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Set out from Rutherglen 5am and reached Inveruglas Visitor Centre 5.50am, what a differance the quite roads make.Left the carpark at 6.05, my Sis and I had committed to an early start . Forecast was mist, as was last week's forecast for~(the wee nutter) Ben Vane which was good fun , and on the drive up there was no vertigo passing through onto Tarbet as I couldn't see the mountains. ~Usual route past the hydro power station on the right hand side, come off the path(right and quick left) next to the A82 for 30 seconds and return onto the path and make yourway through the swing gate and under the railway bridge. You have the option to "cut" through the wood ahead and rejoin the tarmac or follow the tarmac round. I suggest you go through the wood. It's an easy enough walk up to the switch station(big black box) on your left and we followed the (tarmac)route down . There is another route (tarmac) off to the right which we had made an attempt on last year , however lack of prep (waterproofs) meant we got rained off.
The first left you pass takes you down towards Coiregrogain farm buildings, the second left shows a bridge over Inveruglas water(don't know the name of this bridge) which will take you to the start on Ben Vane . A little bit of research had our minds focused to look out for a small cairn which pinpointed a common route up the mountain. This cairn ,in my opinion, is unmissable as it had now been adourned by an old T-shirt since the last photo's I had seen of it and something else?? , up to you what you think it is .
The ascent is relentless and you may need a few stops if only to stretch the legs, you pass a few streams and crags and plently of bog . There are a couple of welcome plateaus , although on this particular day the gusts did more than just feel uncomfortable. With the help of the level ground you feel the strength coming back into the legs and our pace quickened , just a short ascent over a sparse section and the trig point is in view. We had to shelter round the other side of the cairn to beat most of the wind and have a quick bite to eat and drink before heading back down the way we came. The route down was fine , although with full weight going down with each step over the bog sections, I had quickly gave up trying to stay dry , my attention had switched to trying to stay upright . very slippery . Once off the mountain and onto the tarmac we felt a great sence of acheivement and was a good walk back to the Inveruglus VC , not many folk like the tarmac , however I felt it was a good cool down for the legs.
will do Ben Vorlich again , on a dryer day so i can get the views. Best of luck for all who complete . thanks
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