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Gordon · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:43 pm Post subject: Mince Pie Run this Sunday 21st

It’s mince pie time again this Sunday December 21st and here’s the plan!

The run will start and finish at Glen Sherup carpark (GR 972 051) on the A823 Glen Devon road. There’s a well-signposted turning to the right across a bridge into the car park about a mile before the Tormaukin Inn

After extensive consultation with local experts Bob Hughes and Digby Sym we have identified a fine route of about 10k, all on forestry road, tracks or paths, with some excellent views (weather permitting).

The route begins up a forestry road to gain height and reach open hillside. Then it’s gently up and along to the top of Innerdownie, down grassy slopes into Glen Quey, gently down past Glenquey Reservoir to the river Devon and back along the riverside to the start.

At some point, probably the top of Innerdownie hill, we’ll stop for mince pies and refreshments.

Fingers crossed for nice weather but there are bound to be some muddy bits at this time of year and it may be both cold and wet, so please dress accordingly. Off-road shoes probably a good idea if you have them.

Proposed timing is for us to be running by 10 am or very shortly thereafter, so it would make sense to meet at Taylor Park by 9.30 for car sharing.

A guesstimate time for the run is 1.30 to 2 hours, allowing for stops and chat.

Hope we can manage a big turnout for what is bound to be a great run.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Gordon

Ps This year’s catering arrangements do not at this stage include bacon butties from a camper van at the end, but you never know….!

kona · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 72 Location: Crieff

What's the sheep rating on this one? Will we be running through open grazing land or are the tracks all outwith the fencelines?

Gordon · Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:38 am Post subject:

The first section up on to the hill through the forest will be sheep-free, but the stretch along to Innerdownie is open ground although I don't recall seeing sheep there on previous visits.

I don't know about the rest of the route, but on the map much of it looks as though it could be through open grazing land.

Digby, can you advise?

digby · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 77

I am tempted to say there's hunners o sheep if it means less black things tripping me up. However, I dinnae mind seeing tons when I jogged round a few weeks back. Bring a lead if you must bring a dug.
Also, it strikes me that some may be reticent to go widdershins on the shortest day. there is plenty of scope for a fix

kona · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 72 Location: Crieff

Aw c'mon Digby, how often do you get to practice hill running *and* steeplechasing at the same time? Wink

Don't know yet what (sub)set of us can make it, if any.

Tanconsult · Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:48 pm Post subject:

Of course, would love to be up at 600m on an exposed hilltop in the freezing driving rain (current Met Office forecast) on Sunday eating mince pies with the best company Strathearn can muster. Regrettably, I don't think I'll be joining you - despite the undoubted attractiveness of the prospect - since my religion requires me to only eat mince pies with hot brandy sauce. If only I had a campervan, I could wait for you all at the bottom frying bacon - unfortunately our tent doesn't qualify.

Maybe the weather will actually be Caribbean (mmm, didn't I read something about Hurricane Gustav being Caribbean weather...?). Have fun.

Colin Smile

Hill Fairy · Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 162

Colin, you clearly dont understand. Its being up at 600m in the the driving snow eating cold mincepies without brandy sauce thats the attraction.
O.K. thats boxxxxxs but there is a satisfaction in putting yourself there and coming through it.
Have I persuaded you ??
I may or may not be there. I have a WHW trainig run on Sat so it depends how the old legs recover. If I'm not there I will be wishing I was.

Tanconsult · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 6:41 pm Post subject:

I'm soooooooooooo tempted with that persuasive argument - BUT I've had a better offer of pain and suffering from Max Mosley (good job Judith hasn't joined the Forum yet...). Tell you what - I'll come if there's anyone else definitely (and auditable, folks!) coming who also qualifies for a free Bus Pass.

Colin Smile