19A - STUCHD AN LOCHAIN
Stucd an Lochain seen from Meall Buidhe. Photo Colin Lamont
4.3 miles 720 metres
Start Friday 10.26
Stuchd an Lochain 11.03
Finish 11.22
Squares: green - start, yellow - changeover, red - other leg finishes. Circles summits: green - this leg. Map Colin Matheson
Time: Estimated 1.02 Actual 0.56
Graeme writes:
Early in the morning I stumbled from my resting place to greet Ross arising from his tent but he gave me a funny look and no wonder for it wasn't him but someone else who looked remarkably similar. I later found out it was Tony, a friend of Eddie's.
It was a pleasant bright morning and people were out bird spotting, or rather Mark spotting as he was on one of the shortest runs in the relay, most of which could be seen from our camping spot. It was a fine sight seeing him stride strongly along the dam backed by supporting cheers from down below. It gave the feeling of cogs again.
The van with Ross and I then moved down to Glen Lyon to await Eddie from his leg. He soon appeared and after a short drive I was on my way.
A day-time leg at last, and the sun is shining I thought and I've got my shorts on, it's brilliant! This is what the relay should be like. A steep walking climb past plantation, over fence, through an odd crag or two in a direct line towards top. That's me warmed up. Bimble running bits once the gradient eased in the area of the Allt Cashlie. There was a refreshing light breeze blowing over the soft grass and light heathery slope which made conditions ideal. On ascending the final steeper incline I began to gain my first views of the more interesting north side of the mountain and quickly gathered my bearings.
I enjoyed the freeness of running easterly round the plateau like ridge unencumbered by waterproofs and jackets and was surprised how strong I felt considering I'd had quite a fast 2 hour run only the previous evening. I was definitely on a high due to the weather but felt slightly disappointed that there wasn't a walker around to greet with enthusiasm. It was a weekday after all I supposed.
I considered contouring past spot height 887 but seeing the angle and loose rocks on the slope soon ended that idea so up and over I went. Once over I spotted my target way below and dive bomb descended towards it, arms spread, gliding almost like an eagle after prey. I seemed to lose height so effortlessly and yet kept looking up at where I was heading that I wondered whether a parachutist had similar feelings while coming in to land.
I couldn't help but beam big smiles at the awaiting bodies down by the dam after the short tarmac ending for it had been such an enjoyable well needed run.
After my quick dash it was back to breath easy time again, and I did while watching Ross scampering on his leg. Eddie and I then moved leisurely to join the others for a lazy sunny afternoon at the Schiehallion car park before moving to Glenshee with the mothership.
Peaks done 110 Hours elapsed 124 Peaks to do 167
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