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We were windswept,the hill was interesting!!
Having looked at the forecast of storm force wind,rain,snow and pockets of sunshine we decided the conditions would be the best we've had yet.
This was to be our second Munro,with our last four walks somewhat Clag orientated !!
We'd bagged the Cobbler and Beinn Narnain two weeks proir to this in Claggy conditions,so the hope of seeing something today was high.
Us 1-4 Clag. Mind you with the weather that day,no wonder the clag couldn't be bothered turning up.
Set off from home at 06.30,picking up Martin en route. The drive round to Arrochar brought the usual hazard of deer and a few branches off trees from the nights storms. We were first in the carpark and just as we parked up,down came the first shower. We waited for it to pass before getting ourselves ready to hit the hill. Its was waterproofs from the start to the end. By the time we were setting off from the carpark another two cars had arrived....at least we weren't the only mad people about.
Settin off we said our hello to who we now know as Mountainlove. Up the zigzag path and onto the open hill........ah the Cobbler. We stopped,to get a few pics and a wee drink. By this time the two guys behind us passed by,followed by Mountainlove.
Back at Ben Lomond
A few more shots as we got closer,maybe a bit camera happy,but since we missed it last time
There was a slight dusting of fresh snow/hail.
The sun started to rise behind us
We continued on the path looking behind,wondering why it was gettin darker !! The snow/hail showers were getting blown in thick n fast.
Shower almost past
Another shower so we sheltered for a bit watching them blow in and out.
Snow shifting over the Cobbler.
We were almost at the split in the track. By this time the wind was almost stopping any forward progress and the hail stones took a layer of skin off our faces ! The ruksack cover got put away as they were acting as sails no matter what we tried.
Off we set towards Beinn Ime. The wind was taking our breath away and walking poles had a mind of their own !
Showers that were never far away passing over the Summit . The bottom section of track was pretty wet underfoot,and with the wind against us made for a pleasant ascent......Not.
Taking pictures turned into a challenge as trying to hold the camera still was a nightmare.
Yet again as we looked behind the showers moved on.
Moving up the hill there was a strange calmness all of a sudden,it was good to not feel the wind for a while as we walked bellow the ridge.
Clearing up ahaed.
Told him not to play in the snow !!!! Fool.
Conditions under foot weren't as bad as expected,no slips or slides to report. We carried on,and whilst looking towards the summit we noticed a red object in the sky
Just round the next rock we met Mountainlove so stopped for a wee talk. It was her ruksack cover we'd seen. !!
On we went and couldn't believe it,we had made it to the top......................with a view to enjoy !!!!
One for the Catalogue............. Avon ?
Took 4 attempts to get this pic due to camera blowing over.........not sure if was worth the effort
If anyone wants to print it off and use it to keep the kids away from the fireplace,feel free !!
That was it,another in the bag. So much for no Munro's till the new year
Narnain and Cobbler
That was us,heading back the way we came,passed 3 other walkers heading up Ime as we headed down. But they never lifted their heads as they battled with the elements. Mat a group of 5 just coming off Narnain as well,so another wee chat then we headed off back down the track.
We got to the Dam and stopped for the last drink before getting off the hill,the Cobbler was lookin clear. Also met quite a few people just heading up the hill,this was just before 14.00,glad we weren't heading up at that time of day. We even passed someone runnin up.....show off
Back at the car we were visited by, you know who..................thought the wee fecker was coming home with us in the car.
Heading home we stopped for a picture...........'we've had you' !!!
A great day again,really liked this walk due to the extreme weather and ever changing light. Oh,and the fact we could actually see something for a change
Good times
I've got Martins pitures here,but can't get photobucket to upload em
,so will ad em later.
Cheers.
