Huey, Dubhy, Lui - and the Hudson.

[JimboJim]

Was thinking of next hill/s and saw a shout on WH from Jac, who was heading for this pair with her dogs, Ben and Bella and also planning to have a look for the wreckage of the Lockheed Hudson on Ben Lui. I wasn't so sure whether I'd manage Ben Lui, but was keen to tag along for the first two and we duly met at Dalrigh, 7.30 a.m.
Forecast had been for fog, mist, cloud and that was how it looked, but Jac had the back-up of a GPS and it was predicted to clear as day progressed.

We followed the WH route and soon reached 'stage 2,' the part where it says "The path soon becomes very boggy!" Poor Ben hadn't read the report and soon launched himself up to his middle in mud. What a sprachle to get out. I thought I was going to have to do my hero thing and dive in, but I might not have come out. Anyway, served as a good warning, as we paid much more attention to our next step, in the emerging light. We are also able to confirm the footbridge remains "out." Fortunately, the dry September meant we didn't have too much problem finding a crossing point, a little upstream.

The path through the trees is very pleasant, occassionally boggy and having the GPS was handy to keep us right, due to various tracks diverging along the way. It was a bit disappointing to see ahead covered in clag, as we emerged onto the open hill, but it was a good chance to stop for a photo and grab a breather - Warning! Jac the Lass, can motor! I was puffing hard to keep up, trying to figure out whether she had the advantage of being pulled up by Bella, who was on a lead, or whether she was actually on her second round of Munro's. She assured me the latter was definitely not the case.

Jac, Bella and Ben, heading into the murk.

Is it up there?

We followed the path up the Allt Coire Dubhchraig, steadily becoming enveloped in mist. The breeze got stronger and colder, but the going wasn't too steep, though the path 'peters' out, as mentioned. We were just a little to the west of our line, but could tell we were at the bealach, by the wee lochan's, in about two hours. A quick position check, then its a clear enough path to the summit cairn, in just less than two and a half hours. A Polish couple, emerged from the mist, having come up the NE ridge. The curved wall of the cairn gave welcome shelter from the cold wind, as we had some grub.

Summit cairn Beinn Dubhchraig.

We made our way back to the bealach and across to Ben Oss, which was intermittently beginning to show its face, along with views of Loch Oss and Loch Lomond to the south.

Loch Lomond appears.

Time to chill.

Heading for Ben Oss.

Watch your progress along the path, as we missed the 'small cairn' and continued along the stalkers path for a short way, before realising our error. On a different day, we might have ended up with a steeper, or longer detour to correct. Soon back on track and made the top in three and three quarters.

Me on summit of Ben Oss.

It was now 'make your mind up time,' as Jac was eyeing up the cloud which still hung over Ben Lui. My legs felt reasonably fit. I had enjoyed the banter along the way and shared some of Jac's enthusiasm to learn more of the crashed Hudson. It was gradually clearing. Go for it!

Ben Lui from Ben Oss.

It is definitely a good bit steeper and further drop to the bealach at the top of the Allt Coire Laoigh, than the previous descent. Bits of path here and there, but not too clear. Likewise, on our northerly ascent up Ben Lui, as we traversed steep slopes in search of the wreckage. Eventually we spotted it, well below us, down a steep gully. Afraid I couldn't give co-ordinates, but looking at the map on WH, would guess, somewhere in the vicinity between Carn Mhuirich and Sgiath Dhubh??

Hudson wreckage.

We made our way down and spent about half an hour raking about the different bits and pieces still remaining and recognisable. I don't think anyone could help being moved by the thought of the four flyers coming to grief on our mountain, during World War 2. One can find out a bit more info on the web, if interested. We made our way back onto the path. I was glad to see I was not the only one begining to tire, as Bella began to flag a bit! Anyway, the top was looking clear by now and we made it in about 6 hours exact.

Posing, summit of BL.

Cruachan.

Ben, giving me palpitations near the edge, admiring view of NE summit!

Almost unrecognisable since my only other visit, in the snow of April this year - http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=41770
After a few photo's, we made our way down some tricky bits on the north ridge, to descend east onto Stob Garbh, then down into Coire Gaothach, which presents impressive views of Ben Lui, looking upwards and down into Glen Cononish. Magnificent!

Straight down into Coire Gaothach.

Glen Cononish towards Ben Challum.

Looking back at Ben Lui, from Glen Cononish. Impressive, or what?

Looking over to Ben Oss and Beinn Dubhchraig.

It's a bit of a trek out, but I enjoyed the company and views, before making it back to the car in eight and three quarter hours, or so. Jac hardly broke sweat. I was somewhat fatigued, but glad I had made the trip and diversion to Ben Lui. Thanks again, Jac. One to remember!

[The Rodmiester]

That certainly turned out a great day after such a iffy start! Some fine photographs to boot for the hill collection Bit of a classic hillwalk, thanks for posting JimboJim

[JimboJim]

Thanks Meister Rod. Your appreciation is valued, having been over the course, seen it and done it! Certainly a classic for me, as I mentioned to Jac.

[AnnieMacD]

That was great! Glad the weather cleared up for you.

Love the title - have you been listening to NPR?

[JimboJim]

That was great! Glad the weather cleared up for you.

Love the title - have you been listening to NPR?

Yep, fortunately we were lucky and forecast was correct - or weather gods answered prayers.

Nah, I'm just a bit mad, Annie. Like a wee pun, play on words, anagrams, cryptics, etc. Anyway, you're one step ahead, as I'm stuck at 'NPR.' National Public Radio?

[Fife Flyer]

Enjoyed reading that Jimmy, some good photo's especially considering the weather at the start

Like the photo's of the wreckage, will need to head back that way as I don't remember seeing that

[AnnieMacD]

That was great! Glad the weather cleared up for you.

Love the title - have you been listening to NPR?

Yep, fortunately we were lucky and forecast was correct - or weather gods answered prayers.

Nah, I'm just a bit mad, Annie. Like a wee pun, play on words, anagrams, cryptics, etc. Anyway, you're one step ahead, as I'm stuck at 'NPR.' National Public Radio?

Yes, there was a program on National Public Radio called "Car Talk". This is from their web site:
"Our chief counsel from the law firm of Dewey, Cheetham, & Howe is Hugh Louis Dewey, known to [group of people] in Harvard Square as Huey Louie Dewey". See, nothing new under the sun, but they made lots of money off their humour so there's a job opening for you!

[Silverhill]

Great that the weather cleared up for you, Ben Lui is best enjoyed with views! And so much worth a second visit!

[JimboJim]

That was great! Glad the weather cleared up for you.

Love the title - have you been listening to NPR?

Yep, fortunately we were lucky and forecast was correct - or weather gods answered prayers.

Nah, I'm just a bit mad, Annie. Like a wee pun, play on words, anagrams, cryptics, etc. Anyway, you're one step ahead, as I'm stuck at 'NPR.' National Public Radio?

Yes, there was a program on National Public Radio called "Car Talk". This is from their web site:
"Our chief counsel from the law firm of Dewey, Cheetham, & Howe is Hugh Louis Dewey, known to [group of people] in Harvard Square as Huey Louie Dewey". See, nothing new under the sun, but they made lots of money off their humour so there's a job opening for you!

Thanks for info, Annie. Worrying to think there's someone else out there thinks along same lines as me, but as you say, might be an opportunity there! Nah, think I'll stick to the hills.

[jac the lassie]

Only just noticed the report! Great photos! Way better than any I got, especially love the loch lomond one.
I was definitely the one doing the trying to keep up on the way up lui!
Great report!

[JimboJim]

Only just noticed the report! Great photos! Way better than any I got, especially love the loch lomond one.
I was definitely the one doing the trying to keep up on the way up lui!
Great report!

Hi, Jac, thank you. No wonder you just spotted report - corny title, eh.

I think we both did well, as it was a big hike. I think you must have been trying to make me feel better.

Hope you get back on hills soon.
Jimmy