Ben More and Stob Binnein
Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 1:39 pm
I've driven past these two hills dozens of times and I figured it was about time I climb them. Decided to do the route suggested here on the site. Got a late start around 1:30 and the layby was pretty full. Nevertheless, I only met a few people coming down from Ben More on my way up. It was steep, steep, and more steep. Very tiring on the legs. Found a path for pretty much the entire way up and it improved as I reached about the halfway point. It was some effort to get up to the summit but after about 2 hours and 20 mins I was soaking in the fine views. The distant hills were all in silohouette but looked impressive needless to say. The view toward Loch Tay was especially nice. I had the summit of Ben More to myself and so after a good rest and a tricky self portrait I headed down to the bealach to Stob Binnein. Met another climber on my way down who had done Ben More and Stob Binnein but was reascending Ben More On my way up Stob Binnein my legs and lungs started to fade. Took more breathers on this hill, but finally made it to the top. At this point the clouds had thickened and the wind had picked up. Didn't hang around too long, so down to the bealach and off to the descent path into Benmore Glen. The descent path wasn't all that bad and before long I was back to the car, just under 6 hours, not bad considering how many breathers I needed. Met the guy who was reascending Ben More back at the layby. He was on some journey! Poor guy had cycled up from the south coast of England and had climbed several hills along the way. Guess he thought he was Superman, because he said that after camping below Ben More he was going to wake up, cycle to Fort William, and climb Nevis All I can say, is better his legs than mine.
All and all a great day out with superb weather and views.
All and all a great day out with superb weather and views.