Hello old friend - Ben Lomond

It was a no brainer. The weather forecast was too good not to be out on a hill. We went through a few options but in the end it boiled down to what was closest and had a pub at the end with a TV............ there was a rugby match to watch. Decision made when a certain establishment confirmed they were open and the TV would have the rugby on. Ben Lomond it is.

It has been a while since I last summited. We were beaten back by deep snow, artic wind chill and a cold doggy last January. I did wonder if we were going to have similar problems on this outing. The mountain forecast was giving a "feels like" -15C!!!!!

Well that didn't deter us and we were joined by Lorraine, Jean, Karen, Archie and Lottie dug. Route was to be the up and down the main tourist path - details on Walk Highlands. This was mainly due to not knowing what condition Ptarmigan Ridge was in and not everyone being kitted out with crampons etc.

They have much improved the path out the forrest at Rowardennan which makes that initial pull up a tad easier. Before we knew it we were up on the shoulder. It was very atmospheric with the summit in the mist and the sun shining through it. We hit the snow line around 500m. You could avoid most of it up until we got to Coire Fuar when the assortment of pointy footwear accessories were put to use.

It wasn't long until we were on top and doing the usual photo shoot trying to capture the blue sky inbetween the mist rolling over. The wind chill was brutal so it was a very hasty retreat back down, well we did have rugby to watch................ and we won!!!!!!

The forecast said the cloud would clear

Looking back over Loch Lomond

Happy summiteers

Coire a Bhathaich

Comments

Salomon Mission GTX Boot

I've had these on a few times now and so far they are just what I've been after to get me through the winter for most of my days out. Salomon describe them as being perfect for "light hiking" - take that whatever way you want ;-) They come in at 1210g for the pair and feel fairly easy on the feet. They've handled saturated grassy stuff without me applying the famous arse plant (so far!!). They even seemed to be OK on rocky stuff too. Where I have been really impressed with them is how they handled the snow on Na Gruagaichan. It was hard enough that we were kicking steps. This was easy enough for Steve in his Scarpa SL's and Iain in his La Sportiva Nepals. Initially I followed their steps then decided to give it a go myself. I occasionally had to kick a couple of times on some of the really hard stuff, probably more down to my poor technique than the boot, but they managed well on the cover we had for the ascent. As my balance is rubbish I decided to apply

Creag Meagaidh MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Creag Meagaidh has been on the to do list for so long. The past couple of years have seen us have to abort at least three attempts at the last minute because conditions weren't for us. So were we going to get it done this time................. YES The weather bods said mostly dry with a risk of potential showers later in the day. It was warm so even if it did rain it would be warm. Off we set having smothered ourselves in factor 50 and Smidge. Warm they said.......... baking I said!!!! We had decided our ascent would be via Coire Ardair and The Window to ease us into the walk on a good path. It felt more like a slow roasting. It is a gorgeous walk out to Coire Ardair on a very good path but as soon as we were out of the forest the heat and humidity kicked in. When we reached Lochan Coire Ardair there was only one thing on my mind, getting my boots off and getting in. It was at this point I began having major doubts as to whether we would get this done. Bre

Mullach Clach a'Bhlair

Our ascent of Geal Charn Mhor had given us food for thought on what was to be our next hill target. We'd had notions on either Braeraich or Beinn Mheadhoin but the lack of winter equipment and uncertainty on the true extent of the snow cover put those ideas on hold for the time being. So maps were scoured and the Glen Feshie hills were winning out. Steve had already done both Munros, Rob and I had done one (though not the same one) and Kate hadn't done any of them. A cunning plan was hatched that meant we could all start at the same point but we would split into two groups. Rob and Kate would head for Sgor Gaoith while Steve and I would go for Mullach Clach a'Bhlair. The Glen Feshie Estate have done an amazing amount of path work which makes the ascent up Coire Fhearnagan to the beallach an absolute pleasure. We hit the snow line around 700m but thankfully it wasn't too steep. The traverse over to Mullach Clach a'Bhlair required a w

Blethering Blonde

Search This Blog