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Weather forecast was excellent so headed up to Inveruglas for a first time ascent of Ben Vane.
Parked at the visitor centre, along the main road, over the locked gate and up the tarmac road towards Coiregrogain.
- Looking towards Ben Vane and Ben Vorlich, their summits in cloud for now.
Looking South West (left) from the road, a good view of A' Chrois.
- A nice reflection of A' Chrois.
Over the bridge South West (left) from the road, A' Chrois straight ahead.
Ben Vane up to the right, out of picture.
- Over the bridge towards A' Chrois.
Ben Vane now showing it's top (not the summit) free of cloud, for the first time.
- Looking at the route up Ben Vane.
Halfway up and the weather on the summit wasn't looking too promising
- Mist covered summit.
One small section of scrambling, a couple of really difficult steps due to ice on the rocks which admittedly I was a little uncomfortable with. Aren't those difficult steps always a little more daunting when alone?
But the reward was worth it as the mist/cloud was intermittent giving some nice
changing and atmospheric views on the summit.
This is a beautiful summit with a very flat plateaux.
- Ben Vane Summit.
- Ben Vane Summit.
About 15 minutes later a couple of guys joined me on the summit.
- Ben Vane Summit.
We chatted a little then headed down together stopping for some lunch soaking up the views.
- Looking down from the summit.
- Looking down from the summit.
10 minutes off the summit and the cloud was clearing to reveal a beautiful blue sky.
Happens every time
- Looking back up.
Last pic of the day looking at Ben Lomond under some lovely wispy clouds.
- Ben Lomond.
Excellent wee hill, albeit with a difficult step due to winter conditions.
No idea how long I took as didn't check the time at either end of the walk