The Speirs’ obligatory Christmas Day run – 14.2km

Posted on December 25, 2010 by Cameron Speirs

It snowed a little last night: only about 2 inches.It started just after midnight when we took my Mum to the midnight Christmas Carol Service at the local Kilmallie Parish Church a short walk from my parents’ house in Corpach.

Kilmallie Parish Church at Corpach by Fort William

The last time Elaine and I were in a church was when we attended the Carol Service at this time last year in Betws-y-Coed as we spent last Christmas in our ‘van in north Wales.

This morning was quite foggy as we headed out on our “obligatory”, or is that simply “traditional”, Christmas Day run. Our favourite run round this area is to follow the Caledonian Canal towpath for a few miles and that’s exactly what we did – completing a round trip distance of 14.2km (8.8 miles).

Elaine at the top of Neptune's Staircase on the Caledonian Canal

Running in the snow (a few inches deep) wasn’t actually too difficult and in fact was probably easier on our joints than running on the roads. As you can see from the photos the canal was completely iced over, with a thick covering of snow lying on top. The trees too were laden with fresh snow. There is a picture of me shaking a tree branch and then suffering the consequences!

Surprisingly, we never saw any other joggers on our outing – just a few folks walking their dogs.

Cameron running past Caol village on the Caledonian Canal

We now justifiably feel that we’ve worked off enough calories for us to really enjoy our Christmas dinner – can’t wait!

All that remains then is to wish a Merry Christmas to all our family and friends who are keeping up to date with our progress via this blog. Your comments and feedback have been really appreciated by us both.

Best wishes,

Elaine and Cameron

Is this a madman running through a snow blizzard?

May be he is mad - but he does look familiar

Snowy Banavie basin on the Caledonian Canal

About Cameron Speirs

Born and brought up in the Scottish Highlands, Cameron, has been interested in outdoor pursuits since he was a wee lad. Over the last few decades he has climbed extensively in the Italian Dolomites as well as summiting the Matterhorn and several other 4000m alpine peaks. Closer to home he has spent many wonderful weekends mountaineering and biking in Snowdonia, Cairngorms, Glen Coe, Skye and Lochaber.
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1 Response to The Speirs’ obligatory Christmas Day run – 14.2km

  1. Gwen Pincott & family says:
    December 26, 2010 at 2:58 am

    Merry Christmas Cameron and Elaine. Your picture postcard white Christmas is quite a contrast to our hot Aussie weather. Wishing you and your families a happy and relaxing festive season and safe travels in 2011. Cheers!

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