Walkhighlands

We had talked about doing Ben Vorlich and Stuc a' Chroin since last year, but for one reason and another, it hadn't happened, but the word was out that the Billygoat was getting into shape and would soon be off the leash, keen to see if his knee would stand up to the rigours of the hills again. And, so it came to pass.

The forecasts were being scanned with some anxiety, as D-day approached and, Jaf, Head Meteorologist, brought forward plans to D-day - minus one, as a cold front was predicted for the following day. It's a narrow, single track road that takes you east, along the south side of Loch Earn, past the majestic looking Edinample Castle. I'm sure I don't need to remind you that it is from the 16th century. Originally built by 'Black' Duncan Campbell (Donnchadh Dubh), of Glenorchy, whom it is said pushed the builder off the roof, to avoid paying him and also because he omitted to construct the requested ramparts. It is also said that the ghost of the builder has been seen walking on the roof, but maybe more of that later.

After a further couple of miles one reaches the loch side at Ardvorlich House and if lucky there will be a free space at the verge, or in a layby. There is a gate at the house, requesting walkers to use the East Gate. Big Jesper, Chief Navigator, as well as Head Meteorologist, not knowing how far east, or west we were, was sure we were safe to proceed. The barking dogs suggest we were not! Anyway, a quick sprint took us clear of the grounds and onto the correct path. We told you so, Jaffa!

I guess the route up was fairly uneventful. It is quite a good track lower down, though gets a bit rough and rocky higher up. The top of the hill was shrouded in cloud, but just occasionally cleared enough to give us hope of some good views. I don't suppose we were that fast, but we certainly couldn't keep up with the walker in front, a lady who almost shot past us, as she near jogged back down from the summit. The temperature dropped quite a bit, but Billy was able to get by with a t-shirt, as we resorted to more layers as we made for the final haul to the top.

We grabbed some grub at the trig point and made jokes about the climb to Stuc a' Chroin, not looking too hard, well knowing that the nearby cairn about 100 yards to the east was not our next Munro. A more serious glance to the southwest wiped the smile from McCallum's face, as the talk turned to scrambling over the rocks, or taking the bypass route, round the east side, however the other lads seemed unperturbed and pressed on after taking a few photo's from Ben Vorlich.

The drop down the bealach just requires a little patience and guarded steps, but not much trouble really. At this point we chose to go different routes, Jimmy and Jaf, keen to try this scrambling lark, while Billy wanted to try the bypass. Big mistake, Billygoat, as it proved a harder climb up the steep, scree path, than the relative ease with which Jimbo found his first go at climbing up and over the rocks. When we met up, Billy sure looked like he would need a bypass, that's for sure. Anyway, after a good laugh, it wasn't much further to the top, though some swirling mist descended and spoiled the views a bit. We were also not sure whether we had seen a couple of deer at the top, though a coiple of us thought it looked like goats from the brief glance we had?

We followed the standard route back off the hill, round the northwest ridge, then dropping down a very steep and somewhat slippy, scree path which requires one's concentration a bit. We curved round the side of that corrie and similarly, round the west side of Ben Vorlich, to join onto our original path. Thereafter we jauntily made our way down towards Ardvorlich House, where we were passed by an elderly (and yes, I mean older than me) woman, jogging up the hill. We could hardly believe our eyes, but then again, I just wonder if the builder of Donnchadh Dubh's house might have been a woman??

Another great day out Jimbo, great report and pics and thoroughly enjoyed by myself and Billygoats. That six pack of yours for the genarians seems to be firming up your munro count gets higher. Big Jesper

Big Jesper wrote:Another great day out Jimbo, great report and pics and thoroughly enjoyed by myself and Billygoats. That six pack of yours for the genarians seems to be firming up your munro count gets higher. Big Jesper

Thanks, Charlie. Afraid 12 pack due to that moment where you said to hold yer breath for a second, then took the photo 2 minutes later!!

JimboJim wrote: At this point we chose to go different routes, Jimmy and Jaf, keen to try this scrambling lark, while Billy wanted to try the bypass. Big mistake, Billygoat, as it proved a harder climb up the steep, scree path, than the relative ease with which Jimbo found his first go at climbing up and over the rocks. When we met up, Billy sure looked like he would need a bypass, that's for sure.

Aye, it's a steep hill, thon Ben Vorlich. I'd absolutely agree that the bypass path would be a harder way up than the "scrambly" path up the Prow - all that scree must just be a nightmare; it's bad enough on the way down. The "scrambly" path isn't actually as bad as it looks. As you point out, it's worth remembering that the word "bypass" is frequently associated with "coronary artery" and "graft" . Nice report, anyway - you got good photos, although the world may not be ready for that topless one right enough !

Thank you, Kenny. Yes, good advice in general - stay clear of by-passes (and me going shirtless!

bobble_hat_kenny wrote:

JimboJim wrote: At this point we chose to go different routes, Jimmy and Jaf, keen to try this scrambling lark, while Billy wanted to try the bypass. Big mistake, Billygoat, as it proved a harder climb up the steep, scree path, than the relative ease with which Jimbo found his first go at climbing up and over the rocks. When we met up, Billy sure looked like he would need a bypass, that's for sure.

Aye, it's a steep hill, thon Ben Vorlich. I'd absolutely agree that the bypass path would be a harder way up than the "scrambly" path up the Prow - all that scree must just be a nightmare; it's bad enough on the way down. The "scrambly" path isn't actually as bad as it looks. As you point out, it's worth remembering that the word "bypass" is frequently associated with "coronary artery" and "graft" . Nice report, anyway - you got good photos, although the world may not be ready for that topless one right enough !