The 2011 OMM will be held on 29/30 October 2011 in the hills lying between Loch Tay and Loch Earn. It is a new area for mountain marathons and we have been very fortunate in obtaining permissions to use it. A brand new map has been commissioned for the event, to the usual format.
Much of the area is covered in heather but, because of the importance of grouse in this region (The Famous Grouse comes from Crieff!) the heather has been managed (regular burning) and most of it is runnable, particularly on the tops of the hills, where the wind also helps control the heather. The remainder of the area is sheep pasture which provides good running.
Many of the hills are steep and route choice will be an essential ingredient of success, and depending on the weather, some areas of more complex contour detail will need good navigational skills. The area is big enough that you can be covering new ground most of the weekend. There are some crags but not to the extent where they will significantly affect route choice.
The route is completely off road for every course. Views can be magnificent, north to Ben Lawyers and south to Ben Vorlich.
The area is not much frequented by hill walkers with the result that it is truly wild. During the planning process we have seen deer, mountain hares, ospreys, buzzards, kites, eagles and numerous smaller fauna.
Competitors and anyone else can enhance their navigation and other skills by booking a place on the OMM Mountain Experience Weekend at Plas-y-Brenin. To find out more about the course visit http://www.pyb.co.uk/courses-omm.php.
