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I had booked holiday for Friday 13th May a couple of weeks earlier to allow for an attempt at climbing Ben More and Stob Binnien from the south with some family and friends. Unfortunately, as the day approached, for various reasons my companions cried-off and I was left with a decision - do I miss a day on the hills or do I tackle them on my own?
To some of you, the answer would be easy in any case as lone walking is the thing you are comfortable with, however, having always walked with others, enjoying their company and craick, it was a momentous decision to leave the house on my own on Friday morning.
In view of the showery nature of the weather more prevalent to the west of Scotland, and wanting to pick a relatively easy hill with a clear path, I changed the intended hills to that of Schiehallion.
I left Cumbria at 7.15am arrived at Braes of Foss at 11.00am. Booted up and sat in the car for a while until a shower passed by. Walking by 11.20am.
- View from the Braes of Foss car park
The path is fantastic, probably the best I have encountered to date, gradually climbing away from the car park at first before becoming a little steeper. I stopped frequently to look back at the height I had gained and take in the views across to Lock Tummel and beyond to the Pitlochry hills. I even got the odd glimpse through to, what I would presume to be the Cairngorms with more snow evident than on the closer hills.
- The path shortly after setting off
- View back to Loch Tummel
- First view of the Carn Mairg hills
I stopped for a drink and a snickers at the cairn on the shoulder of the hill, with the more daunting boulder field to be tackled next. The summit was clear of cloud and I was looking forward to the challenge ahead. It was about at this point that I began to meet some of the walkers who had already reached the top and were on their way back down. As I looked around, the surrounding areas were in and out of showers and as I neared the top I speeded up as it looked to be closing in.
- The path steepens
- MiniRambo on route!!
- A small marker cairn
- First view of the top
- Looking North East
- The boulder field
I managed to get there in time, my 38th Munro, to get a quick look at Loch Rannock before the cloud came in and it began to snow. Thankfully, just a very light shower and within 10 minutes I had views again. I had my sandwiches and stayed at the summit for about half an hour before dragging myself away, still taking in the views and hoping that the Lawers hills would clear of cloud. They did for a brief moment.
- At the top!!
- Loch Rannoch
- Loch Rannock again
- Looking North
- The view East
- The Lawers hills just in view
- The long and winding road!
Made good progress on the way back. I had been lucky to avoid a soaking for most of the walk, however my luck ran out and I was caught on the lower slopes. It didn't detract from a throughly enjoyable day and the freedom to go at my own pace when walking alone.
Finally, I must say it was good to have portaloos at the car park, it would be good to have more facilities like this where ever possible.