BEINN NARNAIN..SU-PER SU-NDAY

[Jockstar]

We met stretch in Perth after he had given us the call that he was going to Arrochar to tackle Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime in the Arrochar Alps. This was new ground for myself and Su (AKA Mrs Jockstar), so was excited to see what the Lomond area was like for climbing. As I had been told these hills go straight up from the shore line, in this case. Loch Long and Gammy leg walker who had met us at the car park opposite the path up, didn’t disappoint, by leading the way up a small rocky stream. This was the ‘old’ path and was vertical from the off.

Up the hill following the old hydro electric concete bases

The new path is further along the road and meanders up the initial climb. We made steady progress and the views of Arrochar and Ben Lomond quickly came into view. It was pretty hard going but Stretch and GLW led the way and as we were soon seeing Ben Lomond in all its majesty. Stunning !

Su climbimg up with Arrochar below

Ben Lomond

GLW’s spaniels were having a great time though never leaving his side at any point during the walk. After a couple of small scrambles where the ice was a wee bit of an issue we reached a plateau and there to our left was The Cobbler.

Strech and Gammy leg Walker on the plateau before The Cobbler

The Cobbler

Not having seen it other than in photographs, I was staggered by the presence and sight of this granite that nature had sculptured out of the hill.It is an impressive sight and one of those where you can’t take your eye of it. It draws you to it as if it has a hypnotic effect. Eye of the needle…not today though!

At this height we could also see Loch Long whose name suggests just that, as it seemed to go on forever into the distance.

Loch Long

So we went on and as we got further up the hill the climbs were getting abit more interesting and scrambling up to the next level was great fun Even Suhowfar was beginning to enjoy these wee challenges.

Strech looking down at the scramble

We were now at a height where Ben Vane and Ben Vorlich were seen to be prominent to the north and also Beinn Ime was looking impressive in the autumn weather. There was quite a bit of frost and nearer to the summits snow was lying. though not deep enough to trouble us. Altogether Arrochar is a very impressive place that has raw beauty.

Ben Vane and Ben Vorlich to the north

So we climbed onwards to the top and then came to the Spearhead. This is an awesome sight that at this height was looking like something from a Doctor Who set as the frost gave it an eerie look

The Spearhead

. For us the adventure was beginning to heat up as we had to make a couple of small scrambles along narrowing paths all covered in frost. Sound footing was required. We then reached the part of the climb resembling a chimney and we had to raise our game to get to the top and out onto the summit. Apart from a pull up from Stretch at one point Su did the rest brilliantly and was elated by her achievements and the fears of the Stob Ghabhar AE walk were beginning to diminish.

Su on the scramble

Towards the 'chimney' climb

We all walked to the trig point using GPS to establish that this was the top.

Trig point and summit

Mr and Mrs Jockstar at the trig point

Due to the conditions we quickly took the photos and then headed down the boulder field. This proved troublesome because of the snow lying and sure footing was essential to prevent any injury. The way down the hill towards the bealach was also treacherous and was a bit unnerving as we slid a couple of times. I had seen that GLW and Stretch had already made it down but some running repairs were needed on Su’s gaiters and tying knots wasn’t easy with frozen hands. On reaching Stretch and GLW we had a small discussion which resulted in us making the decision to call it a day and head down the hill. Although this was disappointing I felt that this was the only real option as we were going to be beaten by the lack of daylight. So for the second time in the weekend we had to bow to sense and but my heart I knew we were not going to be able to get up to Beinn Ime today…..but there is always another day!

Beinn Ime - still there for anther day!

So we headed around Bein Narnain along the path which took us even nearer to the Cobbler and that looked like something from Mordor.



There were people still climbing and walking up the hill. Some in Trainers and others as if they were having a Sunday stroll!!! For me it was good to get down and know that we had achieved a great climb and would know that we could come back some day soon and do Beinn Ime by reversing our route down the hill. The guys were very gracious with the decision and I enjoyed their company immensely.

[gammy leg walker]

Nice report jockstar glad you enjoyed your day,I know me and stretch enjoyed the company

[monty]

NIce report Jockstar but su's is better Great set of pictures. Love the one of you with the cobbler in the background

[Jockstar]

Su's is far better...she told me so