One of the things I really like about running is for my two feet to take me to places that are wild and remote and with a certain degree of inhospitableness about it. The physical effort involved in getting there often brings me tranquility and the joy of being alive.
There is an abundance of such places in Scotland but living in the city under current pandemic restrictions make having such experiences more challenging and creative. However within the rules this past year I have made a number of trips to the Kilpatrick hills on the north west shoulder of Glasgow. My route often involves an initial steep climb up the Kilpatrick Braes giving great views of the river Clyde and its estuary. Eventually you come to a plateau where you have miles of moorland and a few modest hills to explore and get lost in. Sometimes I go alone or with a companion.
Recently I made such a trip solo. My natural sense of navigation is poor so when alone there is the distinct possibility that I would get lost especially in what was a snow covered featureless landscape. Also made the deliberate decision to go late in the day and only give myself enough time to return before dark if I ran steadily. In my case that means pushing myself. So taking head torch, phone and having my GPS watch would help if in any difficulties. Albeit a bit contrived this was my recipe for some wildness and a smattering of risk.
Ascending to the snow line at the plateau the few walkers on the way up disappeared. It is interesting how most people you meet in the ‘great outdoors’ seem to be in a good mood and invariably greet you cheerfully. Seems that when people are immersed in nature they look blessed. Might also be something to do with people feeling more relaxed or at play. I have relatives that are farmers and outdoors in beautiful surroundings all the time. I suspect they do not always relate to my city dweller outdoor ‘feel good’ moments.
Be that as it may I was left alone in this wonderful sanctuary with the scrunch of snow underfoot. The sound a welcome backdrop to my thoughts as I headed towards Duncolm the highest hill in the Kilpatricks. Once there in the far distance I saw Ben Lomond like the Promised Land but currently out of bounds. After savouring this scene for a few moments I returned in the fading light to ‘civilisation’.
Allan Grant 
I felt I was with you Allan. Beautiful description of your run.
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HOPEFULLY YOU MAY BE ALLOWED MORE SPACE SOON
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Hi Allan, at the outset let me say this again, you write so well. Thanks again for sharing these precious moments…I get them. Kind regards to you and Elisabeth
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Thanks Don.
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Well, what an interesting man you are! !! I love the idea of you giving an edge to your running by leaving late. It reminds me of us taking the risk of finding accommodation at the end of the cycling day. On a couple of occasions in Germany I did fear we would be sleeping under a hedge! Once we had to Segway into France to find a B and B!
Fab photos…. really enjoying these posts. Thanks for sharing!
Love Moira
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Thanks Moira. Maybe you and Ian should start a cycling blog!
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Janet and I only recently discovered the Kilpatrick Braes route (despite Peter and Richard having used it regularly for years). You are right – what a beautiful view up and down the Clyde. That already gives you a great sense of refreshing perspective. But the wilderness beyond is another level up. Thanks for taking us there!
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Yes I remember Richard telling me that the Stacks was a great favourite of his.
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I have resolved to do lots more running this year and am starting to share your appreciation of wild beauty. Because of kids and work I do a lot of miles in the dark. I have been treated to some sensational scenes of beauty by moon and starlight. One night after the snow had fallen recently I had a truly transcendent moment looking across the valley to the Campsies, lambent in the ethereal, silvery starlight. It was astonishing, visceral and the sensation was heightened by my isolation. But my next thought after I resumed my plod was “I bet Allan gets moments like this all the time.”
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Yes you have a fantastic playground in the Strathblane valley and can well imagine how some recent nights over Campsies would be inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
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