Deeside Runners Prominent Peaks Challenge 2010

Deeside Runners Prominent Peaks Challenge

2021-01-17T15:37:00.002Z

Deeside Runners Prominent Peaks Challenge

The 2007 and 2008 Challenges proved very successful in providing a focal point / target for club members to get out on the hills and share their experiences in words and pictures.
After a lay-off in 2009 we are now launching a new Challenge in 2010 based on 1500+ Prominent Peaks. The Challenge is based on the website UK Prominent Peaks (where you can find lots more information and a downloadable spreadsheet if you want to keep track of your accumulated metres of climb etc).

All the peaks are 500+ metres and have a prominence of 100m but you may be surprised at which peaks are included and excluded. That’s because the the prominence of a peak is the height of the peak’s summit above the lowest contour line encircling it and no higher summit (Wikipedia). This rules out some well known peaks but includes some lesser known ones – in most cases it will mean the peak will command a good vantage point over the surrounding area.

The Peaks cover the whole of the UK and we hope that this widens the interest - If a club member was away somewhere they could go for a run and include some challenge points. Alternatively, some races are likely to include challenge points – you’ll be excused having to stop for a photo.

If you are going abroad, we would also welcome blogs on significant overseas peaks. They all count to your mug.

There is no time limit on the Challenge and it will run on through 2010 and into successive years with members able to claim a reward of a picture mug for every 50 points achieved.

The list of Challenge Prominent Peaks can be found at DRC2010_Peaks_List and an Overview map of all the points at DRC2010_Overview_Map

You can scroll/zoom the map to view points outside the current boundary.

The list shows Peak Name, Prominence, Height and Rank. Since some peaks are of equal rank, you will have to use our list for a unique ranking. This unique rank number is also used by our maps and the Blog as the identification number and link to the map markers. By clicking on any point on our map you get a popup showing the same information.

The DRC2010 Peaks List also contains lots of hyperlinks to various other maps. A direct (zoomed) link to our own Overview map plus links to Streetmap, Google and Get-a-Map (1:25000)

The format of the blog will be the same as in the past – write up your visit, post your photos and add your name/date/point to the index.

Unlike previous blogs, I am not pre-listing the entries. If the point you are blogging has not been created, create a new blog and I will (ocassionally) re-order them into number sequence

It would be really interesting to post hyperlinks to other sites giving useful information / pictures about the peaks you have visited. For those of you with too much time on your hands – you might want to post your route. The new OS website gives options to draw routes online (and create hyperlinks for others to visit) although it is still a little clunky. OS Explore

Updates

2011-12-27T10:08:00.001Z

Enter Date / Name Point Achieved (and Points to Date)

Congratulations Jane - first to 50

27/12/11 1374 Green Hill Sarah (50!!!!!)
16/12/11 1222 Creag Choinnich, 1506 Carn nan Sgliat Sarah (49) and Jon
18/11/11 1386 Geal Charn Sarah (47) and Jon
30/11/11 738 Monamenach Jane (78) and Tommy (24)
27/11/11 691 Carn Liath Jane (77) and David (40)
26/11/11 1224 Creag Choinnich David (39)
23/11/11 713 Ben Gulabin Jane (76) and Tommy (23)
15/10/11 168 Meall nan Tarmachan Jane (75) and David (38)
9/10/11 397 Oxen Craig David (37)
1/10/11 129 Ben Venue Jane (74) and David (36)
3/9/11 1 Ben Nevis. Jane (73) and David (35)
14/8/11 1032 Cairn of Claise. Jane (72) and David (34)
13/8/11 1114 Driesh, 1406 Mayar. Jane (71) and David (33)
30/ 7/11 899 Little Conval Jane (69)
30/7/11 567 Meikle Conval , 152 Ben Rinnes ,David (31)
21/7/11 795 Conachcraig, Jane (68) and Tommy (22)
16/7/11   1316 Carnferg, David (29)
20/10/11 Monte Castel Guideo, Italy, Sarah(46)
16/10/11 Monte Civitella, Italy, Sarah(45)
14/10/11 Monte Rufeno, Italy, Sarah(44) and Jon
12/10/11 Monte Amiata, Italy, Sarah(43) Jon and Ewan(15)
14/7/11 134 Ben Stack Sarah(42) Jon and Ewan(14)
13/7/11 Quinag Sarah(41) and Jon
11/07/11 223 Stac Pollaidh Sarah(40) Jon and Ewan(13)
29/4/11 Morven Sarah Jon and Ewan(12)
23/4/11 561 Tap o'Noth Sarah(39) Jon and Ewan(11)
10/06/11 841 Creag nan Gabhar Jane(67) and Tommy(21)
22/05/11 81    Slioch, Jane (66), David (28), Dave(39),
08/5/11 1210 Hill of Cat, David (27) and Jane (65)
29/4/11 1317 Grumack Hill, Jane (64)
29/4/11 1359 Hill of Clais nan Earb, Jane (63)
29/4/11   1176 Garbet Hill, Jane (62)
14/4/11   251 Dunkery Beacon, Jane (61)
8/4/11   1464 Craig of Bunzeach, Jane (60) and Tommy (20)
7/2/11 Cerro Cinchao, Patagonia, Dave (36) + Kathy (4)
10/2/11 Morro Rojo, Patagonia, Dave (37) + Kathy (5)
16/2/11 Chacabuco, Patagonia, Dave (38) + Kathy (6)
1/3/11 1467 Meluncart Jane (59)
28/2/11 684 Meall Alvie Jane (58) and Tommy (19)
15/02/11 397 Bennachie Jane (57)
02/02/11 542 The Buck Jane(56) and Tommy (18)
20/1/11 1152 Crannich Gary (21)
27/12/10 la Montagnola (1571m), Tuscany, Italy Sarah (38) and Jon
24/12/10 Monte Cetona (1148m), Tuscany, Italy Sarah (37), Jon and Ewan (10)
21/12/10 289 Morven Sarah (36) Gary (20) + a heap of other folk
21/12/10 765 Glas Maol Jane (55)
11/12/10 778 Monagowan Gary (19)
18/11/10 778 Monagowan Sarah (35)
20/11/10 Mt Kitchener (NZ) Pete (41) Sara
10/11/10 Mt Alfred (NZ) Pete (40) Sara
12/11/10 1080 Craig Leek, 680 Meall Alvie Sarah (34)
05/11/10 402 Culardoch Sarah (32) and Jon
30/10/10 397 Bennachie Tommy (17)
30/10/10 1438 Creagan Gorm ,226 Meall a Bhuachaille Jane (54) David (26)
25/10/10 1080 Craig Leek Jane (52) ,Tommy (16)
23/10/10 1284 Clashenteple, 740 Ladylea Sarah (31)
22/10/10 600 Coyles of Muick, Sarah (29)
16/10/10 1302 Cairn of Claise, Sarah (28)
16/10/10 63 Lochnagar Jane (51) David (24) Tommy (15)
14/10/10 clashenteple, ladylea hill Pete (39)
13/10/10  1252 The Cairnwell,  439 Carn a Gheoidh, 1276 Carn Aosda. Jane (50) Tommy (14).
10/10/10 oxen craig pete (37)
2/10/10 1217 Hill of Cat Dave (35) + Gary(18)
30/9/10   1079 Cnoc Thulagain Jane (47) Tommy (11)
30/9/10   762 Carn Daimh.Jane (46) Tommy(10)
21/9/10 Creag Bhalg. Jane (45) Tommy (9)
18/9/10 morven pete (36)
16/9/10 Mont du Lac des Cygnes, Mont de l'Ours (Quebec), Sarah (27)
13/9/10 Mont Sainte Anne (Quebec), Sarah (25)
13/9/10 743 Ladylea Hill , 1288 Clashenteple Hill , 1381 Green Hill   Jane (44)
12/9/10 1450 Meall Gorm Jane (41) David (23)
10/9/10 829 Ben Newe Jane (40) Tommy (8)
9/9/10 504 Lord Arthur's Hill Jane (39)
7/9/10 708 Coiliochbhar Jane (38)
1/9/10 Carrauntoohil Jane (37) David (22) Tommy (7)
23/8/10 Braid Cairn Jane (36)
13/8/10 Peak 1247, SE of Norddalen Jane (35) David (21)
12/8/10 Urdanipa Jane (34) David (20)
11/8/10 Tinda-farangen Jane (33) David (19)
10/8/10 Hundeggi Jane (32) David (18)
21/8/10 pete (35) 564 tap o' noth,708 Coiliochbhar Hill
15/8/10 pete (33) 259 west lomond
11/8/10 Gazon de Faing (Vosges), Sarah (24), Jon and Ewan (9)
10/8/10 Peaks near La Bresse (Vosges) le Moutier des Fees, Pierre des Quatre Communes, Sarah (23), Jon and Ewan (8)
9/8/10 Peaks on the route de la Crete (Vosges) le Grand Ballon, le Storkenkopf (S only), le Lauchenkopf, Rothenbachkopf, le Rainkopf, Sarah (21), Jon and Ewan (6)
8/8/10 High point above Lac de Lispach (Vosges) Sarah (16) and Jon
8/8/10 794 Carn Bhac Dave H (34)+ Gary (17)
7/8/10 458 Mount Battock Dave H (33)
8/8/10 765 Glas Maol, 1302 Cairn of Claise, 1276 Carn Aosda, 439 Carn a'Gheoidh, 1252 The Cairnwell, Pete (32)
6/8/10 High point above Laviron (French Jura) Sarah (15), Jon and Ewan (2)
2/8/10 1468 Peter Hill, pete (27)
31/7/10 1145 Kings Seat Hill Jane (31) and David (17)
31/7/10 mt keen & broad cairn, pete (26)
29/7/10 Ballon d'Alsace Sarah (14), Jon and Ewan (1)
28/7/10 62 Lochnagar, pete (24)
27/7/10 708 Coiliochbhar Hill, Dave H (32)
26/7/10 1098 Creag nam Brataichean, 1436 Cnoc an Daimh, Dave H (31)
24/7/10 1080 Craig Leek Dave (29) + Kathy (3)
9/7/10 1133 Sgor an h-Iolaire Dave H (28) + Gary (16)
16/07/10 1210 Hill of Cat, Sarah (13)
10/07/10 1224 Creag Choinnich Gary (15) Pete (23)
10/07/10 1120 Sgor an h-Iolaire, 1450 Meall Gorm, Sarah (12)
08/07/10 197 Ben Hiant, Sarah (10) and Jon
08/07/10 1507 Carn nan Sgliat .Jane (30) and Tommy (6)
07/07/10 404 Mount Keen Jane (29)
05/07/10 600 Coyles of Muick,Dave H (27) + Kathy (2)
02/07/10 339 Carn Mor Sarah (9) and Jon
30/6/10 942 Creag Bhalg Pete (22)
27/6/10 200 Blencathra Dave H (26)
26/6/10 600 Coyles of Muick, Jane (28) and David (16)
24/6/10 778 Mona Gowan, 958 Carn Ealasaid, Jane (27)
14/6/10 858 Cir Mhor,14 Goat Fell, David (15) and Jane (25)
10/6/10 973 Morrone, Jane (23) and Tommy (5)
25/06/10 Sarah (8) 401 MountKeen, 1272 Braid Cairn
13/6/10 Pete (21) Kerloch
12/6/10 1314 Carn Meadhonach, 1069 Carn na Farraidh, 870 Geal Charn, 1182 Baddoch Cairngorms, Dave H (25), Gary (14), Pete (20)
10/6/10 Pete (16) Coyles of Muick
06/6/10 Pete (15) Sara (5) Sgor an h-Iolaire
05/06/10 403 Geallaig Hill, Sarah (6)
29/5/10 824 Kerloch, Jane (22) and David (13)
26/5/10 1152 Crannach Hill, Jane (21)
13/5/10 403 Hill of Geallaig, Jane (20)
8/5/10 26 Ben Lomond,Jane (19) and David (12)
29/5/10 Pete (14) Meall an t-slugain, Creag nan leachda and Creag loisgte
27/5/10 Pete (11) Creag Leek
26/5/10 Pete (10) Crannach
22/5/10 Pete (9) Slioch
21/5/10 829 Ben Newe Sarah (5)
8/5/10 Pete (8) ben lomond
24/4/10 Pete (7)Sara(4) Beinn Ghraig, Beinn Fhada, A'Chioch, Ben More
17/4/10 Pete(3) Mt Shade
7/5/10 824 Kerloch, Sarah (4) and Jon (2)
2/5/10 1133 Sgor an h-lolaire, Jane (18) and David O (11)
30/4/10 1143 Carn a' Bhacain Jane (17) and Tommy(4)
27/4/10 289 Morven Jane (16)
27/4/10 1224 Creag Choinnich Jane(15) and Tommy(3)
1/5/10 841 Creag nan Gabhar,1346 Meall an t-Slugain,1414 Creag Loisgte,1339 Creag nan Leachd, Dave H (21), Gary (10)
26/4/10 564 Tap o' North, Jane (14), Tommy (2)
25/4/10 407 Hill of Wirren, Jane (13) Dave O (10)
25/04/10 403 Hill of Geallaig, Gary (6)
23/4/10 Simancon, Dave (17), Kathy(1), Derek and Evelyn (2)
23/04/10 1468 Peter Hill, Sarah (3)
18/04/10 1468 Peter Hill, Jane O (12)
17/04/10 1468 Peter Hill, Gary (5)
15/04/10 1316 Carnferg, Jane O (11)
11/4/10 289 Morven Dave H (16)
10/4/10 403 Geallaig Hill Dave H (15)
4/4/10 296 The Calf, Dave H (14)
2/4/10 485 Moel Famau, 985 Foel Fenlli, Dave H (13)
29/3/10 1464 Craig of Bunzeach, Dave H (11)
28/03/2010 1268 Mount Shade, Jane O. (10)
23/3/10 829 Ben Newe, Dave H (10)
20/03/2010, 1491 Chapelgill Hill (race), Robbie Simpson(1), Owen & Ursula Bass(1), Alan & Tilly Smith(1), Peter Henry(2), Dave and Jane Oliver(9)
13/03/2010, 599 Shining Tor, Jane and Dave O (8)
12/03/2010, 1211 Bleaklow Head, Jane and Dave O (7)
11/03/2010, 173 Kinder Scout, 1549 Black Edge, Jane and Dave O (6)
10/03/2010, 1301 The Roaches, 1197 Shutlingsloe, Jane and Dave O (4)
09/03/2010, 912, Black Hill, Jane and Dave O (2)
20/3/10 1381 Green Hill, 743 Ladylea Hill, 1288 Clashenteple, Dave H (9)
15/03/10 1143 Carn a' Bhacain. Dave H (6)
13/03/10 504 Lord Arthur's Hill Dave H (6)
07/03/10 541 Pressendye Gary (4) and Dave H (5)
06/03/10 402 Culardoch and 691 Carn Liath, Dave H (4)
13/02/10 1268 Mount Shade, Gary 3
13/02/2010 541 Pressendye, Jane and Dave (1)
13/02/2010 708 Coiliochbhar Hill, D&E (1)
11/02/10 1316 Carnferg, Gary 2 Peter 1
07/02/10 - Kiruttoppen, Dan 1
07/02/10 824 Kerloch, Gary 1
16/1/10 1152 Crannach Hill, Sarah, 1
16/1/10 778 Mona Gowan, Dave, 1
21/1/10 1316 Carnferg, Dave 2
22/1/10 1316 Carnferg, Sarah 2, Jon 1

1210 Hill of Cat

2011-12-18T20:05:00.000Z

8/5/2011 Jane and David Parked at Glentanar top carpark in pouring rain, with the promise of better weather to come. Ran via the two bridges (the rivers were very swollen) to the top of the hill on the Tuesday night 7 mile loop. Then turned right up the Firmounth Road and continued to the high point. Then followed an old fence line to the Hill of Cat. The track was running with water all the way. Mist/cloud reduced visability to little more than 70m. Trig point on top was a welcome sight. Very disappointed that Dave and Gary's digger was no longer present for us to shelter in.
Returned the same way.

841 Creg nan Gabhar

2011-07-09T20:09:00.000+01:00

10/06/2011 Jane and Tommy Parked on the A93 at Alltamhait. Had a very pleasant walk up the Allt a 'Mhaide valley. After the abandoned shielings,headed North to Creag nan Gabhar. Had lunch near the top. Descended in a South Westerly direction, a very steep, but quick descent.

81 Slioch

2011-07-09T19:23:00.001+01:00

21/5/2011 Jane and David O, Alan and Tilly, Owen and Ursula, Dave H and Peter H. Ran Slioch as part of SHR Series. Race report at the following link: http://www.shr.uk.com/NewsItems.aspx?NewsItemID=983

1317 Grumack Hill

2011-05-07T16:20:00.000+01:00

29/04/2011 Jane Turned off the A941,(the road from Dufftown ) at Bridgend . Parked at Tomnaven, an abandoned farm at the end of the road on the South side of the River Deveron. Ran in a South Easterly direction across fields and then straight up the hill to an indistinct top, with views of The Buck to the South . Returned the same way, but avoided the field with a lone cow which seemed abit agressive. Third and final point of the day. Also final point in the Cabrach area.

1359 Hill of Clais nan Earb

2011-05-07T16:14:00.000+01:00

29/04/2011 Jane Parked next to the disused quarry on the A941 South of Dufftown. Ran along the track following the edge of Little Balloch Hill. Continued in a South Westerly direction until Grid ref 335326 . Climbed over the deer fence at a straining post , near a deep pit . Followed a very indistinct path up through a ride in the trees. Went directly up to the ridge, when I got out of the trees. The first cairn is not the top . The top is along the ridge in a Westerly direction, where there is a grave stone. Returned the same way.

1176 Garbet Hill

2011-05-07T15:53:00.000+01:00

29/04/2011 Jane Parked at Ballochford on the A941, South of Dufftown. Ran North on a track leading from the house and then cut across a field, then headed straight up Garbet hill. There are three cairns on the hill, but not at the top. A height of 501 metres, so only just a prominent peak. Garbetwood next to Ballochford has been felled.

251 Dunkery Beacon

2011-05-07T15:41:00.000+01:00

14/04/2011 Jane Parked next to the minor road and ran South West up the Macmillan Way West (National Trail/ Long Distance Route) to the top of Dunkery Beacon. Panoramic views of Exmoor and the Somerset coast. This is the only Prominent peak on Exmoor.

1464 Craig of Bunzeach

2011-05-07T14:25:00.000+01:00

08/04/11 Jane and Tommy We had a really pleasant walk to the top of Craig of Bunzeach, good paths all the way!!

We parked near a cottage called Roadside on the minor road heading South from Strathdon.We walked South along the road a short distance , then turned left on a track sign posted to Belnagauld.At Belnagauld we climbed the gate, went round the farm buildings and saw two very old cars. We climbed the gate on the left of the cars and followed the track up the hill beside the woodland. At the corner of the wood, (GR362102) the main track swings very invitingly to the South, do not be tempted. We followed a much less distinct track through the heather heading SE. We followed this track until it reached a wood , near a pond and turned South , following the fence line to the top . We went through the fence and arrived at the top of Craig of Bunzeach.

397 Bennachie

2011-05-07T14:04:00.000+01:00

15/02/2011 Jane and Tommy Parked at Back of Bennachie car-park. Followed a very well made path to the top of Oxen Craig. Thick fog on top , snowy and icy.

1467 Meluncart

2011-05-07T13:51:00.000+01:00

1/3/2011 Jane Parked at Cairn o' Mount . Set off across the peat hags with Tommy . About half way Tommy landed in a bog , so decided to abandon the walk and returned to the car. I continued to the top and saw a large herd of red deer on the way. I don't recomend this route and I'm sure Tommy wouldn't either. From the top I headed directly to the road , not perfect ,but not as far to go. I crossed a footbridge over the Stag burn and then followed a track up to the road. I think this is a better route.

684 Meall Alvie

2011-05-07T13:42:00.000+01:00

28/2/2011 Jane and Tommy. Parked at Keiloch carpark. Walked to Felagie via the Saw Mill. Then followed an old stone wall to the top. Sat on the wall for lunch looking at the snow capped mountains bathed in sunshine. Returned the same way, but faster.

542 The Buck

2011-05-07T13:26:00.000+01:00

02/02/2011 Jane and Tommy Parked in lay-by on the B9002 near Broom Hill walked up to Dry Ford and followed fence line and boundary to the top of The Buck. The lower slopes are very boggy, fortunately for us it was icy. Good views from the top.

Unnamed hill in Valle Chacabuco, Patagonia

2011-03-20T13:34:00.000Z

16/3/11 Dave and Kathy

There are lots of unnamed (and unclimbed) hills in Patagonia. This is a small one surrounded by bigger hills, in a valley that is owned by a rich American, who is building the infrastructure for a new national park. When it's finished it will be handed over to the state. It is full of wildlife - thousands of guanaco (the camelids in the picture) and various birds. If you look carefully you might see flamingos on the lake in the background.

Morro Rojo, Patagonia

2011-03-20T13:20:00.001Z

9/3/11 Dave and Kathy

This hill may be quite a lot smaller than the mountains in the background, so maybe it isn't prominent in the usual sense, but it is nevertheless over 500m (1577m in fact) and has a drop well over 100m, so it counts. It also has a most spectacular view. Took us three days walking to get here, carrying big packs, in blazing sunshine. The big hill in the background is Cerro Castillo (2580m) which is a bit too hard to climb for mere runners.

Cerro Cinchao, Patagonia

2011-03-20T13:11:00.000Z

7/2/11 Dave and Kathy

Walked up here on our first day in Patagonia as a warm up for a trek starting the next day. There are no decent maps but the hill is in a national park so there was a well marked path. Lovely walk through some very old Southern Beech forest, then great views to the real mountains from the summit (1336m). Saw lots of flowers and birds we didn't recognize.

765 Glas Maol

2010-12-24T20:48:00.000Z

21/12/10 Jane Parked at Glenshee. Took the Sunnyside Poma 2, Beag Poma, Caenlochan Poma and Glas Maol Poma , then walked to Glas Maol summit with down hill ski kit. Took about 15 minutes. Fantastic views from the top. Clear blue sky , crisp, white snow all round , peaceful and completely silent.

Mt Kitchener (NZ)

2010-11-17T00:50:00.000Z

From Queenstown we drove up north to Mt Cook village where we spent the night before heading up to a mountain hut above the snow line. Great views over to Mt Cook and Mt Sefton. The next day we roped up and headed for Mt Oliver. This was the first mountain that Sir E. Hillary climbed (apparently) before heading back to the hut for tea. We then set out again for Mt Kitchener, though after a while the going became tough with some steep traverses and sara and her mum headed back to the hut to practice self arrest, etc. Her father and i headed on and climbed a steep, exhausting gully to the small summit ridge and pointed top. After decsending back into the gully Stuart challenged me to a bum slide race down to the bottom of the hill... he thrashed me. I could not understand how he was sooo much faster than me, but he reminded me that i had left my harness on and that he was always going to win that one! from there it was a long trudge back through the softening snow to the hut. Saw a Kia (a big green bird that rips things to bits) and a huge spider that i did not expect to see in such a place. Had hoped to climb Mt Sealy, however the weather closed in and we decsended to the valley. Put lots of sunscreen on, however i think i sweated it out too soon and got a little sunburn. 4 days later my face is still peeling off!!!

Mt Alfred

2010-11-17T00:36:00.000Z

10/11/10 Pete and Sara
Arrived in queenstown and wanted to stretch our legs so heade down to glen orchy and climbed Mt alfred, a small hill (1375m) surrounded by big ones. We set off up a zigzag path though the beech forest which was lovely, the path gradually straighened before leaving the forest and accending very steep ground to the summit ridge. great views from the top (photos to come when we get back). decsent was tricky due to snow grass (very slippy) untill the trees then good fun. I was with sara and her folks so walked down though it would have made a wonderfull run. I think it was around 3-31/2 hrs altogether.

1080 Craig Leek

2010-11-15T19:54:00.000Z

25/10/10 Jane and Tommy. Parked at the Keiloch car park . Walked along the tarmac drive above Invercauld House , then turned N along a track until the low point between Meall Gorm and Craig Leek .Turned South and walked along side a wall to near the top, then turned East to the top. Beautiful views of snow on the mountains. Returned off track in a South Westerly direction until we joined a track going South East followed this till it turned East then we cut through the trees to the car park.

680 Meall Alvie

2010-11-15T17:42:00.000Z

12/11/10 Sarah

Continued on from Craig Leek. Straight up and down from the saw mill end. Spotted one of the controls for the Grampian Mountain Challenge, but not much else. Seemed to take an age to get up to the top, but back down in 5 mins.

1438 Creagan Gorm

2010-10-31T19:10:00.000Z

30/10 /10 Jane and David Ran this prominent peak as part of the Meall a Bhuachaille hill race. Very steep climb to the top. Rain and strong wind. Official race write up here. http://www.shr.uk.com/NewsItems.aspx?NewsItemID=902 .

226 Meall a Bhuachaille

2010-10-31T19:09:00.000Z

30/10/10 Jane and David Ascended as part of Meall a Bhuachaille hill race , Very strong wind and rain all the way to the top. Great views of Loch Morlich when I dared to look on the way down. Official race write up here. http://www.shr.uk.com/NewsItems.aspx?NewsItemID=902 .

1302 Cairn of Claise

2010-10-21T21:12:00.000+01:00

16/10/10 Sarah
Started from Auchallater and headed up Jock's road onto the plateau. From there I went over Tolmount then on to Cairn of Claise and Carn an Tuirc before returning by the track back to the foot of Loch Callater. The much promised sun never really materialised, but at least it stayed dry. The glen was echoing to the sound of braying stags in rut. Higher up the mountain hair and ptarmigan were plentiful. I regretted not taking a bike to cycle up to Loch Callater, as the last half hour down the track was slow and painful. It was a longer run than I anticipated - 4 hour in total, although I wasn't moving very quickly.

63 Lochnagar

2010-10-17T15:57:00.000+01:00

16/10/10 David ,Jane ,Tommy and Daniel. Parked at Loch Muick car park and walked up the tourist route up to the top of Lochnagar . Stopped with a magnificent view of the col for lunch. Fantastic panoramic views from the top. Descended via Falls of Glasallt and shores of Loch Muick.

1276 Carn Aosda

2010-10-17T15:24:00.000+01:00

13/10/10 Jane and Tommy From Carn a Gheoidh returned the same way to the Cairnwell -Aosda col. From there ascended NE then E along a broad ridge to the flat summit of Carn Aosda. Shrouded in mist , standing on the top of my fiftieth prominent peak we celebrated with a bar of Green and Blacks organic milk chocolate which Tommy had bought as a surprise.

439 Carn a Gheoidh

2010-10-17T15:06:00.000+01:00

13/10/10 Jane and Tommy From The Cairnwell descended NNW past the top chairlift and continued on a broad ridge with snow fences. Just before the Cairnwell-Aosda col turned W and dropped to another col, the lowest point between The Cairnwell and Carn a Gheoidh. Continued SW past Carn nan Sac and W over a small plateau to Carn a Gheoidh.

1252 The Cairnwell

2010-10-17T14:46:00.002+01:00

13/10/10 Jane and Tommy. Parked outside the cafe. Walked up the ski tow tracks to the top of the Cairnwell. Had good views all round before the whole area was shrouded in mist. Continued to Carn a Gheoidh saw five ptarmigan on the way.

Carrauntoohil, 1040 metres, Ireland.

2010-09-25T11:08:00.002+01:00

1/9/10 Jane, David and Tommy. Parked at Cronin'sYard Climbing Centre. Followed the River Gaddagh valley path which was a gradual climb to Hags Teeth and Hags Glen. The route then followed a steep gully up with loose rocks and a stream flowing through . We emerged onto the col and then had a steady climb to the top. Very impressive views of County Kerry and beyond. Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in Ireland. 6hrs round trip including stops and lunch. Visited nice small cafe back at Cronins yard.

Mont du lac des Cygnes / Mont de l'Ours, Quebec 980m

2010-09-24T22:45:00.000+01:00

16/09/10 Sarah
First day of my "pay back time" tour and I headed for the Parc des Grands Jardins about 1.5 hours NE from Quebec. It was early afternoon by the time I set off and the park warden was a little concerned about me attempting the full circular route over these two peaks. She also warned me about the bears that had been seen the day before near the summit. So I was slightly nervous as I headed up the hill, but reaching my first target of a lake in my planned 45' I began to relax a bit. From there I soon found myself emerging onto the most amazing plateau - an ecologist's dream - and a very beautiful sight even to the ignorant. A fantastic mix of lichen, small shrubby vegetation and trees on an open rocky landscape in fall colours - very special. It was an easy run from there to the first (aptly named) top of Mont de l'Ours, but I took my time taking photos and keeping a wary eye open. There was a sharp descent to the col before the second peak, then a climb up a long wooden set of stairs before joining the "tourist route" to the top of Mont du Lac des Cygnes. The return back down took no time at all, giving a round trip of under 2 hours. More photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32677799@N02/sets/72157624892257091/

Mont Sainte Anne, Quebec 890m

2010-09-24T22:33:00.000+01:00

13/09/10 Sarah

Was attending a conference at the ski resort at the foot of this mountain, about 30mins E of Quebec city. Took a ride to the top in the gondola to attend a social on the first evening, but figured that didn't really count for bagging a point. The next day was very wet, but by 4pm had cleared up a little so I decided a leg stretch would be good. After a few minutes I found myself running up a path on a "green" ski slope, and after 10 or so, it occurred to me that I could just follow it all the way up. It was a nice incline and I felt good, so I did just that (44' and 600m climb). There was zero visibility at the top, but at least I'd seen the view to the St Lawrence River etc. the night before (when the photo was taken). Came back down the direct route underneath the gondola which was a lot quicker, but unfortunately wrote my quads off for the next few days.

Peak 1247 (SE of Norddalen), 1247m, Stolsheimen, Norge.

2010-09-18T17:00:00.008+01:00

Dave and Jane, 13th August 2010. In common with hundreds if not thousands of other peaks in Norway "Peak 1247" has no name on the maps. If mentioned at all in the guide books these peaks are usually referred to by their height - in this case 1247m. Peak 1247 is located 6 days walk north of Voss, between the Solrenningen and Nordallen hyttes. In fact it is located as the raven flies only 800m to the SE of the Nordallen hytte (where we planned to spend the night). Although this 800m is inpassable on account of 60m to 70m high cliffs between. The weather this day had turned wet and windy so time to rely on the waterproofs. Also some interesting snow features on the route. From the map Peak 1247 required a simple 300m southerly detour from the path. However in common with much of the trip distances on the map bear little relationship to how long they may take to traverse. This detour took 45mins , most of which involved circumnavigating small cliffs and back-tracking from dead ends. A small cairn marked the top and the visibility was reasonable despite the rain. An hour and a half later we were down at the hytte trying to get the fire lit. Continued in thick fog the following day to Ortnevik on the Sognefjord from where we caught a ferry and boat to Bergen. Photos: Peak 1247 (top right), snow cave (bottom left), Norddal hytte (bottom right).

Urdanipa, 1334m, Stolsheimen, Norge.

2010-09-17T21:57:00.004+01:00

Dave and Jane, 12th August 2010. Urdanipa is 5 days walk north of Voss between the Asedalen and Solrenningen Hyttes. A steep climb in a NNE direction from the path was followed by a ridge disected by snow & ice filled gullies- making progress slow. No path. Surprised to find impressive cairn on top. Great views and fabulous weather. Returned the same route. About 2Km round trip back to the path which took us about 2.5 hours walking. Continued north and west along the path to arrive at the Solrenning Hytte fairly late in the evening. Photos: Urdanipa (left) and detail of the view (right).

Tindafarangen, 1197m, Stolsheimen, Norge.

2010-09-17T21:01:00.002+01:00

Dave & Jane, 11/Aug/2010. 4 days walk north of Voss, between the Selhamar and Asedalen huts. Steep but simple unmarked 30min ascent in northerly direction from the path. Stake marked cairn on top. Good weather and views. Fairly easily found and rejoined the path about 750m to the Southwest of the cairn. Continued to Asedalen. Photos: Tindafarangen (left) and a view on the way down (right).

Hundeggi, 1190m, Stolsheimen, Norge.

2010-09-16T22:36:00.001+01:00

Dave and Jane, 10/Aug/2010. Parked near Dyce Airport. Plane and train to Voss. Followed path north for 3 days via Tvinnestolen and Torvedalshytte. Hundeggi prominent peak then located a convenient 400m northeast of the path about 3Km south of Selhamar Hytte. Photos: Hundeggi (right) and Tvinnestolen (left).

Gazon du Faing, Vosges

2010-08-17T22:09:00.000+01:00

11/08/10 Sarah, Jon and Ewan

Exotic name for a not particularly exciting top, but some great views down the cliffs to the E. I ran from the Route de la Crete at the Lac Vert road, north along the ridge (with a short detour east when I stopped reading the map) and met J and E walking up to the top from a closer point on the road. I then continued on to the Col du Calvaire where I spent 3/4 h hanging around due to a slight misunderstanding regarding meeting points...The photo is taken from the ridge south of the high point.

Peaks N of La Bresse, Vosges

2010-08-17T22:02:00.000+01:00

10/08/10 Sarah, Jon and Ewan
Started the day with a walk from the Col le Grosse Pierre up to the pp at the top of le Moutier des Fees. It started through the middle of a trial bike / ski / quarry mess, but after 10 minutes we were in lovely unspoiled scrubby heath / forest. At the signed top of the hill there are some superb 3m boulders / crags which involved a bit of scrambling and gave good views. However the actual high point (2m higher) is some 300m away and involved a trudge through slightly grot forest to a hill tucked away with no view. The photo is from the first top. We then drove further along the valley to the Col de Menufosse from where we followed a track to the top of the Pierre des Quatre Communes. This bit of forest was much less interesting, but there was a nice view from the top.

Route de la Crete, Vosges

2010-08-17T21:49:00.001+01:00

9/08/10 Sarah Jon and Ewan

Not sure how many PPs there are in total along the Route de la Crete but we found and bagged a fair few of them. We started at the south end with a walk up to the high point of the Vosges at Le Grand Ballon. Then I ran from the next col up le Storkenkopf and then north along the ridge to meet J and E at le Lauchenkopf. J then ran north and met us on the top of Rothenbachkopf and we finished with a walk together up le Rainkopf. It was on the way up Rothenbachkopf that I managed to interest E in the concept of collecting PPs but I think it was actually the jelly babies that got him to the top of his 4th summit of the day.

High point above Lac de Lispach, Vosges, 1202m

2010-08-16T21:47:00.000+01:00

8/08/10 Sarah and Jon

I took in this peak on a one way run fom the Lac de Lispach to La Bresse along the ridge top. There was a 300m steady climb to the summit in the first 2-3km, then a really enjoyable run along the top on nice forest paths, although not many viewpoints as it was mostly forested. There was a steep descent over the last 1km or so down to the town although I bypassed the rockiest section. It took around 70' in total. Jon did the same in reverse adding in an extra 200m or so of climb. Note the sproting facilities available in this small French town.

High point above Laviron, Jura, 857m

2010-08-16T21:35:00.000+01:00

6/08/10 Sarah, Jon and Ewan

This was another short walk up to a viewpoint, which I didn't even realise was a PP until afterwards. We stopped off on the way back to our accommodation in Sancey-le-Grand after one of our O races. There was a cool little lookout shed perched on the ridge a short distance below the summit.

Le Ballon d'Alsace, Vosges, 1247m

2010-08-16T21:26:00.000+01:00

29/07/10 Sarah, Jon and Ewan

This was a short easy walk up from the col on the road at 1170m. It's most interesting feature (to a hydrologist) is the fact that the ridge forms the watershed between the Rhine flowing to the N Sea and the Rhone flowing to the Med. Weather was a bit grey and drizzly.

Simancon

2010-04-25T17:43:00.000+01:00

23/4/10 Dave, Kathy, Derek and Evelyn. What do all good Deeside Runners do if they are stranded in Spain by volcanic ash? They bag a challenge point of course. We had 4 days to wait for a flight from Malaga, so spent two of them at Ronda and went to the Sierra de Grazalema for a day. This is a natural park just 50 miles or so from Malaga, but as different to the coast as you could imagine. For a start Grazalema is supposed to be Spain's wettest town, and certainly the hills were misty when we set off. It was also almost empty, since all the foreign tourists either couldn't get there, or were fighting each other in Madrid to get on buses and trains to France. We took a more relaxed approach. The hills are limestone, very steep, rocky and in the spring covered in wild flowers. There are innumerable rare birds including 3 species of eagle and two of vultures. All in all it is a fantastic place. There is a circular walk from Grazalema that goes up two hills, of which Serancon is the highest at 1564m. Sadly the other does not quite qualify as a separate prominent peak. The walk takes about 5 hours at a leisurely pace, and is mostly on a good path though this disappears near the top and it is worth having a map and compass, at least if it is misty. If you are spending any time in or near Malaga, do it.

Kikuttoppen, near Oslo.

2010-02-09T08:18:00.000Z

07/02/10 I'm not in Deeside much just now, but I didn't want to miss out on getting a first point in. My day off on Sunday coincided with blue skies and -12C, and a chance to ski in daylight for once. This "peak" is just north of Oslo in Nordmarka and reaches 661m, giving fantastic views. There are hundreds of miles of prepared trails to chose from, but I limited myself to a 50km route which took in, not surprisingly, forests, hills, and frozen lochs. The going was mostly very easy and I was out for about seven hours. Even the route up Kirkuttoppen was pisted almost to the top. With limited skiing skill, I still managed to fall over a couple of times on the way down.
These pictures are from the www.skiforeningen.no site and give a good idea of the place. The first one is looking up to Kirkuttoppen from a frozen loch.

This is the view from the top with Holmenkollen in the distance.

A general impression of the terrain.

If you're in Oslo in the winter, take your skis.

Dan.

14 Goat Fell

2009-12-18T12:16:00.000Z

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14/06/2010 Dave and Jane. Following on from Cir Mhor (858) followed the path up the edge of North Goat Fell from the "Saddle" (some minor scrambling) . Retraced our steps and looked for an alternative path once or twice. From North Goat Fell dropped down and passed to the west of the Stacach rocks (not sure if this is the most efficient route) and then continued up Goat Fell for great views. Returned to Brodick Castle down the main Goat Fell tourist path. 9 hours, 20Km and 1674m climb round trip.

26 Ben Lomond

2009-12-06T14:01:00.000Z

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8/5/10 Jane and Dave O . Ben Lomond hill race . Great weather and fantastic views , but no time to gaze.

63 Lochnagar

2009-10-30T15:33:00.000Z

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28th July Pete
Headed up after work. Not a bad night for a run, and was 1Hr 11 to the top- up the tourist path then stuck to the edge of the corrie. It was really clear (when it wasn't misty) so had great views of the cliffs. Unfortunatly the mist came in as i reached the summit.Took it failry easy on the way down as the track is really stoney, ankle breaking stuff but was down again in 1Hr 59:25 with a wee sprint required along the flat to get back in under 2Hrs!!! Reckon i will pull my finger out next time and see if i can get to the top in an hour. I think it may also have been better decsending via the waterfull to get some fast running in.

173 Kinder Scout

2009-07-12T22:17:00.001+01:00

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11/03/2010 The most famous of the Peak District Hills and the first prominent peak on the Pennine way north from its start in Edale. Parked at Upper Booth and followed the Pennine Way up the "Jacobs Ladder" path to the trig point near "Kinder Low". From there struck out northeast about one kilometer to the high point of KinderScout. Hard going on the snow. Returned same route. 3hrs 12 mins. Dave & Jane O.

197 Ben Hiant

2009-06-18T20:32:00.000+01:00

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08/07/10 Sarah and Jon
A great little hill (528m) on the Ardnamurchan peninsula which had the feel of a much bigger mountain. Took the shortest route from the high point of the road as we were doing it as a relay. There's a grassy path, squelchy in places all the way to the top making for pretty good running. Top in 28' for me and a round trip of 43'. Weather cleared up nicely giving us both some views and a dry run if a bit breezy (you'd never guess from the picture!).

200 Blencathra

2009-06-15T11:58:00.000+01:00

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27/6/10 Dave H. Visiting friends in Penrith so went for a Sunday morning run up Blencathra. This is the more interesting hill next to Skiddaw. Lots of ridges and a corrie hidden on the eastern side. Started from a small car park just east of Scales and went up the north side of the corrie along a ridge called Sharp Edge, which as the name suggests is an edge, and it's sharp. A fun scramble but nothing scary. Up to the summit then back down the other side of the corrie on some lovely short grass. Only took 75mins, and that was without trying too hard. It was quite quiet at 9am, but I think later on a Sunday in summer it would be very busy, and probably impossible to park.

259 West Lomond

2009-04-17T20:16:00.000+01:00

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15/8/10 Pete (twice!)
This was the first and last hill of a very very hot lomonds of fife hill race. The race begins with a steep run up and down the gully that forms the decsent for he 3rd leg of the burdens relay (why i ask). The route then heads out to east lomond through the trees, which would be a really nice run in sensable weather, before zig zaging back along the plateau to the top of west lomond again. horrible. burned to a crisp. The route then gets exciting with a comically steep decsent/ slide down to the start. i had good grippy shoes on and tried to stay on my feet but in the end i gave up and slide down on me backside with the rest. This descent would probably be better in the wet as the grass was dry and a bit grippy, which lead to cuts and burns...and grass where there shouldnt be. Having taken the opertunity during the race to have a nosie about the old castle i was also tempted to stop and have a look at some cool looking buildings built into the hillside above the start, but it was in full view of the finish area bellow and i thought i might look a bit silly stopping so close to the finish, and tilly was not far behind me. Has anyone been at these buildings/caves??? im just not sure about this race, some of it seems really nice, but the steep slog up and down west lomond at the start and the zig zag on the plateau feel a bit pointless. I suppose it makes it a tough race- another wee loop somewhere and it would be one of the classics! it also seems to have a lot more climbing than decsending; there are three decsents that must take about 10min between them... the rest it varying degrees of uphill... which is not a good trade off on a 2 1/2hr race.

289 Morven

2009-03-18T18:23:00.000Z

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27/4/10 Jane O Parked at Grodie farm ran up hill race route and returned same route. Windy and wet on top. Saw two snow buntings and two mountain hares.

289 Morven

2009-03-18T17:36:00.000Z

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11/4/10 Dave H. Here's a tough training session, or a challenge if you like. From the last gate on the Morven race route do minute intervals all the way to the top. 1 minute on, one off. Took me just under 25. For an even tougher challenge, try to do it in better weather than today.

296 The Calf

2009-03-11T17:07:00.000Z

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4/4/10 Dave H. Stopped at a friend's in Penrith on the way back from Chester and went for a run with him up the highest of the Howgills. These are the grassy hills on the east side of the M6 which I've always thought would be great running country. They are, especially on a sunny evening. Didn't see anyone else despite it being Easter Sunday. We started from the very small road on the west side of the hills, where there is just room for one car to park. At a busier time of year it would be more sensible to start in Sedbergh.

339 Carn Mor

2009-01-27T20:39:00.001Z

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02/07/2010 Sarah and Jon
New territory for me in the Ladder Hills. Started from Glen Nochty and headed up a track E from Glenbuchat House. It soon disappeared into the heather giving us 40' or so of tedious plod up the hill through heavy undergrowth. Beyond Little Geal Charn we picked up the line of the old track again and managed to get running a bit better. Followed the ridge to the trig point at the top of Carn Mor (94'), then descended from Dun Muir by a track to the edge of the plantation. Then it was a slow tired slog back on forest tracks to the car (2h44m total). Never really felt good running.
Have never seen such huge areas of cloudberry growth in Scotland, covering most of the hillside, with lots of flowers and some fruit starting to set - could be worth a return visit in 6 weeks or so. Also 1 mountain hare and lots of young grouse.

402 Culardoch

2008-11-25T17:38:00.001Z

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06/03/10 Dave H
Skied in from Invercauld. Very wet snow made it hard work, but I skied virtually the whole way from the car park (maybe 100m of bare patches at most), there was no wind, and the visibility was good. Thought maybe I'd gone to Norway a couple of days too soon. Took 3 hours 30 to get to the top, so there wasn't much speed involved. Not sunny, but clear with great views in all directions. So nice I went on to Carn Liath.

05/11/10 Sarah and Jon

Ran from the old church at Glen Fearder up the duathlon (Dave Hirst non-technical mountain bike ha ha) track. Steady for me whilst J did some reps. Cloud was down and damp in the air. Had hoped we'd get above it, but sadly never did. Tweaked my ankle coming off the hill - very sore, but thankfully eased off after a few minutes. Returned down Glen Feardar by Auchtavan. 2 1/2 hours total but a good run.

403 Geallaig Hill

2008-11-24T15:32:00.001Z

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10/4/10 Dave H. Easily the warmest day of the year so far. Didn't have time for a long run so did a short one with a great view instead. Started from Braenaloin and ran up the road (against all my principles I know but I overtook two cyclists so that makes it ok. Admittedly they weren't actually pedaling at the time). After about 10 mins a track goes off to the left. It goes all the way to the summit, then back down to the start. Great views in all directions, lots of snow still on Ben Avon and Lochnagar (though curiously Lochnagar looks closer from the bottom of our track than it did from the top of the hill). Took a few seconds under the hour for the round trip. If you run the loop in the opposite direction you would get a better balance than my 46 mins uphill and 13 down.

05/06/10 Sarah

Parked at Braenaloin and ran straight up and down the direct route. Set off steadily on the hill and kept a good rythym going to get me to the top in 33'. Then ambled back down at a nice relaxed pace in 18' . Lovely morning and a very enjoyable run.

403 Hill of Geallaig

2008-11-24T14:10:00.000Z

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13/5/10 Jane. Parked at Braenaloin and ran to top, and returned the same way. Cold and windy day but very exhilarating.

404 Mount Keen

2008-11-23T19:38:00.000Z

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7/7/2010 Mount Keen . Jane Cycled from home to the Shiel of Glentanar against a very strong wind , the thought of the return was very encouraging. Walked and ran to the top against and ever increasingly stronger wind. Looked at Braid Cairn and potential routes, stood up and decided to return the same way. The wind was just too strong to do another hill. Had a pleasant descent, till near the new footbridge when suddenly I realised that my next footstep was going to land me on an adder (2nd photo), which was sun-bathing on the path. It stayed still for a photo and then fortunately moved into the undergrowth ,as it was right across the path . Had a very pleasant cycle home in less than an hour.

404 Mount Keen

2008-11-23T17:24:00.000Z

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25/06/10 Sarah

Parked at Stableyard and ran up the big track past Halfway Hut. Cloudy start but brightening rapidly. Legs didn't feel great but settled into a steady rhythm. Reached the bridge at the foot of the climb in 65', then set off up the hill at a slow run. Managed to keep this going all the way onto the shoulder at the foot of the last climb, which defeated my legs. At the top in 100' then carried on to the next PP of Braid Cairn.

404 Mount keen & broad cairn

2008-11-23T01:50:00.001Z

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31st july, pete
Had a wedding to attend today so missed the hill racing! Decided to head up mount keen instead. Parked at the stables and ran up the Glen, got to the top in 1:31 (getting slower by the year- an hour and a half used to be easy:-() sat for a while and had breakfast (i was getting hungry by now so rummaged around the bag for sticky wet wine gums) before heading across to braid cairn. I did think about going on to hill of cat but thought better of it (got a blast from mrs h for being 3min late for the wedding as it was!!!). Followed the faint path down over the gathering cairn then back to the car in 3hrs dead via clachan yell. Will probably do this route again as it's very different to the stright up and down route and not that much longer- 15 to 20 min perhaps.

407, Hill of Wirren

2008-11-20T20:37:00.000Z

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25/04/2010, Jane & David O. Parked at and started from the entrance to Newbigging Farm track, on the Edzell Castle road. Followed landrover track north to East Wirral triangulation point. Then west following a fence line towards Hill of Wirren. Good running to the low point after which deeply eroded bare peat in abundance slowed progress. Interesting bits of metal - possibly remains of an aircraft scattered across the area - maybe bits of the Liberator bomber which crashed on the hill on October 17th 1944 and from which 4 surprisingly got out alive. Although the grid reference given for the latter is a bit further west (http://www.caledonius.co.uk/brechin/Page77.html). Then on to the Hill of Wirren trig point which was for some reason protected by a solar powered electric fence (although not working). Returned southwards for about 1Km to pick up another landrover track (although not marked as such on the map) taking us down the hill to the west of the Burn of Drumcairn and on past a new Loch to Mill of Lethnot school and then back along road for about a mile to the car. All in all a nice round route and the weather was cold but fine.

458 Mount Battock

2008-09-30T16:32:00.000+01:00

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7/8/10 Dave H. Biked up from the spittal bridge on the Cairn O Mount road. The track up by the Burn of Baddymicks has been improved to the extent you could drive a car up it, as has the track over to Clachnaben and most of the way to the top of Mount Battock. Only the last 1 km is at all difficult (apart from being a slog that is). There has been absolutely no attempt to make the new tracks blend in and the landscape is now very ugly with red gravel tracks everywhere, heaps of debris by their sides and small quarries all over. It looks very much like the initial stages of a new business park, except that if it was it might eventually look better. I suppose this is all being done for the benefit of grouse shooters who can't be bothered walking anywhere, but exactly who would want to shoot birds in this industrial landscape I don't know. Only took 2 hours 10 for the round trip.

485 Moel Famau

2008-09-03T16:53:00.000+01:00

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2/4/10 Dave H Down in Chester visiting my mum so took the chance to bag a couple of points just over the border in Wales. I've done this run or a variant of it dozens of time - it's just 30 mins drive from Chester and usually gives some nice grassy running and great views out to Snowdon and to the Pennines. Not today though. Misty with lots of wet snow on the paths. The rather sinister looking tower at the top is the remains of a monument built (no doubt by a grateful peasantry) to celebrate the golden jubilee of George III in 1810. It must have been huge.

504 Lord Arthur's Hill

2008-08-15T22:00:00.000+01:00

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13/3/10. Dave H. Thought I'd go for an easy run this evening, thinking most of the snow must have gone by now. Bad decision. Parked at Mossat and tried to run over Edinbanchory Hill, but it was deep snow the whole way. There were ski track up there, which just made me wish I'd brought mine The picture shows what I had run across to get to the summit. Took an hour for only about 5km. Couldn't face going back the same way so headed south west and eventually got back to the road with a mile back to the car. I think there would be some nice running up here in the summer, lots of tracks and some grassy slopes, but today it was just really hard work.

504 Lord Arthur's Hill

2008-08-15T11:23:00.000+01:00

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9/9/10 Jane Parked at the A944 junction with Ardhuncart road. Ran up track opposite until it stopped , then continued across heather in a NE direction to the top. Returned the same way.

541 Pressendye

2008-07-09T18:00:00.003+01:00

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07/03/10 Gary and I skied up from the road between Oldmill and Ranna, which is about as close as you can get by car. There was snow all the way from the car to the summit, though it was very wet. No wind and well above freezing, but decent views of Cromar covered in snow. Came back down with no particular grace, but a fun way to get my closest challenge point.

13th February 2010. 0ur first prominent peak, run on a beautiful sunny day. With fantastic views over the surrounding hills. Ran from B9119 at the Pett farm road junction NNE up the hill and then onto snow through the woods south of Pittenderich. Good firm snow across the open moor to the top. Looked like 2 or 3 other runners had also been up earlier in the day. Returned the same route.

Jane and David.

564, Tap o' North

2008-06-16T20:56:00.001+01:00

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21/8/10 Pete
the main object of todays race from the rhynie gala. Had a rubbish climb and took it fairly easy on the way down before giving it some welly through the fields and down road. Not sure what position i finished but passed 5 on the way down so should be ok. One of the better races in the area with a stiff climb, fast decsent and a bit of everything under foot. Good gala too with a big crowd (though not for the race) the Twa fat laddies, a pipe band and some funky sounding drummers!!!

26/04/2010 Jane & Tommy O. From the car park south of the Tap followed the path to the top. Very impressive iron age vitrified fort at the top, Good views. Returned the same route.

http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/17169/details/tap+o+noth/ .

599 Shining Tor

2008-05-12T23:00:00.000+01:00

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13/03/2010 Parked at the Pym Chair car park and ran south along the ridge over Cat Tor (picture in mist) and on to Shining Tor trig point. Very runable with much of the route flagged to avoid erosion. Didnt get the views because of mist. Returned the same route - 55mins. This completed the seven prominent peaks in the Peak District. Dave and Jane.

600 Coyles of Muick

2008-05-11T21:46:00.003+01:00

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26/6/10 David and Jane. From B976 ran up the track west of Loch of Ullachie and followed up and out of the woods close to Tom an Lagain. Followed the path east of Meall Dubh and on to the Coyles of Muick. Not sure whether the NW cairn or the SE top marked at 601m on the 1:25000 map is the highest so took photos at both. Returned the same way. Very pleasant run and weather.

5/7/10 Dave + Kathy

Biked in from the South Deeside road where Jane + David started, but went round to Birkhall, up the path on the W side of the Muick then turned uphill after 1km. Quite steep forest road going SW for about 1km, then less steeply NW for another km to the edge of the woods, then S along the forest edge and up to the summit. Had to push some of the steeper bits towards the end. Great views at the top - we were in sunshine but there were black clouds over Lochnagar and a rainbow over Mount Keen. Unfortunately I had forgotten my camera, so we had to make do with Kathy's phone. Rode down the way J+D ran, ie N along the edge of the forest then down the track by Loch Ullachie. This is one of my favourite bike rides - tricky in parts but interesting and fun. Well, I think so anyway. The whole trip took about 1hr 50.

22/10/10 Sarah

Parked at the corner below the bridge across the Muick. Wet snow on the ground and raining. Ran N along the road for 500m and then followed the track heading straight up through the forest to the open 500m N of the Coyles. The track disappeared into new plantation higher up and my legs froze going through the long grass. By the time I reached the edge of the forest I was above the valley cloud and it was a really mystical landscape, with bands of wispy cloud on the side of Lochnagar etc. Was really slippy going back down the slushy wet grass and I made a real bodge of the route. Had to put hat and gloves on again as I dropped back into the rain on the lower slopes.

691 Carn Liath

2008-02-10T17:44:00.000Z

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06/03/10 Dave H. Continued on from Culardoch. Weather gradually improving with patches on sunlight on the hills. Took about an hour between the two hills. Went down due south and around the west side of Creag a'Chait. Continuous snow all the way back to the Invercauld track, though it was soft and I had a long traverse which might have been uphill it was such hard work. Very tired and with sore feet when I got back to the car after 5 hours 30. The "downhill" on the track back involved a lot of pushing. A great day out though.

708 Coiliochbhar Hill

2008-01-24T17:42:00.002Z

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21/8/10 Pete
ran up here for a warmdown after tap o noth. thought the road up to the ridge was boaring and it was covered in sheep s$£t, but once through some 'once was' forestry it turns out to be a nice run through the heather then woods to the summit which offers great views. Didnt bother with a photo as it was quite hazy, nice when your there but not for a photo.

27/7/10 Dave H

Walked up the track form the south, presumably the way D+E went. It would certainly be possible to bike this way, though it would probably be easier to take the forest road from the junction about a mile to the east. I'd never even heard of this hill before the challenge, but it is a really good run/walk/bike. Easy going along a grassy ridge with great views to the west and east. The top is beyond the forestry, and there is no real path through the trees, but even that bit is rather nice through old larches and wood rush. Recommended.

13/02/2010 Cycled over here direct from our house for our first activity outing of the year and our first challenge point. We think you could probably cycle all the way up the track in better weather but there was still a lot of snow lying so we left our bikes near the main road, changed into our studs and tramped up the hill. For such an unknown hill it certainly lives up to the prominent peaks promise with great views all around. We could easily see over to Clachnaben (some 23 miles) and up into the north east far beyond Bennachie. The obvious cairn is only at 490m, you'll need to continue up into the woods to get your full 500m but the cairn marks the best views.

708 Coiliochbhar Hill

2008-01-24T11:18:00.000Z

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7/9/10 Jane Parked NW of Upper Minmore . Ran up track to edge of new wood ,through wood ,crossed Coiliochbhar Hill .Went into wood at the end of the path , continued through wood along old fence line ,came out of wood at the top and went a short distance to the cairn at the high point. Left camara in the car . Photo shows the track from the road.

743 Ladylea Hill

2007-12-20T17:00:00.002Z

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20/3/10 Dave H. Ran on from Green Hill through the woods via the house at Rhinstock (in the picture). The hill looks quite small in the picture, but it felt distinctly prominent when I went up it. Took a pretty direct route, up the burned strip. There are some mown paths through the heather which made it surprisingly easy. Steep though. Went on to Clashenteple.

23/10/10 Sarah

Came from Clashenteple. Ladylea looked distant and big through the sleety haze. In practice the going was easy underfoot on mown heather tracks etc. but still felt steep climbing to the summit. A couple of inches of early snow made it all quite picturesque once the sun came out. Returned to the road behind Ben Newe by the big track through the forestry plantation. Not very exciting but easy running.

743 Ladylea Hill

2007-12-20T11:51:00.000Z

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13/9/10 Jane Drove along minor road from Bellabeg and parked on track coming from Rhinstock , followed fenceline to the top of Ladylea Hill. Ran on to Clashenteple Hill.

762 Carn Daimh

2007-12-01T21:04:00.000Z

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30/9/10 Jane and Tommy Parked at the turning for Eastertown and walked to Westertown, along Robbie MacPherson Smugglers Trail . Continued on footpath beside Westertown house across field and through wood followed footpath to the top .Joined the Speyside Way and walked South to the top of Carn Daimh. Good views all round. Returned same way .

765 Glas Maol, 1302 Cairn of Claise, 1276 Carn Aosda, 439 Carn a'Gheoidh, 1252 The Cairnwell

2007-11-28T14:22:00.000Z

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8/8/10, Pete (32)
Did these as part of the Glenshee 9 hill race, shaved 25:14 off last years time and 14:27 off the old PB- even with a failed atempt at a shortcut on Carn Aosda! Not my fav. hills but a great race.

778 Mona Gowan

2007-11-15T20:15:00.000Z

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24/6/10 Jane. Parked at the high point on the A939 Headed East on a track next to a new fence up the first hill , fence stopped , but path continued over another top and on to Mona Gowan.

778 Mona Gowan

2007-11-15T16:23:00.002Z

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Parked at the high point of the Ballater-Corgarff road, and skied over a couple of smaller hills to get here. After three weeks of the snow being too soft and deep to go out in, it's all turned to ice. Typical. Still, it was fast going if not entirely under control. Met 3 other skiers at the top, one of whom took this picture. I also met the Sealy family who arrived at the parking place just before me, and left just after I got back, but who didn't go up either of the close challenge points (there's one on the west side of the road as well).

Dave

18/11/10 Sarah

Parked at the end of the forest track on the S Strathdon road near Culfork. Headed out along Glen Conrie and then on the big track up onto Scraulac. From there, along the tops to Mona Gowan, then back directly by the track north off the top. The weather wasn't too bad when I set off, but by the time I got up to 650m driving sleet set in for the next 30 mins or so. It was really unpleasant and I was struggling to stay warm. At one stage I had only one eye peeping out of my buff. A couple of stretches of the track were filled in with drifted snow too.The full circuit was just over 100', but less than 30' back from the top.

11/12/10 Gary and Dave

With snow melting fast we went looking for what was left and drove up the Gairnshiel road until it became blocked with snow. We abandoned the car at the edge of the road and followed the linking patches of snow. It was a bit like expeditions in the Arctic where they look for passages around crevasses - we were looking for passages around the bare heather.

Apparently we ended up on Mona Gowan. Coming back Dave had sore quads from doing his cool looking telemarking turns. I had sore shoulders from falling over. Great trip.

794 Carn Bhac

2007-10-30T16:45:00.000Z

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8/8/10 Dave and Gary. Still can't run, so instead of the Glen Shee 9 did this great bike ride. Start at Inverey and go up the track on the west side of the burn. This takes you right up to 750m without much effort (ok with quite a lot of effort but just keep pedaling). After that go south to Geal Charn. This is mostly rideable, but there are some peat hags and boggy bits. From here there is a lovely ride right up on the mountain top to Carn Bhac. There are very few places I know where you can get such an easy ride at such high altitude. From Carn Bhac there is a path right down to Altanour Lodge. It follows the ridge running initially S then SE. Go SE first (there is a cairn) and look over the edge and you will see it. You have to go south about 50m to avoid the rocks, then it is very good for the first 500m or so. After that there is a mixture of good path and peat hags all the way to the Lodge, but it is mostly good and almost all rideable. The track back from the lodge is very easy and only takes about 20mins. The whole thing took us about 2.45. It would also make a good run, I guess it would take about 30 mins longer.

824 Kerloch

2007-09-30T22:24:00.001+01:00

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07/02/10 My first Challenge point was completed in cloudy conditions so there was not much of a view. There was alot of snow on the ground higher up but it did not slow me down much. I was shocked to see how eroded the track has become descending from Kerloch. I used to fly down this on my bike but now you would need a trials bike and alot of skill. My route was 15km and took me 2 hours. I would recommend missing out Little kerloch as from here to Kerloch is slow going with lots of little deep valleys to cross. I would take a compass bearing (if low visibility) and head for the summit from Melmarnoch. Gary

07/05/10 Sarah and Jon

Parked at Knockburn Loch and took the track up through the plantation to the E of Kerloch. Never gone this way before, but it was straightforward. Easy gradient at the start, then steeper towards the top of the forest. Reached the top in 43'. Descended via Little Kerloch (slow going as Gary says), then down the fenceline to pick up the track back along the edge of the trees further down. Nice sunny day, but still a chilly wind.

824 Kerloch

2007-09-30T14:38:00.000+01:00

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29/5/10 Jane and Dave O. Parked opposite West Knockhill cottage and followed track almost to the top ,then cut across heather to trig point. Good views. Returned same way.

13/6/10 Pete. Same route as above but not so good views, misty and wet! Has the track got worse latley or have i just forgotten how rough it is?

829 Ben Newe

2007-09-25T20:58:00.005+01:00

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20/3/10 Dave H. Somewhere on this map a hill is hidden. It's quite a big hill. Any idea where it might be? Me neither. This might be the least useful map in the whole of Scotland (unless someone knows better...). If you wan to see it, take the road from Dinnet to Strath Don, then when you get to the A944 turn right, then about a mile after you cross the bridge there is a parking area on the left, with a sign for walks. Rather than spend time looking at the map, go up the path for a few minutes, then when it reaches a track go left, and follow it for quite a long way until it flattens out. Go left then when the trees thin out go straight to the top. It's all quite hard work but should take less than 30 mins. I took a more direct route that ended up in windblow and brashings on the top of the lower top (Meall Beag). The view from the top when I got there was quite impressive, with some bad weather off to the west but sun to the east. Found the better route back, which is very nice running on a grassy track. This is a good evening run. Don't know why I haven't done it before.

21/05/10 Sarah
Started from the same spot as Dave, but took the long route round the back of the hill to the S, doing intervals on the way. From the top headed off the spur to the NE and dropped towards Glen Bucket, then followed the wee road back round to the N of the hill and my starting point. Great run and got back before the rain started (93 mm of it in a few hours at Dess)

829 Ben Newe

2007-09-25T11:35:00.000+01:00

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10/9/10 Jane and Tommy Parked in car park off A97. Followed Dave's (H) directions , till near the top when we discovered a flight of steps, a path and waymarked route (blue) to the top. Great view from the top of the hill of Glenbuchat castle and hills in cloud.

841 Creag nan Gabhar

2007-09-13T15:28:00.000+01:00

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1/5/10 Dave and Gary. It's May so it's spring right? Wrong. Set of in snow and 5C from the (new) car park at the end of Glen Callater. Easy run up this hill, you could ride a bike up it if you were so inclined (though not the direct route form the car we used). Couldn't say the views were all that great, though I look happy in the picture. 40 mins to the top, then on down to Lochcallater Lodge, over surprisingly good ground.

858 Cir Mhor

2007-08-27T11:48:00.000+01:00

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14/06/2010 Dave and Jane. On a warm and still day on Arran walked and in part jogged the Glen Rosa Horseshoe race route. This route includes two prominent peaks - the first of which is Cir Mhor.

Starting from Brodick Castle jogged into Glen Rosa and then took an almost direct line across the heather to the Beinn a Chliabhain ridge. Dropped steeply down northwards into the Coire Daingean corrie (with hindsight completely off the race route). Contoured around the east side of "A Chir" looking for any kind of path. Then picked up the path and followed to the top of Cir Mhor. Photo looking back down Glen Rosa and with Beinn a Chliabhain to the right.

Retraced steps down into the top of Glen Rosa before contouring south of Cir Mhor and up to the "Saddle" to pick up the path for North Goat Fell and Goat Fell - the second point of the route. 2nd photo from Cir Mhor shows the Goat Fell ridge and return route nicely in the background.

870 Geal Charn

2007-08-15T20:44:00.000+01:00

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12/6/10 Dave, Gary and Peter. Direct route south from Carn na Farraidh. Some nice running on the descent, and the climb wasn't as bad as the previous two hills. Very nice on the top with short turf and views to Cairngorm, but cold, can't have been more than 5C. 2 hours to the top form the car, and we decided to head back rather than go on to Carn Bheadhai, which looked very close but would have added an hour to the trip. Good decision I think. Headed off to the north and saw an eagle flying below us in the corrie.

912 Black Hill

2007-07-04T21:20:00.000+01:00

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9/03/2010 Black hill is on the Pennine Way and is the most northerly of the seven "prominent peaks" in the Peak District. Started from parking at the highest point on the A6024 and ran NW past the Holme Moss television mast to Black Hill. About 70% snow cover. 1hour 8mins for the return trip. Dave and Jane.

942 Creag Bhalg

2007-06-04T15:07:00.000+01:00

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Pete (22)
Had to go up to braemar to collect my pre- lairig stash so thought i would grab a cheeky point while up there. Parked at the white bridge next to mar lodge and ran/ walked up to the top from the track to the rear of the estate office. I had intended to carry on north down into glen quoich but couldnt be bothered so headed back the same way.

942 Creag Bhalg

2007-06-04T12:26:00.000+01:00

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21/9/10 Jane and Tommy Parked near Mar Lodge and walked up track heading NW , climbed over stile at fence line. Headed NE up a small track which led to Creag Bhalg. Dense mist on top so no view. Returned same way.

958 Carn Ealasaid

2007-05-19T20:48:00.000+01:00

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24/6/10 Jane Parked at the Allargue Arms and ran up track behind the car park heading West until Loinherry then took a line NW to Cairn Vaich , best view of the day looking towards Corgarff Castle.Continued off track to Carn Ealasaid.

973 Morrone

2007-05-04T19:46:00.000+01:00

map link10/6/10 Jane and Tommy. Parked by the show ground and had a pleasant walk to the top.Good views all round.

985 Foel Fenlli

2007-04-22T16:59:00.000+01:00

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2/4/10 Dave H
Did this on my Moel Famau run, from where I took this picture. It's an impressive hill fort. There's a sign at the bottom which says that Flint council has a hill forts officer, which is a job which must have last existed in the Bronze age. Only takes 20 mins to get here from the car park, and the whole run including Moel Famau only took an hour. They don't have many black grouse in Wales, but the few they do have are very big indeed.

1069 Carn na Farraidh

2007-01-28T20:38:00.000Z

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12/6/10 Dave, Gary and Peter. Took a fairly direct route from Carn Meadhonach, over some very tussocky ground. Very slow going, both down and up. Seemed to take for ever to reach the summit. 1.15 from the car. Not a very distinguished hill, but the views north are good.

1079 Cnoc Thulagain

2007-01-18T21:10:00.000Z

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30/9/10 Jane and Tommy Parked just before Daltomach and headed straight up the hill, reached the top in about half an hour . Excellent views of River Findhorn.

1080 Craig Leek

2007-01-17T12:23:00.001Z

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24/7/10 Dave + Kathy (+friends)

Walked up here with some friends. Followed the path round the south side of the hill from Keiloch to the fog house (which is a very pretty little hut at NO178926), then north along the main track, uphill between Meall Gorm and Craig Leek, then south to the top. This is a great route for botanists. There is an outcrop of limestone up here, so the vegetation on the northern slope is totally different to the south side. There are lots of flowers at this time of year. Also saw an eagle.

12/11/10 Sarah

Took a similar route to D+K doing some minute reps heading up the track. Blustery weather so didn't linger for long on top. Descended off the S end keeping to the W of the crags, before continuing to Meall Alvie.

1098 Creag nam Brataichean

2006-12-30T12:42:00.000Z

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26/7/10 Dave H

This along with Cnoc an Daimh might make the easiest two points in the whole country. On the way back from Glasgow I did them in an hour's jog. Parked at the entrance to Ashintully Castle, ran along the track for a few minutes then headed straight up the hill past a small plantation. No path as such, but a few animal tracks, and it really isn't very far. 20 mins to the top from the car. Grass and heather on the descent then a very easy climb to Cnoc an Daimh. Not a very distinguished hill, but nice enough on a gloomy day.

1133 Sgor an h - lolaire

2006-11-25T19:21:00.003Z

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1/5/10 Jane and David O. Parked on B976 , 1.5 kms East of Abergeldie Castle. Followed track SW below Craig Nam Ban and then up the west side of same and onto the ridge. Snow shower. Disturbed large herd of Red Deer. Easy undulating run along the ridge, past a couple of cairns to the top of Sgor an h-lolaire. Snow had passed by this point so views were fine. The old abandoned farm of Camlet sits just below - high up in Glen Girnock. Would be a great place to live if you didnt need/want to get to work. Returned the same route (more or less).

10/07/10 Sarah

Parked on back road at Abergeldie and headed up through the forest. Was meant to be on a path which I soon lost, but picked up lots of bits of deer track to join the ridge. Not a great day - low cloud and drizzle as you can tell from the photo. From the top of Sgor an h-Iolaire dropped to the SW onto the big track and headed S towards Meall Gorm...

9/7/10 Dave H + Gary

There have been three different routes up this hill so far, but I bet we had the most fun. Biked up to the top of Glen Girnock, almost as far as Bovaglie, with the idea that there was a decent path up to the top. There wasn't although we did manage to ride most of the way along the side of the trees. Eventually had to strike off through the heather to the top. Only took about 45 mins altogether though. From there we decided going back the same way was no fun, and it didn't look too good off to the east, so we followed the path along the ridge. To our amazement this path is rideable all the way to the deer fence at the bottom of the hill (the path goes along the ridge to the northern cairn, then heads left to join the path marked on the map. This disappears into the trees and is untraceable, but an evolved path carries on NW near the edge of the plantation). If we had gone right at the fence we might have been able to follow the path J+D took, but instead we went to the cottage on the minor road then took the S Deeside road back to the car. I doubt anyone had ever ridden this route before, but it was surprisingly good. Ok there were one or two fallen trees which were almost invisible (I found a couple, but only fell off once) but if you like singletrack, and don't mind a bit of pushing through heather, it's well worth it.

1143 Carn a' Bhacain

2006-11-15T18:42:00.000Z

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30/4/10 Tommy and Jane O . Parked at high point on A939 . Walked to top staying on short heather as much as possible . Good views on top . Alot of storm clouds in the distance, but dry for us. Returned same route.

1143 Carn a' Bhacain

2006-11-15T18:15:00.000Z

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15/3/10 Dave H. Learned my lesson from Saturday's snow plod and took my skis today. Thought I should make the most of the good weather forecast so sneaked off work at 16.00 and drove to the top of the Gairn-Corgarff road. Took a direct route up but ended up walking the last 100m when I ran out of snow. Managed to find a route on snow all the way down though. Took an hour altogether. Set off in sunshine but by the top it was sleeting. So much for the weather forecast. Very soft snow, so at least I made the right decision about skis. Would have been horrible to try to run.