Discussion: Lairig Ghru
in: Godders; Godders > 2017-05-31
Jun 1, 2017 4:00 PM
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Lard:
Dave, I'm after some advice. Did you find enough water drinks points to not have to carry any water from the start?
Do you suggest a small bottle for filling at various sources or larger platypus? The river crossing - how deep was it when you did it? Did you see the path to the bridge (if needed)? When in Rothiemurchus you get to a path decision point where there's a cairn? Which route is best from there - left and over the Cairngorm Club footbridge or straight on to reach the ski road 2k further east? Any tips on other stuff also very welcome!!! Jase
Do you suggest a small bottle for filling at various sources or larger platypus? The river crossing - how deep was it when you did it? Did you see the path to the bridge (if needed)? When in Rothiemurchus you get to a path decision point where there's a cairn? Which route is best from there - left and over the Cairngorm Club footbridge or straight on to reach the ski road 2k further east? Any tips on other stuff also very welcome!!! Jase
Jun 1, 2017 6:56 PM
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Jase,
See my Strava route.
I took a platypus. There was water provided after Mar lodge (about 7.5km) where you turn off the road and start climbing) and at Derry Lodge (about 13.5km). After that the only big water sources are Luibeg Burn and then on the descent at around 29km when you cross the burn.
The crossing at Luibeg Burn was fine last year - lots of big rocks to use as stepping stones. Nothing to worry about.
People mention the boulderfields at the Pools of Dee (26km) as being tough but I found them no problem at all - just look ahead for the small paths that weave between the boulders.
I struggled more with the continual rocky path from the Luibeg Burn to the mature forest in Rothiemurchus. Wasn't expecting to have to watch my feet for so long.
On the descent definitely fork left to get to the Cairngorm Club footbridge via a sharp left at Picadilly. It's a big step onto the footbridge when you're starting to cramp.
The finish is on the left hand side of the road in Aviemore so remember to cross.
I struggled with eating after about 2 hours - it was the first warm day for a month - and was suffering by the end.
Dave
See my Strava route.
I took a platypus. There was water provided after Mar lodge (about 7.5km) where you turn off the road and start climbing) and at Derry Lodge (about 13.5km). After that the only big water sources are Luibeg Burn and then on the descent at around 29km when you cross the burn.
The crossing at Luibeg Burn was fine last year - lots of big rocks to use as stepping stones. Nothing to worry about.
People mention the boulderfields at the Pools of Dee (26km) as being tough but I found them no problem at all - just look ahead for the small paths that weave between the boulders.
I struggled more with the continual rocky path from the Luibeg Burn to the mature forest in Rothiemurchus. Wasn't expecting to have to watch my feet for so long.
On the descent definitely fork left to get to the Cairngorm Club footbridge via a sharp left at Picadilly. It's a big step onto the footbridge when you're starting to cramp.
The finish is on the left hand side of the road in Aviemore so remember to cross.
I struggled with eating after about 2 hours - it was the first warm day for a month - and was suffering by the end.
Dave
Jun 3, 2017 10:53 AM
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Jase - I've got a 1 hour DVD of the 1997 race which was televised by Grampian TV you could borrow if you want. You may recognise a (much younger) face or two!
Jun 4, 2017 4:29 PM
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Its a great race. Suited me by not having too much climb or rocks.
I just took a cup, powder and quite a lot of jellybabies. Water at Derry Lodge and burns was enough for me, but both times I ran it some ultrarunner type took off with no kit and was passed lying in bits at the Pools of Dee. Nav should be trivial, but again the race leader went inexplicably off route both times I ran it.
Rocks in Pools of Dee is no big deal, but its wise to start steady so you have some coordination left for the descent - you can really fly down the hill but you do have to concentrate. Cairngorm Club Footbridge is a definite and then stay on the well-posted path as terrain shortcuts are a bit heathery. The road section at the end is a b*stard and its worth knowing exactly where to go in Aviemore.
Have fun.
I just took a cup, powder and quite a lot of jellybabies. Water at Derry Lodge and burns was enough for me, but both times I ran it some ultrarunner type took off with no kit and was passed lying in bits at the Pools of Dee. Nav should be trivial, but again the race leader went inexplicably off route both times I ran it.
Rocks in Pools of Dee is no big deal, but its wise to start steady so you have some coordination left for the descent - you can really fly down the hill but you do have to concentrate. Cairngorm Club Footbridge is a definite and then stay on the well-posted path as terrain shortcuts are a bit heathery. The road section at the end is a b*stard and its worth knowing exactly where to go in Aviemore.
Have fun.
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