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After many months now of hearing of mine and Dooterbangs exploits on the hills my youngest brother Andrew finally accepted the challenge of his first munro. Not playing his beloved football as much due to niggling injuries his weight had steadily increased and he was now getting out of shape with his general fitness was starting to go.
Ben Challum was his test for today.
- Go along this road going left behind the farm buildings
As you follow the road left behind the farm buildings you pass this notice board on your left hand side.
- A little bit of history
The first cemetry of 2 on your right as you head towards the gate.There is another small one on your left slightly further along.
- Straight ahead to the tyre track path
Follow the path uphill then go through the railway crossing gate.
From here we started our ascent going North East towards the fence line which takes you basically all the way to the South Top. This makes for an excellent navigation handrail.
.
- A hot and sweaty Andrew
- Getting closer to the South Top
- On the ridge heading towards the summit
- Almost at the summit
After leaving the car at 9-35 we had arrived at the summit in 2.5 hours (12.05) which i think was quite good considering Andrews fitness and plus the fact he had drank a bottle of red wine the night before
. No wonder he had been sweating so much . Still a great effort to reach the top.
- A bit happier now after a change of top and some food
After the rest and photo shots it was now 12.30 and time to set off again back down.
- The cloud now starting to lift as we descend
- The fence line taking you down to the farm buildings
Arriving back at the car at 2-15 pm (4 3/4 hrs inc 25min summit break) it had been a good day with a top effort from Andrew . With no rain and midges it had been a good first munro experience for him. He also said he was glad the tops were cloud covered as if he had seen how high he had still to climb he might not have made it . Lets hope he has now got a taste for the hills.
Thanks to Dooterbang for the loan of some kit
.