
I decided that fortune favoured the brave and decided to go for it

The sun was shining, the views were great and I hadn't a care in the world as I marched off down the A85 towards Ben More Farm, the start of my route.
From the farm, the track was relatively easy going, but as soon as I ventured off the path and headed straight up the mountain it became very steep. In retrospect I don't think it's as bad as a lot of people claim, but at the time I was finding it pretty tough. Very steep, very boggy and the sun was beating down on me. There is one thing to be said for it however - it's very direct! The path was much clearer than I had anticipated, and although I was somewhat apprehensive about accidentally ending up in then hanging corrie (I had been warned of fatalities there), there was never any real danger.
I reached the top and was very nearly blown straight off again! It was incredibly windy and nearly lost my hat - I had to run after it! I danced around the cairn and then headed straight back down. The decent to Bealach-eader-dha Beinn was steep and a bit slidy. There was a wee bit where I had to do a bit of a scramble - avoidable, but where's the fun in that!
Looking back to Ben More

I admired the giant bolder and headed up Stob Binnein. The climb was much kinder than Ben More and should have been a relief but my legs had turned to jelly and I had to have several water and munchy breaks on the way up. I met a man coming down who told me I was nearly there. It sure didn't feel like it!!
On the way up Stob Binnein

I eventually made it, and as the wind was less insane I was able to stop to enjoy the scenery (and my sandwiches.) At this point I realised that there was no danger of me missing my train, as it was only just gone 2 o clock and I'd been going only 3 hours. Hindsight eh.
Ben More 'the beast' from Stob Binnein summit

I think this is Cruach Ardrain & Beinn Tulaichean

The route down to Inverlochlarig


Summit selfie

Ben More

I took my time heading back down to the bealach for a wee water break

I set off West straight down the mountainside *cough* giant bog *cough* My feet became even wetter and I went sliding a couple of times. The weather was getting hotter and I had to stop off and suncream myself and refill bottles at a convenient waterfall.


Looking back up

Eventually I reached the track which took me back down to Ben More farm.

Ben More Farm


2 miles back up the road and I collapsed over a table at the Rod and Reel with a large orange juice. I made the 5.30 train!
Ben More from the station

The walk itself had taken under 5 hours, plus 4 miles along the road in around 45 minutes. I would come to seriously regret this insane pace 2 days later. Ouch.
I'm looking forward to getting myself some new boots - anyone have any recommendations?!
The 5.30am start and 20 minute uphill walk to work the next day was agony. Totally worth it though. Here's to the next day off!!
