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Moody Trossachs - finally the "true" summit of Ben A'an

Moody Trossachs - finally the "true" summit of Ben A'an


Postby Jaxter » Wed Apr 01, 2020 5:19 pm

Route description: Ben A'an

Sub 2000' hills included on this walk: Meall Gainmheich

Date walked: 01/02/2020

Time taken: 3.1 hours

Distance: 8.74 km

Ascent: 660m

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A nice looking afternoon, we decided to head up Ben A’an and make a diversion out to the “true” summit of Meall Gainmheich. We parked up at the Ben A’an carpark on the shores of Loch Achray. A few minutes later we were on our way up the well-built path.
ImageHeading up the Ben A'an path

The path climbed steeply and we met a lot of folk out – rare nice weather tempting people out!
ImageLoch Achray

We found a break in the hordes to duck behind some trees for a pee :lol: Before long we could see the impressive crags of Ben A’an ahead
ImageBen A'an ahead

The first steep section was over and we were able to walk across the flat section where the views opened out
ImageBen Venue

More steep came next but it was over quickly and before long we were almost up at the bealach and the views back the way were fantastic 8)
ImageLoch Achray

At the top of the steep section the path bent left to the summit of Ben A’an – we thought we would leave that for later in the hope of a good sunset. We took a right off the path and were off-pisting through bog.
ImageOff-piste

We actually picked up something of a path which was unexpected but very exciting! This helped us find our way around the side of a bump. The views were fabulous 8)
ImageLoch Katrine

We picked up a fence which we crossed over as there was a gaping hole in it. We decided to take a shortcut over the next bump which turned out to be a terrible idea because it was covered in heather and tussocks but it did mean we could see our route ahead.
ImageMeall Reamhar & Meall Gainmheich

ImageTramping across heather

We had an idea that we might come back along the tops, but probably avoiding that descent!
ImageMeall Reamhar

We dropped down towards what looked like a waterfall (actually it was just more bog) before climbing up alongside a fence.
ImageLooking back to Ben Venue

Fortunately we didn’t need to climb the fence as we found a conveniently placed gate
ImageGate ahoy

Across the fence the ground became even wetter until we started climbing. Before long we were at the summit of Meall Gainmheich 8)
ImageBen Ledi

ImageBen Ledi & Benvane

ImageBen Lomond, Arrochar & Loch Arklet

ImageCrianlarich hills

ImageBen Venue & Ben Lomond

ImageThe Campsies

We dropped down a few metres because Malky thought the views down to the loch might be better
ImageGlen Finglas reservoir

Back at the summit we enjoyed the views for a while – we weren’t expecting to be back here any time soon 8)
ImageRainbow and Ben Ledi

ImageBen Lomond

ImageBen Ledi

ImageLoch Arklet

ImageMeall Gainmheich summit

It was time to go – we decided to follow the fence along the ridge to Meall Reamhar
ImageThe ridge

Unfortunately the rain started soon – we thought it might go away if we ignored it but sadly we were wrong and soon had to stop to add waterproofs. As we climbed onto Meall Reamhar the views down Loch Katrine were pretty cool 8)
ImageLoch Katrine

ImageBen A'an

ImageBen Venue

ImageLoch Katrine

ImageEnjoying the views

We dropped steeply off the side of Meall Reamhar before climbing a fence (no convenient gate this time!) and plodded back around towards Ben A’an
ImageLoch Katrine

Back onto the path we followed it up to the summit of Ben A’an – it was still raining but it seemed silly not to
ImageBen A'an and Loch Katrine

ImageLooking back to Meall Gainmheich

ImageJaxter on Ben A'an

ImageMalky being dramatic

The weather wasn’t good so there was no point waiting around – it was time to get back to the car
ImageLooking back

It was an easy walk back down to the car – a nice wee afternoon out, shame the rain came in earlier than expected though :roll:


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Jaxter
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Re: Moody Trossachs - finally the "true" summit of Ben A'an

Postby Alteknacker » Wed Apr 01, 2020 6:20 pm

Notwithstanding the early appearance of the rain, with that louering cloud you really managed to get some superb "mood" pics - I especially like:
Ben Lomond, Arrochar & Loch Arklet
Admiring the view

:thumbup:
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Alteknacker
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Re: Moody Trossachs - finally the "true" summit of Ben A'an

Postby Robertgee » Wed Apr 01, 2020 6:25 pm

Brilliant report, some cracking photos. :clap: Ben A'an is a special hill for me, as it was the first proper hill I've ever climbed, sometime back in the eighties. Great idea to continue out to Meall Gainmheich, never been there myself, but looked good, though I bet it was tough going with all that heather.
Robertgee
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Re: Moody Trossachs - finally the "true" summit of Ben A'an

Postby bar72 » Mon Apr 11, 2022 9:08 pm

Thanks for the report. Did nearby Corbett Beinn a' Choin and had some unspent energy so finally managed the summit of Meall Gainmheich, after 2 failed previous attempts, on the way home.
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bar72
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