Pictures from last weekend spent in Snowdonia (click images below to see more).
Accommodation was provided by the Pen-y-pass youth hostel. The Tyn-y-Coed is also most definitely the new Bryn Tyrch.
Saturday: Snowdon Horseshoe
Sunday: Carneddau
Thanks to everyone for a great weekend, and best wishes to Andrew, Alison and Gemma who all celebrated significant birthdays.
Last Wednesday evening I took part in the “Trail Race Up The Beast” fell race, from Maeshafn, Mold. Having done this last year I’d hoped it would seem easier, but disappointingly it was just as bone crunching as last time 
The route is of mixed terrain – muddy forest, onto track, the ascent of the “Beast”, then a lovely soothing green pasture descent, a touch of road, then the steps of doom(!) past the quarry (No! Not the steps!!). All in all, a challenging run which continually tests, not giving a chance to get into a steady rhythm. This is the second year of the “Beast” race and I am already looking forward to another thrashing next year.
This time I finished 17th/45 in 32:30. The results are here.
Big thanks to Peter Douglas for his pics of the race. Keep up the good work Pete!
A grimace or a smile?…
First real holiday of the year. I recently spent a week in the Lake District, Keswick to be exact. A huge thanks to Kate for organising the accommodation and to the wonderful chefs that provided delicious meals each evening!
My knowledge of the Lakes before this week had been somewhat lacking. I did a number of walks there some 10 years ago whilst in Uni, but apart from trips to Langdale during the last few years I really hadn’t a clue on geography, notable peaks or valleys. I’m pleased to say that I’ve been vastly educated somewhat over the week long stay.
Diary for the week…
Monday: Blencathra from Halls Fell, then on to Bowscale Fell (Fiona)
Tuesday: Red Pike, High Stile, High Crag, Haystacks from Buttermere (Fiona). Thanks to Rebecca for the lift back!
Wednesday: Run (Ade) from Keswick – Walla Crag (7 miles). Walking in Wythop Woods (Andrew), 6 miles.
Thursday: Sam’s big run (see next post).
Friday: Linear walk… Rowling End, Causey Pike, Sail, Crag Hill, Grasmoor, Wandope, Whiteless Pike (Fiona).
Saturday: Helvellyn via Striding Edge, from Glenridding, return via Swirral Edge, Catstye Cam, Brown Cove.
Sadly I began the week with two flat camera batteries, hence no pics. But Ade has kindly sent me these – click the image below for more.
Pictures from last weekend, spent around Langdale in the Lake District. I have resolved myself to learn more about the Lakes!
Click on the photo above to see more…
Pictures from the LAMM (Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon) in which my friend Clive and I took part in over the weekend. The location was kept a total secret (more or less) right up until the start. All we knew beforehand was that it was to be held somewhere in Scotland. This turned out to be Morvich in Kintail.
We did the B course, which involved 44km of distance and 3250m of ascent and descent over very mountainous and rugged terrain. It was a wonderful weekend spent out on the hills, with amazing scenery, and a satisfying feeling of freedom gained from carrying all the kit for the overnight stay the whole way. Scrambling up ridiculously steep slopes, pioneering routes through wilderness, running along tops and down isolated wide open valleys… More of this please!
I must say a huge thanks to Clive for getting me into this, and expertly navigating us round the course. Lots of fun!
Click on the photo above to see more…
A favourite for me this one. 10.5 miles and 2927ft of ascent/descent. It was an extremely hot saturday, so warm that even walking from the car to the start required strenuous effort and brought on the hunt for shade from the midday sun.
The race had a slightly higher turnout this year. Was very hard going due to the blazing heat, and suffered near exhaustion by the finish. Wasn’t as quick as last year, some 12 mins slower, finishing near the 2 hour mark.
Thanks to Alastair for the excellent pic.
Last night I’ve went to see Counting Crows in Manchester with my sister. Haven’t been to a standing gig in ages and it was fab. Great atmosphere, and excellent perfomance. Very much enjoyed the night.
Went to watch Pink last night in concert at the MEN arena, Manchester. I’ve been a partial fan of her music over the last few years, but was very impressed with the show indeed. She’s an amazing performer – simultaneously singing whilst performing trapeze and circus acts was rather impressive!
Last night I watched Show of Hands in Shrewsbury’s new Theatre Severn. Miranda Sykes accompanied them on double bass, and it was a fine evening of outstanding entertainment.
I just went to watch the Queen Musical, “We Will Rock You” in the Manchester Palace. The story was a little bizarre but that didn’t matter, as many classic Queen songs were served up along the way. Very enjoyable, and a must see for all lovers of Queen’s music.
