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So five weeks in a row, I got an excellent forecast for Tuesday so off to the hills I went.
I was reading about Ben Challum and everyone seemed to complain about the bogs, so with a forecast of -7 for Crianlarich and clear skies this seemed like the time to try it. Visibility was meant to be excellent and a temperature inversion and no wind meant it would be nice at the top!
I parked at a designated spot for farm walkers beside the wigwams - pretty convenient. Was not as early as I wanted, so did not start until just after 9.30 am.Was super cold to start, on with down jacket and heavy gloves. Pretty soon found the first marker from the WH route.
After the graveyard began to get steep and would have been super boggy - instead was like walking up a frozen river - stepping on grass for traction. The views were a great excuse to catch breath
Snow started to get deeper, but most of it had a decent crust which meant you could walk on it. This would be a nightmare under non-frozen conditions. Views were opening up and getting better.
I was really starting to feel really good about this day, even though the south summit never seemed to get much closer. I was pretty excited to get over the rise up to the south summit only to realise that the actual summit was still almost 30 mins away! That said, it was a great 20 or so mins - the ridge is not exposed but has great views everywhere and they only get better as you go higher. I think thats why it only took 20 mins.
Views at the top were fantastic
It was so nice on the summit stayed for 20 mins with gloves off just admiring the views. Was concious of time though and started to head down without incident, although every time I took a look at the views I almost took a tumble.
Crianlarich hills with the setting sun were fantastic and it was a really nice end to the day. Managed to get back to the car in 5 hours 5 mins with a 20 min stop at the top - the frozen conditions probably sped things up some.
Was treated to some fantastic views of the drive out as well. Ben More and Loch Iubhair ....
Overall, this was one of my most favourite days in the hills so far. Visibility was fantastic, so calm and the views.....
Call me a convert to winter hiking.
