Mark invited us to another run in the hills; a treat for those living south of the town. Having left Hillend and contoured through Erraid Wood, we encountered the run’s novelty obstacle, a quad bike bridge, which no-one told me you weren’t supposed to walk over. Some took a more cautious approach on all fours, apart from Amber, who chose to go straight over the barb wire fence – much to Gordon’s consternation. Fortunately she survived unscathed.
Normal running service resumed as we wove our way to Woodhouselee, where there was a small divergence of opinion, and runners, as the top got visited by a breakaway faction. Having re-grouped, we noticed head torches coming our way. Lo, another group of Carnethys. Assuming there was about to be a bit of “Hail fellow, well met”, it’s not clear if we dissed them or vice-versa, but greetings were not exchanged. Instead we ascended into the Allermuir mist. Not exactly what Mark had had in mind, but it did avoid the large-stone nightmare surface Mike says is now the army road round to Green Craig.
It was about now that “nae working headtorch Mike” was rescued by Mark’s exemplary run leadership skills – viz the supply of a spare light dug out from his backpack. Erm, perhaps there is some correlation between the megalumen light output provided by rechargeables and their propensity to turn themselves off just as things get properly dark.
Coming to the top of Allermuir, several of us wondered who’d nicked the vista plaque & pillar. Then we realised it was on the other side of the gate. Re-oriented, there was a short discussion about what next. Divergence part 2 occured as a majority of the group, who shall not be named, but included everyone except Mark & I, and the list of runners is available on Google spreadsheets, missed out on a very nice trod Mark has found that starts at the base of the Caerketton scree. The select few two completed the circuit with a trip through the pines by the side of Hillend. Nice and quiet, with a track of pine needles, and only a few trip hazards.
Rehydration in the The Steading
For the first time in several years, a post run beer was included where Barra and Amber continued their love-struck teenagers act. Thanks to Mark for organising another entertaining and interesting run with just the right amount of mud.
Tour of Caerketton with a few top diversions: 5 miles, 1hr 20 m
Pete Cain