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Approached these 2 from the South so this was a return to the car park just before Inverlochlarig, where I was for my first Munros in September last year (Beinn Tuliachean and Cruach Ardrain). Not that long ago, but still a wee trip down memory lane: thinking I was fit until I went up that first hill
, getting soaked through as I didn't have any of the right gear, struggling to keep going, then finally being determined to get and stay hill fit... and so here I am charging up the hills and loving being out in all weathers
Fairly bright start and it was dry! Stopped to put waterproofs on not long after this though and they stayed on for the rest of the day.
- looking back to car park
- Inverlochlarig
Although not the WH described route, there's a path all the way. Very wet and muddy in parts and quite steep from the outset. As we climbed the wind picked up and we were in the clouds once again. There were times, especially as the path levelled off a bit, where I was having to walk hunched over or leaning in to the wind so as to not get blown over. However it was never so bad that I couldn't stay on just my feet ie not the worst wind I've been in
I did feel like the wind was just toying with me though - calm to sudden strong gust to instant calm. Since I didn't get blown off the mountain and I made it to two summits I figure I won this round
Quite a long slog to Stob Binnein since there were no views to be had but the battle with the wind needed most of my concentration anyway! (so no pics). From here there was a fair descent before the climb up Ben More. The wind was strongest at the bealach and was enough to put off another group we passed later. Clear path up Ben More which did become rock climbing (not just scrambling) a couple of times. Good footholds and very short sections so not too difficult, although today the rock was very wet making it more slippery.
Reached the trig point first then went to the summit cairn of Ben More, to cover all bases
This was just 4 hrs after leaving the car park!
- Ben More trig point
- Ben More summit cairn just about visible from the trig point
Coming back meant a return to the windy bealach, which hadn't eased up any, then back down (being careful to avoid crags!) and through Inverlochlarig Glen. Short spells of clouds clearing so we could almost see the top of Stob Binnein as we passed below on the way back. Extra bonus today was that the farm shop at Inverlochlarig was open so I bought some venison to try for the first time
- Inverlochlarig Glen
- clouds move at the top of Stob Binnein