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At last another munro

At last another munro


Postby Sarah86 » Wed Jun 18, 2014 2:11 pm

Route description: Ben Chonzie via Glen Lednock

Munros included on this walk: Ben Chonzie

Date walked: 06/06/2014

Time taken: 5.5 hours

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I have to be one of the slowest munro baggers :lol: I am always out and about but due to not liking to drive far pushing on with the munros has been rather slow. I am feeling a bit more confident with driving now and Comrie isn't too far a drive from Clackmannanshire so I decided I would set off alone and attempt Ben Chonzie. I knew Ben CHonzie would be my next option as I am starting easy :-P I checked the forecast and it was to be nice and cool early in the morning with glorious sunshine as the day progressed - perfect. I decided to do the straight forward route as describe on WH and set off at 8:30.

The start of the walk was uneventful.. I followed the track which gradually head uphill, it was nice and cool with some clouds linger over the hill tops. I didn't take any photos at this stage as wanted to push on. As I approached the steeper section of the path I realised I was walking into the clouds.... this was perhaps a good thing as I couldn't see how steep the path would get or how long for. I eventually reached the cairn where a faint path leads off to the left, I decided to treat Penny to her tripe stick which was initially meant for if we reached the top. I swithered whether or not to continue as I was on my own and visibility was poor... however I pushed on up the faint path as I knew further up the fence posts would lead to the summit making it difficult to get lost.

I could tell the sun was trying to push its way through and failing but the cloud did lift so we set off up the faint path.
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The views didn't last long... I couldn't believe how quickly the cloud surrounded us again
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All views... gone within 30 seconds
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We weren't alone...
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Fence posts! I knew I had to be close... for some reason at this point Penny came to life and had a spring in her step grabbing bits of old sheep wool when she could... strange dog!
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The usual summit pose, 3 days before here 11th birthday
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If you wait around long enough... you might just get some kind of view
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I had the summit to myself and enjoyed just sitting for a while.... sitting in hope the cloud would lift.

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Again, a small view to Loch Turret
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By the time I decided to leave the summit there was a couple of others... time to follow the fence posts home
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Of course the blue skies start to make an appearance on the way down :-)
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I know this one gets a bit of bad press as being boring and yes not as dramatic views as many but pretty still the same
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Was glad I set off early.... well early for me as by the time we were near the bottom it was incredibly hot
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Although we probably took longer than most and we didn't get the views I had hoped for I really enjoyed myself and was glad I made the effort to attempt it on my own.
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Sarah86
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Re: At last another munro

Postby The Rodmiester » Wed Jun 18, 2014 2:49 pm

Some lovely photographs there Sarah86, and still wee pockets of snow here and there also. Nice one to do by yourself :D
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Re: At last another munro

Postby SuperMillie » Wed Jun 18, 2014 2:52 pm

Well done!!! :clap:

Some lovely photographs

Congratulations on 'bagging' another Munro - a great achievement considering your lack of confidence in just getting there.

I bet you feel great for the experience

Good luck in your quest to do more, and hope you get some views on the next one
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Re: At last another munro

Postby MunroMadMen » Wed Jun 18, 2014 3:54 pm

Great pics and yeah I second the fact well done getting out and gaining experience, I'm lucky enough to be climbing on occasion with a few guys that have a few Munros under the belt, feel free to tag in sometime and nail some Munros with us
:)
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Re: At last another munro

Postby Gordie12 » Wed Jun 18, 2014 5:21 pm

Hi Sarah

Looks like Penny enjoyed herself .

Ben Chonzie does get a bad press sometimes but I've climbed it a few times and always enjoyed it.

Where's next???
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Re: At last another munro

Postby Fife Flyer » Wed Jun 18, 2014 6:49 pm

Nice one Sarah, you have the right idea - walk at your pace & enjoy :wink: It is not a race & nobody gets a medal for being the quickest up & down :lol:
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Re: At last another munro

Postby simon-b » Wed Jun 18, 2014 10:02 pm

Well done, Sarah. Lednock is an attractive glen, and Ben Chonzie is a good mountain for wildlife. It looks like you had a good day.
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Re: At last another munro

Postby jupe1407 » Thu Jun 19, 2014 7:45 am

Well done & nice pics :clap:
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Re: At last another munro

Postby Sarah86 » Thu Jun 19, 2014 1:50 pm

The Rodmiester wrote:Some lovely photographs there Sarah86, and still wee pockets of snow here and there also. Nice one to do by yourself :D


Thanks :-) I often enjoy going out myself as I don't feel as rushed and can walk at my own pace, this was my longest solo walk, as you say a good one to go alone.

SuperMillie wrote:Well done!!! :clap:

Some lovely photographs

Congratulations on 'bagging' another Munro - a great achievement considering your lack of confidence in just getting there.

I bet you feel great for the experience

Good luck in your quest to do more, and hope you get some views on the next one


Thank you, I do :-) Nothing beats the feeling of getting to the top of a hill/mountain, no matter which one it is and I did feel good for managing the adventure on my own and has given me a bit of confidence to start having more further afield outings with Penny.. as long as no motorways are involved!

MunroMadMen wrote:Great pics and yeah I second the fact well done getting out and gaining experience, I'm lucky enough to be climbing on occasion with a few guys that have a few Munros under the belt, feel free to tag in sometime and nail some Munros with us
:)


Thank you, I appreciate the offer but I am probably a bit slow to e good company :lol: I enjoy good brisk walks but as soon as I go up hill I slow down. I need to push on and get out on the hills more often.

Gordie12 wrote:Hi Sarah

Looks like Penny enjoyed herself .

Ben Chonzie does get a bad press sometimes but I've climbed it a few times and always enjoyed it.

Where's next???


I am not sure which one will be next, Schiehallion, Ben Lawers, Ben Vorlich and Ben Lomond are all within a comfortable driving distance for me but Penny doesn't seem so keen on constant long uphill walks these days and from what I read these ones are quite steep ascents. Perhaps Mount Ken, Mayor or Meall Nan Tarmachan are some easier options.

Fife Flyer wrote:Nice one Sarah, you have the right idea - walk at your pace & enjoy :wink: It is not a race & nobody gets a medal for being the quickest up & down :lol:


It felt nice going at my own pace :lol: normally when with my sister she is quite a few strides in front and I am always hurrying. There is too much to see to be up and down in record time.

simon-b wrote:Well done, Sarah. Lednock is an attractive glen, and Ben Chonzie is a good mountain for wildlife. It looks like you had a good day.


It is, lots of little birds flying in and out the heather, grouse, mountain hares and then the heart in mouth moment when a baby rabbit decide to run right in front of Penny :? luckily it darted to the other side of the path in one piece!

jupe1407 wrote:Well done & nice pics :clap:

Thanks :)
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Re: At last another munro

Postby AnnieMacD » Thu Jun 19, 2014 6:00 pm

Enjoyed that, Sarah. Love the dog photos and the last one - real summery shot.!
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