Stob Binnein was More than enough... but.

[Marty_JG]

I spent last year not doing any hills, recovering some health - plus waiting for the puppy to grow. We've been doing the Campsies and Kilpatricks, and she has had a shot at Ben Lomond (hellweather denying the summit). So looking around for a plausible bag or two, Ben More was settled on. Forum advice suggested the southern approach and thus adding Stop Bennein.

Started early for me but late for a walker, about 11am. Someone is playing peek-a-boo. (The reason she is over the other side is I had to return to the car for the camera, of all things).

Style-ish Start

The initial ascent was theoretically tough - twisty, steep, hot weather - but I just leant in and hammered it and didn't really feel it. At the time. There is a wee cairn before the Little Sister proper, so I called it Baby Sister and we had some boiled eggs and chunks of cheese.

Cairn at Baby Sister

The fun easy ridge between Little Sister and Stob Bennein proper.

Little Sister to Stob Bennein

Didn't take long to reach Stob Bennein. Gorgeous views, some more eggs, cheese, and water, and a quick selfie.

Selfish Selfie

Honestly I could have returned right then and there for a great day out, and perhaps should have. But I met other walkers who gave encouragement, so we went for Ben More looming easy-looking in the near distance.

Should we or shouldn't we?

The top of Ben More really is beautiful, the views but also the local rock formations.

More fun at the top.

The re-ascent of Stob Bennein is looking very tough at this point, but the reason I'm out here is not just to enjoy but to train, and another 300 meter ascent is a third of click up. The wee figures you might make out on the right felt otherwise and headed into the Easy Out valley.

Longest road home... quitters right!

That re-ascent ahead smashed me. I packed the camera away - sorry, no more pics - drank the last of my water (2.4 litres total) and marched on. Dry mouth, joint pain from the descents, thighs turning to lead, and the difficulties of keeping ever-excitable Pixie on a leash (needed now as as the sheep moved in) made the return feel very slow.

Got back to the car park at 21:10 and never has two flasks of almost-cold tea tasted so good!

Pixie loved it - though today she's sleeping making the occasional "hurrumph" groans.

Ben More and Stob Binnein from the South.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts