On Tuesday evening 20 dedicated runners, many in varying states of fatigue following the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday, undertook the neither northern, nor slopey journey south to the Northern Slopes. Following a brief warm up of heel kicks and high knees we set off in two teams: team speedy led by accomplished navigator Gary ‘this is my hood’ Jordan and team sexy following only a few minutes behind with Dave ‘bringing sexy back’ Guest.

Originally set up to protect the areas from housing development, the Northern Slopes Initiative - a group of volunteers seeking to maintain, conserve and enhance the Northern Slopes - has since 2001 encouraged others to join with them to look after and enhance the areas for the benefit of the people that use the Slopes, the wildlife found there - while maintaining its unique character.

With blades flying

‘Guardian of the Slopes', Julia, has hosted us before and so we found her well equipped with more than enough tools for everyone, including loppers, snippers, pickers, rakes, scythes and even the 'Slasher', expertly wielded by Frank, everything we needed to cut back a huge amount of prickly, tangled summer growth from the paths. With blades flying we enjoyed panoramic sunset views of Bristol until our time was sadly up but not without our dedicated litter picking contingent forgoing the proffered tea, coffee, coke and biscuits, (THAT’S RIGHT, BISCUITS!) in favour of working through a trove of some estimated 500 beer cans in a bush.

Two teams set off for base with Gary taking the speedies on a slightly longer (about .4m) scenic (and no-doubt, hilly) route via Victoria Park in time to meet sexies only seconds apart in Queen’s Square. Star Planker went to Debs who takes home a Maoam Stripe as her well earned reward. Finally, some light stretching, announcements and drinks back at Vivo brought this Tuesday session to a close.

Welcome to newcomer Raoul, we’ll look forward to seeing you again soon.