Wednesday 5 February 2025 - Stob Breac

Sue and Roger went up Beinn Tulaichean (946 metres). It's in the area above that Jenny, Phil, Richard and I were looking across to from our path up a lesser hill, Stob Breac (688 metres).

The forestry track on which we rose from 120 metres to over 400 metres offered frequent glimpses of the mountains in the area between Crianlarich and Callander. 

We missed the guide book's recommended fire break and finished up tackling a steeper version.

Once we were above the treeline the steep slope didn't relent, but the views opened out.

We slogged our way up to the 688 metres summit.

It's a very small cairn!

Then we headed back down.

I managed to glissade down some of the steeper sections, leaving me in the unusual position of being ahead of the others.

Lunch was taken at the edge of the forest.

The firebreak that led back to the forestry track was the guidebook route. It includes a tricky traverse past the waterfall shown below in the distance.

After surprising a few red deer, we were thankful to rejoin the forestry track for the last bit of the descent to the car park.

Here's our route - 11km with 650 metres ascent, taking about 5 hours

Another excellent day in the mountains, albeit not a very high one today. 

Tuesday 4 February 2025 - Ben A'an

Today was a wet day in the Trossachs. That led to a lazy morning and an afternoon stroll up this shapely hill.

Nine of us ascended, with good views back to  Loch Achray.

This waterfall contributed to the noisy river outside our bedroom window that disturbed last night's sleep.

The sun came out!

Ben A'an is the shapely hill ahead. It's a steep but short climb.

Once on the top, we enjoyed a scramble amongst the rocks with splendid views down Loch Katrine.

Roger and Phil then set off into the wilderness to bag Meall Gainmheich, an obscure summit beyond an area of heather and tussocks.

The rest of us eased our way down the steep path to regain our home for the week at the Holiday Property Bond establishment at Tigh Mor, by the end of Loch Achray.

Here's our 5km route. It included 350 metres ascent and took a shade over 2 hours.

Phil and Roger turned up a bit later, by which time it was raining again. 

Saturday 1 February 2025 - Wythenshawe parkrun #604

Sue was away playing at yoga in Wales, so I was alone in greeting Oliver, looking down from his perch.

Well, some 350 folk turned up for number 604 in Wythenshawe's era of parkruns. Here thay are, being addressed by the director of the day, Tris.

I managed 33:21 that just about kept my dodgy knees intact. Position 245 meant I was well ahead of the backmarkers, some of whom are seen in the next two pictures.

Full results are here. Jeanette was our star performer in today's mud.

Then some of the regulars enjoyed our post run coffees. Thanks, whoever bought mine.

Thursday 30 January 2025 - A Taste of Asia at the Aspire Restaurant

Sue and I joined Paul and Jeanette for another visit to the excellent restaurant run by the students of Trafford College as part of their 'course work'.

This time it was an Asian themed taster menu, neatly provided in the envelope shown above. 

All of it delicious, and with cocktails to start, a nice bottle of wine, and a generous tip, the cost was a very reasonable £35 a head.

Followed by coffee etc.

Well done, students of Trafford College