Weetwood Moor circuit from Wooler. We ran up Brewery Rd to the Radio Mast; it’s a brutal uphill slog but there is a bypass: Nick, in his wisdom, took the first left off the hill onto St Cuthbert’s Way, leaving him with energy reserves in the end to cover more distance than the rest of us. He cut across the Moor and met the gasping gang at the Trig Point for a classic rock-album photo shoot, a match for Who’s Next. The rest of the run was wonderfully on the flat or downhill, with manageable bracken (for now) – all perfect for nattering and taking in the vistas of Wooler and beyond.
We are exploring new routes so check the WRC website or Facebook to confirm the location of the Tue 6:30pm meeting point.
Yes, it was windy but it certainly blew the office-induced cobwebs away.
Thanks guys. A lovely evening out still, discovering new routes through the beautiful countryside.
Route from the ponds’ car park, bit of a lung-buster start up onto the base of Hambleton, round the bottom then up again onto the open moorland where the views and 360-degree vistas open up. Few breather-stops to gather back up then down a lovely track to the road and back to the cars. Short but sweet. Just what the doctor should have ordered for a Tuesday evening.
They really should prescribe trail running on the NHS. For anyone wondering if it helps mental well-being, come along to a Tuesday night Wooler running club trot out – it really does work!
The Muddy Track is not all mud but it never fails to yield rich swampy muck in parts, regardless of the weather. Nevertheless, it is another favourite – up through Wooler Common, then with Watch Hill and Fredden Hill on the right, the route offers options of a 3, 5 or 6-mile loop, coming back via Gains Law. There was plenty of running chatter against a scenic evening skyline, punctuated by a few yelps and gags from a clumsy knee-crushing tumble and a legendary fly-swallowing mishap.
Yet another glorious run in the evening sun! At training tonight, Tim guided us to the ‘mast’ (Hart Heugh hill) via Bell’s Valley and back through Earle Hill Farm – less than 5 miles, but a tough one. Views to die for which made all the hill running worthwhile! Peter joined us but he was photographer tonight.
No racing this week, and several members on holiday / injured, but 4 of us had a lovely run out on what we call the ‘Glendale Gallop’ with an extra loop over Humbleton Hill – 6 glorious miles with plenty of chat! Panoramic views but unfortunately slightly hazy tonight. We didn’t see a sole until the summit – perfect timing for taking our photo!
Two events in 1 week! This time it was a (slightly) less competitive event – the annual ‘find the picture’ tour hosted by Tweed Striders around Berwick Upon Tweed. Teams were made up of Wooler Running Club, Alnwick Harriers and Tweed Striders and we picked either the 3 mile or 5 mile route, searching for up to 16 features around the town including statues, signs and cannons. In the end, we all did so well that it came down to a prize draw to win seaside related trinkets, but more importantly; the night was topped off with fish and chips for everyone at Coull’s in Castlegate!
Last night, Wooler was invaded by runners! Local clubs Alnwick Harriers, Blyth Running Club and Tweed Striders joined us for a 3 or 5 mile run around Humbleton Hill. The weather didn’t dampen our spirits and about 35 of us continued the chat in The Angel afterwards. Hopefully we have social runs hosted by these clubs to look forward to in the future.
On Sunday, Janet, Pam and Tim travelled to the borders to take part in the Kelso 10k, held as part of the town’s civic week. The course was set in the picturesque and idyllic grounds of Floors castle, home to the Duke of Roxburgh.
We set off promptly, which was just as well as the parking signage was highly ambiguous to say the least and it gave time for the obligatory pre-race photo bomb. Luckily, the forecast inclement weather didn’t materialise so there was no need for the ponchos this time out. The undulating course was a mix of tarmac, farm tracks, pavement and grass. The blustery conditions gave us a tail wind along the banks of The river Tweed but it became a sole destroying head wind for the last mile back up the drive to the chateau.
At this point there’d usually be a laconic summary of times but none have been released, which isn’t surprising as the event seemed to be organised chaos.
Congratulations to Janet, who was first female home in her respective age category adding to her haul of prizes from the Borders X Country Series and Les Allcorn 10k. Gala Harriers took the spoils in the team event narrowly pipping WRC to the post.
Once we finished, we received a goody bag, which set the world record for the amount of flyers handed out in one go. The extensive array of post-race insalubrious cakes, buns and tray bakes was something to behold, put on by the local WI in aid of Macmillan Cancer Suport.
We all had a pleasant day out putting the world to rights and hearing about Janet’s obelisk building, which are used to prop up Morning Glory. Lovely stuff.
Thanks to Janet for driving, Pam for treating us to coffees and Pam’s family, who kindly came out and supported us.
Wooler Running Club 