We have had some great days out running recently. Last weekend we went up  the Grey Corries. It was a glorious day, sunny and warm in the valley although there was a fairly vicious cold wind higher up. We ran through the forest then plodded up the broad snout of Beinn na Socaich onto Stob Coire Easain . The view from the top was magnificent- pristine snowy peaks as far as the eye could see. We followed the narrow ridge south west and then descended the slope .We took the opportunity to practise some ice axe arrests and enjoyed glissading- ie sliding on one's bum using the ice axe for control .
Once in Glen Nevis we followed the river down to Steall, where we saw the first people of the day. Steall is a lovely place surrounded by mountains with cascading waterfalls and a beautiful gorge. On this occasion in the golden evening light it was paradise ! It is a fairly long trek back to Fort William especially when you stop every 5 minutes to take photographs of the Ben.

Glen Nevis at Steall in the summer.

Sketch of Steall done nearly 3 years ago in the summer.

Yesterday was another lovely day . We got the train  to Bridge of Orchy and then ran the 35 miles back to Fort William. Unfortunately we were caught out by the good weather ! Expecting rain and cold we had packed loads of extra layers . In the event it was sunny and warm so it all remained  in our packs which were then ridicuously heavy. Still I guess carrying a heavy load increases the training effect.

Quick sketch of the Buchaille from the ski centre where we had a cup of coffee

 It is the first time we've done the Bridge of Orchy run this year and we are not very fit however we had a very enjoyable day.Rhannoch Moor ,Glencoe , The Devil's Staircase, The Lairig Mor they're just delectable.Not only is the scenery ravisingly beautiful but these places we love because of the wonderful experiences we have have had on the West Highland Way over the years.

Woman on the train to Bridge of Orchy

Sketch of the Sound of Mull from Lochaline done on Friday