Perfect Winter Walking on Ben Chonzie
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:32 pmI've bagged a bunch of Munros already but I had such a great day yesterday on Ben Chonzie and I really enjoy reading other users' reports so I thought I'd try writing my first report. Having mostly just done fine weather summer Munros so far, the promising forecast for the post-Christmas period seemed like a good time to starting working on my winter skills and the straightforward Ben Chonzie seemed like a good place to start.
Setting off from my parents' house (where I was staying for Christmas) in Ayrshire at 6.30am was a bit of a shock to the system after several days of festive laziness but allowed me a quiet drive to the starting point, via some rather icy country roads, arriving around 8.45am.
I was first to the car park but spent so long faffing around that by the time I set off at 9am, a few other walkers had already arrived and started walking.
The early sun was looking absolutely beautiful, casting a gorgeous red glow across the hills and I was really excited to get my first Munro bagged since September.
The Walkhighlands route follows a great path which was a little icy in places but there were no real problems. It was a lovely gentle incline for the first few kilometres, helping to warm me up in the sub-zero temperatures. Further up the path, snow started to develop underfoot and by the time I reached the small cairn marking the departure from the main path over onto a river crossing, the snow cover was constant.
The going up to the main ridge was steepish but barely noticeable as I was enjoying the fantastic visibility and stunning views all round. Ben Chonzie has a bit of a reputation as a boring hill but the beautiful winter conditions and perfect air clarity brought out its hidden charms. Before long the big broad and almost flat ridge was reached.
A gentle walk North East alongside the fence posts and the summit was reached, marked by an unmissable cairn. I stopped for a quick bite to eat, a few photos and a chat with some fellow walkers, everyone in awe of the perfect day, but I didn't stay for long as, despite the sun and lack of wind, it was extremely chilly!
I reversed the route back down which was easy going and took time to enjoy the views and take what seemed like a hundred more photos!
The walk back down to the small car park, which was overflowing with walkers and snowboarders by the time I got back, was pleasant and, despite the cold temperature, the sun was lovely and warm. Back at the car park by 1pm, this really was a half day Munro and probably would've taken me 3 and a half hours had I not spent so long taking so many photos but this was ideal for my first Munro in months and after days of overindulging!
Overall a gorgeous day on Ben Chonzie, maybe a Munro best saved for a crisp winter's morning.
Setting off from my parents' house (where I was staying for Christmas) in Ayrshire at 6.30am was a bit of a shock to the system after several days of festive laziness but allowed me a quiet drive to the starting point, via some rather icy country roads, arriving around 8.45am.
I was first to the car park but spent so long faffing around that by the time I set off at 9am, a few other walkers had already arrived and started walking.
The early sun was looking absolutely beautiful, casting a gorgeous red glow across the hills and I was really excited to get my first Munro bagged since September.
- About 5 minutes in to the walk, admiring the early sunlight.
The Walkhighlands route follows a great path which was a little icy in places but there were no real problems. It was a lovely gentle incline for the first few kilometres, helping to warm me up in the sub-zero temperatures. Further up the path, snow started to develop underfoot and by the time I reached the small cairn marking the departure from the main path over onto a river crossing, the snow cover was constant.
- The sun beginning to peek over Creag Gharbh.
The going up to the main ridge was steepish but barely noticeable as I was enjoying the fantastic visibility and stunning views all round. Ben Chonzie has a bit of a reputation as a boring hill but the beautiful winter conditions and perfect air clarity brought out its hidden charms. Before long the big broad and almost flat ridge was reached.
- Looking back the way I'd come, from the broad flat ridge.
- Gorgeous views North West from around 910m.
A gentle walk North East alongside the fence posts and the summit was reached, marked by an unmissable cairn. I stopped for a quick bite to eat, a few photos and a chat with some fellow walkers, everyone in awe of the perfect day, but I didn't stay for long as, despite the sun and lack of wind, it was extremely chilly!
- Fellow walkers enjoy the fine views from the cairn.
- Not a bad view to enjoy while having a quick bite to eat.
- Cold but happy on the summit.
I reversed the route back down which was easy going and took time to enjoy the views and take what seemed like a hundred more photos!
- Clear blue skies making me irrationally happy.
- Hare footprints seen all over the mountain in the fresh powder.
- The way the ice had formed on this fence post created a pretty lethal-looking ice sword...
The walk back down to the small car park, which was overflowing with walkers and snowboarders by the time I got back, was pleasant and, despite the cold temperature, the sun was lovely and warm. Back at the car park by 1pm, this really was a half day Munro and probably would've taken me 3 and a half hours had I not spent so long taking so many photos but this was ideal for my first Munro in months and after days of overindulging!
Overall a gorgeous day on Ben Chonzie, maybe a Munro best saved for a crisp winter's morning.
- Happy descent from Ben Chonzie.
