Ben More and Stob Binnein from Inverlochlarig

[charliecharles]

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My efforts to get a consensus from different weather forecasts ended in the usual mix of weather forecasts, ranging from sunny all day to low cloud all day, so off we went. It was a beautiful drive down Inverlochlarig, although there was a lot of cloud still on the hills. No point in worrying as the route seemed to be straightforward enough - up a steep hill, along a narrow ridge, down to a bealach and up to another peak - and we had map, compass, whistle, GPS and uncle Tom Cobleigh to help navigate. We were off at 8.35.

It was an immediate climb up a very steep 1,850feet slope to start, which quickly woke us up,but with great views.

A steep start

Great views up the glen

Dog takes in the view over Loch Doine and Loch Voil

On reaching the ridge we soon hit the cloud and snow level. We continued climbing and gradually hit near white out conditions. It wasn’t too cold or windy, and we were on a narrow ridge which was easy to follow, but it was oppressive.

It is only a bit of mist

There was a lot of ice and hard packed snow, and the ice had formed wierd and quite beautiful formations.

Plenty where that came from

We eventually reached Stob Binnein and then headed down a very steep and icy slope to Bealach-eadar-dha Bheinn – with dog finding the going tough more difficult as his natural crampons struggled.

Glory be, the clouds briefly lifted and we could see the summit of Ben More in the distance.

The summit of Ben More from the bealach - our first view in 2 hours

Hmmm, looking further and more difficult than we had thought

It was a fair climb with some scrambling before we got there, but we arrived at the summit in good spirits. We were above the clouds with occasional glimpses of the hills below. It was a wonderful feeling particularly after the long walk through the clouds to get there.

Exhilarating

We paused for photographs, and suddenly in a 5 minute period five other people turned up (we hadn't seen anyone for about 2 hours) from the Crianlarich side of the walk. It was good to have a chat with others, then it was lunch before heading down.

The clouds appeared to be lifting and so at the bealach we had the choice of going down to the glen and back along a track, or climbing the 1,000 feet back to Stob Binnein in the hope that the clouds would continue to lift and we would have great views.

Stob Binnein, to climb (again) or not to climb?

Why take life easy? We slogged back up to Stob Binnein in thick, heavy cloud. At the summit we met a couple of young men, one of whom was wearing wellies and a heavy tweed overcoat! He was a very friendly and charming man, but completely and utterly unprepared for any problems on the mountain. We warned him against going down the icy slope to the bealach, and he said that he was going to head back.

We walked back along the ridge – clouds down, no views, beginning to feel tired - and were overtaken by the man in wellies, whose dog paused to have a quick fight with ours and so I gave it a good clout with my walking pole, and its owner came up apologising profusely. We headed down the long and steep hill back to the car park with tired legs. I knew better than to comment when Mrs C slipped and fell - one of the secrets of a long marriage is to know when not to speak.

Lovely view, just watch your footing...

Back to the car tired having climbed 5,400 feet but with some good memories.

We are both keen to return as the views must be excellent when the clouds are away and the sun is out.

[gmr82]

Looks like you had a great day, shame your dog got hassle from another though

[Alan S]

Well done,that is a very tiring day, going that way but worth the effort

[gammy leg walker]

[quote="charliecharles
Back to the car tired having climbed 5,400 feet but with some good memories.

Fine effort both of you,not sure you have your ascent right tho.

[charliecharles]

[quote="charliecharles
Back to the car tired having climbed 5,400 feet but with some good memories.

Fine effort both of you,not sure you have your ascent right tho.

I took the ascent given on the Walkhighlands route from the north of 1335M, added the additional 300 metres to re-climb Stob Binnein (not on the Walkhighlands route) and added 30 metres as the height difference at the start between Inverlochlarig and Ben More farm (the Walkhighlands start point), giving a total of 1,665 meters or 5,411 feet. Happy to be corrected, all I can say is that it felt like more!