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Ben Oss and Bienn Dubhchraig were my chioce for Saturday, taking advantage of a slight lull
in the recent wet weather. The forecast was also looking good for some clear weather on
the summits by midday.
I was also hopeful of some great views and photos of Ben Lui from the summit of Ben Oss.
Parked in the usual car park just off the A82 at Dalrigh.
There were a few other cars there with walkers at various stages of preparation,
all exchanging the usual courteous "good mornings" etc. - nice bunch us hill-walkers
One young lad set off first and that was the last I saw of him all day.
I set off next and soon came across the rickety bridge over the river leading to the forest
A lovely sight and very enjoyable start to the walk with the Scots Pines in the low lying mist.
Stopping regularly for photos I eventually noticed two of the guys from the car park,
Jim & Ross, who were catching up just as we cleared the forest.
We had a brief chat then took slightly different routes to the foot of Bienn Dubhchraig.
We met again and from there we headed up together and although not too difficult
it certainly wasn't easy going as any path was completely obscured by snow.
A quick look behind at where we'd come from!
Eventually we hit the summit and after taking in some fluids etc. a quick photo!
Ross & Jim
on Beinn Dubhchraig summit.
We were just preparing to head off for Ben Oss when Derek & Ann appeared from the mist below.
After a quick chat we decided to proceed as a team now and as the only lone walker
I was quite glad of the company as visibility was now very low, approaching white-out
for a large proportion of the walk.
One brief moment of clear skies was all we were gifted on the ascent of Ben Oss.
I was feeling unusually fatigued as we headed up and had no choice but to stop
probably less than 100 metres from the summit as I had simply run out of energy.
Normally I wouldn’t have struggled much even in the snow so
I can only put it down to an off day
I encouraged the others to keep going and they kindly waited at the summit
while I hastily consumed some much needed fuel.
Another break for me at the summit and I’ve never enjoyed a cuppa tea so much!
I'm sure the 8 hour duration of this walk would have been quite a bit shorter
if it weren’t for my extra break
A wee apres-tea
summit photo session:
Jim, Ann , Derek & Ross
on Ben Oss summit.
So much for my views across to Ben Lui
All refreshed we headed down, enjoying some good banter and staying as a group till the end.
A couple of candid shots as we descended through our pure white environment:
Last shots of the day:
Derek, Jim, Ann & Ross
Me, Jim, Ann & Ross
It was nice to note that we all use and appreciate this site so if you see this report
please add your own thoughts Ann, Derek, Ross & Jim
Goodbyes said, we were all on our way before long with another 2 Munros under our belts.
A great day with great company, thanks everyone!
David
