Highland Fling

The race starts in the centre of Milngavie outside the railway station. Iniitally through a short underpass and then into an enpty shopping centre for the first before starting on the West Highland Way proper and a small dirt path. This part is crowded and you have to run more or less at the pace of the group. This will be in darkness with most runners using a headtorch, but it does make for uncomfortable running. However, at just over you start to leave Milngavie behind and the path opens up and you are on your way towwards the first checkpoint. Daylight will appear in this section, but sunshine might be in short supply given that it is Scotland. There is some nice running in this section although you have to be careful of not going too fast. You soon reach the checkpoint 1 at , Beech Tree, where you get to use your timing chip for the first time. At each checkpoint there are two marshals with the timing chip readers where you simply insert your chip (on a lanyard around your neck), recieve a wee red light and you are off.

Onto the second section and the route out to Drymen with a mix of trail, path, small road and a field to contend with. This seems to be the first part where conversations start to occur between runners. Although there are a few small hills this part of the route doesn't seem to bad. You arrive at a small field where the route goes over a wee hill then heads up to the main road crossing and into checkpoint 2 , Drymen, at . From here the race starts to get tough.

Once past the checkpoint there is a very small section beside the road before taking a right turn and the trail towards Conic hill. This is about of climb with some sections of flatter trail. At the trail reallly starts to climb and where most runners have decided to walk. Once at the top of Conic hill you are rewarded with wonderful views over Loch Lomond. The downhill section is made up of large man laid rocks in the form of steps. Runnable but with caution and we did notice only a few of us were running. This is also where you come across a lot of walkers heading up the hill so you need to be very careful. For us the day was dry at this point so the steps weren't slippy. With checkpoint 3, Balmaha, at the bottom of the hill the added bonus of it being the first bag drop means you can get wee break as you try to work out why you put so much stuff into that first bag.

The next section is mostly trail where it goes up and down every small hill that is possible to go up and down. Nothing too bad and there are parts where you are right down beside the loch, even on the shingle beach at times. A lot of trails are narrow but easy enough to get past both walkers and runners. Some sections you have to cross the small road, or indeed run sections so be careful here as this can get busy with tourists and camper vans. This section is about long and takes you to checkpoint 4, Rowardennan. This checkpoint is also the first cut-off with a limit of 6 hours and 45 minutes from the start.

On leaving the checkpoint you are in the big Ben Lomond carpark which we found a little confusing as no runners in front to guide us. However if the same happens to you then just follow the WHW yellow markers round the car park and onto the dirt road. A lot of this section is on a wide dirt road and what feels like nice steady running. A real good section for a chat with fellow runners and you do now start to see people struggle. The later part of this section does include a hill which is rather steep. The final parts of the section become more technical running and you really start to notice the strain on the legs. You cross a bridge over a waterfall just before checkpoint 5, Inversnaid, and descend some awful stairs at the hotel before reaching the second bag drop at . We did notice that runners were taking thier time here, making sure to take some energy in. The hardest part awaits.

The section from Inversnaid to Beinglas is but be aware that for most runners this will take over 2 hours. The first of this part is very technical and in parts almost impossible to run. You get short sections where you can get a run, but generally it is a fast walk or even scramble. Rocks and tree roots seem to go out of thier way to try and trip you up and the views of the loch are hard to take in as you have to concentrate so hard on the path ahead. After the first the path improves but instead of being very technical it now starts to climb. The views on this section can be wonderful. Eventually a downhill takes you onto checkpoint 6, Beinglas. Just about a half marathon to go, but this checkpoint does end the race for a lot of runners.

The second last section and it's really about digging in from now on. The path is pretty good to start with but soon reverts back to uneven ground mixed in with better parts. This section also includes the biggest climb of the day. It does seem that every corner you go round there is a new climb waiting. Although most of the runners were walking up the steepest parts, there are lots of flatter sections where you can keep running. This part is also very out in the open which although dry on our race day must be a nightmare at other times. Again some wonderful views as you start to turn more west at the back of Crianlarich and the final checkpoint 7, Bogle Glen.

So off you go on the final part, easy now. Well not really as you still have to finish off the hill you are on. So more climbing awaits for a short time before you start the downhill. The downhill is mostly trail consisting of loose rocks which can be difficult on sore legs. There is crossing of the main road at where you are told it's "just" a Parkrun to the finish. This part is easy running on a mix of good quality track, small tarred road and trail. Eventually Tyndrum appears and you are down at the river and closing in on the finish and what a finish it is. You round the corner onto the station road and into the camp site. A sharp turn gives you first sight of the finish line. Beware though as the final checkpoint is just before the red carpet, so get the tag activated and then enjoy the glorious run along the red carpet (yes there is a red carpet) to the finsh line. Perhaps the best finish line ever, or is that just the emotion ?