Summer Solstice Run Up Bennachie

There are some runs that you want to erase from memory forever and some you want to remember forever. Bennachie always makes for a beautiful run but throw in a sunset and good company and it is definitely one never to forget. Runs like this make those painful races and long lonely (and no doubt rainy) runs worth it.

Running is ingrained in the history of bennachie...stories of my mum running over the peaks 'back in the day', laughing as the group galloped through the heather.

The metro team decided what better way to celebrate this ... Solstice than take an evening run across the top of the beautiful hills. My favourite route took in Craigshannoch, Oxencraig and of course, finished on the glorious Mither Tap. Following (or in some cases, not following) the 'hill' signs up the Rowan Tree path from Pittodrie the group were able to enjoy the hills in the evening sun. With a wide range of abilities in the group, there was something for everyone. Some runners found themselves deep in the heather, some found themselves up Mither Tap twice, some found themselves tumbling down the hill (most, or all, of these unintentional). Despite this, Bennachie offered incredible breath taking views of a once in a lifetime event. Having clambered up the hill many times, this was definitely one of my most memorable climbs. The views, the laughs and the challenging route were a runners dream. Everyone arrived back at the Bennachie Centre car park with huge smiles on their faces and mud on their legs, the sign of a successful run I would say.