An evening wander - Beinn an Lochain.

[dooterbang]

Coming of 3 nightshifts, finishing Saturday morning, I managed to stay awake and headed to Arrochar for a loop of Beinn an Lochain. Joining me for more adventures would be Fiona. Driving up I felt really tired but I was positive the fresh air and mountain views would revive me

Decided to park up at the Rest & be Thankful car par and start from here, firstly walking 2k up the road by Loch Restil.


After 2k we crossed the river and started our ascent up the North ridge, a steep one at that.






Further up the ridge it started looking pretty spectacular








It was nice having this walk to ourselves, especially up here in the ever popular Arrochar. The Succooth car park was bursting at the seams when we passed it earlier, we were glad to be away from all that to enjoy the peace and solitude.

Not long after an hour we topped out at the summit




Great views West


Most folk descend back down the ascent route, however we decided to descend the South ridge and make it a nice loop.

A nice little snow patch providing a reflective pose


Looking back North to the summit.


Looking SE down Glen Croe


The final descent meant gingerly picking our way down a pathless gully, and steep SE face. Conditions underfoot wet in places. We took our time however, all good fun

The descent, with the Cobbler & Beinn Narnain in the distance.


After a while we eventually reached less steeper terrain and hit the tree line.

A Lone Tree - The Tree of Life


A big boulder!


The last kilometere was slightly boggy before reaching the road taking us back to the car park, it was an easy walk once on the road. It was late evening, but a nice one

Beinn an Lochain is a cracking mountain with a nice ridge to reach its summit, furthermore its not as busy as some of the other. It has spectacular views in all directions, I highly recommend it

The following day we went to the Isle of Bute for a cycle, Fiona was pretty quick on her bike...and didn't moan once We enjoyed some ice cream at Etrrick Bay, with great views over to Arran...destination for our next adventure

[malky_c]

Nice wander - Beinn an Lochan always looks good

[iainR]

I did shift work for nearly 20 years and to contemplate climbing a hill like this after finishing a nightshift would've been unthinkable.....respect. Great report on the only major Arrochar hill i haven't visited yet.

[rockhopper]

Great idea, good result You two are just too fit - this after nightshift then off for a cycle the next day !

I see you're still keeping up the posing - cheers