Ben Wyvis training run (1st Munro!)

[JamesA1972]

1st Munro!!!

Last minute decision to put on running shoes, small backpack and go for it!!

Sunny early evening, too hot for a run, but now or never.

Ben Wyvis is the closest Munro to home (I think), and i was in training for run/cycle around loch ness, and hill runs suggested to improve endurance speed etc.

All i knew about hill running was - uphill one way, and downhill back!

Parked up in the usual car park, there were other cars so i assumed many on the hill - all of whom i'd pass with me going up , and them coming down. Although the weather was good, i was going up early evening, hoping to return within a few hours!!

The 1st stretch in the wooded area + over the burn is pretty flat, but i got up a reasonable sweat with the sun beating down. My 2 bottles of water may not be sufficient!

Out onto the bare land and the climb begins. There was a family enjoying a wee picnic by the stream + i took a mental note to take my brood up at some point. Soon i was ascending the main hill and could see An Caber on ahead. My running had reduced to a strained walk by the time the large steps had been reached. I did start counting to pass the time, but lost count around 600! All of which are knee height.

After a few false peaks i had reached An Caber and could see along the top towards the summit (but the descending mist meant that the actual summit was covered). I trudged on, managing to run again across the fairly flat top - surprisingly green - but not surprisingly quiet. I knew the distance to the summit but was soon engulfed in 'clag' seeing only 20m around - quite an eerie sensation this being a 1st M!

Eventually i reached the summit and took some photos to show of the view ( or lack of it ). I gave a cheer, and returned along to An Caber and into sunshine. On the descent i passed a 'proper' runner who was leaping up the large steps probably as fast as i was going down!

All in all a good hill to start with.

85mins to go up
55mins to get back down

Some photos along the way - - - - -

Car park up to Wyvis

Better view of Ben Wyvis

1/2 way looking down

An Caber

along the top

The Top!

!!!!!!!!

[Fudgie]

What an effort. It usually takes me that long to get to the top never mind up and down

[wolf1973]

Done this one in November, cracking sunshine to start and clagg to end, the usual for me
Recon Strathfarrar might be quite close to you to?? Could be worth a look?
Cracking picks and that time up and down . . . . . . . . you must be part mountain goat

[Tomsie]

Well done on 1st, is it a charity event your doing at Loch Ness

[JamesA1972]

Well done on 1st, is it a charity event your doing at Loch Ness

The loch ness monster challenge is part run part cycle - around the loch - sept 2011. Not on this year due to no sponsorship from First Group (usual sponsors).

I am planning west Highland Way early August including some Munros along the way - Lomond looks a popular one.

[Mountainlove]

Brilliant I dont think many people run up their first Munro

[danielsutherland]

Cant believe you ran up your first Munro....well done

I've also ran this a few times too.....the plateaux I find is torture and saps the energy just as much the climb

[JamesA1972]

Brilliant I dont think many people run up their first Munro

It was more a fast walk up if i'm honest! Those steps are big ones!