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With the munro bug rushing through my veins I was itching to get up another one. None of my friends were available that week so I decided to attempt one alone. I chose Ben Lomond as, from what I had read, it has a very clear, distinct route which is virtually impossible to get lost on (though it wouldn't have surprised me if I had somehow found a way!)
I arrived at the car park and already needed a bit of guidance from some fellow hikers on which direction to start....embarrassing! But once on the track, I could see how clear the path was all the way up.
First hour of the walk I found gruelling, as always. I always find it difficult to motivate myself for the initial part, especially when it's a monotonous path. After lots of mini stops, I had a banana and then got into the swing of things. As I ascended the cloud descended and it wasn't long before I couldn't see a thing. As I neared the summit it as blowing a hoolie and I had icy shards of rain piercing my face....delightful. It was strangely calm at the top and couldn't see a thing due to the thick cloud. A kind German couple at the top offered to take a photo. The weather was so miserable, I didn't bother to eat my pieces at the top and powered back down. A nice man who was heading up stopped to give me some wasabi peanuts...a nice spicy kick in the freezing cold! I find it so much easier to descend now that I have hiking poles and practically jogged all the way down.
I was absolutely drenched through by the time I got back to the car. Luckily I had some dry joggers and trainers change into. Scranned my pieces in the car and then headed home for a lovely hot shower.
All in all, despite the miserable weathers and non-existent views, I quite enjoyed this solo jaunt. It was rather therapeutic.