Ben Challum

[Jock McJock]

So hadn't been out for a while. Hadn't done any Munros since September and my last decent walk had been with Stretch and Co on the Cobbler in November. Last year was pretty much a non starter for me as far as Munro bagging goes so I'm really keen to put that right in 2012.

So where to go? Considered doing something with a couple of Munros that would take my count to a nice round 20. However common sense prevailed and I thought I better just keep it to a single hill, not too far from home, that wasn't a big day out. So Ben Challum it was Had my eye on this for a while so thought I would take the opportunity to go get it. Day off was Thursday and the forecast was looking good too. Hang on, day off AND good weather??? I took that as a good omen, as last year I don't think that happened once

Anyway I'll keep this brief as there are plenty of reports already on this site for this hill. Set off about 08:50 from the layby and was off up the hill. Very straightforward route up the hill following the fence line practically all the way. Very,very boggy underfoot as has been said before about this hill but I have to say it didn't bother me in the least. Arrived at the south top in just under 3 hours, had a wee break and then off over to the true top. the wind was really blowing across the top so didn't hang around too long. Met 2 guys from the Lake District who were staying in Tyndrum at the By The Way and had a wee blether with them. Also met another guy out on his own who stopped briefly to say hi. All in all a great day out. MWIS were pretty spot on with the weather and I really enjoyed getting back out in the hills Back to the car at 14:10. I'll let the pics do the talking form here.

Ben More and Stob Binnien

Cruach Ardrain

Ben More, Stob Binnien and Cruach Ardrain

The wee road down to Kirkton Farm

Ben Lui having a wee peek, or is that peak??

Ben Dhubcraig and Ben Lui

Follow the fence........

The Crianlarich hills

First sight of the top

Ben Lui etc

Summit from the south top

Towards the wee ridge and up to the top

The top

View back to the south top

Views east

Views north

Happy me!

Glen Lochay

[pollyh33]

Oh very nice photos JMcJ

All day I've been looking out of the window at work thinking 'I hope somebody somewhere is enjoying these glorious blue skies!'

Glad to hear you didn't mind the most atrocious bogfest ever

After all the pain I've endured because of the snow and ice, I can't wait to embrace 'the bog' !

[quoman]

Hi jock McJock

Nice wee report there good photos ave still to do this one waiting on a bit more frost to help wi the bogs

[Jock McJock]

Cheers folks. To be honest the bogs really weren't that bad. I though Ben Dhubcraig was worse. Decent boots and gaiters and just march right through!!! Can be a bit energy sapping on the way up though

[magicdin]

I was right then - great photos - especially the early ones of the Crianlarich hills

[Jock McJock]

I was right then - great photos - especially the early ones of the Crianlarich hills

Yeah David. Just checked my FB and see you sussed it. Nice one

[gammy leg walker]

Looks like you had a fine day Jock McJock.

How are your legs feeling.

Some cracking pics also.

[Jock McJock]

Looks like you had a fine day Jock McJock.

How are your legs feeling.

Some cracking pics also.

Cheers Wullie. Was a cracking day. Weather was spot on. Legs aren't too bad considering I've not been out for a while. Might be a different story tomorrow though

[Fudgie]

That hill looks a lot different from when I did it about two weeks ago. It's good to see some folk have been out enjoying the weather today

[Jock McJock]

That hill looks a lot different from when I did it about two weeks ago. It's good to see some folk have been out enjoying the weather today

I take it there was a lot more snow when you were out Fudgie? Not much of it left. Only some very hard packed stuff left at the top. Bit icy in places too but nothing too bad.

[Fudgie]

That hill looks a lot different from when I did it about two weeks ago. It's good to see some folk have been out enjoying the weather today

I take it there was a lot more snow when you were out Fudgie? Not much of it left. Only some very hard packed stuff left at the top. Bit icy in places too but nothing too bad.

I took this picture of my friend as we went from the South Summit to the true summit. It was knee deep at points:

[jonny616]

Lucky bugger getting out in that weather. No wonder you were grinning in your summit shot. Great pics

[mountain thyme]

well done in getting back out Jock Mcjock..Heres to 2012 and many more hills

[ChrisW]

Good stuff JMcJ, and some cracking pics too, that first one is lovely

[xpfloyd]

Good report and nice pics of the surrounding hills. Doing this one tomorrow.