Category Archives: Travel

Tour of Mont Blanc 6 days in

We’re enjoying fantastic views of snow capped mountains, glaciers and fields upon fields full of wild flowers. We are also feeling exhilarated and exhausted in equal measure. We’ve run and hiked over 80 miles and climbed numerous hills and mountains. The trail is busy with people from all over Europe and the States. Our accommodation has been comfortable, staying in basic mountain hostels, comfortable hotels and luxury apartments. Tomorrow involves a big climb of over 2000m so we are resting up and fuelling up in readiness!

 

 

 

Tour of Mont Blanc 3 days in

 

David, Mirsie, Mike, Lorraine, Holly & Joe, TMB 2022
David, Mirsie, Mike, Lorraine, Holly & Joe, start of TMB 2022

Having completed day 3 of our Tour of Mont Blanc, we arrived this afternoon in the picturesque Italian town of Cormayeur.

We’ve now covered over 40 miles and climbed over 9,600ft (2,900m) through the Alps. The views are just stunning. High snow covered mountain peaks and glaciers. The trail is well marked and there are dozens of folk on the trail some like us traveling light, others carrying 15kg+ backpacks. There are mountain bikers too. It’s all very social. The mountain refuges have large dorm rooms and hearty, carbo loaded meals. We’re having a blast!

The view from Chamonix

Wow! Fantastic views from one of the many trails around Chamonix. We’ve arrived here for a couple of days of rest before our walking and running tour of Mont Blanc. One of the most popular walking routes in Europe, it covers around 105 miles with a combined ascent and descent of over 10,000m. The trails and mountain passes will take us from France to Italy to Switzerland before finishing back in Chamonix. Bring it on!

Exploring Glencoe

A little visit to Glen Coe. Exploring these mountains is always exciting. Mountains are so special. They are truly magical. Navigating exposed rocks makes for tricky climbing. While at the same time I’m trying to find the right route – all this tests your mental abilities. Climbing mountains teaches me patience, persistence and above all gratitude. After spending time in the mountains I always feel the urge to come back for more.

Easy run in the Kilpatrick Hills

Easy run on the Saturday before Christmas in the Kilpatrick Hills, starting from the car park at Overtoun House, Milton.  A steep climb quickly took us above the clouds giving us lots of sunlights and views of the cloud inversion. We got to enjoy a ‘white bow’ too. Underfoot was a little boggy in places but with spectacular views at the summit of Doughnot Hill looking over towards Loch Lommond and the Campsie Fells.

 

Hiking the Buachaille Etive Mor in Glen Coe


A day trip from Glasgow saw David and I hike up a couple of peaks in the Buachaille Etive Mor area of Glen Coe. The views were incredible and the weather was perfect for a November hike. There was snow on the summits with a fluttering of snow coming down as we hiked and ran.


We reached a couple of summits: Stob na Broige 956m) and Stob na Doire (1010m), having climbed and scrambled up a couple of relatively steep sections. There were about a dozen other hikers on the mountain including a group of women I knew well also from Glasgow! Easy parking at the Three Sisters Car Park on the A82. A great day!

 

 

 

Taking part in TDS 2021

The UTMB is the most incredible trail-running festival in the world! Each year, the best athletes meet in Chamonix… Runners participate in one of the event’s 7 races. I was privileged to take part in the TDS event and the atmosphere was electric. This was an extremely technically challenging mountain race, with several craggy climbs and descents all requiring precise footing and balance. Sadly I didn’t get to finish the race. It was heart breaking to know that only a few metres ahead of me, there was an accident that unfortunately caused the death of a young Czech runner. My heart went out to him and his family.

Mirsie with pro athlete Fernanda Maciel from Brazil