Perfect day to go to visit the BOGS

[jamesb63]

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Set off from home at 5.15 heading up Loch Lomond the road was empty
Getting to Ardlui the first signs of daylight were showing in the sky
On reaching the track into Auchessen I looked at the temp in the car
and it was -6 it was -1 when I left home
But I had opted for these 2 as if I started out early I was hoping that the ground
through the bogs would be frozen over
No layering up just a long t-shirt and a fleece top ,jacket in the bag
So I set off over the bridge at 7 am at a good pace soon reaching the walk up along the Deer fence
and as I had hoped the ground was frozen solid
There was not a cloud in the sky and looking up Sgaith Chuil was showing over the moor

Sgaith Chuil

Heading up the fenceline I could see why this route has some bad write ups
but I had no problems at all and I moved quickly upwards and soon reached the end of the deerfence

Looking over the Glen Ben More looked great

Ben More and Cruach Ardrain

I crossed over the Allt Riobain about 400m below the dam and made a straight line for Sgaith Chrom
the snow was well consolidated and the ascent was easy even without getting the crampons out
stopping the look about made it a joy to be out in such glorious weather

Ben Lui zoomed in simply awesome mountain

Meall Glas

Sgaith Chuil

Just over 2 hrs of leaving the car I was on the summit not a breath of wind and feeling great
I had the hills to myself could not see anyone else around

Jake on Sgaith Chuil

Ben Vorlich and Stuc a,Chroin

Over towards the Lawers range

Photo break over I put the crampons on for a direct drop off Chuil down a very steep slope
to the bealach with Beinn Cheathaich it is a fair amount of height to lose
But the weather made up for this
Reaching down to Lairig a'Churain I quickly made the lowere slope of Beinn Cheathaich
and took a sit down for a cuppa and give jake a fews treats (well earned)
after 10 mins it was onwards on the ascent and again no crampons needed
just the trusty axe in the hand the ascent was nice steady pace and soon we were at the
Trig point on Beinn Cheathaich

Jake at the trig on Beinn Cheathaich

Moving along over to Meall Glas the snow here was very soft and knee deep at some points
but nothing to impede the easy ascent to Meal Glas

Ben Lui,Ben Oss & Ben Dubhcraig

Turning for home I noticed the wind in my face had turned warmer
the descent was straight forward enough down to the flat walk out
the ground was still nice and firm so no messy bogs again lucky day
but walking along at one point I came to an unseen ditch covered in snow
and sods law one leg ended the full way in but thankfully it was dry
the going was rather pleasant and to top it off there is a new hydro road
from the fencline all the way to the farm now

Hydro road

On reaching the car there was another vehicle parked up, but I had not seen
a soul all day ,and what a day Beautiful Blue skies again twice In a row now

[Jaxter]

When I saw the title I assumed you'd either been on Creag Mhor or Dubhcraig...but was forgetting these ones because like you I did them on a freezing day so no bogs Definitely the best time to do them. You've got some stunning pictures there especially that one of Lui. My nemesis she may be but she's a beauty

[jamesb63]

When I saw the title I assumed you'd either been on Creag Mhor or Dubhcraig...but was forgetting these ones because like you I did them on a freezing day so no bogs Definitely the best time to do them. You've got some stunning pictures there especially that one of Lui. My nemesis she may be but she's a beauty

Fully agree with you on Lui any time I pass it I never fail to have a look at Him
still to do Creag Mhor but will try get it also in similar conditions
Dubhcraig was a tad messy

[Petr Dakota]

Well done James & Jake ! Nice to see you back in the hills again and you are really active after the gap
It was a great day yesterday, we were out in the mountains too and almost met you as we were going to Glencoe via Callander - Crianlarich - Tyndrum, but we started 1.5 hours earlier...

[basscadet]

Looked lovely, you were so lucky
I did these fae Glen Lochay so managed to miss the bogs that way, but didnie see much which was a shame because I had a feeling they were nice, and your shots prove it

[jamesb63]

Well done James & Jake ! Nice to see you back in the hills again and you are really active after the gap
It was a great day yesterday, we were out in the mountains too and almost met you as we were going to Glencoe via Callander - Crianlarich - Tyndrum, but we started 1.5 hours earlier...

It is a pleasure Petr to be back in the mountains after my unfortunate time out from them
I am sure we will bump into each other some day
The weather was superb all around on the day aswell

Looked lovely, you were so lucky
I did these fae Glen Lochay so managed to miss the bogs that way, but didnie see much which was a shame because I had a feeling they were nice, and your shots prove it

Definetly 2 for hard frosty weather and the views are just like the pics beautiful
hope your recovery speeds along and your back to normal soon also

[Alteknacker]

Great report, and fantastic pics. Favourite one being Ben Lui, for reasons you will know When it's perfect like this, words fail completely

What a great day!

The weather runes are threatening a high over the Highlands next week...

I feel the need to take some leave....

[jamesb63]

Great report, and fantastic pics. Favourite one being Ben Lui, for reasons you will know When it's perfect like this, words fail completely

What a great day!

The weather runes are threatening a high over the Highlands next week...

I feel the need to take some leave....

Many thanks ,I whole heartedly agree Ben Lui looks great something magical about it
specially in winter ,I hope to get out next week before duty calls