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“Wanna climb a hill tomorra?” I asked Colin. He reckoned he could be persuaded. Several hours later…. “So what hill are we climbing?” Fortunately Colin was feeling a bit more decisive than I was and came up with a plan that fit the criteria of a good hill without a long drive. Bingo
We arrived at the Ben Ledi car park and managed to find a spot to squeeze into; so many people were parked inconsiderately…
It was chilly so we quickly got our kit on (plenty of time for me to stand in a big dog turd hiding underneath some leaves
) and we were off. It was an easy and familiar walk initially and we gained height quickly, overtaking the masses out on their Sunday stroll
Looking back, Loch Lubnaig
It was an easy and relatively uninteresting climb although the views were amazing as we climbed higher. It was a stark contrast to the last time I’d been here; on this occasion I had views and no rain
Once on the ridge the full force of the wind hit us and we were forced to walk faster to stay warm! But it was an easy stroll to the summit cairn where the views were tremendous
Ben More and friends
Jaxter pose
The wee cross and out towards the Campsies
It was blowing a hoolie so we frantically added more layers before attempting to find somewhere slightly sheltered for some photos
Loch Achray and Ben Venue
Ben More
The Cobbler & Arrochar Alps
Ben More & Stob Binnein
Crianlarich hills
Dumgoyne & the Campsies
Lochs & Campsies
The summit cairn
It wasn’t really hanging about weather so we added extra gloves and headed off along the ridge. We were walking directly into the wind so it was pretty blowy. Fortunately once we started dropping down we were slightly more sheltered.
Looking back up to the summit of Ben Ledi
Towards Benvane
We started following the ridge along, past a wee lochan….
As we traversed the ridge the views remained amazing
We walked over lumps and bumps, and Benvane didn’t really seem to be getting any closer….
Looking back to Ben Ledi
En route…
Beinn Each to Ben Ledi
Beinn Each & Stuc a’Chroin
Taking a breather
Ledi
Glen Finglas
Finally after many kilometres of bog trotting and plenty of banter, we had the final steep climb to the summit – I suggested straight up the front and back down the more roundabout route (trying desperately to make it a circular route
)
Crianlarich hills from the summit
Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps
Lawers hills
Colin approaching the summit, cursing my choice of route
Looking back along the ridge to Ben Ledi
Beinn Each & Stuc a’Chroin
Ben More & Stob Binnein
Arrochar
Lawers
Unspecified bird
Ben Ledi
Ben Lomond
Ben Venue
Jaxter on Benvane
The cairn making up the 3rd stooge
We stopped behind a big rock for a sandwich and a break from the wind, before heading the slightly longer but less steep route off the top of Benvane.
Glen Finglass
The long and winding road back
The evening light was starting to do lovely things as we looked back towards Benvane
Me enjoying the view
Colin taking a photie
Bog reflections
As we approached the cut off Colin reflected on how it was a shame we weren’t an hour later as the sunset would be great from here. “We can always sit tight for an hour?” I suggested…. “Let’s do it” we said, and we hunkered down in a sheltered spot where we could chill (literally) and fiddle around with cameras.
The Cobbler
Ben Lomond
The moon – this would help us find our way down later on
It was an excellent decision, because although I had to keep adding clothes until I resembled the Mitchelin Man, it was a belter of a sunset….
Ben Ledi
Colin & Jura chilling out
Colin contemplating life
Looks like it’s time to go….
So it was time to get going…we wanted to at least be on the Glen Stank track before it was dark and we were going to have our work cut out….
One of many discussions we had was about whether it gets darker quicker in Winter. The answer was a resounding yes, as 20 minutes after sunset we were almost in the dark already
But what were unsure of was why….neither of us being Scientists we had some interesting theories
Once off the slippery steep “path” otherwise known as a bog, we were onto the track and it was a case of following our noses. I fortunately remembered it well from the last time I’d been there in April so it was just a case of not faceplanting
I had a headtorch but with the aid of the moon it was easier to keep our night vision. And it’s always interesting avoiding tree roots in the dark…
Back onto the road we stopped to try out night photography….Colin had more success than I did, but this one still came out better than I’d thought at the time!
Back at the car we were the last people there
But it was still relatively early….really noticing that lost hour though
But it was a lovely day and a great lesson in small, local hills having fabulous views
