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Anna and I met at Table Tennis, 10 years ago in March 2013 and have played in the same League Team ever since (in various divisions!). March 2023 marked our decade together and I (Mike) secretly decided that it was time...
Whilst up Schiehallion, our fourth Munro, I started to think that I should have proposed, given the amazing scenery, unspoilt views and fabulous sunshine. Once we got back from that hike I searched for a 'Munro ring' to propose with, something that represented our new love of hiking, and found Clive Roddy's Hill Ring. Once it arrived I hid it in my backpack, hoping for an opportunity to propose with a view matching the top of Schiehallion.
We weren't meant to even be on doing this hike on that Sunday, we had other plans but I checked the weather and really wanted to go, it was possibly the last chance to bag a Munro in March. So around 8pm on the Saturday night we started to check the map and the drive and double check the weather.
As we set off on the 90 minute journey from Edinburgh, it became clear that the West of Scotland was going to have a better day than even the forecast had predicted, but we knew there had been 7cm of snow overnight, so we had agreed that we would only hike to the top if it was safe. We don't have ice axes or crampons yet, so need to choose the Winter hikes carefully.
In bright sunshine we walked the tarmac path to the base of the stone steps that rather vertically ascend. It has to be said that it isn't obvious when to leave the tarmac, three students in front of us marched past it completely, so keep an eye out for the stone steps to your right as you approach the dam and after the junction for Glen Loin Loop.
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- Loch Lomond is a great backdrop
The beginning of the hike was tough and fairly relentless and we could see only snow above, but the Sun was out and we marched up, beginning to get into the rhythm and a realisation that whilst there was snow across the mountainside, the Sun had already melted the snow on the path for us. It was safe, we continued up and I started to get more excited.
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- Loch Sloy Dam
You will see from the photos how much smiling was going on, even up the hill, it was a tough but really lovely climb and we met lots of great people going up and down, everyone coming down saying it was fine at the top, a little chilly and windy but safe to get there.
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- Snow and sunshine on the Ascent
My hopes were now high that an opportunity may arise!
When we reached the Trig point it was a little cloudy and windy, we could see the summit 200m further on was similar, no Sun and too cold to be taking gloves off! We continued to the top and whilst the views were great (the clouds were high) the Sun wasn't there but the wind was.
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- Our fifth Munro conquered
On the way up there had been a nice flat area that was shielded from the wind and had some rocks to sit on, I hoped we could do lunch there on the way back. I didn't know at the time, but Anna had also spotted this area but for her plan was to make a Snow Angel as there was a lot of undisturbed pure white snow!
As we came back down we got to the tranquil spot and it was empty. I showed Anna the rocks we could sit on for lunch and we enjoyed the sunshine, it was serene, the mountain had been really quite busy but whilst we sat for lunch very few people passed us, I was worried my plan was not going to work!
Just as Anna decided she had finished lunch and started to get ready to move, I spotted 2 then 3 ladies coming up the hill. I ran over and asked one to take a video of us, Anna was most confused, she thought I was going to offer to take a photo for them, but she saw me hand my phone over.
I called her over to the edge of the area with a view of Loch Lomond below, and Anna stood ready to pose for a photo... She then saw me drop onto one knee and did not know what was going on
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- Munro ring with Loch Lomond behind
I was shaking, Anna was in shock and after lots of cuddles I definitely heard Anna say yes to my request to marry her.
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- A little overwhelmed!
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- Relieved proposer, now fiance!
Not the most detailed walk report I realise, but a fairly unique one for us and for the lady whose first Munro coincided with the proposal which she filmed off her own back!
Biased, I realise, but Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) was a great hike, definitely toughest at the start and eases later. As long as you see the stone path it is well made (massive thanks for people who make these paths!) and outside of a couple of boggy areas it is good for ascending and descending. The Arrochar Alps have some spectacular scenery and if, like me, you have an electric car there are two working, fast chargers in the Loch Long Car Park, always handy to know (have to pay for parking too).
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- Arrochar Alps in the sunshine
