). MrsR is keen to join us, but wanted to get a practice walk in first. And so, a couple of weeks or so ago now MrsR and I ventured out to conquer Ben Vrackie 
Unfortunately MrsR does suffer badly with her back, so really any walking like this probably isn’t a good idea
Having said that, she was keen to give it a go and so I was keen to get out into the hills with her. Ben Vrackie seemed like a good choice to me. A short walk; not too steep (except near the top maybe) and hopefully some good views to make MrsR’s pain worthwhile. But then this is Scotland........ 
One of my biggest challenges with hill walking (apart from any scary scrambling) is usually finding the start of the walk – or in this case the car park
Not the greatest of starts to showcase my navigational prowess to MrsR Eventually arriving at the car park though, and kitting up, we were ready for the off. At this stage MrsR was all smiles and still looking forward to her day out on the hills
- MrsR all smiles at the start
- The pathway near the start
From my point of view the walking was straightforward, but I knew that for MrsR the day would present quite a challenge for her. We set off at a nice, leisurely pace up the good path at the back of the car park.
I took the opportunity early doors to indulge in a bit of arty photography, as a change from my usual mountain views.
- A little "arty" shot
It was a bit of a shame, but the weather on the day wasn’t particularly brilliant
In fact, it was pretty rubbish if I’m honest. Clag to start of with, followed by clag on the way up and then clag at the top. Then, on the way down we had clag, followed by clag and then.........more clag - MrsR walking into the clag
- Show me the way to go.....
At one point during the day the sun did look like it might actually break through, but any ideas of that happening were soon put to rest as the cloud rolled back in and normal service was resumed. A shame for MrsR I felt, as I would have loved for her to get the reward of some decent views as a reward for all her courageous efforts in getting to the top.
As we made our way up through the trees and eventually out into the open hillside MrsR was struck by just how quiet and peaceful everything was around us – in the clag
And she wasn’t wrong either. Not only could we not see a thing, but we couldn’t hear a thing either. This idyllic setting was to be ruined later in the day though, as a couple of (@!$@ing) numpties thought it would a jolly wheeze to bring their trial bikes up and tear over the hillside whoopin’ and a hollerin’. Sadly, they didn’t fall off 
Or b****r off either - Peace and quiet in the mist
- Soaking up the early views
The walk up to the Loch a’ Choire was pretty straightforward, on a good path. But I knew MrsR was struggling with her back and her legs. We took the chance to take a short rest at the carved wooden seat just before the Lochan (at this point we couldn’t see the water, on account of the clag). I knew that from this point on things would get steeper, so perhaps it was a good thing we had the clag, so that MrsR’s spirits wouldn’t be hit by the sight of what she had to come
- Loch a' Choire rest stop
- Much steepness just the other side of this mist
- Told ya!
I’ve got to say that the steeper section up to the summit of Vrackie left me with mixed emotions. Incredible pride in MrsR for her resolve and stubborn determination to get to the top
Guilt that I didn’t make us turn around before now, so that she hadn’t put herself through anymore (even though I know she would say it was her choice to carry on)- The "road" goes ever on.....
- ....and on....
There were lighter moments on the way up though.
The man heading back down the steep section near the top who suggested to MrsR there was another 5 miles to go
Oh, how she laughed Then there was the stop for a bite to eat and MrsR’s introduction to the food of Kings – Malt Loaf
A little nibble was enough to convince her that she “no likey” So she had cereal bars instead while I enjoyed the revitalising power of the Loaf But, despite the pain (and the Malt Loaf incident) she made it to the summit
- Vrackie summit, in the mist
- MrsR at the summit...."When we get doon, a'm gonnie give ya a kiss.....a Glasga kiss!!"
We spent a short while at the top, checking out the various hills we couldn’t see
It was a bit chilly though, so we were soon heading on our way back down.- Over here we have......And over there is..... Oh, and isn't that......
The steep section (which had proved MrsR’s nemesis on the way up) seemed to be much easier for her in descent. Not that she was too chuffed as I was clicking away taking photies of her coming down
- "See you! If you're videoing me a'm gonnie lump yous in a minute"
- Rock "art"
Eventually though we were back at the Lochan. Despite the @!$@ing numpties away somewhere on their b****y bikes the Lochan is a magical spot in the mist, with a real sense of isolation to it. Well worth another brief stop.
- Loch a' Choire
The path, as we arrived back at the Lochan, which MrsR had found easier on the way up, suddenly became torture for her on the way down
Not only was she in agony from her back and legs, but now her feet were really sore too. But she battled on and in her own time made it back to the car, despite the pain she was in. And I’m proud of her for achieving that - The best view (no, the only view) all day
This was a tough day for MrsR, what with her back and all that. But she made it to the top and then she made it back down. On the final section of path she did feel able to announce to me that in future I’d be on my own for this walking malarkey
She had announced her retirement, with immediate effect. Hopefully though I will be able to coax her out of retirement on the odd occasion in the future for some easier low level walking 
