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Ben Vane

Ben Vane


Postby JimboJim » Fri May 31, 2013 10:55 pm

Route description: Ben Vane, from Inveruglas

Munros included on this walk: Ben Vane

Date walked: 15/05/2013

Time taken: 3.9 hours

Distance: 12.5 km

Ascent: 926m

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Weather still dictating little activity, but modest forecast meant a look towards Loch Lomond might be profitable. Ben Vane looked reasonable from a navigational point of view, if forecast held, so off I went hoping to get a decent hike in after the dearth so far this year.
I pretty much followed the WalkHighlands route, parking at Inveruglas Visitor centre - no signs of any parking payment machines.
I enjoyed the walk up the road towards Loch Sloy dam, as the sun shone and A'Chrois cut an impressive figure to the south. Having crossed the bridge, my next task was to make sure I found the track heading onto the hill and thankfully a group of walkers and their dog, led the way, ensuring I didn't walk straight past. This first stretch is certainly mushy, but gradually improves, though the developing track is also quite rough here and there till one hits the steeper slopes of the hill proper.
The route is well defined, but steep much of the way, occassionally requiring a wee scramble here and there, but nothing too exciting. As mentioned, there are a few false dawns before reaching the top.
Ben Vane 059_965_800.JPG
A good spot to shelter.
The last 100m, or so, of ascent were in gradually deepening, slushy, slippy snow making it more interesting clambering up the rocky stuff before it flattens then descends a little. before another tricky wee climb to the top, which caused one of a group of lads I'd caught up with, to decline the last wee challenge.
Ben Vane 069_1049_800.JPG
Nearing the top - some other lads led the way.
Ben Vane 082_1272_800.JPG
Made it.

Some fine views of the surrounding Arrochar Alps and other peaks, before heading off the top, for a warm brew. Heading down was uncomplicated, other than a shower of snow, then rain, before clearing again to give some sun on my back, down the road to the car in just under the four hours. A decent enough hike for me, despite not being the higest.
Attachments
Ben Vane 098_1113_800.JPG
The start - or end?
Ben Vane 096_1240_800.JPG
Lochside.
Ben Vane 094_1125_800.JPG
The Dam.
Ben Vane 091_1059_800.JPG
Poseur. These sheep always look so superior!
Ben Vane 089_1067_800.JPG
Ben Vane 087_1038_800.JPG
Ben Vane 086_1247_800.JPG
Ben Vane 083_1037_800.JPG
Sloy Dam.
Ben Vane 082_1272_800.JPG
Yours truly.
Ben Vane 080_1218_800.JPG
Lomond.
Ben Vane 078_1174_800.JPG
The Cobbler.
Ben Vane 076_1130_800.JPG
Other chappies at the top.
Ben Vane 072_1238_800.JPG
Beinn Ime.
Ben Vane 071_1280_800.JPG
Bealach a'Mhaim and Beinn an Lochan
Ben Vane 066_1265_800.JPG
Beinn Narnian.
Ben Vane 062_1223_800.JPG
Lochs, Lomond, Arklet and Katrine
Last edited by JimboJim on Wed Oct 04, 2023 10:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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JimboJim
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Re: Ben Vane

Postby Stuart Angus » Fri May 31, 2013 11:32 pm

:thumbup: brilliant wee report this, on a magic hill.........love the pics :thumbup:
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Re: Ben Vane

Postby mr_ash_37 » Sat Jun 01, 2013 10:11 am

Yip a nice one to conquer! Steep in places well done....
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Re: Ben Vane

Postby JimboJim » Sun Jun 02, 2013 10:35 am

Thanks, Stuart and Mr Ash. Certainly is a good workout and gives rewarding views!
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JimboJim
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Re: Ben Vane

Postby gymman47 » Mon Jun 03, 2013 3:34 pm

Nice report and some good pics too. I remember crossing the wee bridge and taking the path too early and climbing up a small hill (mind you it was foggy) :roll: It was only after a half hour and reaching a wee summit I realised this cant be the top already, can it ??? I looked over to my left as the cloud lifted to see this huge mountain before me and realised I was on the wrong hil !! :crazy: :crazy: So well done Jimbo and thanks for the nice pics too. :clap:

JP
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