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A perfect forecast emerged for Saturday, so obviously I was working
however it wasn't all bad as I was able to leave Helensburgh at 12 and drive up to Glen Douglas where there were a tempting pair of Grahams that looked like a nice afternoon walk. The oil light on my car came on approaching Helensburgh
which made me think I really ought to carry a bit of spare in the car...but also that an extra 20 miles wasn't going to make that much difference (those who know about cars may disagree...)
The road up to Glen Douglas was initially very steep and bendy and the views just kept getting better. Arriving at the layby I was greeted by the sight of my first target emerging from the inversion...
...and also a collection of about 6 people singing and playing music! Not quite what you expect but it was interesting. I've no idea who they were or why, but they climbed back into a camper van and drove off as I was putting my boots on
I was attempting to follow something along the lines of
this route, so headed along the road past the houses and found a signposted path to Tullich Hill. I say path, but it was very sloppy and before long I was up past my ankles in mud and gloop
Reaching a stile over the fence I lost some layers as it was absolutely roasting, and hoped that conditions underfoot would improve. They didn't
I was now into sticky mud and having to cross what looked like drainage channels. It was slippery and sticky and hard work. It was also pretty steep and rumours of a path at all lies!!!
But the views behind were stunning
If did get better though. Once out of the mud it becomes grassy underfoot, and despite being steep it's possible to pick a route. I saw a couple of people ahead of me wandering around below a fence before climbing it. Assuming this meant that there was no way across I followed suit. It was a very high fence and I am quite short so this wasn't easy
Safely across I picked up a vague path which became more distinct as I climbed higher. Overtaking the couple near the top, we discussed the insane temperature, brutal climb and other things before I continued. Coming over the top I was greeted by the most incredible view! My first thought was "that hill looks amazing" before realising what it was. It's a slightly different angle to the normal view I think, or perhaps I'm just an idiot. Either way it was stunning.
Balance not good….
Looking towards Loch Long
Ben Lomond with a touch of the inversion left
Summit cairn and Cobbler Narnain, Ime & Vane behind
I snapped away and enjoyed the summit for a bit. But if was chilly and I needed to get a move on if I was going to complete the circuit. The couple arrived just as I was leaving so I left them to enjoy the views. Following a bearing, I visited a pointy rock for more views before heading down a craggy shoulder towards the An t-Sreang. As this was north facing it was still frosty, a stark contrast the heat of the ascent. If was pretty steep but I was able to work my way around crags.
The valley framed the Cobbler again
What was now before me was a 300m pathless climb up to Ben Reoch. So off I went, zigzagging my way slowly upwards. It was easy enough to find a route and although steep I managed to get into a rhythm and before long it was a short trek left to the summit. Not a "tickable" summit but a great viewpoint anyway
From here I could see the long ridge to Beinn Bhreac. A fair distance but not much ascent. I decided to add a wee bit more by popping over a viewpoint - a wee extra summit of Ben Reoch marked by a 632m spot which probably had better views than the summit itself.
Off I went towards my final summit. I could see a path leading towards the summit so picked this up and it was a nice wee wander to the top.
On my way I passed by this giant crack
No idea what it’s all about but wouldn’t like to get stuck doon there
Climbing up to the trig point the views were just incredible. The inversion from the morning was still in the valley, so I hadn't completely missed out!
Down Loch Lomond
Back towards Ben Reoch and the Cobbler massif behind
Towards Doune Hill and Cruach an t-Sidhein
Snapping away I realised that I hadn't eaten anything. This always happens on the hills but somehow never when I'm working or at home
There was a cold wind so I hid behind the trig point and ate my lunch at just after 3.30 and enjoyed the views.
It had taken me just under 3 hours to here, so in terms of time I was well on target. Looking at my watch and the sky I realised that sunset wasn't far away. It was likely to be a good one so worth staying up! Checking my head torch was in my pack, I added layers and hunkered down to wait.
The cloud was returning…
The sun had set and it was time to go. I reckoned it could take me 45 mins to get down, so if was going to be getting gloomy.
Looking back to the trig point
Cobbler in the evening light
The Luss massif
Starting to get pretty dim now
Cloud rolling up the valley
It actually took me closer to an hour and by the time I had slipped and slid and bog-hopped my way downwards I was very relieved to hop over a fence and hit the road
totally worth it though
It was a careful drive back to Glasgow with the ominous warning light. Topped it up and it went off so here's hoping
