Off Road Group to Recce the new Ladhope XC route
September 8th, 2009The Hill running group met again at the end of August after a summer lay off. The charmed life of the group as regards the weather continued, with a superb morning for running.
Five of us set off from the scout camp car park near Ashiestiel bridge along the riverside path to Yair. This gentle introduction was followed by a steady climb up through the forestry to the Three Brethren. With the group running very much as a pack, there were few excuses for those at the front to stop and catch their breath before the summit. I had planned several possible descent routes back to the car, but the delightful weather, and great running kept us going along the Southern Upland way with a detour over Broomy Knowe for several miles. We were stopped abruptly when I spotted a raptor, and Eb identified as an Osprey. Unfortunately it was fast disappearing over the horizon as the second group – just a few yards behind caught us up.
A mile or so further on, we decided enough was enough, and turned on our heels back towards the car. A delightful descent down the Williamhope valley was rather spoiled when Sheila Mcnab tripped on a tree root, and grazed her knee rather unpleasantly. She didn’t let this spoil her morning though – or at least not that it showed, and when we arrived back at the cars a few minutes later, we were all rather surprised to check watches and realise we had been out some two and a half hours.
The off road group has enjoyed less clement weather. Both of the last two runs were in constant rain. Not that we let little things like that spoil the day. A trip through the woods and fields around Bowden was followed last Wednesday evening by a jaunt around the Duchess’ drive.
The next Wednesday evening off road run will be led by Graeme Murdoch, and will be a chance to look over the new Ladhope cross country route. He promises more variety than the previous route (not too difficult there Graeme), and hopefully this will attract a bigger field than the last few years. Meet at Heatheryett cemetery car park at 6pm on 16th September. As usual, if you are a few minutes late out from work, you can call me on 077477 57223, and we will delay the start a few minutes.
Paul
Paul Morris Says:
Just to clarify, the Ladhope recce is on Wed 16th at 6pm, not 9th,
Paul