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First solo hike up dreich Ben Lomond

First solo hike up dreich Ben Lomond


Postby LailaQuiche » Fri Jul 13, 2018 11:22 am

Route description: Ben Lomond

Munros included on this walk: Ben Lomond

Date walked: 09/05/2018

Time taken: 3.78 hours

Distance: 12.7 km

Ascent: 989m

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With the munro bug rushing through my veins I was itching to get up another one. None of my friends were available that week so I decided to attempt one alone. I chose Ben Lomond as, from what I had read, it has a very clear, distinct route which is virtually impossible to get lost on (though it wouldn't have surprised me if I had somehow found a way!)
I arrived at the car park and already needed a bit of guidance from some fellow hikers on which direction to start....embarrassing! But once on the track, I could see how clear the path was all the way up.
First hour of the walk I found gruelling, as always. I always find it difficult to motivate myself for the initial part, especially when it's a monotonous path. After lots of mini stops, I had a banana and then got into the swing of things. As I ascended the cloud descended and it wasn't long before I couldn't see a thing. As I neared the summit it as blowing a hoolie and I had icy shards of rain piercing my face....delightful. It was strangely calm at the top and couldn't see a thing due to the thick cloud. A kind German couple at the top offered to take a photo. The weather was so miserable, I didn't bother to eat my pieces at the top and powered back down. A nice man who was heading up stopped to give me some wasabi peanuts...a nice spicy kick in the freezing cold! I find it so much easier to descend now that I have hiking poles and practically jogged all the way down.
I was absolutely drenched through by the time I got back to the car. Luckily I had some dry joggers and trainers change into. Scranned my pieces in the car and then headed home for a lovely hot shower.
All in all, despite the miserable weathers and non-existent views, I quite enjoyed this solo jaunt. It was rather therapeutic. :wink:
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Stunning views
LailaQuiche
 
Posts: 54
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Joined: Apr 30, 2018

Re: First solo hike up dreich Ben Lomond

Postby Petr Dakota » Fri Jul 13, 2018 1:06 pm

Congratulations for "double First": First solo hike & first report :clap: :clap: Well done to keeping going and get the summit in the bad weather :thumbup:
Keep going and reporting ! :D 8) :wink:
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Petr Dakota
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Posts: 1274
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Location: North Lanarkshire

Re: First solo hike up dreich Ben Lomond

Postby rockhopper » Fri Jul 13, 2018 1:10 pm

Well done :thumbup: If you're happy going on your own, it makes things so much more flexible as you don't need to stick to prearranged plans. Interestingly most of my hills have been solo but have been up Ben Lomond four times each time with a friend or relative - cheers :)
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Re: First solo hike up dreich Ben Lomond

Postby LailaQuiche » Wed Jul 18, 2018 9:53 am

rockhopper wrote:Well done :thumbup: If you're happy going on your own, it makes things so much more flexible as you don't need to stick to prearranged plans. Interestingly most of my hills have been solo but have been up Ben Lomond four times each time with a friend or relative - cheers :)


It's good to know I can do it if needs be. Though I do enjoy having company. I often find the more I need to motivate someone else, the easier it is for me to power up! Funny that!
LailaQuiche
 
Posts: 54
Munros:70   Corbetts:7
Fionas:3   
Sub 2000:1   
Joined: Apr 30, 2018

Re: First solo hike up dreich Ben Lomond

Postby LailaQuiche » Wed Jul 18, 2018 9:53 am

Petr Dakota wrote:Congratulations for "double First": First solo hike & first report :clap: :clap: Well done to keeping going and get the summit in the bad weather :thumbup:
Keep going and reporting ! :D 8) :wink:


Thank you!! :D It was still enjoyable, despite the rubbish weather. Beggars can't be choosers in Scotland!
LailaQuiche
 
Posts: 54
Munros:70   Corbetts:7
Fionas:3   
Sub 2000:1   
Joined: Apr 30, 2018

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