The projected good weather forecast from a few day previous had suddenly deteriorated. Arriving in Falkland the rain was on and the hills were cloaked in thick cloud.
Temperature was a cool 5 Degrees C. Decided to carry a winter pack with full waterproofs, dry clothes and survival bag. carried 500ml of water mixed with tailwind and a few sweets.
Wore my trusty Hoka torrents for the attempt but soon realised the grip was going to struggle on the steep descents. The soft ground was frozen underneath from a few cold nights but the heavy rain had turned the top inch to mud. not a great combination.
The route begins climbing from the off and rises 370 metres in 1.5km so a sensible pace was required. wind was a south easterly and light so this was in my favour. first climb up east Lomond went well and i felt strong.The first descent was slower than i hoped. The wet grassy surface and the frozen under layer prevented the grips
from biting. I gingerly worked my way down but it soon changes to an easier gradient. the next section to west Lomond is much easier underfoot on good stony track. It rises gradually with a steep 100 metre kick to the summit. The next descent is the steepest of the day. I took a direct line off the summit which again proved to be challenging. Ended up on my backside a few times on steep grass but at least i managed a wee fast slide.
The next section to Bishops hill is the most remote and wild and in the mist it can be daunting. I was still feeling strong but the pace was slowing mostly due to the ultra slippy mud in the narrow trod through the heather. Soon enough it bottoms out and the gradual ascent up to bishops begins. felt good to be on better ground and worked on making up a little bit of lost time. The visibility was now around 10 metres but i know the hills really well so keeping to the route was relatively easy.
At the summit of Bishops hill i decided to take the direct route through the cow field while trying to avoid any contact. As visibility was so poor i just had to hope. I had to carefully negotiate the electric by stepping onto wooden posts either side of the wire. My soaking wet shorts were uncomfortably close to the wire when stepping over. "phew". Ground was badly churned up by the cows but heading steadily to the exit of the field. " ah shite" i could see them all huddled at the gate. Had to take a detour and head over the fence further along. I didn't realise this was also an electric fence until i grabbed it with both hands. "F***ing F**k F**k". That got the adrenaline pumping !
The next 7 kilometres are much faster will a good 300 metre descent leading to a long flat section. The mist cleared at the lower elevation and i was able to make up lost time on this section. As i hit the lower slopes of Benarty hill is had done a few recces and decided i could save a bit time on Scot and Chris's route by taking a more direct line. This section is pathless and i soon disappeared back into the mist. I thought i was on a direct line but discovered upon arrival at a wall i had strayed to far right. Found my bearings again but it cost a little bit of time. The last section is a small muddy track to the summit. I realised at this point i was well within time. It was cold,raining and breezy now. Thankfully i could see my partner through the gloom waiting at the top with my dry clothes and a flask of coffee.
I was elated at grabbing the fastest time but it will probably be short lived. the right person on the right day will break the two hours.