Arrochar Recce

Not in Vain!

In the biting wind and snow flurries, the summit of Ben Vane did not feel a globally warmed location last Sunday morning. Nonetheless it felt good to be there having slogged up through the rocky groins and shaggy wetness of its eastern slopes; I’d forgotten after nearly 17 years since last running in the Arrochar Alps race, how unforgiving this ascent from Sloy Damn is – or maybe it’s an age thing!

Jason, Trevor, Rani (Jason’s dog) and I had followed the race route from Succoth along the lovely, undulating track that follows the pylon wayleave up to the dam. We were accompanied to this point by Val Houston; Val’s priority for the day however lay elsewhere, namely getting back in time to watch thicker-thighed men in pursuit of a mis-shapen ball ; the sight of Ben Vane disappearing into the clouds must have made her doubt her chances of doing this, because at this juncture she made her excuses and sprinted back to Succoth!

From the summit we descended to the col between Ben Vane and Ime for race recce purposes, reminded as we did, that it’s important to run a good 600m north before starting to descend in order to avoid a) small but nasty crags and b) not dropping below the col. The weather was not looking good, so we descended further to pick up the forest track back towards Succoth, a good run out allowing us to look at the likely finish route.

Changed and rehydrated, Jason and I met with a very amicable local man to inspect the old pavilion as the race venue for changing, registration, etc. Not only was he willing to give us this for nothing, but he promised pipers, local dignitaries and iced buns as well and so we headed home feeling we were several boggy but positive steps nearer to getting this classic race up and running!

Race Date: Saturday June 30th, 11.00am.

All offers of assistance welcome.