free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
The weather, as we all know, has been fantastic! Perfect weather for the hills, and having climbed two previously this week, I was desperate to get out again.
I was working in Bearsden at 5pm in a bar, and my alarm had failed to go off, and I woke about 9am, and thought I would not have time to get up Ben Vorlich in time to get back for work. Having been in a similar sitation just a week previously when climbing Narnain, I decided to just go for it.
I made it to Inveruglas car park for 11am, all packed up with my pipes and kilt, ready to bagpipe another Munro.
![IMG_1656.JPG]()
- Ben Vane behind Sloy Power station
As I started the walk up the single track path, I met one of the workers at the power station, who wished me luck, but informed me several walkers hadnt made the top recently. I carried on anyway, to see how far I could get. I was taking in all the surroundings, Vane and Vorlich either side, and the Dam up ahead, it was fantastic. I had to be careful not to miss the cairn I was told about which led to a decent path up Vorlich though.
![IMG_1665.JPG]()
- Heading towards the Dam
I found the path, and started my ascent. I have found I prefer these more direct routes, where ground is gained my rapidly. Due to a condition with my calves, longer, gradual ascents are tougher. Height was gained very quickly, and after an hour I could sense I was getting close to the top.
![IMG_1690.JPG]()
- Hitting the snow
As the snow became more abundant, obviously the temperature dropped also. The sun shining off the snow made for some fantastic views. Once I reached the top, the wind had picked up, and almost turned me blue, but i was as determined as ever to get this Munro not only bagged, but bagPIPED. I met an more seasoned walker at the top, and told him of my plan, but there was no offer to help with the photography, so I set about finding good spots for my timer. I eventually got the camera set, but there was only time for one video at the true peak, and a couple photos at the trig point, as the wind just didnt allow my hands or mouth to work! Its almost like the bagpipes arent designed for playing 3000ft above sea level!!
![IMG_1710.JPG]()
- Looking over Loch Lomond from the trig point
I would have loved to get better quality videos and pictures on such a beautiful day, but the disadvantages of doing these hills solo became apparent.
not apologising for keeping my leggings on, it was FREEZING!!! haha
With work awaiting me, I made a quick descent, making it to the car for 3.30. I was in good time, until I hit a half hour traffic jam beside Cameron house. After a stressful "will I make it" journey, I managed to get a shower, and be on the bar ready to start bang on 5! Not a minute to spare. Now that is what I call making maximum use of time available! An 8 hour shift awaited me. But with plans to head to Bridge of Orchy the next day, I was able to mentally get through it.
