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I was on a bit of a roll last year and was finally getting my munro count up... albeit slowly. After completing Ben Vorlich in November the snow and winter stopped me in my tracks. Ben Lomond has been next on my list for some time, every day driving to work I had been watching for the snow to clear. Finally it looked safe enough to do and the mountain forecast was looking good. I had read enough reports on this one to know peoples main complaint was how busy it could get at a weekend so I set off from Clackmannanshire at around 7am on a Friday to try and beat the crowds.
There was only one other car i the car park on arrival, so I got booted up, made sure I had plenty water for me and the dog and that I also had her coat for her just in case (Thank goodness I packed it). I wasn't too sure how Penny would manage this one as she will be 12 at the start of June and although classed as an easier munro it is still a bit walk. Anyway we set off and Penny had a real spring in her step as we walked up the initial path.
Views soon started to open up back to Loch Lomond and it was looking to be a very promising day
As we got high onto open hill side we caught up with a couple of tourists on holiday, as it would happen we kept on bumping into each other all the way to the top as I overtook them and then they caught up with me as I took a rest. I couldn't see the summit from this point and had no idea how much further I had to go but although a little breezy I was enjoying just being out and about.
I then reached the top of the open hill side where the path goes off to the left to reveal the summit of Ben Lomond... my exact words were oh jeez as I realised I still had quite a bit to go!
The views now were fantastic, The Cobbler is now in sight
Then things started to change... more and more cloud surrounded the summit and the wind was getting strong and colder... good job I packed Pennys coat!
Looking back to Loch Lomond more cloud was appearing
We pushed on none the less heading along the flatter ridge section itching to reach the final accent.
As we reached the more rugged section of path that starts to head uphill again although the weather was cold and challenging I felt energised knowing the summit wasn't far off.
It got to a point where there were no views and I thought our efforts wouldn't rewarded. I hate walking a hill for the sake of it as ticking them off isn't what it is about for me. I love to see what each hill has to offer in views but we were too close to turn back so we pushed on regardless.. As we got closer to the top we kept getting little bits of view... perhaps the cloud would clear after all.
Views!
Almost!
We were rewarded after all and what stunning views we got
Number 10 at last!
I couldn't get enough of these views, the cloud kept coming in and covering but it didn't last long
The clouds actually added to the views and made it quite dramatic
Summit pose!
Although the conditions look great from the top it was a bitterly freezing wind so we couldn't wait around long, it was a case of get the photos and run.
As we headed down the clouds all started to clear and I was starting to feel rather warm again. I was glad I set off early as I started to lose count of the number of people heading up. We I got back to the car park there wasn't a single free space.
All in all a fantastic day out, I really enjoy my little adventures alone with Penny dodging along at my own pace. So glad that we were rewarded with such fantastic views. Now that number 10 is complete I am struggling with easy options that are within good travelling distance to do with Penny.
