Ben Vorlich 3rd time lucky, 1st Munro in 2013

[jaybee]

Not such an amazing walk as some of the recent walks reported on here, but important for us as it was our first Munro of 2013 and it was the third time of trying on this one. Turned back by illness on our first attempt; then horizontal rain and high winds just short of the summit on the next. We have been building up our hill fitness by walking in the Ochils, climbing Ben Ledi and walking in the Carneddeau on a recent trip to North Wales.
We were ready.

The route is well reported and straightforward so won't go into too much detail. Started early to beat the crowds and the temperature, fearing that the midges and flies would be out in force. Stopped for breakfast on the huge rock just above the highest hydro works with good views to the Lawyers range. No bother from any winged beasties. Plenty of repellant and sunscreen applied and followed the path to the top. I found the very last bit a grind but we made it to the summit and trig point. Decided that I liked this one now we had climbed it!

From summit cairn to trig point

It was breezy (and busy) on the top so took a few photos then headed off down the ridge towards the bealach and the path to Stuc a Chroin. Had our lunch in a very quiet position on rocks half way down. Warm sun, no flies and a gentle breeze. This was perfect and we spent a fair amount of time soaking in the views and enjoying just being there.

View from our lunch stop

We did consider going on and up Stuc a Chroin but I confess that I didn't think I had the legs for it today.

Stuc a Chroin from our lunch stop - a challenge for another day

This is where we went a bit off-piste.

Followed a faint path across the hill thinking we could pick up the return path that skirts Ben Vorlich to a junction with the main path. We zigged and zagged down into a steep-sided bowl filled with wild flowers, sheep and probably plenty of bog in wetter times. A steep descent that eventually popped us out on the path which we followed back to join the main path from this morning. Not recommended but not too dodgy either.
Decided we would return and do Stuc as a walk in its own right. It looks quite scary but also quite interesting.

Final look back up at Ben Vorlich from "breakfast rock"

A quick return to the car which was now in the shade, enjoyed the flask of ice cold juice that was waiting for us , boots off to cool the feet - is there any better feeling? and braved the south lochearnside road one more time to return to the A84 and home.

No bites, no sunburn and just a little dehydrated. Very satisfying , just need to decide where next.