Going solo for my 3rd Munro

[magsmack]

Had a really great day on the hill yesterday, building myself up to becoming a certified munro bagger! Ben Lomond is number 3 for me and the first I've done alone! I'd highly recommend a wee solo climb!
Started off from home about 6.30am, nice starry skies so a good sign! got to Rowardennan just after 8 with just one other walker ahead of me.

I headed off up the track, camera in hand -avid Instagrammer, don't hold it against me! found a wee spot for a civilised 'native' (toilet block isn't open till March you know!) and I was on my way.

It was a beautiful morning and the sunrise gave some lovely pink light on my first glimpse of the Ben and back across the other side of the Loch.

The path was great the whole way up, always impressed with NTS. I didn't see anyone else on the ascent, but for any novice climbers you can't really go wrong here! That said I was still prepared with my walkhighland map download and gpx viewer.

ben-lomond.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

As I got higher I could see I was heading into the mist, but was holding out hope from my weather checks that it wasn't too serious and should be clearing away. It was maybe a blessing in disguise, it wasn't too dense but as I couldn't see far it saved me from over thinking what was ahead!

It was pretty chilly in the mist with some wee icicles building on my fringe but I was well prepared with hats and layers, and It wasn't long before I was out of it and treated to some awesome views back down the Loch

I reached the summit after about 2hrs 45 - very leisurely climb with lots of photoing! I spent a while taking it all in, I really loved the view back over towards The Cobbler and the Arrochar Alps.

I'd just climbed The Cobbler a couple of weeks before and sat and had my flask looking at Ben Lomond, Id eyed him up then for my next hill

I headed back down the Ptarmigan Ridge to complete the loop, I really enjoyed coming down this side and was glad I didn't just retrace my steps. Once I was lower down and in the shelter it felt like a warm spring day! The Jacket was off enjoying the sun.

There's some nice wee Lochans on this side and great views along the Loch. I met someone from NTS on footpath maintenance and had a wee chat, very interesting woman with cool red hair and an oak tree tattoo

On the lower stretch of this path you head into the wood and there's a lovely waterfall -I'm a bit partial to a waterfall photo!

Back down onto the road and along past the bunk house and that was me, finished off at the war memorial and a wee seat at the bay. It was a really great day and finished feeling quite proud of myself which one next....!?

[matt_outandabout]

Cracking day out

[katyhills]

Lovely jubbly!
You got some great photos. The winter light is beautiful, whether it's early in the day ot later in the afternoon. The lack of snow is making hills very straightforward this winter, but it's fantastic for getting out there and getting a few under your belt
Walking solo is wonderful - you can stop when you want, take photos when you want, decide where you go and when you do it. Always someone nice to chat to on the way as well - or most of the time anyway!
Here's to your next one

[Coop]

Well in. This was my 1st.
Solo is great. Never felt bored or lonely. Do as you want, go where you want, take a break when you want.
Done almost every one solo so far (translate for nae mates ) although this year I'll have company on a few trips.
Onwards and upwards

[magsmack]

Thanks guys my first report! Hopefully Not my last! Funny you should say 'nae mates' I was thinking the same but i did the cobbler solo as well, think I quite like it! and only fellow photographer types could really put up with me and my f'ing about!

[The Rodmiester]

Well what can I say, a fabulous first report so much better than my attempt You picked a cracking day for it I was on a Corbett near Loch Tay on the same day, superb stuff, not much wind and wonderful views. Superb photographs by the way Good luck with the weather for your next adventure

[Stuart Angus]

Brilliant

[Old Bill]

Great report! As another solo walker, being a billy no mates in the middle of nowhere is one of the attractions - " I didn't see anyone else on the ascent" - that's what I like! hehe.

Great photos too, the fring-icles must have been well worth it to get those cracking shots.

Good luck, and carry on bagging! And carry on reporting!

OB

[JaneAyr]

Enjoyed reading that and lovely photos too.
I do most of my walks solo as well - there's plenty of 'nae mates' out there isn't there

[basscadet]

Beautiful waterfall shot - love it

Be careful what you wish for - once you have the baggeritis, it is hard to get rid of y'know

[KatTai]

Great photos! Another solo walker here, unless you count the dog(s)! Some people think I'm mad to go up the hills on my own, but then people thinking I'm mad is nothing new lol

[Mal Grey]

Lovely images. Its a nice hill, and there aren't always crowds as you saw! Did you lug a tripod up there for the waterfall shot, or just improvise?

I know what you mean about going solo for photographic reasons, I spend FAR too long faffing with the camera (normally on canoeing trips but true for the hills too). At least it means I get a breather on the climbs! Companions don't always view it that way...

[katyhills]

Great report! As another solo walker, being a billy no mates in the middle of nowhere is one of the attractions - " I didn't see anyone else on the ascent" - that's what I like! hehe.



OB

If I see another car parked at a hill, I'm already thinking 'oh b***er, there's someone else already on it..'

Mal - I like to take plenty of photos - funny how so many of them are on the ascent though.....

[magsmack]

Cheers guys, just been for a wander up above luss today
Mal- I have a gorilla tripod, a wee bendy thing, quite light and wee, you can wrap it/attach it to stuff

[andreww18]

Hoping to climb Ben Lomond in a fortnight once work standby duties are done and dusted for munro 17. I plan on looking across to Ben Vane, which was meant to be no 17 a couple of weekends back but defeated me, and working up the energy to tackle it again.
Great report.