Walkhighlands

I realise that our walk to the top of Ben Lomond will not be the epic walking that some will have enjoyed this weekend but for us it was our graduation from smaller hills to our first Munro.
We have bagged Ben Venue, Cleuch and Ledi, gradually increasing the height until this weekend when it was Ben Lomond for us.
We decided to reverse the WH route on the basis that climbing up is easier than climbing down. So an early drive saw us eating breakfast in the car park at Rowarrdenan. (still no charge to park at the moment, a definite bonus) We set off in the opposite direction to most of the other walkers and enjoyed the well-made but quieter path up towards Ptarmigan. The views back down across Loch Lomond were stunning.


I liked the way that the path zigged and zagged when it got steep. Just above the small lochan we met the snowline. No problem in side-stepping the snow until we met the final steep scramble to the summit. Under “normal” conditions this would be an interesting scramble. Today the new snow, old snow and ice compacted amongst the rocks made for a challenging last 100 feet of climbing. Heaving ourselves over the final rocks onto the summit was like arriving in a different world!
Probably surprised a few people who were dangling their legs over the NW ridge with no view of us until we suddenly appeared in their midst.
The weather was clear and we could see for miles and miles. Snow capped mountains in all directions, some of which I have my eye on for future walks.


There was a great crowd of people on the summit so we took a few photos of the amazing views and headed off down the main track to find some peace, quiet and shelter for lunch.




Followed the seemingly never-ending track back to the car. It sometimes felt as if we would never get there. Glad that we decided to go up via Ptarmigan. Many people were still coming up the hill, not sure that all of them would make it to the top but they all looked to be enjoying themselves.
Feet and legs glad to be back at the car. A cool drink by the loch and we were done.

The title – everything on this hill sparkled today. Not least the rocks – does anyone know what they are?
It was like walking amongst silver, bronze and gold. Sparkling rocks, soil, snow and lochs. Just a perfect day for our first Munro. It certainly won’t be our last.

Well done jaybee. This was my first Munro too. Done it twice now but never been up the ridge, need to sort that soon. Your pics are great too, you got a cracking day for it. Now you've got the bug Get yourself over to Arrochar, some nice wee hills in there too.

It looks like you had a perfect day for your first munro, your photos are stunning and what fantastic views you had.

cracking pics... didnt see a thing when i did this one

This was also my first munro. but you had a much, much better day than I did for it.
Like Jock says, get over to Arrochar and do some of the Alps, they are all good fun with tremendous views and not too difficult.

Excellent pics! I hope to do this at the end of the month and as I'm going to a wedding at Cameron House I'll be wearing a hired kilt. Haha. Good luck to anyone below me if I have to scramble any steep bits. I'll prob do this route, thanks!

Thanks all for your kind comments and suggestions for the next attempt.
I have had my eyes on The Cobbler for some time now so we may well head in that direction when we are next out.

I can't take any credit for the photos - my husband takes the ones that are good enough for the report. Mine are generally pretty poor but I keep trying.

Really looking forward to Munro no 2 whichever one we choose.

Great report. Please enter that first photo in the photo competition. It is stunning and eligible for comp #4.

Fantastic pictures and I'm glad that you got such great weather for you fist Munro. I bet you can't wait for the next one

Well done on your first Munro
I think the route you took is the best way up. The views are great and the path is not too manufactured.
Great pictures also, look forward to seeing the next ones.

Well done on your first & clear too! From now on its into the clag my friends

Well done: hope it's the first of many for you!

The sparkling rocks are mica schist: http://geology.about.com/od/rocks/ig/metrockindex/rocpicschist.htm
It's fairly common throughout the southern and western Highlands, and sometimes contains small reddish-purple garnets.

Superb Jaybee. The photos are exceptional. Well done on bagging your first munro.

these are really lovely pictures and a day to remember.

jmarkb wrote:Well done: hope it's the first of many for you!

The sparkling rocks are mica schist: http://geology.about.com/od/rocks/ig/metrockindex/rocpicschist.htm
It's fairly common throughout the southern and western Highlands, and sometimes contains small reddish-purple garnets.

Thanks jmarkb; have taken at quick look at the link you provided. The sparkle from the sun hitting them on Sunday was just wonderful. Didn't spot any garnets though!