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So off we go on a solo again and I was desperate to put my failure demons to the sword...so Ben Vane was my chosen battlefield. I must admit having read the excellant report by (Relayer 2112) and also that of Davgil, I had my reservations on whether or not I was up to or could sustain my challenge. So suitably attired I set off down the A82 from Inveruglas visitor centre carpark towards the track just after 8.00am. On accessing the track I could hear the thundering of Inveruglas Water as it tumbled down the falls towards Loch Lomond so took a quick snap.
- Inveruglas Water taken from just under rail bridge (NN317092)
and a few yards further on a snap of Ben Vorlich
- Ben Vorlich
Continuing along the track I passed an area littered with bone fragments........we've all seen such sights on walks, but do you ever wonder what had eaten whatever the bones belonged to, and if it was eyeing you up for it's next meal.......the things that go on in your head when your on a solo eh! anyway as I trudged on my arena came into view.....well almost.
- Ben Vane or should be Ben Veil
and for good measure
- A' Chrois
On I continued past Coiregrogain, over the bridge at (NN298095) to my assent start point of (NN295092)
- The start of my assent (NN295092)
After negotiating a small burn and a dance over some heavy bog I continued NW up the hill and eventually caught the track at (NN291093) where I took the opportunity for a photo break. Further uphill I could see the small cave where due to my boots I conceded defeat on my last attempt at this hill, and with feet more comfortable I was determined not to be beaten this time out.
- The cave up ahead (1.00 o'clockish)
- East across Loch Lomond towards Loch Arklet & Loch Katrine
- A' Chrois dissappearing under a sunlit cloud
Whilst I was taking my photo break a couple of chaps passed and you can just make them out in the distance to the right of the cave in next photo'
- The cave at (NN286095)
and soon they were out of sight. The weather forecast suggested that it may brighten but as I progressed the cloud lowered and became thicker and soon I was up past the slow line and deep into the white stuff, it's good to try different routes, but sometimes you need the reassurance of someone else being there and leading the way.
- Trail in the snow
- Where am I
as I neared the summit I met the chaps that had passed me earlier on the hill who gave good advice on a tricky scramble before the summit and albeit the crampons were on....I'm not as bendy or flexible as I used to be so the advice was well heeded. When I reached the summit I wasn't sure whether or not I was actually there or not, my GPS had me there but as I reached the small Cairn I noticed a trail in the snow pass and drop off the other side of the plateu....the cloud was so thick at this point that I wasn't sure if there was another top...so I followed the trail off the top for a bit, checked my GPS again which showed me moving away from summit, so I had to top out again and that is when I spied larger Cairn....time now 12.15.
- Small summit cairn
- Large Cairn in distance
- Top Out!!!!!!!!!
- A scenic shot from the summit
Now gagging for a hot cuppa, and with wind starting to lift a tad....I desided I would drop down hill a bit where eventually and smugly enjoyed my warm brew looking back up at my conquest. Once back on terra firma I took final shots of Ben Vane & A' Chrois both of which by this time were almost out of sight.
- Ben Vane (ish)
- A veiled ... A' Chrois
To the victor goes the spoils.....and a nice drive home in bright sun.