Adam in Runderland

Back in February Matt S and I headed south from Lewisham through Bromley and into Kent. The loop brought us back after 31 miles of winter running. We promised to return in the summer to see how the countryside would have changed, and to run the route in reverse. May arrived and we managed to find a date that worked for both of us. It was 25th May. The sun wasn't shining, but we were in t-shirts this time as opposed to multiple layers and coats. As for our surroundings they couldn't have been more different. In February the trees were skeletal, there was little wildlife and, despite the beauty, nature was in hibernation. Now birds were singing, flies, bees and wasps buzzed through the thick sea of ferns and goose grass. The trees were heavy with bright green leaves and horse chestnut candles.  In February we took the route anti-clockwise. This time we headed clockwise. The route took us out through Grove Park, Chinbrook and Elmstead before we arrived at the woods. Scrogginhall

This year I am aiming to run in as many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and possible. Having visited the Dorset coast, the Chilterns, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Pennine Way, the Lake District and the Cairngorms, it was time to look west to Wales, one of my favourite places to run. Previously known as the Brecon Beacons (BB), Bannau Brycheiniog (BB) was my starting point, in particular the town of Merthyr Tydfil. It is roughly ten miles from there to BB.  The road winds up from the centre of town, climbing steadily into the hills. My hydration pack was stuffed with food and water, but I hadn't accounted for the fantastic weather. The sun was blazing down from a cloudless sky and I hadn't packed any sun cream. I stopped at a shop in Pant to buy some and witnessed a sweary shouting match between the shop keeper and an early morning customer. Great start. No sun cream either. Attempting to forget this unsavoury start, I ran on until the last houses were behind me.