Now that’s got to be one of the coolest names for a parkrun, as well as “roo” being the nickname for my youngest grandson. We’d had a long standing agreement to take family holiday in Scotland, with plans to climb Ben Nevis. But we ended up staying in a holiday park near Pitlochry, which I felt was too far for the highest peak. Plus I hadn’t done nearly enough climbing or even walking this year, and didn’t think I’d be up to it. So we opted for Schiehallion instead, given its links to Scottish Country dancing, as well as being the peak where contour lines were first developed.
As for parkruns, I’d assumed I might be revisiting Faskally Forest parkrun, but to my great delight I discovered that this one in adorable Aberfeldy had just started a few weeks ago. And the Saturday would be Harry’s actual birthday. So off we set!
My son was pushing a double buggy and running with super speedy O, while I was accompanying H on his first ever adult parkrun, though he’d done plenty of juniors.
Access:
It’s on a fitness trail just by the fabulous John Wade bridge. Parking on some grass, which can get slippy and mucky, but there’s space for 100 or so vehicles – we even managed to park a motorhome! I recognised the car park marshall as none other than PFS ambassador Davie Black, who I’d first met back when doing parkrun tourism: Edinburgh
Facilities:
No loos on site, but parfaff afterwards is at the Ailean Craggan Hotel, where they do a parkrun special offer on bacon butties and coffee.
Crowd:
There were 120 when I visited – plenty of local Scots, some holiday makers like myself, I spotted one other cow cowl. Lots of family groups, and plenty of dogs, both running and volunteering. Speaking of which, the timekeepers had really smart little umbrellas to avoid the phantom times recorded by raindrops.
And the RD wore a kangaroo costume!
And a visitor celebrating his 500 delivered the parkrun brief in the style of Rabbie Burns. (Don’t go looking for the statue, it’s away for cleaning. So they say).
Course:
3 laps of the fitness trail, lovely views of the bridge, trip trap over a few wooden bridges, well marshalled. Some of the course is on grass, so wear appropriate footwear. We had a female first finisher this day!
Gear:
I was in long black running pants, my 250 t-shirt though it wasn’t visible under my blue raincoat, saucony trainers that I was travelling in. Midge repellent is a good idea!
Time:
We were walking. My muscles were still aching after the climb on Wednesday, and I was wearing an ankle support on my right foot. So it took us just over an hour. And I did my signature skip-change step over the finish line.
The RSCDS is celebrating its centenary this year, and as it had its very first meeting in Glasgow, it was only fitting that this year’s autumn gathering took place in dear ole Glasgow toon. I’d previously ran at Victoria, Glasgow, so was keen to try a different one. Ruchill (pronounced as if saying the F word but with a soft ch at the end, like loch) is in the Maryhill area, on the north side of the city. It is famous for having a “whale shaped” course, and for affording fabulous views over the city and to the hills beyond.
Access:
I wasn’t too sure of the public transport options, so got a taxi to take me there. I’d booked it for 8.30, but it arrived at 8.10! Thank goodness, me being me, I was ready and waiting in the hotel reception. The fare was £10. Having more time afterwards, I was able to get a No 60 bus back into town. The bus stop is near the fire station, a short walk from the park.
Course:
The whale is composed of a large lap (the body), and a short lap (the tail). The full sequence of laps is large, small, large, small, large. There’s a small section where runners are going in both directions. And boy is it hilly! I absolutely loved the chalked signs on the footpath, reminding us that it’s just “a wee incline”, as well as thanking the volunteers, pointing out the view, and giving encouraging messages. As well as these, the course was well signposted with direction arrows, and cones blocking off any paths not to be taken, and warning of any trip hazards. In November, the colours of the trees were just stunning.
Facilities:
No toilets or cafe in the park, and most people just seemed to head off afterwards.
Crowd:
There are usually around 100 participants. I chatted to another couple of cow-cowl wearers, who like me were delighted to get another Letter R in order to spell the word “parkrun”. I’d got there quite early, but there were already chatty and welcoming volunteers there. First timers gather around the “Tree of Knowledge” for a briefing.
Gear:
It was November, in Scotland, so I was wrapped up well. My heaviest running trousers, Jog Lisburn base layer and With Me Now T, cow cowl, gloves and headband. Little zippy belt to hold money and phone, and Cracker can fit onto this belt too. Blue Hokas which the photographer managed to capture in a rare flying feet photo!
Time:
I’m awffy slow these days, plus it was hilly, and I did keep stopping to take pictures. But I was first in my age category! 47 mins something.
Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:
I had my headphones with me but didn’t get get round to putting them on! But I had plenty of Scottish dance tunes running through my head, as I was going over dances for the evening programmes.
“ there’s a million things I haven’t done, but just you wait”
So sings Alexander Hamilton in the eponymous hit show.
As I prepared for my stint as Summer School Depute Director (or Deputy Dawg), I was very cognisant of the fact that I was about to do an awful lot of things that I’d never done before, so I was understandably apprehensive. And I asked myself, why on earth I’d wanted to do this?
I’d noticed that I was clenching my jaw, as I pondered how I could manage to pull off MCing in the Younger Hall, 200 eager faces looking up at me, and the renowned Jim Lindsay Band beside me. Could I put together a spectacular dem team, make sure the exams ran smoothly, and keep an eye on the young folk attending in week 3? And could I also juggle teaching a Saturday morning class, MCing the ceilidh, as well as assisting in the ambitious centenary events being planned? The depute’s “brief” is anything but!
So here we go with Deputy Dawg’s Blog
Day 1– Saturday
I was doing weeks 3 and 4 along with Director Sue. I’d asked if I could arrive on the Saturday before my fortnight started, to ensure I got there in time, and to get a decent handover with the previous team (directors and deputes do 2 weeks each.)
My first “million things I haven’t done” (MTIHD) was actually to drive to St Andrews-previously I’d flown, train, bussed, but it would be very useful to have transport to get round all the halls being used, or indeed, ferry someone to hospital.
My parkrun mascot, Cracker, came with me, though I would be missing 3 Saturday parkruns on the trot. On the ferry, I was directed into the bowels of the ship, deck 1, right at the front, pointing forward. So not only would I have to reverse to get out, I’d also have to go back up that scary steep ramp, my sensors beeping as I pressed the accelerator. And yes, I was last off the boat.
The journey up was pleasant and uneventful (I like that in a journey), with a toilet stop in Ayr, and a stretch of the legs once I got north of Glasgow. The sat nav took me easily to university hall, where I was delighted to find I had an en suite room for the fortnight. This was a real game changer for me, I find the shared facilities an awkwardness I could do without.
Over dinner it was a lot of saying Hi to old friends, who would sadly be leaving tomorrow. I watched the dancing from the balcony in the Younger Hall. As I wasn’t technically an attendee yet, I couldn’t join the dancing, but I was envious of all the space they had to dance, my 2 weeks had much bigger numbers, and space on that famous sprung floor would be at a premium.
Day 2 Sunday
9 am start. Handover with previous depute, who took me through the intricacies of the noticeboard, which would be the bane of my life, with its fiddly key and out-of-arms-reach height.
I sorted the name badges into alphabetical order and got ready for this week’s arrivals. Although registration wasn’t officially till 4, some attendees arrived before this, especially those coming from far away. At the front door I met a charming Japanese couple, who spoke absolutely no English. I tried to explain to them that they could leave their luggage here and come back later to register. Google translate on the phone is a godsend!
Some attendees had volunteered to help with registration, so I briefed them while we started dishing out badges.
Staff meeting at 5 with director Sue highlighting the week’s events.
Junior summer camp was on this week, so we said hi to the young ‘uns. Then a First timers briefing, introducing them to their teacher and answering any questions.
The traditional drinks reception was at 8.15, including a welcome speech from Sue. No photography as we have under 18s this week, and no alcohol to be left in the party room.
Next on my MTIHD was to call the dances in the common room, accompanied by Alan Ross. It was a lot of fun, and I soon relaxed into it. Alan was very calm, and played some fantastic tunes that had the crowd demanding more.
Tidied up, closed windows.
Drinks in directors study for the musicians Frank and Alan. The depute’s job is to replenish the ice, slice lemons, help serve drinks and hand round nibbles. I was trying desperately to remember a joke I’d heard, but, in best Morecambe and wise style, I was using all the right words, but not necessarily in the right order.
Day 3 Monday
Remembered that joke for Frank! (See footnotes, but don’t get overexcited) But it’s not a suitable one for the ceilidh.
I stationed myself with a coffee in the crush hall, aiming to ensure that first timers found their teacher or knew where they were going, and trying to deal with people already asking to change classes.
We packed some bags with teas, coffees etc for all the halls, before doing our rounds. Shock horror, there was No Coffee in Town hall! We got sorted with the janitor who will do it for the rest of the fortnight, so taking any pressure off us.
I was paying particular attention to the dancers in the High impact classes to identify dem team possibilities.
After lunch, we had a meeting with teachers to sort out class moves (all sorts of reasons given from the students!)
Some of the unit 3 candidates hadn’t submitted their photos, so I went to their classes and took the necessary headshots.
After evening dinner, we went to the town hall, where I continued my search for the dem team. I think I have 4 women ok but need a man number 4. I really want 4 of each for this week’s dem, because of how the opening placing will look. It doesn’t help when people don’t wear their name badges, cos I don’t know everyone’s names. And the men’s habit of wearing their badge on their belt makes it very awkward to try to read it.
Day 4 Tuesday
Waited in the foyer to pass on a few messages incl no videoing, as someone had ignored the instruction and posted something on Facebook already!
More requests to move class kept coming in.
Topped up supplies in guide hall, joined in with beginners to make up set.
Into the office for some admin, people still want to move class, or come up with solutions for noisy hand dryers. The junior summer camp presented us with some hand decorated plaques and door hangers.
We reckon Julie Walters and Dame Judi Dench will play us in the movie version of this fortnight.
At the Dem team first rehearsal, we revised Domino 5, and then put it into an overlapping set. It went really well! What a great bunch they are, full of enthusiasm and diligence. May be a MTIHD but it’s a delight to be working with some of the best dancers in the world.
Wrote up dem intro that the MC will read out on Thursday night, but cannot work out how to email it.
I managed to drive all-round the wee streets of St Andrews! And only had to three-point turn once! (You can’t drive through the arch going out of town).
Evening dance in the Younger hall, for this week’s centenary event, a live link up with TAC in Halifax. After quite a few anxious minutes trying to work out if we could both see and hear each other, and a £100 phone bill as Sue phoned her counterpart across the pond, we were off. We tried dancing the slosh and the can-can, just to make sure they were actually seeing us, and cheered when they copied what we were doing. What an amazing experience, I cried with joy at the bouncing floor, the stellar music, watching folk on the other side of the world do the same dances, sheer magic.
Day 5 Wednesday
Worked out how to use the complicated laundry room.
We took a Good Hard Look at the advanced class, to assess the folk who wanted moved up, and decide where the most suitable place for them was.
I walked back via the other halls, and joined in with the beginners again.
As part of Exam prep, got a list of the candidates.
Dem team rehearsal, cleaning the phrasing and starting to practice how we would walk on and off.
Didn’t sleep well, anxious about the dem. Was I taking too much of a risk with Domino 5?
Day 6 Thursday
People badly parked on the entrance road, took a note of their number plates on my rounds to try to identify the culprits.
Younger Hall, it’s a new class after the half way switch, and they don’t know how the coffee works.
Dem team practice in situ, I used blue tak dots to help identify the opening spots for each dancer, and let the team line up with floor-boards, windows, lights etc. before removing the blue tak.
I videoed their rehearsal, which was a useful way for us all to review and critique their performance.
Changed into tartan frock, and drove down with the till and the sashes.
Laid out sash and pins, and then discovered that none of them knew how to sash!
So I was furiously pinning up to the last minute, hoping that they would all look the same.
I took the team photo at the front door before they danced, though we will do the traditional staircase one as well.
I was so anxious, I think I held my breath throughout their performance. But they were brilliant, and I received lots of positive comments afterwards.
It was a quiet morning, we kept asking ourselves, should I be doing something!
Got strawberry tarts for examiners, and a charity shop glass to be mine with an identifying tartan ribbon.
Returned the dresses and sashes to the office, so they can be washed for next week.
Lunch was set out for the examiners in the directors study.
The exams ran smoothly, and I changed into one of my many frocks for the garden party, where I was in charge of pouring prosecco. Outside, the photographer was filming Dashing White Sergeant, with a drone. I can’t wait to see the end result of that one!
Cleared party room, and checked the layout of chairs for the ceilidh.
Day 8 Saturday
Checked party room, before a quick round of the classes, delivering missing shoes, laptops, etc.
One of the Candidate’s car has broken down
Managed to get an ice-cream at Janetttas, at last!
Guided Sue through the complicated laundry process.
Checked over cribs for tonight.
Helped folk sort out travel arrangements, especially those with a long journey ahead.
I had a quick power nap after lunch, before the staff and volunteers party.
I was a bit nervous before the evening, but made a coffee, took it to my room, and spoke out loud the words I am going to say.
Drove down to the Younger Hall , and put up the wall programmes. Deep breaths, I told myself, fake it till you make it. The Jim Lindsay band is so professional, they were a delight to be on stage with.
After the first few dances were called OK, I relaxed and started to enjoy myself. I made a few slip ups, but nothing major.
We finished bang on 11 as required, and I enjoyed a much needed GnT on my return.
Day 9 Sunday
I woke early, still buzzing after last night.
Tidied the party room, and started prepping name badges for the next intake.
Trying to work out how many sign up sheets I’ll need this week, with 2 candidate classes running, and volunteers required for their Unit 3.
Class lists pinned up, using someone tall for height.
Sweepstake on when the first class move request comes in (10 to 4). To be fair, it was from a husband and wife in different classes.
Staff meeting at 5, First timers briefing at 8, welcome drink 8-15, calling dances in the common room with Scott Band. This week’s attendees are all very competent dancers, and we had great fun!
Day 10Monday
Bracing myself for a raft of requests from dancers, teachers, examiners.
I’m worried that this week’s dem won’t have the wow factor of last weeks.
Not too much chaos at the front door, despite that high percentage of first timers.
Did the milk rounds, and looked at the 2 high impact classes, where there is plenty of choice for the dem team.
In the afternoon, this is the only time I have free before the garden party so I hit the charity shops for a fascinator. Every shop was full of dancers on the same mission.
In the Younger Hall I put up the wall programmes, and then spent the first half on the balcony, identifying my final team. Then I set off to ask them:
3 women said yes, one had to think about it.
3 men said yes, and 3 said no! One was booked on a boat trip, and he would rather see puffins than be on my dem team. Honestly! The next looked at me with terror in his eyes, and I quickly reassured him he could say no! And the third one had a sore foot.
Day 11 Tuesday
I didn’t sleep well.
I was up at 5 doing exam timetables, then a load of laundry,
Over breakfast, we learned that one exam candidate tested positive. I took her breakfast on a tray, and left it outside the door.
But my 4th woman said yes!
Met sore-foot guy in corridor, he agreed to be on the team!
Exam scheduling is a busy period, with candidates needing lesson plans printed and photocopied.
I was just feeling smug about having sorted my dem team, when the first man I’d asked called in wearing a mask to say he’s not feeling well. I sent him off with a covid test and my email address to keep in touch, as his US phone was being temperamental. Asked one of the fully certificated class to be his replacement, and started looking at 3c dances in case I need to re-do the dem programme.
Day 12 Wednesday
Man number 4 came into the office with a sore shoulder. I don’t really want to ask a member of staff to stand in, though that’s my absolute fallback, but……..
Puffin guy, your moment has come, you’re on the team!
More people testing positive with covid – I drew up a short protocol “what to do” that could be slipped under their door.
Early dem team rehearsal to allow for this week’s centenary event, afternoon tea from the university in Lower College Hall. This was a very swish do, attended by a veritable “who’s who” of RSCDS history, with lots of photographs being taken, and Ian providing some tunes on the fiddle.
Day 13 Thursday
7-30 am call from Sue- I need to take the advanced class as their teacher has covid.
My class musician was Luke Brady, who was a delight to work with. I got a bit confused teaching shehallions, which was made more difficult as I didn’t have an even number of dancers to make up square sets. But after a much needed coffee break we cracked it.
Someone approached me to ask for advice about their branch problems – really? Right here, right now?
There were complaints about the acoustics, I’m not loud enough, why doesn’t the society invest in some microphones.
Over coffee, we learned that another teacher had collapsed and had to be taken to A&E. So we are now 2 teachers short. Having considered all the options we decided to combine both high impact classes, and cancel the afternoon Highland classes
Dem team rehearsal in Younger Hall, they are so keen to make it look wonderful, and just a delight to work with.
I went over lesson plans for the rest of the week. I should’ve done the lesson I’d planned for Saturday, rather than trying to follow someone else’s plans.
Had a look at the ceilidh items, and planning the best running order.
Another candidate tested positive.
I’m feeling very under pressure, but trying to remain calm and diplomatic.
The dem team were all down in the hall in good time, so we got sashes sorted, and they warmed up in the foyer doing the Macarena.
They danced their routine beautifully, christened me their fairy godmother, and gave me a lovely wee card.
Directors study drinks – these constant late nights are getting to me, I’m usually in my bed by 11!
Day 14 Friday
6-30 call from Sue, she’s tested positive. So now we are 2 teachers and a director short.
The exams MUST take priority, the candidates have put so much time, money, effort and energy into getting to this point, I can’t let them down. I re-allocated the exam volunteer supervision duties, including taking people out of the fully cert class to be the required responsible adults. I took the Advanced class in the Old Dining hall from where additional volunteers could easily be plucked. The lesson went much better than yesterday’s, as I’d had more time to prepare. I made sure the examiners were happy and had all the paperwork they needed, and checked that their lunchroom was cleared quickly as they would need that space after the exams concluded.
More attendees testing positive.
I am so touched by how everyone comes to me and says “ how can I help”, and they genuinely mean it, and readily accept whatever task they are given. Some helped to serve drinks and pass round nibbles at the Volunteer thank you party, while someone else tidied up the chequered court where exam volunteers had been having coffee. Others offered hugs, tablet, a listening ear.
Director Jim was around as he’d been examining, and he offered to take my class on Saturday, which really takes off a good bit of pressure. If you are teaching a class, you are non-contactable/ usable for 4 hours.
I had a bit of fun MC-ing the Ceilidh, and people actually laughed at my jokes! We finished in good time, did a couple of ceilidh dances, and I got to bed at 10-30.
Day 15 Saturday
“One day more!”, we are all singing.
I started the clear down, making up a to- do list and then cheerfully ticking off each item.
Some final paperwork from the examiners.
The Garden party was being hosted by the University, and we decided to set it up indoors as rain was forecast.
The little cardboard afternoon tea boxes looked very cute, but they were a bit awkward to manage.
The celebration cake was cut by the youngest attendee, along with the person with the longest attendance record.
I did some packing, before changing into my tartan frock and heading down to the Sports Hall to MC the last dance.
Jim MCed the second half so I could actually do some dancing! Working alongside Luke and his band was an enormous privilege, and was tremendous fun.
It was a nice big hall, we had blue balloons of the number 100, that people enjoyed photographing themselves in.
I’d cleared down the director’s study, so I was grateful when someone offered to host the post-match drinks. I told everyone to get their requests in for next year’s programmes, which I will be devising.
Day 16 Sunday
There were lots of goodbye hugs in the crush hall.
Suggestions received re name badges, speed of recaps, give more info about covid cases, mikes for teachers……
I tidied the party room, took down the posters in Chequered Court, and found homes for the unclaimed raffle prizes.
I set off about 11, and my Sat nav took me a different way from that I’d come, more than 2 weeks ago, but I got to drive across the new Forth Bridge, which as a bridge afficionado was a real thrill.
Arrived at ferry terminal in plenty of time for my 7.30 sailing, But there were technical issues with the ferry, which eventually didn’t leave until after midnight!
After I got home, people kept asking me
Did I enjoy it?
I don’t think “enjoy” is the right word. It’s not that I DIDNT enjoy it, but it was….
…..exhilarating, challenging, rewarding, satisfying, and exhausting. Surprising. A privilege. Relentless.
Could YOU survive on gin, tablet, and 3 hours sleep?
Then you too can be summer school depute director!
Note: joke for Frank. A priest, a vicar and a rabbit go to a clinic to donate blood. The nurse asks the rabbit- and what blood type are you? And the rabbit says -I think I’m a type O.
PS, I get to do it all again next year. And I can’t wait!
Run number 295, event 79, attending the AGM in Perth
It was one of those days where “you don’t have to be mad to be a runner, but it helps!”
The weather was a bit dreich, but the parkrun weather fairy managed to keep the worst of it down to a light drizzle (I believe other events did not get off so lightly!)
Access
It’s about a mile outside Pitlochry itself. I caught at 8.11 train from Perth which had me at the station just after 8.45, in plenty of time to warm-up brisk walk out to the entrance.
Facilities
There is (currently) a dedicated car park for runners, but it IS locked after the event close down, so make sure to move your vehicle afterwards. A cute and clean toilet block is located just near the main entrance. Start and finish are at the same point, so if you trust the “plastic bag by a tree” method, you could leave belongings there. At Your Own Risk, of course.
Course
It takes “undulating” to new levels! The start is up a challenging hill, and then there are 3 sort of oblong laps, with a couple of uphill sections in each. Lots of friendly and chatty marshalls at each station. It is an extremely pretty course (if you can lift your eyes from swearing at the hills), but watch out for slippery leaves, mud, loose stones and tree roots.
Gear
Most Valuable Player award definitely went to my parkrun World Tourist rain jacket, in fetching aqua colour, which kept the rain off during my walk there, and also has a handy zipped pocket where I stored my valuables and tied the jacket round my waist. It even featured in the run report!
I was wearing my new With Me Now T shirt, and the phrase “is it fancy dress?” on the back earned the response “well it was last week!” from fellow tourist Angus. I wore my autumnal leggings, which matched the glorious colours of the forest.
Crowd
There were 47 runners when I visited in November. It’s a relatively new event, so it’s still getting a bit of interest from keen tourists. There’s a caravan site nearby so I’m sure it will attract visitors during the more inclement months. As well as Angus from Inverness, I also got chatting to cow-cowl Colin originally from Crawfordsburn, though he now lives over the water. There was a sizable turnout at the parkfaff café (held this week at the Pitclochry Dam visitor centre, but it’s not always there), where the results were processed at table extremely quickly. My breakfast of smoked salmon draped over scrambled egg on a bed of spinach and potato cakes prompted much jealousy amongst those who’d only opted for a scone (they looked nice too, as did the bacon butties)
Time
I was taking it easy. I’d been dancing for 3 hours the night before, with another 3 hours to do this evening, so I wasn’t going to risk a fall or stumble over those loose stones. 49 minutes, I think it was only the tail walking crew behind me. But time is an illusion anyway.
Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle
I was running with no tech – neither music nor watch. “Naked” I believe that’s called. Anyhoo, I enjoyed the opportunity to chat with fellow runners and volunteers, and to hear the sounds of nature in the birdsong, the wind soughing in the branches, and the gentle ripple of water.
And the rest
It was such a joy to be back at an “in person” dancing event, even though the programme of dances was certainly challenging! Meeting up with old friends, listening to live music, sharing in the joy of dance, it was all rather wonderful.
On the outskirts of Kilmarnock, the rather beautiful country park is well signposted with brown signs. I was there to pick up my new car, which in turn had made its way from Edinburgh, and this was the closest location to the ferry at Cairnryan. (Note for future reference – there are parkuns at Ayr, Girvan, Troon, and Stranraer)
Facilities;
The start and finish are at the same spot, just right by the car park. The car park itself gets pretty busy, especially if there’s football on over the road, so please park considerately. There are clean loos in the visitors centre, which opens at 9. I wasn’t able to hang around afterwards for coffee (did I mention my new car?), but the visitors centre looks worth popping your head round.
Course:
It’s undulating! Feels a bit like a roller coaster at times, and the ups are quite steep – you never gain on the downs what you’ve lost on the ups, but these sharp gradients mean you really have to take care on the descents. The course is a Y-shaped 3 spokes form a central point at a rather picturesque stone bridge, done twice. It is really pretty, passing an animal paddock as well as lovely water features, and I do love running through trees, which are so inspiring. Can get quite muddy underfoot.
Gear:
My blue hokkas were perfect for the terrain, and my apple watch told me how my pace was. I’d asked the UK parkrun Tourists Facebook group’s advice on what top to wear – my apricot ‘parkrundancer’ that was a parkrun forever prize? Or my apricot with my home run, Wallace? My world tourist, or a With Me Now hoping for a “Dolly or Bev” shout-out? My 50 milestone customised with my first 50 events? or my running club T? In the end I went for the first option which was quite fortuitous……
Crowd:
I’d said Hi to the RD on arrival, and during our wee natter he established that I’m involved with the new event at Hillsborough Forest, and said that one of their regulars had run there recently. And he did indeed introduce me later! I approached a couple with someone wearing an apricot T, and they looked t mine to see where i was from. I explained it wasn’t my home location, but that my other main interest is Scottish Country Dancing, and consequently I do be in Scotlandshire fairly frequently. they looked at each other and said “I don’t suppose you know MK?” and I laughed and said, yes i did, she and I did our teacher training final together!
But the real joy was when someone came up to me as I crossed the finish line (doing a Highland dance style skip change step may I say), and I recognised an old face from Jog Lisburn, who I knew had moved to Scotland a few years ago! He’d shouted out “Go Jog Lisburn” as I was rounding the turn cone, but I had headphones on (bone conductors!) and hadn’t heard him. So sorry I didn’t get a photo with him, but it was so good to see running club stablemates in exotic (ish) locations. Here’s George posing with Cracker from a previous occasion. …
Time:
I told the RD I’d expect to run in about 40 mins, so there was no danger of me getting lost! With photo stops I came in at 40-10, which was grand.
Strangely Appropriate Tune On Shuffle:
Not while I was running, but while we were waiting to board the ferry (delayed because of ramp problems in Belfast) R was trying to pair my phone with the new car, and found the latest playlist i’d created, which was for a Scottish Dance class I gave over Zoom. The warm-up dance I’d used was “Prince of Orange”, and of course that made us laugh out loud and agree that the car’s name is Prince!
And the rest:
I always love little trips to Scotland, and this was no exception. We stayed in the Park Hotel right by the football ground, but unfortunately the ramp delays meant we arrived too late for dinner. But the very helpful staff had lots of menus from local takeaways, and i carb-loaded with some very tasty dirty fries. Hotel, parkrun and car place were all in about a 3 mile radius, so the driving was pretty straightforward. I’ll definitely take an opportunity to revisit, and try those famous pies!
This will be my first marathon and I’m absolutely terrified! Any donation you can make will be so much appreciated, plus you’ll be helping to put a smile on many little faces. Thank you!
An early start to catch the 7.30 ferry to Cairn Ryan. This becomes somewhat of a theme. We had booked seats in the Hygge lounge, highly recommended for some peace and quiet in comfy seats. Covid restrictions on-board included mask wearing while moving about the ship, social distancing in queues, and a limit on the number of people allowed in the shop.
As we headed north, I felt echoes of Scottish dances as we passed signs for Ardrossan, Dumbarton, Breadalbane.
We crossed the lofty Erskine Bridge and stopped at Starbucks for a quick lunch. Limited seating indoors, and a one-way system.
The road up the side of Loch Lomond is quite narrow, very busy, and there are a number of roadworks. This was our longest driving day, and our next stop was at the famous Green Welly, where travellers can take a comfort break, get a coffee, something to eat, and browse the extensive range of gifts and outdoor gear. I got a jigsaw, a tartan notebook (in which to record these thoughts and observations), and a Green Welly bauble for the Christmas tree! I buy a new decoration each year, usually on vacation, as it’s lovely to have these reminiscences when decorating the tree in the first weekend of December. It’s tradition, dontchayno.
From here, the scenery really becomes glorious, especially the stunning steep sided Glen Coe. Though I’m never quite sure whether as a Campbell I’m strictly allowed here….
We were staying in the Ben Nevis Hotel in Fort William. It’s a bit outside the town centre, but has plenty of parking. It’s showing its age and is a bit rough round the edges. There is a swimming pool, but you need to book a time, so I wasn’t that organised. We also had to book a time for dinner, so at 6 pm we settled at our table in the bar. It is table service only, and they are quite strict about this. The staff appeared to be struggling, and weren’t really watching the room. I know the hospitality industry has suffered greatly during the pandemic, and post-brexit it is difficult to recruit new employees for this type of work.
The food arrived – but no cutlery. Even though the knives and forks are in a basket on the bar top, you are not allowed to go and just lift some. My salmon and prawn starter was tasty, but the spinach tortellini got a bit cold during the wait for cutlery. The waitress didn’t know what wine they had, or what the soup of the day was.
The England football match was on. It was being shown on a big screen in a large room next to the bar – you were supposed to book a seat, but that did not deter some determined fans who snuck in anyway.
We spotted the “Harry Potter” steam train shunting into a nearby siding, and that gave us an idea for the next day’s adventure…..
I fell asleep during the football and only discovered the next day that Italy had won! I knew I had a bet on them so I waited for the betting site to let me know what my winnings were.
Day 2
Having seen the Hogwarts Express we decided to see if we could get tickets on The Jacobite, a famous steam train that goes twice a day between Fort William and Mallaig. Seats, especially first class, are booked out months in advance, but a helpful sales assistant on the phone revealed that there are a few seats available on the day from the train itself. Cash only (£49 each), queue up where indicated and then head for coach D. Be careful where you leave your car – don’t park in Morrisons car park, use the Long Stay one instead (£4 for 10 hours).
The train itself has a teensy Harry Potter shop where you can purchase chocolate frogs, every flavour jelly beans, magic wands etc, as well as jigsaw puzzles featuring the famous viaduct. (It even appears on the back of a Scottish tenner!) There’s a small buffet car too, but you can bring your own food on board, so I bought a packet of haggis crisps in the shop in the station.
The passengers are a mix of Potter fans and steam train nerds. The view from the left hand side approaching the viaduct is the better one, and there is a short stop in Glenfinnan where we admired the old carriages and even a snow plough. A kilted piper stuck up a few tunes – I was tempted to ask if he knew Flora McDonald and offer to dance…..
The train has a distinctive noise and feel – the chuff-de-chuff and “I think I can, I think I can” chant as we rattle along, the smoke obscuring the view from the windows coming out of tunnels, and the little black “smutties” that come through the open windows.
We stopped for precisely one minute at Ardrisaig. This is so that the train spotters can say that they have been to the most westerly mainland railway station.
Past the Sands of Morar (another dance) and we are soon pulling into Mallaig station, where lots of seagulls are nesting. The nearest loos are just past the police station, and cost 30p, though you can pay contactless. Mallaig is a busy port, with fishing vessels and Cal-Mac ferries, as well as plenty of cafes and restaurants. We found the cute little Harry Potter shop in Haggard Alley, where I was tempted by the Cloak of Invisibility.
Lunch was in The Cabin, a delicious meal accompanied by a salad mercifully free of red onion, and some friendly service.
We left Mallaig at 2.10, I haven’t quite worked out how the engine got to the other side of the train, for there is no turntable.
One coach was now empty, as the passengers had only journeyed one way, so we were able to find seats on the side with the better view. There are loads of bystanders and onlookers waving in the vicinity of the viaduct itself, and people also wave and video and photograph from the road which runs parallel to the track for most of the journey. On a sadder note, the only white wine on board was sauvignon blanc.
Back just after 4, the weather was a wee bit dreich, as they say in these parts, so we didn’t attempt any more sight-not-seeing.
I don’t think my emails are updating properly – still haven’t heard from the betting site.
Day 3
Early start, and after breakfast we set off around 8 am. We stopped at the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie ( to give him his full name Charles Edward Louis John Casimir Sylvester Severino Maria Stuart) raised his standard to commence the Jacobite Rebellion. The view from the little mound behind the visitor centre is amazing. It’s a short uphill walk, but definitely worth it.
We reached Mallaig at 10, where we were catching the ferry over to Armadale on Skye. It was a bit misty and murky, but at £16 for the crossing, this is easily the best way to get to Skye. Had a cup of tea, saw no dolphins.
We stopped for lunch in the Broadford Hotel, rather fine bowls of Cullen skink with warm crusty rolls.
I’d read of the legend of Sligachan Bridge, (built by Thomas Telford), where a local female warrior Scathach did battle with our own Cú Chulainn, but when they resolved their differences without causing mass world destruction the fairies granted the gift of eternal beauty to anyone who immersed their face in the river for 7 seconds. Made perfect sense to me, and of course I had a go! So if you don’t recognise me next time we meet this’ll be why. There is also a statue of a pair of mountaineers who mapped out routes in the mighty Cuillin Mountains.
The next stop was colourful Portree, where we had an ice cream and a wee dander. As we had plenty of time, we decided to try going to Flora McDonald’s grave and memorial, but it was a narrow and twisty single track road so we gave up.
We stayed at the Skeabost View B and B, it’s a little bit remote but has lovely views, and a friendly and welcoming host. After a bit of chillaxing time, we drove back into Portree for fish and chips by the pier. There’s a bit of a wait for these, as it’s a really popular spot.
Back at the B and B we enjoyed watching the sun set and the tide come in, while spotting rabbits in the fields and a sea eagle soaring overhead.
Day 4
We had ordered breakfast the day before. Very fine black pudding indeed comes from Charles Macleod. I had veggie sosig and scrambled legs. We had another early start to catch the ferry at Uig, and were there just before 8.30. There’s not much in Uig, but a rather nice little pottery shop does have some tempting wares. This ferry (to Lough Maddy on North Uist) goes at some peculiar times, and not the same time every day, so double check if you are planning on using this route. The views departing Skye are just gorgeous, and there’s plenty of spaces in the lounges, but it’s breezy on deck! Cal-Mac are quite good at keeping social distancing, especially at avoiding congregating on stairs when returning to vehicles. Saw no dolphins.
We arrived in the Outer Hebrides to rather grey and overcast weather, but made our way down some narrow lanes to Baleshare Beach. Windswept and deserted, large pebbles, turquoise surf rolling in, and a very strong breeze!
The guidebook that I’d bought at the Green Welly didn’t show many roads on the map, but it did have an attraction in “Flora McDonald’s House”. It took a bit of hunting down, and was reached down a farmer’s lane, where at the foot of the mound on which it stood were a group of cows and what appeared to be a bull. I made my way to the monument with some trepidation, trying to exude lots of “I come in peace!” vibes to the cattle, but it was unnerving.
The memorial could really do with some (OK, a lot) of TLC. There is an inscription, but it was so old I couldn’t make it out. I had planned to video myself doing the highland dance “Flora McDonald’s Fancy” on this spot. I started, but went wrong in the second step as I was a wee bitty nervous about antagonising the coos! So I abandoned that and tiptoed my way back to the car saying “there there, nice cattle” in what I hoped was a soothing voice.
Having left from Skye and already been on North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist, we thought we might as well add another island to our itinerary, and crossed the causeway to Eriskay, bemused by the “Otters crossing” sign as we did. The causeway only opened 20 years ago and was a much welcomed transport link. We visited the well-stocked Eriskay shop, where I bought a colourful wall calendar for next year. And had a drink in Am Politician, the pub named after the vessel which ran aground near here carrying a valuable cargo of whisky, inspiring the book and film “Whisky Galore”.
Our stopover this evening was the Borrodale Hotel, in a lovely room that had recently been refurbished and has a bath with Jacuzzi jets! Their anti-Covid measures were being very well observed, with one way systems and social distancing.
Dinner was langoustines and seafood linguine, though I was disappointed to find crab sticks as part of the seafood. Early to bed as we had a very early start next day to catch yet another ferry.
Day 5
The hotel had provided a takeaway breakfast for us as we were leaving so early – fruit juice, sandwiches, crisps, piece of fruit, yoghurt and a chocolate biscuit. We arrived just before 6 am at Lough Boisdale terminal, which is small but efficient. This was a long ferry crossing, and I found a good spot on the top deck to take in the stunning views as we left Uist, and sailed between Skye and the “cocktail islands” of Eigg, Muck and Rum. And Canna.
Saw dolphins! Several pods of orca, with their black fins repeatedly breaking the surface. A keen passenger with binoculars did exclaim “whale!” at one point, but I didn’t see it.
Disembarking was well organised, with staff ensuring that there was no congregating on the stairs. We were quickly off into Mallaig (again) and back down the Road to the Isles. We had hoped that our timings might allow us to photograph the Jacobite as our paths crossed, but it was stopped at Glenfinnan station as we passed.
The sun was shining on Ben Nevis and the surrounding scenery as we made our way to Oban and the Great Western Hotel. There is some parking to the front, which is £6 per night and protected by lockable bollards.
We took an “aimless wander” along the seafront, and had a drink at the Oban Inn, watching the constant stream of maritime traffic across the bay. Continuing on to South Pier I had scampi and chips while he had battered black pudding!
Back to the hotel we checked in and unpacked. I walked up the steep hill to McCaig’s folly, where I posted a “where’s Linda” Facebook picture. And lo, one of my old pals from Luxembourg said that she lives in Oban and we arranged to meet for coffee the next day.
We had dinner at Coast – I had veggie curry which was rather nice.
Day 6
I found a chatbox on my betting site to see why my winnings hadn’t been paid out…..only to discover I’d bet on the wrong flippin’ competition! I headed out early for a run, and my headphones were not working, so I was full of self-recrimination and negative thoughts as I ran to Ganavan Sands, where the parkrun would be, if it were on.
Breakfast was a bit slow, having to wait to be served, and for tea/ coffee top ups.
We had hoped to visit the “hollow mountain” dam at Cruachan, but their phone line said that they would remain closed throughout 2020 (sic). (Rumour has it a major blockbuster movie is currently being filmed there). Instead, we visited the rugged stronghold at Dunstaffnage Castle, home to my Campbell ancestors, and where Flora McDonald was held after BPC’s escape. The castle is currently closed to visitors, but there’s a lovely old chapel in the grounds, and the information board mentioned other old stones at Ardchattan Priory, so we went there next. But while the Priory is open to walk around its extensive gardens (£5), the stones are a good 1800m walk away. Across a field. Uphill. With livestock. So we didn’t.
In Connel we attempted finding the Falls of Lora but without success. For future reference they are a weir under the bridge, so check the tide times for the best views of kayakers attempting it.
Back in Oban, we tried to book a table in famous fish restaurant Ee Usk, but nothing was available, so instead we booked at the Piazza next door, given that it had lovely views over the bay. We had a light lunch of mackerel pate and Haggis pot at the Oban Inn, though we had to wait for cutlery to be brought out. After an ice cream we had a quick potter round the charity shops, where I found an aboyne blouse for my highland dancing. Then I went to Roxy’s bakery on Argyll Square where I met up with Clare, and we chatted about old times over a tasty lemon and blueberry slice. She’s a bit of a whisky expert so we took a quick look into the shop at the distillery in the centre of town, and she gave me some tips and suggestions for what I might like.
I changed into a holiday maxi dress for dinner, and we headed to la Piazza. We shared a garlic flatbread to start, and then I had very tasty seabass on leeks and linguine. But the noise levels inside this glass box were rising alarmingly, and I slipped out as soon as I had eaten.
Wandering back to the hotel, a piper on one of the boats docked at North Pier struck up a few tunes. I should’ve called over and asked if he could play Flora McDonald, but it was probably a bit too slippy to dance on the slipway.
Day 7
For breakfast I had fruit salad and a croissant. The weather was a bit misty, but we braved the tight and twisty road up to Pulpit Hill, where we enjoyed great views of the bay, even though we couldn’t see too much of the islands beyond.
We took the long way round the Argyll coast to our next destination, and even managed a detour to the Clachan Bridge onto Sheil Island, the “Bridge over the Atlantic”. This is a scarily steep bridge, we were astonished that lorries and coaches made their way over it. It is the only way onto and off the island – so don’t listen to the satnav telling you to carry on down the road to Easdale, you’ll just have to come back on yourself.
A brief stop off at Loch Melfort Hotel to enjoy the view, and then a stop at Lochgilphead for lunch. There is an extensive programme of work upgrading the seafront, I look forward to returning when it is complete. We dined in a little Italian chipper, where I had a mozzarella and mushroom toastie, before getting an ice cream while we wandered to the teeny stone bridge at the edge of town and carefully crossed the road to see the Crinan Canal. Sadly no boats were passing needing to use the swing bridge.
Our journey continued along the sumptuous shores of Loch Fyne and through Inverary. We had a break in the Loch Fyne Oyster complex, where I stocked up on a few essentials (Oban chocolates, haggis crisps, seaweed lip balm) in the little deli, before reaching the Tarbet Hotel.
This is a very old brownstone building which stands right on a major junction in north Loch Lomond. Traffic heading further north to Oban and Fort William makes a right hand turn here, and it is amusing (and a little scary) to watch some vehicles miss the main turn off and then try to cut down the lane meant for traffic approaching from the other direction. I’m amazed there aren’t more accidents here! The sun was shining, we had a table outside, and the views across to Ben Lomond over the sparkling water were beautiful.
I was a little concerned at their Covid practices. Everywhere else we had been was strict table service: here, you just grab a table that’s free, even if there are empty glasses and crockery on it (ie it has not been sanitised between uses), and then queue at the bar for your drink. The staff try to remind people to socially distance and wear masks, but it’s not well observed. The revolving door was in use (at the last hotel their revolving door was NOT to be used).
The hotel is showing its age, the floors are a bit uneven and creaky, and whilst there is a lift, you still have to negotiate stairs to get to your room. The bedroom itself was bright and airy, though with the road nearby it’s noisy.
We’d ordered a set dinner. I had mushroom arancini, which were not bad, and he had filo wrapped prawns. For mains, I had the only veggie option which was a curry. It was OK, could’ve been spicier and a few more chickpeas wouldn’t go amiss. R ordered lamb but without the mint gravy. Of course, it came swimming in gravy. For dessert I had churros with a very nice chocolate sauce.
After dinner we walked to the loch shore. It’s a very busy spot, full of motorhomes and picnickers.
Day 8
Worst. Breakfast. Ever
I’d gone for an early morning run, which instead turned into a hike through the Tarbet Isle woods, with some lovely views over the loch. Came back, showered, and we went down for our allotted time of 9 am, since we were not in a huge rush. We had booked this location as it’s only about a 3 hour drive from here to the ferry home.
Tea and coffee came OK, as well as some rather nice toast. I ordered porridge, R the cooked breakfast with no bacon, beans or tomato, but extra haggis and 2 poached eggs. We waited. And waited. After 25 mins R went to chase up the missing food. A large bowl of grey goo with an unwiped splodge on the edge of the plate was given to me. R got a plate containing…..2 poached eggs and some haggis. We complained again, and asked for extra toast. I pushed around my rather unappetising porridge, which had neither honey nor compote that the menu had promised. R’s plate arrived back. The eggs were hard, as was the tattie scone and lorne sausage. We asked to speak to the manager, or the most senior person in charge. He agreed it was unacceptable, and deducted the cost of breakfast from our bill.
I do get it, staff are hard to come by and need time to be trained. But this was clearly not just an issue for ourselves, given some of the recent reviews on Trip Advisor. I had a bet on the extra toast arriving, but no surprises given my gambling prowess that it did not.
Packing and checkout done, we took a route via Garelochhead which avoided the heavy traffic down Lomond’s side. This is still the nuclear naval base, which provided for a different sort of view. We stopped in Helensburgh for an ice cream at Dino’s, admiring the black sails of the boats racing on the water.
Back across the Erskine Bridge and the scenery is a lot more mundane. Slow moving traffic and roadworks held us up a bit, and I didn’t get to do a five minute stop for shortbread-and-tablet-for-the-office. Ach well, it’s for their own good!
Final ferry home was grand, I do love watching the H&W cranes loom large as we approach. No dolphins though.
Haste Ye Back, say all the signs as you leave a wee village or toon. Don’t worry, we will.
parkrun #268 event #68 and final letter in UK alphabet!
Reason for visit: attending the annual autumn gathering of Scottish Country dance in Perth.
I’ve been to this annual dance get together for 7 years in a row. Perth, while having a lovely parkrun of its own, right beside where the dancing happens, is also a handy base to explore further afield. I’ve used it to reach Camperdown and Kirkcaldy, and this year I was delighted to discover that a new parkrun had started at the University of Stirling, and did indeed begin with that elusive letter U!
Access:
From Perth, I caught the 7.15 train to Bridge of Allan.
I followed the very helpful directions given on the parkrun page, inclduing crossing the road at the appropriate point.
Trains are not that frequent so make sure you check a timetable for times.
Facilities:
There seemed to be plenty of parking, and clean loos were located in the swimming centre, a reminder of Scotland’s prowess in this acivity (swimming, not going to the loo…..)
Crowd:
Plenty of students, of course, and being an elusive letter I saw several other cow cowls, and gave a “Dolly or Bev” shoutout to a With Me Now T shirt. It’s dog friendly, and there were even a couple of prams. There were around 200 when I visited.
As I was doing my final km I found a barcode lying on the ground, and spent the rest of the run waving it at people and going Amanda? Amanda? Until I did indeed find the right Amanda who was over the moon to be reunited with her special scrap of paper. Remember, no barcode, no time!
Course:
It’s absolutely stunning! In November, when I was there, the leaves were all red and gold, there was a morning mist on the lake, and the swans and ducks were enjoying the calm day. 2 and a bit laps of the lake, which is hillier than you think, and prone to flooding and puddles.
Gear:
As it’s overlooked by the mighty Wallace Monument, I should really have worn my home Wallace apricot, but I was giving my 50 events T shirt an airing.
Gloves and cow bobble were important to keep the extremeties warm, and I left my bits and bobs at a tree by the finish funnel.
Time:
I’m still in recovery mode, so was jog walking to a 40 something time.
Afterwards:
I couldn’t find the cafe where they meet, but I called in instead to the lovely Meadow Park, where I treated myself to a veggie haggis bap and a celebratory glass of prosecco, complete with Scottish raspberry.
All for a very reasonable £6.55, served by the friendliest of bar staff.
I go to Perth every year for the Scottish dancing society AGM. The Perth parkrun is lovely, by the banks of the Tay, and I’ve done it a couple of times now. It very handily takes place right beside the Bells Sports Arena, where the dancing happens. But I like to take the opportunity to visit other parkruns when I’m away for the weekend, and I’d managed to do Camperdown in Dundee 2 years ago. When looking at the possibilities this year I whooped with delight when I found that Kirkcaldy was in reaching distance, and would give me a letter K missing from my alphabeteer collection.
Access:
I was staying in close proximity to Perth train station, and bought a return ticket for £19. The journey took around 40 minutes. The walk to Beveridge Park was about 10 – 15 minutes. If I had run at super duper speed I might have made the 10.15 train back, but I didn’t, and had to wait for the 11ish one. At which point I couldn’t find the return portion of my ticket, and had to buy another single at £14!
Crowd:
There were almost 250 runners when I was there, including a couch-to-5k graduation group. I was amused by some of the names of local running clubs such as Scrambled Legs, and the Kirkcaldy Wizards. There’s a Wizard’s Walk in the park which prompted that one.
The volunteers were very friendly and encouraging, and I particularly liked the Tail Wagger.
Facilities:
I passed loos on the way to the start – there was a notice on the door saying a charge of 30p, but I was able to open the door without having to part with any cash.
Not sure about car parking, and coffee afterwards is in the Morrisons. I wandered through the rather empty Postings shopping centre, and found a cafe for a bacon butty and cuppa. There’s a nice museum beside the station should you find yourself with some time to kill.
Gear:
For the first time in my life I ALMOST forgot my barcode! I was halfway from the hotel to the station when I remembered, and had to weigh up whether to sprint back and get it, appeal to the mercy of the RD, or find an internet cafe and print off a paper copy. Sprint it was, I wasn’t taking any chances on missing a K!
My Garmin watch gave up at 30 minutes, I was using plug-in headphones rather than bone-conducting ones, and I wore my increasingly out of date 50 shirt. It was a chilly morning so I also had a long sleeved base layer, gloves, and my cow beanie.
Course:
The course is 2 laps, all on tarmac. There’s an added loop around the duckpond on the second lap, and a rather testing hill.
Start and finish are not in the same place, so there’s a bag system for leaving tops/ keys/ cow beanies which is transported to the finish line. I was there just after Hallowe’en, and the colours of the trees were magnificent.
Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:
I was taking a different approach this time, and listening to the marathon 2 hour long episode of With Me Now. I’ve always found this annoying as a listen when I’m JUST sitting and listening, but I’ve now discovered that it makes the perfect soundtrack to a train ride, stroll, and parkrun. And I did shed a wee tear at the end when PSH was chatting to Danny.
Time:
A ridiculously slow 37 minutes, due to stopping and photographing. But who cares – letter K!
Victoria, eh? Well, having done Belfast Victoria (which is a B for all you alphabteers), and noting that the latest London event is Victoria Dock, and hoping to see my son working on the cruise ship Queen Victoria, I have devised a little Victoria Lap of my own.
Talking of alphabeteering, I still need a G, and was hoping that a trip to Glasgow would net me one. But No! Sort it out, Glaswegians.
Access:
I was staying at the Argyll Hotel on Sauciehall Street, in leafy and beautiful Kelvingrove. There for a dance weekend, Victoria was the nearest parkrun, just under 3 miles away. I’d got to the city using the Hannon Coach service. £29 each way, very relaxed and friendly service, you can take as big a suitcase as you like, no worries about potions and lotions or security queues. I blagged a free upgrade to the Stena Plus lounge, and so my outward leg was very pleasant and well fuelled. There’s wifi on board, and to be honest, the opportunity to just sit in one place and do very little for a few hours was divine. 6 hours, city centre to city centre, which is I reckon about 2 hours more than flying, but waaaay less stressful.
Anyhoo. To the parkrun! The Argyll has a nifty taxi-call button in their reception, and I was kept informed of all the details about my taxi, which took about 15-20 mins to get to the famous Golden Jubilee gates. Many people seemed to arrive on foot or by bike. Car parking is just on the local streets.
Crowd:
On the day I visited, they were having a memorial run for Brian, on what would have been his 42nd birthday. There were quite a few youngsters taking part, but I’m not sure how frequent that is. Average attendance is 250ish, there were 350 this time. The marshalls were really friendly and encouraging.
Course:
It’s a 3 lapper on what at first sight seems a flat tarmac route round the obligatory duck pond.
This of course means that’s there is a sneaky hill hidden behind that clump of trees over there. And you have to do it 3 times. But it’s a wide flat path, and speedy runners will find they can get a good time here. Start and finish are in the same general area. I adored the swans, the daffodils, and the lovely trees. A really pretty park, no wonder it’s a popular spot for locals.
Facilities:
I had trouble finding any loos, and those that should have been open at 9 weren’t. The bag drop is at the tennis court fence.
Gear:
I always travel in my second best trainers, and they were suitable footwear for this course. My Garmin performed as expected, and I wore my tartan leggings, as I was in Bonnie Scotland. No other cow cowls spotted.
Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:
No headphones in, but my internal juke box was playing through the Scottish dances that I have to call at ball in a few weeks time.
Time:
It was a glorious warm morning with blue skies and welcome sunshine, but I found I was having difficulty finding a good rhythym for my breathing. Plus I was in town for a dance thing and didn’t want to risk any injury or aching calves. So it was a slow but safe 34 minutes (that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it…)
And the rest:
The dancing part of the weekend was an absolute joy. It was my first time attending a Spring Fling/ Fringe event,
and having so many young people around made for a lively and exuberant atmosphere.
I bumped into old friends from past Summer and Winter Schools, including one who’d stooged for me in my Unit 3 exam! And I even had a spare hour or so to mooch around the delightful Kelvingrove Museum, and enjoy the organ recital.
I’d harboured a bit of a question mark over whether I’d be able to make this one. All my nearby easily accesible events have now been done, so any additional ones require a bit of effort and sacrifice. I knew I could squeeze Edinburgh into my week at St Andrews summer school, but it would mean missing one class. I’d applied for some financial assistance to attend the course, and would have felt morally wrong in doing this had that been forthcoming. As it was, it was with a clear consience that I boarded the X60 bus which took a lovely leisurely journey along the Fife coastal route to the capital.
Access:
Aside from the scenic bus route, the Edinburgh course is sited at Cramond promenade. Car park spaces are few, thought there is plenty of additional space at the Silverknowes approach. Many people chose to arrive by bike, and it’s also a short stroll from the no.41 bus route.
Judging from the lowness of the planes passing overhead, it would be a short taxi ride from the airport, should you find a suitably early flight. Don’t forget, it’s a 9.30 start in Scotland!
I was staying in a lovely Air BnB a short distance away, and my 10 minute stroll to the start line went along the Almond river, where I heard a woodpecker, and saw this little chap chewing some nuts and spitting the shells into the water below.
Bobbing among the boats was a craft called “Sea Dancer”, and as this run was putting the E into my spelling out DANCER in parkruns, I smiled at the congruence.
Course:
This is a dead flat route, out and back with a loop at one end, named in honour of a departed and much missed local runner.
The views are just magnificent, and I was stopping to take photos as I went. As a bridge afficianado, it was inspiring to see the tips of the now 3 Forth bridges to Fife, the latest Queesnferry crossing being a stunning creation.
The course is fast, and as I hit the 2km marker, the top runners were passing me on their return leg. The male course record is 14.31, the female 16.35.
Facilities:
There are some clean toilets near the start line, and a choice of nearby cafes for coffee afterwards.
Gear:
I was wearing my cow cowl, and met up with some fellow tourists, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.
My earphones died just at the start, so I ran with my phone in my hand, ready to take pictures along the way.
This allowed me to hear all the great support from marshalls and others.
People:
It’s not Scotland’s oldest parkrun, but it is by far its biggest attended. There were nearly 600 running the day I was there, but their record is 731. The numbers increase during Edinburgh Festival season…
The first timers brief was one of the most energetic I’ve ever experienced – the guy delivering it and I worked out we’d met before when he’d been in a group of Scottish runners doing all the Norn Irn parkruns in a weekend, and I’d been at Wallace dishing out haribos.
He threw away anyone’s water bottles, named and shamed those with no barcode, and asked questions at the end of the brief!
I was most impressed by the support outside the cafe, calling out cheery encouragement to many runners by name, and reminding us that we were “living the dream! Scotland’s Bondi beach!”
There were a couple of 250 shirt wearers.
And as I’m spelling my way through the word DANCER, I’m trying to get someone with the correct inital to affix the letter to my tracker. I asked around at the first timers brief, and found a willing Emily (who only went on to be 2nd lady!)
Strangely Approrpirate Song On Shuffle:
Music I had none, so I just had to listen to my breathing. Which I reckoned was in jig time, (as opposed to jog time) and the tune going through my head was Brian the Laundry Boy, by Maureen Rutherford, which Adam Brady had played most beautifully during the demonstration team performance earlier in the week. The tune starts at 2:57.
Well, I had no Minnie, no music, kept stopping to take photos, and hadn’t run all week. Yes, I’d been dancing morning, noon, nad night, but that’s different muscles and different breathing. And anyway, as I’m fond of saying, don’t knock yourself out on a first visit – leave yourself room to grab a PB on a return visit. Of which I truly hope there will be, some day.
This of course means that’s there is a sneaky hill hidden behind that clump of trees over there. And you have to do it 3 times. But it’s a wide flat path, and speedy runners will find they can get a good time here. Start and finish are in the same general area. I adored the swans, the daffodils, and the lovely trees. A really pretty park, no wonder it’s a popular spot for locals.
I bumped into old friends from past Summer and Winter Schools, including one who’d stooged for me in my Unit 3 exam! And I even had a spare hour or so to mooch around the delightful Kelvingrove Museum, and enjoy the organ recital.
The views are just magnificent, and I was stopping to take photos as I went. As a bridge afficianado, it was inspiring to see the tips of the now 3 Forth bridges to Fife, the latest Queesnferry crossing being a stunning creation.
Dancing At Lunacy 