Ben Vane

[David Lyall]

Walked with the Lang craigs walking group.
Leader – David Nicoll
A wet and windy day was forecast. Five mad men and one woman turned up at Alexandria. It was not raining but
those from further West knew what could be awaiting. Still, it was not too bad as we put on all our wet weather
gear at the Inveruglas car park and set off up the road to Coiregrogain. Leaving the road for the hill the path was a
small burn. Shortly, two came to their senses and decided that the hill in the wet had little attraction and retired to
the road and a walk up the glen.
The rest of us pressed onwards and upwards. The attraction was a “cave” in which to stop for “coffee”. This
showed up – a shallow depression in a vertical piece of rock with water dripping from the roof. There was enough
space between the some of the drips to have a reasonably dry sandwich and drink. The call of the wild soon proved
too much and we set off again. The hill is steep and we gained height as fast as the more elderly can proceed. We
gained the ridge and then the summit having enjoyed some short scrambly bits.
The summit did not prove very attractive. By this time we were above the snow line (small areas rapidly melting in
the rain). The Lochan at the summit was nearly frozen and the wind was getting up. So we went back down. The
weather improved and gaps appeared in the clouds to let us have a bit of a view and the rain nearly stopped. We
were able to identify A’Chrois, Ben Vorlich and through to Loch Arklet and Loch Katrine. Lunch was taken in or
just outside the cave before proceeding down to Inveruglas and its café, reached at about 2.30 p.m.
The two who were sensible were already inside and recommended the soup. The rest of us can recommend the
coffee – definitely not watery.
Not one of the best of days but plenty of fresh air and exercise.

[Milesy]

What? Caves? Eating wet sandwiches is all part of the experience.... add in some nose drip as well to top it off

How was the snow looking on A'Chrois? I am going up Narnain via it tomorrow.