The Austrian village of Gumpoldskirchen (260mtrs) is situated on the main north-south railway line, approximately 20 kms south of Vienna. Behind the surrounding vineyards and the narrow streets of baroque houses there is an impressive area of decidious woodland and a large limestone hill called the Anninger which rises to 675mtrs.
Today was sunny and warm and Gumpoldskirchen seemed an ideal early season venue for an early season training run. There are 5 waymarked routes of varying difficulty to/from the village. I chose a route based on the 'Klinger Runde', a 10.60km trail with 380mtrs hd. Generously, I allowed myself 1hr 40mins. More than ample.
The waymarked path was not 100% idiot-proof despite the many strategically placed fingerposts and I had to consult the Tourist Information Office's map 3 or 4 times en-route. At a couple of woodland taverns groups of mountain bikers were sitting outside and refreshing themselves.
At the summit I was joined by another runner, also new to the area, and we consulted the map. There followed next a quite steep descent down a tricky and narrow path, repeatedly going along one side then the other a narrow stream (almost a waterfall); wet limestone rocks and old sticks hidden in piles of leaf mulch waited for the unwary and inattentive. This time we passed by safely.
My first training venture on the slopes of the Anninger. Exploring new paths is a great delight. I can't wait to go back.