Running like the wind or perhaps running from the hail?
February 24, 2008 on 9:31 pm | In Hillwalking, Uncategorized | 1 Comment
Sometimes the Hebrides has the ability to take your breath away both physically and methaphorically.
As the final run in the training for the Mighty Deer Stalker next weekend, I went out with Mike. Mike had just bought a new camera and was keen to take some pictures. So with the blue skies punctuated with vicious showers we decided to go for a run. Mike suggested the West Coast of Lewis from the Gearrannan Black House Village up to Shawbost where we parked my car. Jayne dropped us off and was then going to take the kid’s for a walk.
The wind was a strong westerly so we were in for a push but the thing is westerlies bring showers.
The first hill was a killer and I was glad when Mike stopped to get the camera out.
Running on, we rose and fell to reach each headland, time and again we were treated to another stunning vista.
The running was varied with very little level ground, I am convinced there was more up hill than down though.
As we ran, we became aware of an impending sense of doom, each time we glanced over our shoulders there was gathering cloud, threatening to deliver its payload on us.
It was noticable the pace quickened and as we crested the hill above Dalbeag, we were suddenly being pushed along by the freshening wind. First there was a few flecks of rain in the air, then the rain got a little harder, then it got much ‘harder’ as it turned to hail. By this time we were hurtling head long over the bog, we could see the car, all be it about half a mile away. The dogs were haring in front of us, perhaps a sign?
The backs of my legs were stinging, to the point I thought it might cut the skin. Through the pain I heard Mike’s cheery comment ‘Just wait until they get to the size of golf balls’. I ran faster.
The shelter of the car was a welcome restbite and the heater even better.
Thanks to Mike for the pictures, I am looking fowards to more runs with the camera . ‘Oh look there is a great picture … shall we stop for a second?’
Tim Pickering
http://www.canoehebrides.com
Living in the world's biggest adventure playground - The Outer Hebrides
CanoeHebrides.com - Sea kayaking Expeditions
BikeHebrides.com -Quality Mountain Bike Hire
Winter walking in Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
December 3, 2007 on 4:57 pm | In Hillwalking | 3 Comments
Saturday did not look very promising when we set off from Edinburgh. But Simo, Robin and I were determined to get some hillwalking (Munro bagging) done! We planned either Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas or Meall nan Tarmachan (hill of the Ptarmigan) in Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Upon arrival we decided to go for the slightly more scrambly and challenging Ptarmigan. No snow when we started off, but we could see some white peaks behind the clouds;
The walk starts at about 500m, which makes a big difference and especially in winter when you always need to be aware of the short days and potential white-outs. The ascent to reach the ridge was fine, not very steep or long. The ground was near enough frozen so nice to walk on, rain turned into slight snow showers and soon we were in knee-deep snow! After walking for about 1.5 hours Robin bagged his first Munro - we were so happy to share this experience with him! Just 283 more to go, Robin ;-).
The route is about 13k, 744m in ascent and after summiting Ptarmigan the ridge circles around and takes you back to the car which means no need for additional transport! Beacuse there was quite a lot of snow and ice a couple of the scrambly ascents were a bit tricky, and the vision was poor at times.
The route took 4.5 hours and it was a cracking day out - although about 40mph winds at time! Route info found here; http://walking.visitscotland.com/walks/lomondtrossachs/213707 and http://www.walkingworld.com/results/walksummary.asp?id=3078&method=eRes&direction=position.
Jenny Glumoff
http://www.visitscotland.com/adventure
Main activity sport climbing but love all types of climbing, surfing, mountain biking and hill walking!
Ben Lomond on a clear day
July 25, 2007 on 12:20 pm | In Hillwalking | 3 Comments
We climbed Ben Lomond yesterday -the most southerly of the 284 Munros. What a fantastic day out! We walked up the back, past Ptarmigan, and then down the the front. Clear blue skies, sunshine and many happy faces.
Our walking guide was Dorothy from http://www.cndoscotland.com/ - she taught us all about the flora and fauna. It was great.
Here is a film of our view from the top:
Jenny Glumoff
http://www.visitscotland.com/adventure
Main activity sport climbing but love all types of climbing, surfing, mountain biking and hill walking!
