free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
So after a very busy week at work I was really looking forward to this walk. I had gone out a few a weeks ago intending to climb both Ben Vorlich and Stuca Chroin however the weather was very poor that day and I only managed Ben Vorlich without any views at all for more or less the whole trip. This time mother nature was much kinder to us.
Ruby and I set off at around 0940 from the roadside at Ardvorlich House and although the weather at that point wasnt great it was certainly looking much better than last time.
After about 30 minutes we caught up with 3 other walkers (Rick, Billy and Billy's son). Our pace was similar so we ended up tagging along for a while. They had travelled up by car from Musselburgh to do this walk.
As an approach to a Munro I think this is my favourite so far. You can see the mountain ahead all the way and although you are climbing it isn't overstrenuous at the start which means you enjoy the view up to the mountain.
![IMG00629-20101030-1015.jpg]()
- first look up
As we approached the summit of Ben Vorlich the views just got better and better (apologies for the poor photos - I really need to get something else as the Blackberry just isn't good enough)
![IMG00637-20101030-1126.jpg]()
- a rainbow over lochearn
One of the aspects of climbing Vorlich that I really liked was that you can see the cairn stone looming above you as you climb up toward the summit - just out of reach!
![IMG00648-20101030-1154.jpg]()
- almost but not quite - knackered right now!
It was very blustery at the summit and cold too! my fingers were numb at this point so we (Ruby and me) set off quite quickly towards Stuc to see if we could catch up with Rick who had been in front of us. Billy and his son were about 30 minutes behind
![IMG00650-20101030-1156.jpg]()
- ruby waiting for her reward!
![IMG00649-20101030-1154.jpg]()
- View across to Stuc
Descending down I spotted Rick about 20 minutes ahead and whistled to him. He obligingly stopped and waited for me to catch up. I was a bit relieved to be honest as based on the WH walk report I didn't fancy climbing up Stuc on my own (dealing with heights isnt one of my strengths!). After crossing the Beleach we had a little debate about whether to head up the grass scree or take the more difficult route up through the boulder field/scramble. Now at this point I could have played the "Ruby doesnt climb" card, but I know that she is a much better climber than me! So off we went through the boulders!! Apart from one section which I wasn't comfortable with and did play the "Ruby cant make this climb bit - honest!" we managed the climb without incident. (Rick was ahead of us here and managed to guide me to an easier section). We reached the summit just before 2pm. Unfortunately there was a bit more cloud cover and so the views were a little restricted.
![IMG00652-20101030-1317.jpg]()
- about halfway up the Stuc scramble looking over to Ben Vorlich
![IMG00654-20101030-1325.jpg]()
- Donald Stuart memorial
![IMG00655-20101030-1335.jpg]()
- Rick heading to the summit cairn
![IMG00659-20101030-1339.jpg]()
- Rick at Stuc a Chroin summit
.
There was no sign of Billy and his son following behind and Rick was a little concerned that they would be suffering from a bit of exposure back at their car as he had the keys or that they may be waiting to ambush him when he got back! But not to worry as we approached the lochside they were both there in high spirits and satisfied with their climb up Ben Vorlich. This was Billy's son's first munro (I think) and he was (quite rightly) delighted!
An excellent walk with great company too!
