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7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!


Postby smeggles7 » Sat Jul 19, 2014 1:27 pm

Route description: Ben Vorlich via Loch Sloy

Munros included on this walk: Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond)

Date walked: 07/06/2014

Time taken: 5.5 hours

Distance: 13.5 km

Ascent: 945m

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So Ben Vorlich was my chosen munro to conquer all on my own! After having researched the hill and the route from Inveruglas I was really excited, but nervous, to bag this one on my own :D Taking extra care with supplies, waterproof maps (not chancing it after the Narnain incident), and waterproof case for my phone, I packed my bag the night before and decided to get an early night so I could set off early the next morning and miss the rain that was forecast for the afternoon.

The next morning it was overcast but very warm!! I knew I'd be in for a tough day with the heat :shock: I made good time up to Inveruglas car park as the roads were quiet except for a few buses... which I managed to zoom by :D I was now so excited that I didn't waste anytime getting ready at the car park. I noticed a couple of groups that were there getting ready too and were going to be heading the same way, so I tried to get going before they did as I wanted to have the experience of being out on my own as much as possilbe (I know... how anti-social of me!? :lol: )

Image[/url]IMG_4803

As I made my way up the track, Vorlich came into sight and I was disappointed to see that the clouds were lying low as I was hoping for nice, clear views at the top!

ImageIMG_4809

I was constantly checking my gps to see where I'd turn off the track as I had been told the cairn is easy to miss, and I really couldn't live it down if I got myself lost again!! :lol: I was loving my surroundings!! I loved the rockiness of the hills I was surrounded by and the contrast of Loch Sloy Dam. The only thing that let it down was the MAHOOSIVE pylons that were dotted about the area - but I suppose that can't always be helped.

ImageIMG_4810

ImageIMG_4812 by meganccoombes

ImageIMG_4814 by meganccoombes

I was so thankful that the rain stayed away for the whole day! The only thing I really struggle with (aside from my gammy knee) was the heat and the midgies!! :shock: I stupidly forgot to put on smidge or skin so soft before heading out. I turn out in horrible red lumps that are itchy as hell when attacked by midgies so I had to put my fleece on. This was not fun in the heat! :(

Aside from this, I was having a ball! The further I climbed, the more often I stopped to turn around and admire the views of Loch Lomond. Scotland is truly beautiful!

ImageIMG_4819 by meganccoombes

The cloud began to lift slightly by the time I got to the top. I was so proud of myself for doing this all by myself! So proud I practically skipped along to the summit to place my rock that I selectively picked up on the way :D Here I met a lovely chap who was out on his own too. We chatted about the hills and I asked if he was on here. If you are reading, I was going to look you up but I have forgotten your name. Memory like a gold fish... Sorry!! :( I then went to find a nice wee seat to sit and have a bite to eat and soak up the views...

ImageIMG_4828 by meganccoombes

ImageIMG_4824 by meganccoombes

ImageIMG_4823 by meganccoombes

I didn't hang around for too long as I didn't want to be caught in the rain which was forecast for the afternoon, so I set off back down, poles out to help my knee and to batter any sheep that tried to fight me haha! :lol: Looking on to Ben Vane, all I can remember thinking is, "that looks like a tough wee bugger!". Knowing it is the joint smallest munro, it definitely didn't look a jolly!

Making it down safely and unharmed by the wooly residents on the hill, I practically ran back to Inveruglas car park full of adrenaline that I had just completed my first solo munro and feeling like a proper wee adventurer.

Great day! :D
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby SuperMillie » Sat Jul 19, 2014 2:23 pm

Awesome!!

Sounds like you had a great time and looks like you had a great day.....well done!
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby smeggles7 » Sat Jul 19, 2014 2:44 pm

Thank you!

It was great and can'y wait to get back out there exploring on my own! :D
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby rockhopper » Sat Jul 19, 2014 3:09 pm

well done ! the first solo trip can be a bit of a worry - makes preparation all the more important
nothing stopping you now - cheers :)
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby cmarcol » Sat Jul 19, 2014 3:17 pm

Nothing more satisfying than climbing a big hill successfully on your own. I put so much more planning into solo trips and feel like I've achieved so much more when I make it back in one piece. Well done - looks like you had a good day :)

C
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby Steve B » Sat Jul 19, 2014 3:24 pm

Good effort. :clap:
The feeling of achieving a day(s) on the hills alone with all the planning and decision making make for a rewarding experience. I do most of them solo these days, although that maybe says more about me :crazy:
Keep up the good work.
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby Huff_n_Puff » Sat Jul 19, 2014 4:10 pm

Well done you :clap: - that looked great - although I do most of my walks with company (well 1 other usually) I remember my first solo - never stopped checking the map :lol: :lol:
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby ceegee » Sat Jul 19, 2014 11:38 pm

Well done :clap: Because of work commitments nearly all my walks have been solo, I found the sense of adventure and responsibility increased my enjoyment - especially in winter.
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby Fudgie » Sun Jul 20, 2014 3:55 pm

I think Ben Vorlich might have been my first solo hill as well. There's nothing wrong with wanting to get out there yourself and I would guess half my munros have been done that way.
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby AnnieMacD » Sun Jul 20, 2014 9:55 pm

Great, another solo walker. I do all my walks solo and wouldn't have it any other way. Now that you have had a taste of it I'm sure there will be many more to come. Great report too!
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby Fife Flyer » Sun Jul 20, 2014 10:07 pm

Nice one :clap: :clap:
I always used to walk alone, however I personally prefer company, numerous reasons but safety in numbers is probably the main one :wink: I think out of all my walks this year only one has been solo :lol:
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby Sarah86 » Mon Jul 21, 2014 11:19 am

I completed my first on my own last month too, it is a great feeling just to be out enjoying the quiet of the outdoors on your own.
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby marc.duff@gmail.com » Tue Jul 29, 2014 5:08 pm

Up here on holiday with my family and was undecided about which Munro to tackle with them. Your report persuaded me to walk Ben a Vorlich. Nice report. Marc
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby 2manyYorkies » Tue Jul 29, 2014 5:16 pm

Ah, the joy of solo... not much choice for me I'm afraid due to time pressures and travelling from Yorkshire, but I've always enjoyed walking solo - you go at the right pace, stop at the right points, and have only yourself to shout at when things go adrift. Mind you, I did feel VERY solo in Fisherfield, did occasionally get to wondering what would happen if I fell and broke something there, but that's all part of the fun I suppose.
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Re: 7th Munro - 1st conquered on my own!

Postby smeggles7 » Sat Aug 02, 2014 2:38 pm

Thank you so much guys! Looking forward to my next solo mission :)
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