Part of the Carnethy ultra series 2019 it was not quite an ultra, but quite far enough for me! I made it 26.95 miles including the run back to the station. A run of two halves, as they say. 1st half rather grey and drizzly. We met at Drem railway station and set off up a mile long farm track. Regrouping, we saw a tiny figure dressed in black in the distance. Who could it be? Speculation ranged from Gio to Nicola Duncan. It was neither (Nicola was otherwise engaged in the John Muir Way Ultra – and we crossed paths with this later on), but a puffed out Tawera who had bypassed Drem on autopilot heading for Dirleton.
A winding route then took us via the Hopetoun Monument, which nobody could be bothered to climb, and the Garleton Hills down to Haddington, and a trek in the increasing drizzle along the river bank, past Hailes Castle, to Traprain Law which was clagged in. So we were all rather damp and chilly by then. A few miles to Smeaton Garden centre at East Linton (which looks rather good for plants) and very welcome and very good soup, and the surprise appearance of Willie Gibson, in full Carnethy attire, joining for the second half. Jeff had a cream tea, which was impressive.
At this point the sun came out. What a difference that made, and we all cheered up. A pleasant route led to the Balgone Estate, tierra incognita for me, and a place to return to. Jeff found a rope swing. Allegedly downhill all the way to (don’t believe anyone who says this) the next challenge which was North Berwick Law. Some still had the energy to run up. On top was Willie shouting at his camera… “cheese… cheese…” It snapped away at any command resembling the word ‘cheese’. Finally it was downhill all the way and a paddle in the freezing water. Some ran up the road for the train and others went for a pint. A grand day out! Thanks to Dorothy and Billy for organising and herding.
Digby