by BigC » Mon Aug 10, 2015 4:24 pm
Corbetts included on this walk: Ben Vrackie
Date walked: 09/08/2015
Time taken: 5 hours
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A great walk for someone returning to hill walking after some years (me) or someone on their first serious walk (my 25 year step son and 10 year old daughter).
First of all it is accessible, with good directions to the start point and a well maintained walk-in. And someone has very considerately (thank you, whoever you are) paved final ascent into a rough but solid and easy to follow path. You don't have the frustrations of finding that you've walked miles off course or got stuck in boggy ground or scree or similar. You still need your waterproofs and proper footwear, mind you. You're still more than 800 metres up and a sprained ankle or soaking would not only ruin your day but could also be dangerous for yourself and others.
Secondly it is popular and busy. That may well be a minus for the more seasoned walker but it does mean that there is plenty of help available if you get into trouble and lots of people to encourage and cheer you on your way. But please still take your map and compass. No matter how crowded, a mountain is still a mountain and a sudden change of weather could well mean you could find yourself alone, lost and in trouble.
But the most important bit is the views at the summit. What a reward for all that climbing! Amazing vistas to all points of the compass. We had one of those days which is fairly overcast but where what you can see is crystal clear. So we could not see very far (Schiehallion shrouded for example) but there was a good enough spread to hook any first timer.
One last tip for a returner who doesn't want to be shown up for his or her lack of fitness: Take a ten year old as an alibi: "Better stop for another rest i think". "Oh dear, am I tired again, Dad?
