A Run In The Cheviots

YC revisited some old haunts today. Parking at the bottom of The Street in The Coquet Valley, he headed up to Yearning Hall and the hut on the Border Ridge. From there he journeyed over Lamb Hill and into Scotland to Greenhill. Returning by The Street, he climbed Windy Gyle last of all, before descending via Rowhope. In 3 hours of running he saw 3 walkers. Birdlife was more numerous - snipe, skylarks, pippets, buzzards, and wheatears. This evening he slaked the raging runner's thirst in The Tynemouth Lodge. On his return through Northumberland Park, he saw a woodpecker - he has often heard them there, but never clapped eyes on one before. Proof (if one were needed) that a trip to a licensed premise is always rewarding.

left - looking across to Yearning Hall
right - Callaw Cairn with Hownam Law in the distance

Brough Law Fell Race

Brough Law is a testing 5 mile fellrace in the Ingram Valley. It's all on grassy runnable (mostly) tracks. The weather today was perfect - high clouds, cool, and not too windy. YC trotted round to notch up his first race of the year in the 2011 NFR championship. He has no idea of his time as he didn't wear a watch - a great way to stop stressing about how fast (or slow) you are running. However for the avoidance of doubt, YC can confirm 2 facts:
1 The race was thoroughly enjoyable
2 He's had his tea.

left - Gill Bennett runs in supported by husband Lee
right - you are never too old for fellrunning. Joe Garbarino, V70, sprints to the finish.

Blencathra Fellrunning

left - Blencathra from Bowscale Fell
right - the Blencathra ridge from Gategill Fell Top

YC took a trip to the Lake District today to tick off some more 2,000 ft peaks. The day was superb with blue skies, a gentle breeze, and far-reaching views. It was still chilly on the tops with a little snow in places, but warm in the valleys. Parking at Threlkeld, YC did an anticlockwise circuit over Blencathra, Bannerdale Crags, Bowscale Fell, Great Calva, Skiddaw, and Lonscale Fell. Apart from a cluster of walkers on Skiddaw, the hills were pretty quiet. Great Calva was deserted. YC suspects it might be busier on a Saturday night in June - it's on the Bob Graham 24 hour circuit which ensures a steady stream of fellrunning visitors.

a few more photos here

running and crosswords

YC had a trot round the route of the Yetholm Hill Race today. This must rank as one of his favourite training runs: 8 miles all off road, splendid isolation over Staerough Hill to The Curr, and a glorious run-out along Steer Rigg. The weather was beautiful if chilly with a northerly breeze on the tops. When he wasn't running, YC was wrestling with The Times crossword. One of the clues gave him a wry smile:

Current enthusiasm, moreover, for this country (3,7)
Hint - YC's recent holiday

looking back from Latchly Hill towards Staerough Hill

a trip to Murrayfield

Scotland played Ireland at Murrayfield yesterday. Sunshine and light winds made for good conditions and an exciting game. Scotland (as is their wont) were always behind. Ireland scored 3 converted tries, with Scotland keeping in touch through kicks from Chris Paterson & Dan Parks. Despite a late rally by Scotland, Ireland held out to win 21-18.

Richie Gray had a storming game for Scotland - with his blonde hair he was very noticeable. Another very blonde (some might say white) haired gentleman had brought his boots to the game and was hoping for a late call-up to the subs' bench. In the end Andy Robinson decided that Rev T's services were not required and so he took his place in the stand instead. But with Scotland now facing England at Twickenham next, Rev T will be polishing his boots just in case. You never know....


left - at the game, Mr & Mrs Rev T, Chris Smith, YC
right - faithful Scottish supporters Rita & Lesley


left - Dan Parks lines up another penalty
right - Ronan O'Gara re-starts for Ireland

NZ photos and Avalanche Peak Race detailed report

YC's photos from his New Zealand trip are here

and a more detailed report on the Avalanche Peak Race on the NFR website is here .

Avalanche Peak Race

left - runners approach the summit of Avalanche Peak
right - leaving the summit


left - following the ridge, the summit of AP is upper left
right - at the finish

YNZC ran the Avalanche Peak Challenge on Saturday. This 22k mountain race is held at Arthurs Pass, NZ. It climbs 1,100 metres to the summit of Avalanche Peak (1,833 metres), heads along a spectacular ridge, then descends a scree run into the remote Crow Valley. After following a trail of sorts down the Crow River, it ends with an extremely stony run out along the Waimakariri River to the finish at the Bealey Hotel. YNZC managed all this in 3 hours 17 mins and finished 27th out of approx 170 runners. After the race, there was time for a couple of post race beers and chat with fellow competitors.

Addendum - Your Correspondent is now back in the UK. In case any readers were wondering, he flew out of Christchurch 24 hours before the earthquake that struck on Monday. So he was very fortunate indeed not to be caught up in it. Many of the runners at Avalanche Peak were based in Christchurch. So the news is sad and rather sobering.