Glossopdale Harriers Away Weekend: Long Mynd

This weekend had been in the diary for quite a while, and having missed out on all the fun last year I was eager to explore the Long Mynd hills this year. With snow laying on the ground under clear blue skies it was looking like an amazing weekend. And it was. Just one small blip for me was going over on my ankle almost two weeks ago, which after a test run on Saturday put me out of the Long Mynd fell race yesterday. Gutted. It was going to be a blinking hard race, mentally and physically challenging with the 1300m of ascent and descent. I'd got that sorted in my head. Legs were probably not as prepared as they should have been, but with an early start an hour ahead of the 'racers' I knew I'd get round and have a super time.

A trial hill run on Saturday where Titterstone Clee fell race was held left me pondering and holding out hope, but it was not to be. The only option with an ankle that feels like it has toothache is to rest. Plan B was put into action with me out of the Long Mynd race: an easy walk up one of the valleys up onto the snowy tops to spectate and cheer on the Glossopdale Harriers - and we were out in force with it being a club championship (another reason for me being gutted to miss the race as I am going to find it hard to actually compete in the club champs due to work commitments - I need to run in all the races I can so missing this one makes it even harder). All that aside, I had a cracking day, and could have spent hours wandering around exploring on the Mynd. I shall be back - to run, race and explore! Enjoy the photos:

Recce of Titterstone Clee fell race

Titterstone Clee fell race start

Shropshire Snowdrops

GDH group recce of Long Mynd

Recce of Long Mynd

My Sunday walk up onto the Mynd hills

Heading to a waterfall and frozen paths

Glorious views of the Mynd moorland

Part of the Long Mynd race route