free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Perfect walking, parked and walking by 10am. A bit of ice underfoot on the climb up from the car park as it was in the shade. Once out in the sun I had to take my jacket off as it was lovely, no wind at all. At the top of the climb up to the approach I put it back on and when I couldn't walk properly in the snow, I pulled out the spikes and then simply powered my way to the top. No back sliding now.
Loch Lomond midday dazzle by
Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Great views all round at the top, fabulous. Out with lunch, basking in the sunshine.
Ben Lomond top by
Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Arrochar Alps across Loch Lomond by
Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Now it is the drop down to Ptarmigan, so glad I have spikes otherwise I would never have risked it. The initial drop always looks bad, once over it is on to the biggest drop of all but this was easier in the snow. Pretty cold in the shade.
Ben Lomond from Ptarmigan by
Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Another two drops and then walking over to Ptarmigan. Now on the sunny slopes all the way down, so off with the spikes and quickly down to the track back to the car park. This bit is the worst part to walk, boulders. Glad to get down and onto a flat surface. Still sunny at the car park, everything thawed out.
