A long weekend in Scotland with Andrew, for the Laich o'Moray 50 Miles, organised by the North of Scotland LDWA. What a brilliant event it was!
The event started and finished in Forres, and followed a circular route, heading up to the coast at Findhorn, along the coast to Burghead and then Lossiemouth, then inland down to Elgin, and looping back to Forres.
The weather was awful. Whilst much of the UK was basking in 26 degrees, Moray was stuck underneath a weather warning for rain the whole weekend.
We were staying nearby at the lovely Firlands Lodge, which was less than a miles walk to the start, so that was nice and handy, and also a good opportunity to get soaked before even starting.
The event headquarters was at the Forres Cricket Pavillion in Grant Park, and on opening the door, and stepping into the warm buzz and good cheer inside, I knew it was going to be a great day, despite the weather.
(photo borrowed from the LDWA's page - thank you Norman Corrin!)
We set off at 08.00 into the the rain. I don't usually wear waterproof trousers when running, as I find my legs get too hot, so I have never bothered replacing the pair I have from doing Duke of Edinburgh (which makes them probably the oldest pair of waterproof trousers still in active service), and I just stuff them in my bag for my emergency kit. But I decided today was definitely a day for full waterproof mode, and so my trousers got an outing, although they don't turn out to be actually all that waterproof anymore, so maybe it is finally time to replace them. My gloves (and Andrew's brand new waterproof gloves) we also a disaster. But, at least they provided distractions by comparing whose were least waterproof at different points of the run, and how much water we could empty out from them! I also had those disposable handwarmers, which I carry in the winter in case I get really cold. Turns out these don't work when they get really soaked either, and were like having two cold wet tea bags in my gloves. I also tried out my new inov8 waterproof, which was by far the most successful waterproof item I had, and was really excellent at keeping my top half dry and warm. As they (who?) says, there is no such thing as bad weather, only poor clothing. After the weather during the event, I would argue (heatedly), that there is in fact such a thing as bad weather. Very bad weather indeed.
The first section was 8 miles, first up to Nelson's Tower for great views (of the clouds) and though forests, before reaching Sueno's Stone. This is a Pictish standing stone, which according to legend, is placed at the crossroads where Macbeth met the three witches, and the witches are imprisoned/ sheltering from the incessant rain, inside this very stone. Then the route picked up the cycle way, to Findhorn and CP1. Time for a quick warm up, and a snack, before heading to the beach for the 7 miles to Burghead. The beach was absolutely stunning. Running along right next to the waves, and seeing miles and miles of white sand stretching ahead, under the spray of the water and the rain - it felt like being right on the edge of the world. It was freezing and wet, but absolute magic!
Cunningly disguised as two drowned rats, we reached Burghead, where CP2 was amazing, and we had hot sweet tea, and my favourite conversation of the day between the marshal and the man who came in after us....
Marshal: Would you like a tea or coffee?
Man: Yes, please! Tea please.
Marshal: Sure! How many sugars?
Man: As many as you think I need by looking at me.
Marshal: Oooh, two?
Man: Sounds about right.
After plucking up the courage to leave the warmth and smiles and head back out into the rain, we set off the the headland at Burghead to find our first self clip.
From here, it was 10 miles or so to Lossiemouth, along the coastal path which was along a disused railway line to Hopeman and then along cliff top paths, before dropping down to the beach again. The rain eased off for around 2 minutes, and I manage to get some photos
Lossiemouth was the half way check point, so we had some hot food and drinks to warm up. The marshals were so kind and amazing the whole way round, everyone on the event was so well looked after!
After leaving Lossiemouth, we picked up a trail along the old railway line towards Elgin. It was a bit warmer after leaving the coast, and in a lapse of concentration the rain even stopped briefly. But then realised what it had done, and started again. The railway line was lined with trees, which were just changing to oranges and reds, and framed the path with a beautiful autumn border. It would be easy to get carried away with the beauty of the moment, but we were helpfully brought back to earth by a passing dog walker "Aye. You've a fair way to go yet, I'm afraid".
At Elgin, we went through the cathedral grounds...
.... over the River Lossie, and past the Moray Motor Museum (where we had visited yesterday - well worth a trip) and to CP4 in the Bishopmill Community Hall.
Next bit was 5.5 miles, mostly through Quarrelwood, which we navigated through without any arguments, to CP5 at Miltonduff. This felt like the party CP - with fairy lights outside and music. It was starting to get dusky, so we got ready for Saturday night on the trails, which involved a pre-night drink (water), food (jammie dodger) and new outfit accessories (headtorch).
The next part was 10.5 miles to Rafford, which included most of the climb of the whole route, and was mostly through forest (Monaughty Wood), and passing close to Pluscarden Abbey (a 13th century monastery). After leaving the checkpoint, with the encouraging parting remark of the marshal to "watch out for the mad monks" and "if you hear the bell toll, you're done for", we headed off, and made a fair few miles before needing torches. The shadows of the trees and the mist and rain was "atmospheric spooky". I loved it! Once it was dark and we switched on our headtorches, it was like being in a giant glitter globe - there were so many rain drops, coming in all directions, and they all seemed different sizes. I found it really mesmerising, and was completely distracted from thoughts of ghost monks and tolling bells. We had another self clip to find, which was after a long slog up to the viewpoint at Califerhill. I was getting pretty cold at that point, and my hands had stopped finding the cold wet glove situation funny anymore, and they hurt and I was struggling to do anything with them. So, on we headed, down some tricky to navigate paths, but in a few more miles reached the next CP at Rafford Church. What a sight! A beautiful church suddenly sprung out of the darkness, all floodlight, and perfectly formed, and looking like something from the Hobbit with it's wooden door and perfect windows. Inside were smiles and encouragement and I cheered up no end, and (almost) bounced out to the CP to complete the last 4.5 miles back to Forres.
There were some more tricky paths to navigate, but then the route picked up the Dava Way, which I know from running it before, so it was nice to finish on a part that I was familiar with.
We arrived back at the cricket pavilion just before 21:30 in time for more hot sweet tea, and beans and omelettes.
Super proud of Andrew, for training for and completing his first 50 miler in 2 years, and for doing it amazingly!
Thank you very much indeed to the organisers and marshals and the North of Scotland LDWA group for a brilliant event, and all your kindness and taking such good care of everyone. Well done to everyone who took part, it was not easy, that's for sure! I absolutely would recommend this event! It's not on next year, as the 2024 LDWA 100 is in this area, but will be back on in 2025.
