Cryptic crossword No 2,149

Cheers, ALP. I got about 60% through before I had to reveal the rest. There's some VERY tricky clues here, I thought, but lots to like. I especially liked 5a, 13a, 19a, 21a 30a, 27a, 29a, 2d, 9d, 20d and 23d (obviously)...

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Berr-limey Alp! That was a full on Military Fitness-style workout that left me collapsed and gasping for breath about halfway through!!! It is an astonishing puzzle in so many ways - astonishingly creative, astonishingly imaginative, astonishingly brilliant in places ... but astonishingly difficult too, especially in the South. Better solvers than I may have a different experience, but I retired hurt with 50% of the grid complete and could only marvel at your notes. Spoilers...

Looks as if I should be chuffed with myself for solving and parsing this one. There were some decidedly cunning and testing puzzles within puzzles - and the odd raised eyebrow. Biggest ticks from me go to 11a, 19a, 21a/30a (even if I might have seen a similar construction before), 28a, 2d, 4d, 7d, 18d and, of course, COTD 23d. Thanks. PM

Pleased to have have come out of that unscathed, albeit with 17d unparsed. At first pass, I didn't get far at all, but perseverance paid off. Lots to like, inc 5a, 11a, 14a, 28a, 2d, 6d (tough), 7d, 8d, 18d, 23d, 25d.

As Bryan Ferry crooned in Re-Make/Re-Model, 'I tried but I could not find a way'! This was way beyond my abilities. I solved a handful and liked 10a, 3d, and 7d but I threw in the towel after several attempts. Thanks just the same; I'll be back for your next one.

Thanks ALP, satisfyingly challenging! I think PM has already picked up on a few quibbles I might've mentioned, but more importantly also much to enjoy - particular faves include 11a, 12a, 19a, 28a, 29a, 2d (satisfying to piece togther a nho), 4d, 8d, 18d (the new version), 20d & 22d. I do like a toughie so no complaints from me if you, err, 'stay true to yourself' for the next one - thanks again!