I say, a two hour session of pain!
At the meet up today were Ray, Brian, John M and John P (see piccies at end).
We ran along Lower Rivington Reservoir and out at the prep school and then ran up past Yarrow and out onto the road, before dropping down to Anglezarke. By the time we had got to the road, the guys were already way in front of me and I urged them to run on ahead and not wait for me because I was flagging but they insisted that they didn't mind waiting for me.
We ran around Anglezarke, through the woods, coming out at Watermans Cottage.
At this point, a couple with a dog were waiting for me to come through the kissing gate before they could go through and I quietly said to them 'Help, I think they're trying to kill me'. They just laughed though and didn't take me seriously at all for some reason.
On the way through Anglezarke I had been having thoughts about telling the guys that I was going to head back at Watermans Cottage and loop round Healey Nab because I was so tired. I gave myself a good talking to though as I realised that staying with them, no matter how tired I was, was doing me good in the long run (no pun intended).
I carried on heading towards White Coppice and, again, I thought that once we got to White Coppice I might say that I was heading back. Again, I gave myself a talking to and, again, I carried on.
As we headed along to Brinscall, Ray left the group because his leg was playing up a little. I was so tempted to head back with him but I knew that I'd be annoyed with myself later if I didn't complete the run for no other reason than tiredness so I carried on.
I was so relieved when we reached the pond at Brinscall and I knew we were then turning round and heading back. John P was doing really well coaching me along and giving me all sorts of useful advice.
Soon enough we were back at White Coppice then back at Anglezarke. Why does the way back always seem much quicker than the way out?
When we eventually arrived back into Rivington, we bumped back into Ray! He was with Wayne who he is pairing with to do the duathlon next weekend and had taken him for a recce of the run route and I believe I'm right in saying that with Ray's coaching, Wayne actually got a PB today! Shame it was just in training but what great training!
A short while later, the beige mobile in all its glory was within my sights. I was truly knackered and it was a sight for sore eyes.
Thanks yet again for pushing me on guys, you'll make a fast(er) runner out of me yet!
L-R - Ray, me, Brian, John M
Photo taken by John Parker
L-R - John P, me, Brian, John M
Photo taken by Ray McGloin
Total distance - 11.7 miles
At the meet up today were Ray, Brian, John M and John P (see piccies at end).
We ran along Lower Rivington Reservoir and out at the prep school and then ran up past Yarrow and out onto the road, before dropping down to Anglezarke. By the time we had got to the road, the guys were already way in front of me and I urged them to run on ahead and not wait for me because I was flagging but they insisted that they didn't mind waiting for me.
We ran around Anglezarke, through the woods, coming out at Watermans Cottage.
At this point, a couple with a dog were waiting for me to come through the kissing gate before they could go through and I quietly said to them 'Help, I think they're trying to kill me'. They just laughed though and didn't take me seriously at all for some reason.
On the way through Anglezarke I had been having thoughts about telling the guys that I was going to head back at Watermans Cottage and loop round Healey Nab because I was so tired. I gave myself a good talking to though as I realised that staying with them, no matter how tired I was, was doing me good in the long run (no pun intended).
I carried on heading towards White Coppice and, again, I thought that once we got to White Coppice I might say that I was heading back. Again, I gave myself a talking to and, again, I carried on.
As we headed along to Brinscall, Ray left the group because his leg was playing up a little. I was so tempted to head back with him but I knew that I'd be annoyed with myself later if I didn't complete the run for no other reason than tiredness so I carried on.
I was so relieved when we reached the pond at Brinscall and I knew we were then turning round and heading back. John P was doing really well coaching me along and giving me all sorts of useful advice.
Soon enough we were back at White Coppice then back at Anglezarke. Why does the way back always seem much quicker than the way out?
When we eventually arrived back into Rivington, we bumped back into Ray! He was with Wayne who he is pairing with to do the duathlon next weekend and had taken him for a recce of the run route and I believe I'm right in saying that with Ray's coaching, Wayne actually got a PB today! Shame it was just in training but what great training!
A short while later, the beige mobile in all its glory was within my sights. I was truly knackered and it was a sight for sore eyes.
Thanks yet again for pushing me on guys, you'll make a fast(er) runner out of me yet!
L-R - Ray, me, Brian, John M
Photo taken by John Parker
L-R - John P, me, Brian, John M
Photo taken by Ray McGloin
Total distance - 11.7 miles
Saturday 16 May 2015
Run to the PO to Post my Compass to Sweden!
As I have booked myself into a number of B&Bs in June with view to walking the first 44 miles of the Cumbria Way (yes, I said walking, not running!), I thought it was about time to send my compass off to Silva in Sweden to get it recalibrated as it currently points south instead of north.
I decided to tie my trip to the Post Office in with a road run (shocker!).
I ran up from home onto Old Rake and out onto George's Lane, then along to the Post Office on New Chapel Lane. I think the altitude spin class last night, coupled with the whole bottle of wine I drank, may have accounted for why I felt like death less than two miles into my run. So much so that I ended up buying a small bottle of water in the PO and guzzling it all down.
I did think about just turning round and going back home the same way because I was feeling really rough but decided to tough it out and carry on up the hill.
I ran up to Bob's Smithy then turned into Colliers Row and along to Matchmoor Lane. The 'climb' up Matchmoor was really hard work and at one point I must confess to having stopped to take a breather. My running this week has not gone very well which is in stark contrast to my running of previous weeks recently.
From Matchmoor I dropped back onto George's Lane and back down Old Rake.
Something strange has happened the last two times I have been out - when running downhill, my toe next to my big toe (which is longer than my big toe - yuk) has been pressing on the front of my shoe. On Wednesday it did it to the point of bending the joint upwards for a split second which made me yelp a little. Both times I have worn a different shoe, both of which I have used many times before without any problem. Have my feet suddenly grown?
Total distance - 5.7 miles
I decided to tie my trip to the Post Office in with a road run (shocker!).
I ran up from home onto Old Rake and out onto George's Lane, then along to the Post Office on New Chapel Lane. I think the altitude spin class last night, coupled with the whole bottle of wine I drank, may have accounted for why I felt like death less than two miles into my run. So much so that I ended up buying a small bottle of water in the PO and guzzling it all down.
I did think about just turning round and going back home the same way because I was feeling really rough but decided to tough it out and carry on up the hill.
I ran up to Bob's Smithy then turned into Colliers Row and along to Matchmoor Lane. The 'climb' up Matchmoor was really hard work and at one point I must confess to having stopped to take a breather. My running this week has not gone very well which is in stark contrast to my running of previous weeks recently.
From Matchmoor I dropped back onto George's Lane and back down Old Rake.
Something strange has happened the last two times I have been out - when running downhill, my toe next to my big toe (which is longer than my big toe - yuk) has been pressing on the front of my shoe. On Wednesday it did it to the point of bending the joint upwards for a split second which made me yelp a little. Both times I have worn a different shoe, both of which I have used many times before without any problem. Have my feet suddenly grown?
Total distance - 5.7 miles
Wednesday 13 May 2015
Sunny Run with Good Company
Tonight I ran down to the leisure centre to meet the Lostock lot for a run up the hill. It was a lovely sunny evening so there was a good group out and we set off by running up Gingham Brow towards Arcon Village and up onto George's Lane.
We then ran up to the woods at Walker Fold which I have a vague recollection of running through a couple of years ago with Michele and Abigail Sunter but it was so foggy at the time that I had no idea where I was. It was really nice running through the woods and that route may have to feature more on my future runs.
A few miles into the run I started to feel a pain in my stomach. It was a kind of cramp like pain under the rib cage, but not a stitch as it was too high up. I'm not sure if it was because my bum bag was too tight and restricting my breathing but when I loosened it off, it then bounced around too much and was irritating.
It could well be that I set off too fast at the start but I had felt really comfortable at the start and didn't think to hold back, which now seems like it might have been a good idea.
Anyway, whatever it was, it doesn't matter, there's always tomorrow and we all have off days. Just got to keep at it!
This is, however, the third time now that I have run with Mark Sammon and had an 'off day'. Honestly Mark, I'm not always that bad!
Anyway, back to the run...
We came out on Coal Pit Road and then went through Roscoe's Tenement towards the shooting hut, then followed the trail up to the mast. From there we ran cross country towards Two Lads where everyone but me and Kathryn ran over towards the Pike. Kathryn and I instead ran to Two Lads then down to the dog hotel.
Photo courtesy of Michele Gregory
We crossed George's Lane and through the gate onto my favourite field where Kathryn spotted a fox not far away from us, making its way through the field. We could also see the rest of the runners up on the hill behind us.
We ran down through the field and down Brownlow Road, then went our separate ways along dog poo alley.
Thanks for keeping me company on the last bit Kathryn and I hope I didn't ruin your run!
Thanks also to Michele for keeping me company when I first started to struggle. You were right that I probably overexerted at the start!
Total distance - 7.45 miles
We then ran up to the woods at Walker Fold which I have a vague recollection of running through a couple of years ago with Michele and Abigail Sunter but it was so foggy at the time that I had no idea where I was. It was really nice running through the woods and that route may have to feature more on my future runs.
A few miles into the run I started to feel a pain in my stomach. It was a kind of cramp like pain under the rib cage, but not a stitch as it was too high up. I'm not sure if it was because my bum bag was too tight and restricting my breathing but when I loosened it off, it then bounced around too much and was irritating.
It could well be that I set off too fast at the start but I had felt really comfortable at the start and didn't think to hold back, which now seems like it might have been a good idea.
Anyway, whatever it was, it doesn't matter, there's always tomorrow and we all have off days. Just got to keep at it!
This is, however, the third time now that I have run with Mark Sammon and had an 'off day'. Honestly Mark, I'm not always that bad!
Anyway, back to the run...
We came out on Coal Pit Road and then went through Roscoe's Tenement towards the shooting hut, then followed the trail up to the mast. From there we ran cross country towards Two Lads where everyone but me and Kathryn ran over towards the Pike. Kathryn and I instead ran to Two Lads then down to the dog hotel.
We crossed George's Lane and through the gate onto my favourite field where Kathryn spotted a fox not far away from us, making its way through the field. We could also see the rest of the runners up on the hill behind us.
We ran down through the field and down Brownlow Road, then went our separate ways along dog poo alley.
Thanks for keeping me company on the last bit Kathryn and I hope I didn't ruin your run!
Thanks also to Michele for keeping me company when I first started to struggle. You were right that I probably overexerted at the start!
Total distance - 7.45 miles
Monday 11 May 2015
Along Witton Weavers Way
First run back in England, which now looks incredibly flat compared to the Highlands.
Just an easy short one today along part of the Witton Weavers Way and along to Tockholes where Duncan and Ruby were waiting for me in the van. I was then supposed to drive home with Ruby and leave Duncan to ride home but his bike malfunctioned and he ended up coming back with me. That's why running is better than biking, the only thing that can malfunction is yourself!
For the first few miles of my run my shins were really sore but it wore off about four miles in... just before I finished running. Typical! I think I'm one of those people who need a tremendously long warm up before I can get going.
Total distance - 4.75 miles.
Just an easy short one today along part of the Witton Weavers Way and along to Tockholes where Duncan and Ruby were waiting for me in the van. I was then supposed to drive home with Ruby and leave Duncan to ride home but his bike malfunctioned and he ended up coming back with me. That's why running is better than biking, the only thing that can malfunction is yourself!
For the first few miles of my run my shins were really sore but it wore off about four miles in... just before I finished running. Typical! I think I'm one of those people who need a tremendously long warm up before I can get going.
Total distance - 4.75 miles.
Friday 8 May 2015
Shieldaig and the Crash Site
Yesterday we did a couple of walks rather than any running or riding.
First thing in the morning we walked a route around the headland of our lighthouse, which is the route I had wanted to run on our first day here but bottled out. We went along the cliffs and, although we had set off in beautiful sunshine, around half a mile in the heavens opened and we got hailed on in a major way, although only for a couple of minutes.
The sun was then shining again and we continued our walk along the cliff tops. About half an hour later, the weather turned again and this time we got snowed on!
Again the snow was only brief and the sun came back out. Kit was on and off, on and off!
The views were beautiful up here and we skirted round the top of a beach before finding a proper path by the side of a farm. Finally, a chance for my feet to dry off a bit. Not for long though as we then had to climb up a big hill to get up to the masts on top. The hill was incredibly boggy all the way up and our feet got soaked through. After a long slog, we got to the top and then just went back to the lighthouse via the road.
Later in the afternoon, after refueling at our favourite cafe in Gairloch, we drove to a place called Shieldaig and went for a walk to Fairy Lochs, which is the site of a WW2 plane crash. It's a tragic story really as the war was over and the American crew of the B24 Liberator bomber plane were flying back home when the plane crashed. The wreckage is all still there and it's forbidden to remove any of it as it is a war grave. It was very eerie up there and so quiet. If interested, you can read more about it here http://www.aircrew-saltire.org/lib170.htm.
On our walk back down from the crash site, we came across a path which Duncan decided would be good to ride and would be equally good for me to run so today we came back here to do just that.
Unfortunately, Ruby wasn't up to it today though as her paws were sore from all the running/walking so I decided to stay with her in the van whilst Duncan went riding. We were in the van for four hours whilst he was out! I sat in the sunshine reading my book and Ruby curled up beside me having a good old rest.
Once Duncan returned we went for some lunch and a drive around and then later on that day we drove back there and this time I went for a run whilst Duncan stayed in the van with Ruby.
Total distance -
First thing in the morning we walked a route around the headland of our lighthouse, which is the route I had wanted to run on our first day here but bottled out. We went along the cliffs and, although we had set off in beautiful sunshine, around half a mile in the heavens opened and we got hailed on in a major way, although only for a couple of minutes.
The sun was then shining again and we continued our walk along the cliff tops. About half an hour later, the weather turned again and this time we got snowed on!
Again the snow was only brief and the sun came back out. Kit was on and off, on and off!
The views were beautiful up here and we skirted round the top of a beach before finding a proper path by the side of a farm. Finally, a chance for my feet to dry off a bit. Not for long though as we then had to climb up a big hill to get up to the masts on top. The hill was incredibly boggy all the way up and our feet got soaked through. After a long slog, we got to the top and then just went back to the lighthouse via the road.
Later in the afternoon, after refueling at our favourite cafe in Gairloch, we drove to a place called Shieldaig and went for a walk to Fairy Lochs, which is the site of a WW2 plane crash. It's a tragic story really as the war was over and the American crew of the B24 Liberator bomber plane were flying back home when the plane crashed. The wreckage is all still there and it's forbidden to remove any of it as it is a war grave. It was very eerie up there and so quiet. If interested, you can read more about it here http://www.aircrew-saltire.org/lib170.htm.
On our walk back down from the crash site, we came across a path which Duncan decided would be good to ride and would be equally good for me to run so today we came back here to do just that.
Unfortunately, Ruby wasn't up to it today though as her paws were sore from all the running/walking so I decided to stay with her in the van whilst Duncan went riding. We were in the van for four hours whilst he was out! I sat in the sunshine reading my book and Ruby curled up beside me having a good old rest.
Once Duncan returned we went for some lunch and a drive around and then later on that day we drove back there and this time I went for a run whilst Duncan stayed in the van with Ruby.
Total distance -
Wednesday 6 May 2015
Loch Kernsary
Yesterday we had a drive out to Ullapool for a wander around. I like Ullapool, though I don't think I have ever been there when it hasn't been blowing a gale!
Today we went for another bike/run. We again started in Poolewe but went a completely different way than the other day. The path we were taking was a five/six mile circular route around Loch Kernsary but we added extra on and ran down a path along the other side of Loch Maree to that which we were on two days ago.
At first the path was quite boring and Duncan was finding it too easy riding because it was just compacted trail and not at all technical but once we started going round the other side of Loch Kearnsey it got far too technical and he ended up carrying his bike a lot again.
It didn't stop raining the entire time we were out today and towards the end of the run I was getting extremely cold, as was Ruby who, despite wearing her little coat, was shivering away.
Duncan then got a flat tyre but, rather meanly, I left him to it and ran on ahead as I was just too cold to wait around in the howling wind and rain.
I ran all the way back to the van and got out of my soaking wet kit and into dry clothes. About 15 minutes later, Duncan turned up, soaked to the bone. I was starting to get a bit worried (honest!).
Total distance - 11.5 miles
Today we went for another bike/run. We again started in Poolewe but went a completely different way than the other day. The path we were taking was a five/six mile circular route around Loch Kernsary but we added extra on and ran down a path along the other side of Loch Maree to that which we were on two days ago.
At first the path was quite boring and Duncan was finding it too easy riding because it was just compacted trail and not at all technical but once we started going round the other side of Loch Kearnsey it got far too technical and he ended up carrying his bike a lot again.
It didn't stop raining the entire time we were out today and towards the end of the run I was getting extremely cold, as was Ruby who, despite wearing her little coat, was shivering away.
Duncan then got a flat tyre but, rather meanly, I left him to it and ran on ahead as I was just too cold to wait around in the howling wind and rain.
I ran all the way back to the van and got out of my soaking wet kit and into dry clothes. About 15 minutes later, Duncan turned up, soaked to the bone. I was starting to get a bit worried (honest!).
Total distance - 11.5 miles
Monday 4 May 2015
Tollie to Slatterdale
Today we drove a short distance (well short for round here anyway but still about 20 miles) to Poolewe where we parked up and got ready for today's outing.
Duncan was on his bike and I was running with Ruby. The place we stared at was called Tollie Farm and we were to run through the mountains, along Loch Maree, and to a picnic area called Slatterdale.
The terrain was quite difficult if truth be told and Duncan spent more time carrying his bike than actually riding it. I was finding the ups easier than the downs as it was all very 'loose rocky' so the downs were a bit dodgy in places. Ruby was really enjoying it because she was actually going faster than Duncan and I. That's four-paw-drive for you!
Despite the terrain, it was a lovely walk and we had a rest at the picnic area at Slatterdale when we got there before turning round and retracing our steps back to the van.
We had been lucky with the weather today and it was really nice and sunny but I had carried a lot of kit with me just in case. Better safe than sorry!
Start of the path...
A bit further in...
Through the woods towards Slatterdale...
Slatterdale picnic area...
On the way back...
Total distance - 10.9 miles
Duncan was on his bike and I was running with Ruby. The place we stared at was called Tollie Farm and we were to run through the mountains, along Loch Maree, and to a picnic area called Slatterdale.
The terrain was quite difficult if truth be told and Duncan spent more time carrying his bike than actually riding it. I was finding the ups easier than the downs as it was all very 'loose rocky' so the downs were a bit dodgy in places. Ruby was really enjoying it because she was actually going faster than Duncan and I. That's four-paw-drive for you!
Despite the terrain, it was a lovely walk and we had a rest at the picnic area at Slatterdale when we got there before turning round and retracing our steps back to the van.
We had been lucky with the weather today and it was really nice and sunny but I had carried a lot of kit with me just in case. Better safe than sorry!
Start of the path...
A bit further in...
Through the woods towards Slatterdale...
Slatterdale picnic area...
On the way back...
Total distance - 10.9 miles
Saturday 2 May 2015
Rubha Reidh
On Thursday night we started our journey up to Scotland. We didn't leave home until gone 6.30 at night so we just drove up as far as Carlisle way and then drove out along the south side of the Solway Firth and found a nice place to camp for the night.
The next day we continued our journey and drove up towards Fort William, stopping at the Green Kettle Cafe on the way, which is a place we have stopped at before and really like.
We stayed at a campsite this night rather than wild camping and the site we stayed at was in Roy Bridge. Whilst the campsite was very nice, we weren't impressed with the two local pubs, neither of which allowed dogs! Quite surprising really, given that most pubs in areas full of walkers happily accept dogs and neither of these pubs were in any way posh. It goes without saying that if Ruby can't go in, we don't go in so we walked back to the van and had some drinks there whilst playing a very old board game called Word Mastermind!
The next morning we continued our journey but had a brief stop in Ford Augustus on the way as it was such a lovely sunny day.
Eventually, at around 4pm, we arrived at our lighthouse, Rubha Reidh, which is where we'll be staying for the next week. It's way off the beaten track, north of Gairloch and has a three mile long private road to get to it.
Photo by Brian D Clark
No sooner had we arrived than I got my running gear on and went to explore. I tried to get round the headland but being on my own and unsure of the area, I eventually bottled out and came out onto the road, running along that before turning off and running up to the masts on top of Maol Breac. After admiring the far reaching view, I then retraced my steps back down again and along the undulating road back to the lighthouse.
Duncan then went for a bit of an explore on his bike before coming back and getting the log fire burning in the living room. So cosy!
Total distance - 5 miles
The next day we continued our journey and drove up towards Fort William, stopping at the Green Kettle Cafe on the way, which is a place we have stopped at before and really like.
We stayed at a campsite this night rather than wild camping and the site we stayed at was in Roy Bridge. Whilst the campsite was very nice, we weren't impressed with the two local pubs, neither of which allowed dogs! Quite surprising really, given that most pubs in areas full of walkers happily accept dogs and neither of these pubs were in any way posh. It goes without saying that if Ruby can't go in, we don't go in so we walked back to the van and had some drinks there whilst playing a very old board game called Word Mastermind!
The next morning we continued our journey but had a brief stop in Ford Augustus on the way as it was such a lovely sunny day.
Eventually, at around 4pm, we arrived at our lighthouse, Rubha Reidh, which is where we'll be staying for the next week. It's way off the beaten track, north of Gairloch and has a three mile long private road to get to it.
No sooner had we arrived than I got my running gear on and went to explore. I tried to get round the headland but being on my own and unsure of the area, I eventually bottled out and came out onto the road, running along that before turning off and running up to the masts on top of Maol Breac. After admiring the far reaching view, I then retraced my steps back down again and along the undulating road back to the lighthouse.
Duncan then went for a bit of an explore on his bike before coming back and getting the log fire burning in the living room. So cosy!
Total distance - 5 miles
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