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The forecast looked cracking, a sunny day after a big snowfall in the highlands. Todays target was Ben Vane, if anything because the roads were icy and I wasn't going to head far.
The day started with some doubt, as I met a couple of walkers early on ... they were on their way down, having turned back ... "too much snow!!". Thankfully there was still a trio ahead breaking a trail and this left some confidence that it might still be worth continuing with the endeavour to the top.
Towards Ben Lomond by
Morgan Tim, on Flickr
The snow was very deep in places and was hard work trail breaking. I hooked up with a Glaswegian who I found had an equally determined streak and we set about blazing a snow trail up Ben vane together. Soon after, the trio ahead of us gave up, having been led astray by a rocky outcrop which became too steep. We managed to avoid this with a sneaky route into a gully and around.
Hard work picking the right route through the rocks by
Morgan Tim, on Flickr
Avoiding the Rocks, but also the deep snow by
Morgan Tim, on Flickr
I had read that Ben Vane had many false summits and this was right, but this provided for some wonderful views.
Summit approach - looks like the alps ! by
Morgan Tim, on Flickr
On our return by
Morgan Tim, on Flickr
Summit soup by
Morgan Tim, on Flickr
This has to be one of the best winters day that I have had the privilege of being in the highlands. Munro #145
