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For many years I have wanted to climb Ben Wyvis as I see it almost every day. With my good woman away on hols with her sister I thought that there was no time like the present so after a hearty breakfast of porridge and a generous helping of sultanas it was off to the car park, arriving at about 11 am, 2 hours later than I had wanted.
Here's me on the wrong side of 55 and at the base of the hill with a good stock of food / water and a few bars of chocolate, an old pair of work boots, a jacket I thought was waterproof and a walking stick cut from an old apple tree branch.
The first part of the ascent went well and as I reached the start of the steeper part I wondered about the sanity of it all. Being a stubborn old git I soldiered on reaching the stone staircase / steps taking them a bout 10 at a time and stopping for a rest. Onwards and upwards and by now I was starting to meet people on their way down. "If u have reached this far u will manage the rest ok" said one chap.
The scenery was stunning and with Loch Glascarnoch away in the distance I continued upwards hoping that the weather would clear a little.
With Little Wyvis now below I new I was within reach of the summit but the old body was beginning to creak a little and I thought of doing an about turn when I reached An Cabar as the visibility was quite poor.
I had gone this far so why give up now I thought. How long to the summit? 20 minutes replied another couple on their downward journey. The visibility was not great but I carried on, suddenly the trig point loomed up and I had done it.
Stopping briefly for a bite to eat and make a phone call or two I set off on the downward journey. My left knee was beginning to give a little bother but my trusty stick saved the day.
The downward journey was slower than I anticipated reaching the carpark at 5.30 but it was all worth it. Now I will just have to suffer the aches and pains for a day or two.
Maybe I will do it again on a better day to get some good pics.