Westies Whangie Hill Race

The annual Westies-organised Wed night race over the Whangie/Auchineden Hill near Milngavie. Keith and I did our usual marshalling stint at the far end, gradually getting colder and colder as we cheered the 150 runners through. Photos on FLICKR here

Westies Weekend at Corran Ferry Bunkhouse

Another great Westies Weekend Away. On the Friday I went up early and enjoyed a nice 50 mile cycle over in Ardgour, reaching 46mph on a cracking downhill at one point!! The weather was a bit dreich on the Saturday, but we still managed 5hrs on the 2 Grahams just opposite the bunkhouse - Beinn na Gucaig and Tom Meadhoin. I was a bit hungover and knackered and the ran round with John H and Jane R while the others disappeared into the clag. I revived a bit in the evening after a bit of a nap and cooked my spicy veggie paella for the communal meal, which seemed to go down a treat. Food, drink, quizzing and dancing followed till late. Sunday dawned still damp and grey, but a few of us ventured over on the free ferry and managed almost 2 hours of plodding. here is Rob's Westies' report =

Last Friday night a group of 20+ Westies headed for Corran Bunkhouse, for a weekend of outdoor activities (or indoor for the Sunday climbers at the wall in Kinlochleven).

Friday night was spent hatching plans in the Corran Inn, a 50 yard stumble across the carpark from the bunkhouse. By closing time, having reveiewed the poor weather forecast, there were two distinct groups: one tackling a loop from the bunkhouse, the other driving to Kinlochleven to tackle Christine's long, low level circuit past Luibeilt bothy.

Saturday morning was grey and wet as predicted. Charlie set off early for a ferry run across to Ardgour, while everyone else got ready for the day ahead. After the usual procrastination we were all still there when Charlie returned from his run. Group photos were then taken and we set off mid-morning. The loop from the bunkhouse took in the low lying hills around Onich, together with a bit of the West Highland Way. Clare did a fine job of navigating us through the cloud for the day and delivered us back to the accommodation about 4pm, ready for tea and cake. The Kinlochleven party arrived back a couple of hours later, with Christine's retro running attire a little worse for wear and Muffy's buttocks apparently not working any more!

Saturday night was given over to food, drink and good company. Some highlights; a great meal from the numerous cooks; Steffen's tricky quiz; Dave trying to sing the entire quizbook to a variety of tunes; DJ Charlie's eclectic mix of music; some of the dancing (Christine & Dave - I have video!); and Muffy's detailed explanation of why her elapsed running time was much longer than ours.

Sunday was a slightly slower start, trying to spot Chris on the marathon coverage while re-hydrating. Various groups headed across the ferry, out to the climbing wall or home for a Sunday rest. The run at Glen Scaddle proved to be a bit longer than planned (particularly for those that ran up the road rather than taking a car), but very enjoyable none the less.

Westies Stuc a Chroin Run

A cracking day out with Hamilton, Murdo and Cat following the route of the Stuc a Chroin Hill Race. Pictures on FLICKR here

Cowal Peninsula Cycle

SATURDAY 14 APRIL 2007



I took advantage of the great weather to travel over to Cowal for a cycle. Started off at Strachur and headed down through Glendaruel to Tighnabruaich. Fantastic sea views across the Kyles of Bute and the olde-world charm of Tighnabruaich. Then down round the Ardlamont Peninsula before heading back up to Otter Ferry, and a cracking cycle along Loch Fyne-side to finish.61 miles, 1580 metres ascent in just under 5 hours. One of the best routes I have ever cycled.