walkhighlands

Share your personal walking route experiences in Scotland, and comment on other peoples' reports.
Warning Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.

The Basset and Ben Vane

The Basset and Ben Vane


Postby 2dalmatians » Sat Sep 11, 2010 8:08 pm

Route description: Ben Vane, from Inveruglas

Munros included on this walk: Ben Vane

Date walked: 11/09/2010

Time taken: 5 hours

Distance: 11 km

Ascent: 930m

Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).

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.
IMG00343-20100911-1121.jpg
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.
IMG00344-20100911-1130.jpg
disappointing views but still very atmospheric
IMG00347-20100911-1145.jpg


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!
IMG00353-20100911-1205.jpg


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!
IMG00354-20100911-1213.jpg


Faced with the first difficult bit....is the big boy having second thoughts?

IMG00357-20100911-1258.jpg


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.
IMG00361-20100911-1302.jpg
IMG00362-20100911-1340.jpg


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".
IMG00367-20100911-1410.jpg


But soon regained his composure!!!
IMG00365-20100911-1410.jpg


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
Last edited by 2dalmatians on Sun Sep 12, 2010 7:59 am, edited 2 times in total.
User avatar
2dalmatians
Mountaineer
 
Posts: 341
Munros:38   Corbetts:3
Fionas:2   Donalds:2
Sub 2000:7   
Joined: Aug 16, 2010
Location: Stirling

Re: The Basset and Ben Vane

Postby Merry-walker » Sat Sep 11, 2010 8:58 pm

Great report 2dalmatians

I love reading these kind of reports :) Zippy may have wee leggies but he obviously kept up with you. Was he ker-nackered when you got home?
User avatar
Merry-walker
Mountaineer
 
Posts: 1771
Munros:65   Corbetts:53
Fionas:12   Donalds:1
Sub 2000:5   
Joined: Aug 22, 2010
Location: Scotland

Re: The Basset and Ben Vane

Postby 2dalmatians » Sat Sep 11, 2010 9:09 pm

Yes he was completely exhausted, however the post walk massage did wonders!
IMG00377-20100911-1654.jpg
User avatar
2dalmatians
Mountaineer
 
Posts: 341
Munros:38   Corbetts:3
Fionas:2   Donalds:2
Sub 2000:7   
Joined: Aug 16, 2010
Location: Stirling

Re: The Basset and Ben Vane

Postby Merry-walker » Sat Sep 11, 2010 9:15 pm

Ahhh, so cute, bless his little woolie socks
User avatar
Merry-walker
Mountaineer
 
Posts: 1771
Munros:65   Corbetts:53
Fionas:12   Donalds:1
Sub 2000:5   
Joined: Aug 22, 2010
Location: Scotland

Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).




Can you help support Walkhighlands?


Our forum is free from adverts - your generosity keeps it running.
Can you help support Walkhighlands and this community by donating by direct debit?



Return to Walk reports - Scotland

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: HelenO and 45 guests