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Ben Lomond was a munro I had always looked forward to tackling but sadly on the day which I took it on the weather was miserable. And I mean miserable.
The weather didn't look too bad on the drive there and was still reasonable on arrival. But my first disaster struck when I took my digital camera out to take some photo's of Loch Lomond before setting off. I hadn't charged up the battery and the camera was dead. Doh! So, I checked my mobile phone and I was down to very little battery - double Doh! I decided to keep what battery I had for a photo at the top.
Luckily I had my waterproofs and my gaiters so at least I had prepared well in that respect! Anyhoo, I took on Ben Lomond via the Ptarmigan Ridge and intially the going is pretty steep. I was probably only about 20 minutes in when the world disappeared! I could only see about 15 metres ahead and the wind and rain got fiercer with each weary step. Still, I decided I would grit my teeth and get on with it. I have to admit that at some points I had to wonder if I had any sense in my stupid heid - with the rain turning to hailstones at various points and whacking me horizontally at what felt like 100mph. Although I couldn't really see a thing I somehow had the impression this would be a really good walk in nice weather. There are some nice rocky sections further up the walk and onto the summit. On getting to the top I took my only photo of the day - the trig point. Sadly, my phone battery packed in after taking this shot.
![Ben Lomond trig.jpg]()
On the way down the 'tourist route' I only passed a few other mad souls and about an hour from the car park the sky opened to reveal glorious blue skies
I will return to Loch Lomond to walk Ben again but next time I'll wait for a clear bright day.
