christmas day run

We were long overdue a visit to Mary's mum's in Monymusk, Aberdeenshire. Sister Karen and family are there too. We travelled up on Christmas Eve, and returned on the 26th. Christmas Day was a pleasant change from the steady drizzle and high winds and we reacquainted ourselves with a run over the local hills (Pitfichie and Cairn William) that we have run many times in the past. Whether it was the calm weather or just returning to an old haunt, it was an excellent run and we were both surprised at just how special it turned out.

Big thanks to Karen and Andy for looking after us so well: sorting us out with cosy accommodation and wining and dining us like kings. They have just finished a 2 year build project on their new house and moved in less than a week ago. This meant we didn't have to take the tent or wait while water heated for showers. It does mean however, we may have to run a bit further this week to burn off the excess cals. Mary drank more booze in 2 days than in the last 2 years. 

There are a couple of miles of road at the start and finish. Used to do this run in hill shoes and it was definitely preferable doing it in Hokas this year, given the terrain, and the road miles.

Quite a few of the tracks have been re-surfaced. Although we nearly got lost on the drive to Aberdeenshire we hadn't forgotten our paths through the woods and across the hills.

After a bit on landrover trails we veer off on this mtb trail that climbs through the trees up to the summit of Pitfichie.

After hearing of Andy's hunting trips in S Africa we were surprised to see this hippo's gaping jaws.

beardy tree

A lot of the paths are on high friction granite bedrock and at a gradient that makes for good running.

Looking across to Bennachie.
There are hill races on Cairn William and Bennachie

On Pitfichie with Cairn William behind.

Stepped off the trail for these runners doing similar but in opposite direction. If any cosmics recognise them do let them know. They were going at a good rate and enjoying speeding along.

We exchanged "merry christmas"es

The trails have been tweaked by bikers (or runners) who refined the routes to make them more switchback on the hill here. There is little in the way of heather stomping although a few sections of rock hopping add to the fun. I'm sure it used to be more challenging and has evolved into a more enjoyable run although it's difficult to remember. We hadn't been here in at least 4 years.

Self-timers from the trig point. 

I took the big camera which gives better results in low light.

We could see the snowy Cairngorms in the distance. We reckoned Louise P (and Mike L, elsewhere) were out and about somewhere not a million miles away, probably up a hill within sight. Sadly we didn't have enough time and free space to arrange to meet up.

Some of the wet and sleety surfaces looked deadly but were not that bad and neither of us slipped or fell.

These were the best Christmas trees I saw all season.
ie not chopped down and dressed in crap. They smelled great too.

♪ twelve swans are buggering off ♫

sister Karen, mum Margaret and Mary

anticlockwise circuit with Pitfichie summit where red line first meets top of map

winter warmer

I could tell from the lack of immediate response that Michael probably had a hangover. However he did get back to me to say yes let's go for a run - see you at Bonaly car park.

I have misjudged the time it takes to cycle to Bonaly a couple of times. 36 minutes was fastest ever when the lights were all green and I was stomping it. (Not the average!) Today virtually every light was red and there was that stiff headwind. Why was it so cold when it came from the South? Antarctic? I must remember it is a 40 minute cycle under normal circumstances. I arrived late and with trashed legs. Michael was already there and couldn't put my helmet and lights and cycling jacket in his car because he had run there. Oh.

We have a loose tradition of going for a winter warmer around now frequently medicated with hot grog. Which is a little like a herbal tea in a flask but more whisky-and-port-based. I didn't take the time to prepare any for today and Michael was maybe driving later (this week) and so best not. Also I think some of the rum he was drinking last night was still to leave his system. Even without refreshments it was still a very good splosh across the Pentlands. 

While the photo below is sharper and in many ways visually more accurate I think the one above is closer to how it felt - a very bracing harsh wind scouring the hill tops and your teeth rattling in your head. While it's nice to get a bit higher and survey the land, most of today's route was lower and more sheltered. I keep forgetting the Garmin to see how long it is. I've done this route a few times and it makes an attractive prospect of about 90 minutes. I'm guessing about 7 miles.

I slowed to take photos here and MG got ahead. I had to race to get close enough to shout LEEEEEEEEEEEFT into the wind to stop him taking the straighter line across the swamp. Not that our feet were anywhere near dry by this point. Or clean. More just habit really. On the other side there was plenty of mud and despite warnings Michael had a slip and touch down. I didn't even laugh but I did take a photo for the record.

Contouring round Black Hill we came to these reeds swaying in the wind and looking more like sand than vegetation.

Back up towards Maiden's Cleugh then just before the stile turn left and contour round back to Bonaly.

2-0 to Michael
He was wearing new Inov-8 270s which looked great but were more trail than hill shoe and the wet grass and mud were very treacherous. I was wearing Speedgoats. Good grip but could feel them slide at points in the gloop. 

Great run despite the forecast cloudless skies not really materialising. Today was noticeably colder than it's been and felt like Winter had really arrived. Look out the warmer gloves and hats!

On a positive note the Forth Bridge is now open in time for all those travelling at Christmas (as long as you don't drive there in an HGV) and Mary and I booked our flights to a marathon in July. Onwards and upwards!