free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
I decided to revisit Ben Rinnes for the first time in fourteen years. The last time was my 1st ever winter walk back when I was at university. This time round there was no snow on the ground but the top looked to be wreathed in cloud. It was cool & overcast, so on the plus side there was little danger of overheating or sunburn.
I left the car park and headed up the path. On the way up there's a nice flat rock that's perfect to have a sit down on & enjoy the view. I took a five minute breather before heading on.
- Looking up to Roy's Hill. The water in this puddle was only one inch deep.
I found the path to be in a decent state and was able to make good time. I found Round Hill & Roy's Hill to be natural stopping points (for me, anyway) to rehydrate & take the weight off my boots. The Black Banks were much more challenging. As I ascended it got noticeably cooler & as I got into the cloud the temperature dropped again.
- This looks pleasant...
The rain stopped & started before finally deciding to come on in sheets. Well, that's what the waterproofs are for & so suitable garbed I kept at it (albeit head down under my hood).
On top of the hill visibility was down to maybe 60', so having arrived at the trig point roughly two hours after setting off I gave it a friendly pat on its top then descended into the lee of a rock formation. Out of the wind I had a snack & a sit down for a short time. Due to the weather & lack of visibility I didn't hang about. I said hello to a couple who arrived shortly after me I began to descend.
The rock formation Scurran of Lochterlandoch looked interesting, but I wasn't hanging about due to the weather.
About a third of the way down the weatehr improved for a while. Hopefully the next time I climb Ben Rinnes I'll be able to get some nice pictures from the top.
- The Black Banks. A good work out for the leg muscles.
- Glen Rinnes
Just after I got back to the car the heavens opened up again, so I was grateful for having arrived when I did. I'd passed a family of five just five minutes from the car park, so had to feel a bit sorry for them still out in the downpour.
After some lunch it was time to head back into town.