First Munro of 2013 with Zero Visibility at the Top

[rdtoward21]

After an early rise (05:30) and a 2 1/2 hour drive we arrived at Ben Lomond and where off and walking by 8:50. There were quite a few people already setting off up the main tourist route.
After reading several WH reports on the route we decided to follow the route up Ptarmigan ridge. The going was tough but once height was gained the views where lovely.

Once we reached about 600m the cloud engulfed us, and we saw very few people, 1 guy passed us going down and 3 lads passed us going up. A tough route with snow in patches and high winds making things harder.

Reached the summit about 3 hrs after setting out, didnt linger long as no view. On the way down the tourist route we passed at least 30 people heading up, some with the right gear and clothing. However one guy was wearing a hoodie jumper and carrying nothing but a plastic bag (No thought about conditions).

Finished back in the car park about 14:30. A great walk but few photo ops. Route was well defined and very easy to follow.

Track_05-JAN-13 142440.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Summit Trig Point

Pam and I at the Summit

Our view of the loch once lower down

[Play2End]

Lovely day out on the hills. Owing to cut backs, snow will in short supply until the current economic climate rapidly improves. Please note... walkers are requested to bring their own snow if they wish to go 'winter' walking. 50 weeks claggy weather, 2 weeks snowy weather.

[ScottishLeaf]

This was my first ever Munro and it sounds like you got exactly the same views I did!

[grahamdrew]

Glad the photo on the summit came out ok
was a great walk and some strange sights were seen

[Tomsie]

Same views as us yesterday, but ye still enjoyed it which is the main thing

[johnaird123]

I also done Lomond yesterday (just the main route up and down). I probably passed you guys when you were on the descent, I left off about 11.40 and was back down 3.20ish.

Could not agree more with some people being under-prepared, seen one guy with plimsolls on.... I was actually frightened for them! Although, I didn't actually put on my jacket until about 750m.

The gusts at the top were quite strong and visibility was down to about 1m. I must say I was actually quite scared, as this was my first solo Munro and first Winter one.