Jim and Matt are behind schedule, we wait anxiously by the Dam doing our best to find some breeze and away from those flippin midges. The guys come in about an hour behind schedule, they had a really rough night - next to no vis, and wet rocks. Dan Dux did a fantastic job navigating and we need to get going, give them a lift and gradually claw back some time; they're on a 24 hour schedule so no leeway whatsoever.
It's misty as we head up Stob Coire Sgriodain, we make good time knocking some time off schedule; Mark navigates brilliantly and gets us to Chno Dearg; Jim is struggling with food, but I suspect his choice of Scotch Egg is not ideal. But we again make up some time and are soon descending to Allt-na-h-Ealaidh. The weather is clearing and we refill bottles from the burn.
The climb up Beinn na Lap is steep and the pace relentless, the it's are in fire. We soon knock off this summit and then it's down to railway line and track, followed by a lot of trail running to the change over point at Loch Eilde Mor.
The first part is fast, the second part can be horrendous but the ground is so dry we make excellent progress. We cut the corner before Meanach Bothy and then it's just a few km on good track. We arrive with the guys in good shape and now just 35 mins down. Once in their way, we enjoy a welcome brew and then it's an 8km slog out to Kinlochleven. We are tired and thirsty and have a few logistical issues trying to locate the van that the leg 3 boys had parked. We eventually find it and head back to Glen Nevis for much needed food, drink and showers.
It's exciting following the guys as they have frackers, it's clear they are not only back on schedule but now ripping it up. At 23:10'ish they finish, what an achievement.....awesome, well done guys, great to be a part of your Rounds.
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