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7 days since my last munro and I was desperate to get out and get another 1 in the bag! Donnie had agreed to come along, this time it was my choice and in my wisdom I went for Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond), i'd find out later why my friend was a little surprised at my choice!
A meeting in the morning meant another late start, arriving at the visitor centre car park approx 1.15pm, a quick roll and a cup of tea and we're on our way along the A82 at 1.30pm
As the route states, a right turn 1km along the road, through the gate and under the railway bridge and we are on the private road.
I enjoyed the walk along this road and wasn't long before some other hills come into view.
Further along the road, past the power station we look for the cairn marking where we should start our ascent, not in sight, we find a decent spot and go for it!
This was a steep and very tiring ascent and I found it hard! Several short stops required before we reached the top, the views got better very quickly though and I knew that it would all be worth it soon enough!
2 hours and 40 mins later and we were at the top!!
and it was well worth every bit of the slog, it was tiring and at points i thought my calf's were going to seize. Each time I took a short break, took in the views and I was good to go again. The views, as expected improved with each step, the only disappointing aspect was the mist had came down just as we reached the summit meaning no views
!
A cup of tea and another roll and it was time to head for home !
Not far from the summit and the mist starts to clear...
The steep ascent is much easier as you would expect on the way back down but as you get near the bottom and the path goes out of sight, it gets a little tricky on the wet grass! Just as we were discussing how Donnie and his friends couldn't stay on their feet due to the conditions the last time he climbed it.....wooops! down I go! right in a muddy puddle
my patterned pink shorts now had a new colour
In no time at all we were at the bottom and I was......eh...relieved!
and we also found something that could have come in handy a bit earlier
The weather was perfect, warm with no wind and I enjoyed the walk back along the level road, it seemed to help my legs return to normal
7pm and we return to the car, a final cup of tea
change out the muddy shorts and hit the road for home,
where next????
