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Ben Vorlich
Today was my 2nd outing with the KRC and as we drove to our destination I was wondering if I was the weather jinx on them or vice versa. The forecast was for heavy showers but this was a lot more consistent than a shower. However, when we approached the start at Lochearnhead it had eased off and some blue sky appeared in the direction of our walk.
The walk was Ben Vorlich, a Munro at 985 metres. Munro baggers will most likely combine Vorlich with Stuc a’ Chroin but we were only intending a straight up and down.
We parked near Ardvorlich house with quite a few cars around already. Wet gear on and the group headed through the estate track, through a few gates and out onto open land.
It is a straightforward hill with a clear track from start to finish and going by today is a popular route. The walk up Glen Vorlich gives clear views of the objective ahead.
There is not a lot to write about as it is simply a case of a constant uphill walk gaining height at a steady rate, quite comfortable. The track is a reasonable stone and shingle route but if you stepped off this the grass and worn areas were muddy and slippy, more of which later. A couple of wooden bridges have seen better days so take care crossing them. Two runners have passed us by never to be seen again and now a mountain biker, half cycling/pushing and half carrying the bike.
Ben Our
The main rainfalls thankfully had now passed, some gear removed, but plenty of showers still around. In the good weather there are views of the flanks of Ben Our on the right. There is a slight track heading that way that I had not noticed on the map but walkers on it.
Final section approaches
We have now reached the final and steepest section but you can see the trig from here. For me this section was a 20 minute head down plod up the zigzagging track. I just keep thinking of the biker with the bike across his shoulders going up this, fit bloke.
The trig
At the trig there is a short ridge walk to the slightly impressive cairn where we chat to the biker who is just about to descend. Heavily padded just in case of accidents. Good luck to him.
It took me 2 hours 25 to summit, longer than I expected but we had stopped for a tea break which on solo walks I would not have done.
From the top the effort is worth it as the views are excellent in all directions: amongst others Ben Lawers & Schiehallion can be seen to the north; the waters of the Firth of Forth glistening with I believe the Lomond Hills beyond; directly behind us the other Munro Stuc a’ Chroin and to the west Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps.
Stuc a' Chroin
We get out of the wind and what a fine place it is to enjoy lunch. Other people arrive including two young girl runners who hop about a bit taking in the view then run off towards Ben Our.
The descent I found harder that the ascent. Twice I slipped, without damage except to my pride and muddy trousers, first on wet ground and then the scree. Concentration was full now on.
The rain stayed off for the descent but the passing clouds and light gave ever changing views of the countryside to the north.
A good but long day. Time taken was 4 hours 35 including our food stops. Ascent was 3100 feet (945m) and distance walked was just under 7 miles (11.26k).
