Ben Lomond and the Ptarmigan ridge

[L-Hiking]

Last day of our holiday arrived and we travelled down towards Loch Lomond, we wanted to rekindle some memories of our damp squelch of a West Highland Way walk a couple of years ago. We had booked into the OakTree Inn at Ballmaha for the evening, the landlord had welcomed us with a roaring fire and hot soup during our WHW walk it was most welcome and allowed everyone to dry out a little before braving the tempest that was blowing over Loch Lomond.
Not so today though the sun was shining and the birds were singing and Carol was looking forward to a hike up Ben Lomond. If I am honest the hill had never been on my list of priorities, however I was going up today, like it or lump it!
I cannot possibly write down here anything that all you experienced walkers and mounaineers have not put to paper in the past and maybe that was why I was not so apprehensive of walking the mountain.
As I have stated the weather was perfect with wonderful views back towards the Loch. The panorama at the top was also very good with perfect views of the Arrochar Alps and of course Loch Lomond and its Islets. Not surprisingly there were plenty of people at the top wearing just jeans ect and no visible sign of water or refreshments, no different here to the popular hills south of the border. People will never learn.

Most were just going up the tourist path and reversing the route on the way back, we therefore decided to return by the Partamigan Hill and if I am allowed to say was an absolute delight. A little care is required initially from the top but nothing to difficult and no exposure. The undulating ridge is delightful and the view towards Loch Lomond is magnificent. After the couple of disappointments with the weather recently, this turned out to be a wonderful walk and must admit Carol certainly got this one right, and finished off with a pint at the Rowardenan Hotel….Magnifico!

Tourist Path from near the top

Summit Gathering

Ben Vorlich and Loch Sloy

Ants?

A delightful walk back

Blue Bells

Bonnie Banks

[DaveB1]

I must have driven past this hill hundreds of times (well a lot!) and never climbed it. Your report was great and its on my 'to do soon' list! Many thanks Dave

[GillC]

Lovely lovely, Been up Ben Lomond 3 times now,,the last by the Ptarmigan ridge route (reverse of your route) It is by far, so much better than the tourist path. Well done and what smashing pics too,

[johnkaysleftleg]

Certainly looks a lot better than when we climbed Ben Lomond Geoff. Certainly do it this way if we ever return

[SusieThePensioner]

Glad you've got round to writing up this one at last, Geoff
Great end to your holiday and well done Carol for choosing this walk
Some fantastic views all round

[L-Hiking]

I must have driven past this hill hundreds of times (well a lot!) and never climbed it. Your report was great and its on my 'to do soon' list! Many thanks Dave

Chers Dave, one to do now you have cleared the 214

Lovely lovely, Been up Ben Lomond 3 times now,,the last by the Ptarmigan ridge route (reverse of your route) It is by far, so much better than the tourist path. Well done and what smashing pics too,

It was a smashing walk and a smashing day thanks Gill

Certainly looks a lot better than when we climbed Ben Lomond Geoff. Certainly do it this way if we ever return

Thanks Anthony

Glad you've got round to writing up this one at last, Geoff
Great end to your holiday and well done Carol for choosing this walk
Some fantastic views all round

Cheers Susie, I guess Carol can be right sometimes