free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Is it alright to post walk reports a long time after the event? Here goes anyway.
A few years ago it occurred to me that, although I live in the south of England, it was easier to get to the Southern Highlands (via Gatwick Airport) than to the Lake District. With a bit of luck I could leave home in Sussex at around 7am and enjoy lunch half way up Ben Lomond. Here was the opportunity: a fine day in early June 2016.
Having stocked up in the Tesco at Glasgow Airport, I was at the Rowardennan car park by 1pm and set off up the Ptarmigan path in glorious weather. The bluebells were in full flower a month later than they had been in Sussex,
although the bracken seemed to be at about the same stage of development.
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- Bluebells
Views across to the Cobbler and Beinn Nairnan soon opened up.
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- Arrochar Alps
It was soon time for a lateish lunch overlooking Loch Lomond, as planned.
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- Cheese Triple
After a while Ben Lui made an appearance in the distance.
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- Ben Lui on the horizon
A monster rock with a fine backdrop marked the start of the final steep ascent.
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- Large rock
When I arrived at about 5pm the summit was almost deserted, and the views were spectacular in all directions.
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- Towards Ben More
The dramatic eastern corrie came into view as I set off back down on the main track.
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- Eastern Corrie
The late afternoon descent on the main path was perfect, with none of the crowds I had heard about.
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- Last glimpse of the summit
Who could ask for a finer day out in the June sunshine? It certainly makes a change from the South Downs.
