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I was caught in two minds this morning because I had decided to take the "Big Dog" with me for the next Munro. The choice was either Ben Vorlich (Loch Earn) or Ben Vane. Initally Ben Vorlich was the favoured option because I wasnt sure what Zippy would be capable of and the reports for Ben Vorlich suggest it is a straight forward ascent. Anyway after a little debate I opted for Ben Vane on the basis that when I do Ben Vorlich I will try and do Stuc a' Chroin on the same walk.
So we started ( a little late) from Inveruglas car park at 11am in a light drizzle.
- here we go!
Thanks to the various walk reports it was difficult to go wrong, and we got to the turning point at the base of the mountain quite quickly.
- disappointing views but still very atmospheric
This photo is looking back to the point where you leave the road and begin the ascent. The first 30 minutes was very tedious due to the very boggy conditions under foot. It is amazing how much enegry is used when you are constantly fighting to keep from slipping and sliding around. We were both knackered already!
Despite the weather there were several walking parties on the mountain which was reassuirng as this was my first climb over "moderate" scrambling in wet conditions.
We started to get into a rythmn and zippy seemed to be enjoying himself but we hadn't reached any real scramble at this point!
Faced with the first difficult bit....is the big boy having second thoughts?
No he was just checking out the little poodle (Chalky) we met on the way. It was clear they had a "thing" for each other
The climb was relentless and the low cloud and mist gave it a really ominous feel.
One of the benefits that came from taking zippy was that I was constantly looking ahead to try and identify the best line for him to take. This was a really good learning point for me as normally I just charge on looking a few feet ahead. We had to leave the path a few times as the climbing was just too much for him although I only had to give him a lift once(not easy at 38kg!!!)....
...and so finally to the top. He was a bit "emotional".
But soon regained his composure!!!
This was a good climb, very challenging (for me) but great fun too.
PS - why is it that every walk I have done it seems that the road part of the way back is ten times longer than it was on the way up (eg Ben Venue, Ben Ime, Ben Ledi, Ben Vane)!!! Of course it is't a problem on a circular route