Training Log Archive: Thraws

Gotta be a bit reassured by this, given I can hardly handle stairs and struggled to get out of bed after Thursday's walk. Different tactics. Took an ibuprofen the night before and, as chest (heart?) felt very tight warming up, decided to start at a comfortable rather than race pace and just ignore everyone else. Traffic wasn't too bad as it happened, once I'd passed the bl**dy dogs. First lap was 7 mins and I was going ok, but slowed nevertheless for second (7.45). Wasn't sure whether I'd be able to, but very gradually put some swag on for the third and wound it up. Really enjoyed that feeling as it encouraged me to think there could be more to come. This really felt like a base I could build on. I haven't been as generally positive since Silverstone, despite back etc being no better.

Broad Law and White Coomb. Just before turning in the night before the hotel campsite owner advised us to move to higher ground as he'd had a flood warning regarding the adjacent River Ken. Somehow or other I'd managed to pitch on what was the last remaining island of dry in a site that was now almost entirely a puddle anyway and was going to tough it out. But I bottled at the last moment and in the ongoing downpour just stuffed everything in the car (just like the last time I was in Scotland) and got in too. So managed about 3 hours of very uncomfortable sleep. Decided to leave whilst it was still dark at 4.30. At least the rain had stopped, stars were out, and river hadn't flooded. Consequently was parking by the Megget Stone at 452 metres, under clear blue skies, before 6 o'clock! Had quite a magical early morning dander up Broad Law over Cairn Law as the lingering white cloud confined itself to the valleys and then burnt off altogether. Had no watch so was delighted to be back at car by 8.15 as it made the prospect of doing the second hill and driving home that day realistic. Went up White Coomb by the spectacular Grey Mare's Tail waterfall. Unfortunately all the wet meant I couldn't cross the Tail Burn anywhere and eventually paddled barefoot through the outflow of the delightful Loch Skeen and went up the hill via the ridge down from Firthybrig Head. It was quite a roundabout route so, in descent, decided to wade through the river at the suggested fording place in the book. Was surprised to be told by a walker it wasn't yet 12 as I'd guessed it was over an hour later. Paid the price for haste with back/leg/knee trouble though.

Hart Fell from Eric Stane. Via the Chalybeate Spring. Climb out of there wasn't straightfoward. Otherwise easy ascent on rather a dull hill. Came down over Whitehope Knowe and Chalk Rig Edge to the magnificent Devil's Beef Tub. Best part of the day was the path (trod) contouring round Great Hill. And making it back just before the serious rain resumed. Very windy and back and legs complaining by now.

Corserine and the Rhinns Of Kells. Another long anticipated day. Started from Forrest Lodge and had showers for the ascent but then the sun came out. The ridge walking was good with fine views of Sunday's trudge. Came down off Meikle Millyea then back through the plantation. In time for a coffee.

Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. This had looked alluring from the Southern Upland Way 24 (!!) years ago, but today I saw nothing. Weather was truly terrible. At least I discovered that with capri pants and waterproof over trousers I could keep everything, even boots, dry. Went up from Green Well of Scotland and was glad of the easy nav (track then wall) as i wasn't in the mood for thinking. Spent the pm at the excellent Burns Birthplace Museum.

Merrick and Shalloch on Minnoch. Up the 'tourist path' from Glen Trool. Was at the top in 2 hours so decided to disregard the SMC guidebook advice and go for Shalloch. Bad idea. After a steep descent over Little Spear there was a very tough traverse of Kirriereoch Hill (used to be a Corbett too, but some resurvey or other must have spotted it was JUST, about 30 feet, short of the necessary reascent). Then there were the lumps and bumps and bogs of Tarfessock before the final 500ft-plus climb. Then this all had to be reversed so I was back on Merrick 4.5 hours later, not the 3 hours I'd imagined. Big day, but at least it was sunny.

On impulse. Been a very sedentary week.

C • Sedentary week 1

Went ahead despite fatigue from the week because this seems to be the best chance of sorting my back out. I'm also battling with added weight as well now though. Performance and time are embarrassing but I'm trying to stay positive. Enjoyed the atmosphere as usual.

The extra day. Glad we did this rather than travel home from Rye. The Royal Military Canal was a peaceful delight and the cliffs either side of Fairlight had a west country feel. Three big dingles before the final descent to Hastings Old Town, with the sun shining off the Channel the whole way. Ice cream then home.

The sense of an ending. Through the outskirts of Rye before joining the Rother and following it to the town. Picked the church as a somewhat arbitrary finish point then went for a coffee. Felt a very long (and enjoyable) way from Chichester Harbour and Thorney Island. Best part of the day was probably the walk through the Nature Reserve past Camber Castle to Winchelsea in the evening.

The wet day. Wasn't prepared either. Overcast skies round Bewl started spitting after A21 on the walk towards Hawkhurst. What felt like a brief shower soon became a sustained downpour. We were soaked for the coffee at Bodiam Castle tearoom and arriving at the White Dog in Ewhurst Green. At least I forgot about the sore feet and niggling back.

The 'exceptionally attractive section', according to the guide, and who would argue? It started well and reached new heights through Eridge Park. Weather a bit warm, and coke and ice cream at Wadhurst and then pint at The Vine were welcome before early evening wander alongside Bewl Water.