| Archive for strathearnharriers.myfastforum.org A forum for members of Strathearn Harriers, a running club in Perthshire, Scotland |
| McStecko |
Ullapool running/social weekend 8-10 MayYou'll have seen my e-mail asking for some indication of commitment around this weekend.The objective of the weekend is to get a good bunch of us, hopefully between 10 and 20, to spend a couple of days away running in spectacular scenery, eating and drinking (as usual when 2 or more harriers are present) and perhaps a bit of sightseeing, or other type of excursions according to interest. We would tailor the routes according to who was planning to go. For example George tells me he prefers them flatter and shortish while I quite fancy trying my luck with some of the attractive local Fannaichs (http://munro-madness.com/region/the-fannaichs) which I'm told are worth taking a pop at. But don't worry we're definitely open to suggestions and will make sure there'll be runs to suit everyone... We're exploring options for accommodation ranging from a nice hotel at approx £40 per person per night B&B to a bunkhouse at £15/night. We'll also look at self catering options which could also work. On Saturday night we're thinking about http://www.theseaforth.com/ for dinner. We felt May would be a good time because it should be fairly midge free and we should stand a reasonable chance of some decent weather... So come on: pencil in those dates and let me or George know that you're planning on coming. Then we can get on with getting the arrangements sorted out... |
| Tanconsult |
Judith and I are definitely OK to come. We normally use our trailer tent for Foreign Visits but if you can get some reasonable accommodation where we can all stay, we're happy to join in. Our only proviso is that we have a bedroom to ourselves (write your own joke here). We're assuming dogs are not invited so we'll let Joka know he has the house to himself on condition he doesn't throw wild parties. More likely he'll be ruinously indulged by someone else for the duration.
On the run front, I see from the map that there's a good route for the Old & Slow along Glen Achall. After a modest 4km climb, it looks pretty flat for best part of the next 10km. For the fittest (safely excludes me, of course), how about a run from the carpark on the A835 up to the summit of Cul Mor (and return via a little jaunt around Stac Pollaidh if one-way transport can be organised)? There are also a few shorter but hillier routes if that's attractive so I'd say plenty to go at for a weekend - even for the O&S Club members. On sightseeing, for anyone who doesn't know the area, the Achiltibuie coast and the Summer Isles are beautiful (run there from Ullapool if you're mad, walk if you've all day or drive if neither). The Hydroponicum is worth seeing if you've any interest in seeing stuff grown without soil. Or seeing a banana tree at a ridiculously northern latitude (OK, it is indoors). For rich epicureans (or if someone else is paying), eat at the Summer Isles Hotel, if not this visit then sometime - it was brilliant but we can't speak very recently so don't curse us if it's now rubbish. Looking forward to it already.  Colin
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| Tanconsult |
For Campers & CampervannersI've spoken to Mr Ross who runs Broomfield Holiday Park in Ullapool (map reference NH125938). The site opens at Easter and he says the whole of May is quiet enough for campers and campervanners just to turn up without booking. In passing, he doesn't take bookings for single units if anyone has thoughts of going some other time as well. Belt & Braces, I've replied to Phil's email of last Thursday as well. Colin
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| Tanconsult |
I said in an earlier post that we assumed dogs weren't invited but now we wonder. Any views from dog owners and others?
Colin
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| Liz |
I certainly have no objections to dogs coming, i'm sure they'll be better behaved than the children and probably the adults come to that! 
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| wendy |
I am hoping that Lawrence will join me on this trip. If so and because there is no way I could run all day we also plan to take our mtb's so that Lawrence can get a good workout too. (It’ll be less than 7 days to the Etape Caledonia so we'll be pedalling quite far I imagine...)
If we are both coming, and depending on Murphy's health, the pooch will be with us. Here’s hoping for good weather, but we have good waterproofs. No matter what the company will be great 
(Few problems with campervan so it may be alternative accommodation or tent but no worries there) |
| McStecko |
Wendy,
If you both are going do you think there could be an opportunity for some climbing too? No idea if there are suitable crags but I'm sure there would be some takers if you were up for it... |
| Tanconsult |
Looks like Joka will be getting a trip to the seaside after all.
We're bringing the awning for the trailer tent so our place will be big enough for any interested folk to gather and eat, drink or whatever if the weather's unkind (or even if it's not). If the weather's worth it, we might head up that way a day or so earlier. If we are at the camp site first, we'll see if there's any location where we can congregate to advantage. As folk arrive, they can then decide if it's worth being cheek by jowl in an SH area or better scattered around the 11 acres. On the climbing thingy, I'm no expert but my vague-ish memories of Stac Pollaidh makes me wonder about that bit of rock. I don't know the area immediately around Ullapool but how about the crags near Beinn Giuthais (NH129963)? Looks like there's an access track past the broadcast (TV?) mast that runs round the base of the crags there. Anyway, could be fun and a nice addition to the running, walking, cycling weekend. BUT W&L, no pressure!! Colin
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| kaznicholl |
I'd be up for climbing, providing my feet have healed after the fling. Shall pack my kit.
Kaz |
| McStecko |
Just wanted to get a sense of people's hopes and expectations for the running over the weekend then George and I can get our heads together to plan some routes.
My guess is that overall preferences would fall into 4 categories: 1. Up to 10 miles, flattish, off road/on tracks - c 2 hours 2. As for 1 but maybe a bit longer with a bit of a climb involved - say up to 18 miles c 3 hours 3. 3-4 hour hill run maybe bagging 1-2 Munros en route 4. up to 6 hour hill run bagging 3-4 Munros For the Saturday run, perhaps those in categories 1 and 2 could set off reasonably early (9ish) with those in cats 3 and 4 on child entertaining duty or other worthy pursuits. On the return of cat 1 around 11.30ish, cats 3 and 4 would then head off returning somewhere between 4.30 and 6.30pm in time for a wash and brush up before dinner. On the Sunday we could try to find a route that everyone would be able to do together perhaps with an extra loop or hill for those that want them. The aim would be that whatever extra twiddly bits we add on, we all meet up for lunch before heading south again. Let us know what you all think of this suggestion and if you fall into one of the four suggested categories or one that's entirely different... |
| Blazebuster |
All looks perfect to me....
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| wendy |
must try to keep up with this fast flowing forum...
Haven't seen Lawrence in over 24hours (not posted missing just work) but when i do i'll ask him about crags etc. looking forward to weekend away. lets hope all this rain doesn't reaccumulate for then 
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| Tanconsult |
Is there a category that includes bringing in Alfred McAlpine to remove all the ups and downs? Thought not. Expert's advice to Judith (to help get her wounded knee fixed) was to avoid hills and rough ground when she runs.... My advice was to get another expert.
Anyway, (unsurprisingly) Category 1 sounds appealing to us; vice versa for Category 4. We're bringing the Noddy bikes as well so Judith can have a quick pedal round if she feels endorphin-deprived. We're both happy to take part in any in loco parentis duties during Saturday afternoon if required. Be good if we could all do part of the Sunday run together (if the fit folk can stand the snail's pace). I wonder if all the children coming could make it as well - if not, it would be a shame to leave anyone out just because they've younger children. Could we find a route where any younger ones could cycle with the runners - at least for the first bit? Colin
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| kona |
Hi folks,
We are coming up on the Saturday morning because of work commitments etc. I would like to get a category 2 run in; if a cat2 run could set off on Saturday *afternoon* (say 2pm) that would be great. Alternatively I'd be glad to do a cat2 on Sunday morning if anybody else is interested. Cheers, Kona |
| runningpix |
I would like to do cat 3 run (good LAMM training) if poss and hoping that there is someone at my pace to keep me company! If not, category 1 would be great.
Ali |
| kaznicholl |
All the options look great.
I am reserving judgement until next week. Once my blister has healed (on its way now) it will depend on my knee. Can't wait - lots of positive thoughts that we get sunny weather! Kaz. |
| kona |
Ali, might be tempted by a 1-munro cat3 if you were doing it too
Kaz, just saw that film Colin took - 50 miles in! You are awesome
K. xxx |
| McStecko |
Some thoughts about next weekend...
Liz and I and the boys will aim to get to Ullapool around 7.00ish and once the tents are set up in the Harriers' enclave (if Colin has been succesful in establishing one with the campsite owners) we will cook a sausage or two (and, who knows, maybe some freshly caught mackerel too?) on a disposable BBQ. Not sure what everyone else was planning for food but it seems like the easiest option for us. George is finalizing routes for Cats 1 and 2 for the Saturday. I think the plan is for a fairly early start so that there will be time to do other stuff in the afternoon. And I know he's also investigating Saturday dinner and a Cats 1-4 run on Sunday. I'm sure a Blazebuster posting is imminent on these topics. I've found a route for Cats 3 & 4 which I think would give the flexibilty for anything up to 5 Munros. Starting at Loch a'Bhraoin, clockwise up and over Meall a'Chrasgaidh, Sgurr nan Clach Geala, Sgurr nan Each, Sgurr Breac and finally A'Chailleach. I would suggest that we all go together up the first one or two and then there's a good path back down to the start. Anyone who then wants to continue can add a further 1,2 or 3 as they wish. At a rough estimate I would expect the 2 munro route would take about 3 hours and the full circuit maybe 5 hours... Fingers crossed for an improvement to the weather! |
| runningpix |
Weather forcast is still awful 
Is there a plan if it continues to be really bad? ie will it still be on? Really hoping the weather will change.................... Ali |
| Tanconsult |
Saturday's certainly looking as though it'll be wet and windy. Having camped enough times with children in similar conditions, I can sympathise with Ali (and any other parents) having misgivings. For what it's worth though, I do think that having a gang of us together gives us a better chance of having a good time anyway rather than just one family in the wet and wind.
Assuming it's too late now for everyone to rearrange (say, to the following weekend), maybe we should turn some thought to what we all do in the event that Saturday is simply too bad for Fun Running On The Hills. Judith and I will probably pack our walking gear, *** the weather and go for an energetic walk rather than a run. Our walking gear at least means we'll keep warm and dry skin as we savour the wet and windy elements. And we'll get the endorphins. Not the same, I know, but we love walking (almost) as much as running. Assuming Graham brings his marquee (as he said he would) and it survives the weather, we'll also have a Club House where adults and children can congregate and Have Lots Of Fun. And think of all those puddles we can all jump into and pretend we're four years old..... Colin
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| runningpix |
Good try Colin but I have to confess to being a softy fairweather camper!!! |
| Blazebuster |
Sorry for the delay!...
Here is a suggested run route for Cat 1 & 2 :- 
It is slightly over 8 miles and we shouldn't require transport as it starts & finishes in Ullapool. Undulating route reaching highest point of approx 700 feet at the half way point. Please check it on 'Memory Map' or your own maps. I hope it meets with your approval. If not, I welcome any other suggestions. I've not checked the weather forecast yet, it is far to early. Even the BBC say that at best, they can only get 80% accuracy for a 24 hour advance period. Anything else is pure guess work! 
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| Blazebuster |
Hi,
All a bit of a variation on the same theme, but here are a couple of alternatives to the above. They all involve running in the same area with slight difference in the paths. They're all about 8 miles and easily done within 2 hours (with stops for photo's). We can decide which route to take on Friday night or even Saturday morning (or just go whichever way we want whilst we're out running!) We'll all leave from Ullapool and (hopefully!) return to Ullapool. The 'Blue' Route is in an anti clockwise direction and a bit more scenic with a bit of a steep climb at the start. The ‘Green’ Route is in a clockwise direction fairly level for first mile to warm up before the wee climb up. 
Please let me know your views & comments!....I'm not used to selecting running routes, So I really hope it is what you were hoping for? |
| Liz |
Weather seems to be looking up slightly! Does anyone have a foot pump they are taking with them? I've bought some airbeds but just noticed that pump is not include. 
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| Tanconsult |
Looks like the rough stuff will have largely blown over by Saturday morning - see http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weath...e/ullapool_forecast_weather.html. Here's hoping, anyway.
Liz, we have one foot-pump that needs a strong leg or two plus a 12v electric pump that just needs a one-ton unit ("car") to drive it. Several of both available this weekend, I think! Feel free to borrow as required. Thanks to George for the research and visuals. Judith's Famous Knee has been pronounced 'normal' by the NHS (despite being like the Mekon's head) so clearly the folk there aren't properly qualified or 'normal' means something I don't understand (true). Anyway, I won't distress her with George's altitude profiles - I'll just tell her the routes are 'mostly' very level... Should make the rest of the weekend entertaining once she spots the slight topological error. Looking forward to it already. Colin
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| Tanconsult |
Try www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/he/ullapool_forecast_weather.html rather than the gibberish in the last post...
Colin
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| wendy |
bloomin heck this is all very well organised (what else would i expect though...)
Lawrence is finishing late on Friday so our plan is to stop half way on the Friday night and get to ullapool for around lunch time on the Saturday. Have tweaked calf muscle so will probably lie low on the running front, but up for the social side for sure
Hail rain wind or sun (more likely encountering all four) we'll be going. |
| wendy |
one more thing, Lawrence is planning to bring a fishing rod, not that he catches much but he likes the relaxation and the story telling. Might be an option for any budding fisherpeeps out there. |
| Gordon |
Folks, I'm really disappointed that I can't come along on this trip because of my shoulder but I'm sure you'll have a great time, whatever the weather does. |