by ActiveLouise » Tue Oct 19, 2021 5:18 pm
Corbetts included on this walk: The Cobbler
Date walked: 16/10/2021
Time taken: 8 hours
Distance: 16 km
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It is mid October when I tackle Ben Ime, Ben Narnain and, just for good measure, Ben Arthur (affectionately known as ‘the cobbler’). It is a time of great rusty landscapes, of fallen leaves still soft on the ground underneath, and, unfortunately for hikers like me, some greatly unpredictable weather.
Daylight has only just emerged when myself and six others begin to tackle these three very impressive peaks. As we make our way up a steep and narrow path towards Ben Narnain, the conditions ahead are uncertain. There is a haziness to the sky above, as though it hasn’t quite shaken off the night. We glance upwards with curious faces and wonder over what might lie in store. For although the weather forecast had earlier appeared positive, we know from experience that the reality may play out differently.
The further we climb, the more certain the day’s weather becomes. A powerful sun emerges through domineering clouds in sharp, shining beams. Later it is accompanied by blue skies causing the group to gaze around with joy and bewilderment. Is this really October, we ask the sky above? The call of stags, rutting loudly in the distance, answers back.
This weather is deceiving, though, and at the top of Ben Narnain we are promptly reminded of the reality of Scotland’s autumn weather. The body quickly chills when it’s no longer going through the motions of an upwards climb and so layers of fleecy protection are eagerly pulled on. After the elation of reaching the top, we don’t hang around here for long.
The second peak of the day, Ben Ime, towers competitively beside it’s neighbours. We trod up at a steady pace, already thinking ahead to the views and food that will be inhaled at the top. Once again, we are not disappointed as the surrounding mountains sit clearly in the distance, whilst the lochs below shimmer under the gaze of the autumn sun. After a brief reprieve to re-fuel, though, it is time to move on as the body cools once again in the frosty temperatures.
On route to Ben Arthur, there are some threatening clouds beginning to loom in the distance. Shall we call it quits for the day or push on to another peak? The question comes in the form of a democratic vote but we push on, of course, unable to let the thrill of another climb pass us by.
On top of Ben Arthur, clouds pin down the landscape in front and the sun, we quickly realise, has decided to saunter off for the day. Waterproofs are zipped up in preparation for the impending drizzle but it does not come as we carefully photograph the views, or whilst we talk merrily to the other walkers resting at the top. It doesn’t even begin as we scramble over large boulders on the journey downwards and so we move happily, content in the knowledge that we have climbed, seen and experienced the hills on a beautiful autumn day.
Still, the hike is not yet over. We have a zig-zagging path to negotiate and a few more miles to cover. All the while the group is chased by harsh clouds that quickly smother the tops of the hills we have just spent the day climbing over. They threaten to smother us too and so we quicken the pace, eager to out run them on the route home.
The rain begins as I kick off my walking boots and fling them in my car boot. It falls heavier as I shelter in a nearby cafe, a warm cup of coffee clasped in my cold hands. Later, it pours in a relentless stream as I accelerate my car towards home. Hiking doesn’t always bring the reward of good weather but today, it would seem, it was on our side.
- Attachments
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- Rain clouds at the end of the day
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- The Cobbler
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- Ben Ime
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- Ben Narnain
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- Sun shining through the clouds!
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