Ben Vane (beaten by the Brashers) Not this time

[Bruadair]

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.

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

[davgil]

Well done Bruadair!

Nice report and glad you conquered your demons this time

That scramble is a bit scary in winter so you did well (I was glad to get that bit over)

David

[Bruadair]

Well done Bruadair!

Nice report and glad you conquered your demons this time

That scramble is a bit scary in winter so you did well (I was glad to get that bit over)

David

Thanks David........ I thought I struggled a bit from cramp yesterday, but now I think it's a pulled muscle, so don't know who beat who.

B.

[pruney84]

Well done Bruadair, nice report, enjoyed reading it, look forward to getting up there 1 day, and will remember the two cairns when i do.

Thanks

[Paul Webster]

Certainly would be a steep old pull in winter conditions that one... a bit tough under snow for me

[2dalmatians]

Nice report Bruadair, I took Zippy my Bassett Hound up Ben Vane in summer and I had to lift him up some of the scrambles. I can't imagine doing it in those conditions - Well done!!

[Merry-walker]

Well done for getting there, lovely pictures

Maybe just as well there's no more wolves living in the hills...

[Bruadair]

All...........Thanks for taking time to read report and for your kind responses.

Paul....I now know why it states normally done as a single......although I did meet guys on hill who were hoping to go on & do Beinn Ime (the owners of trail off the back of BV summit).

2D's.....I envy all the walkers who have their dogs out in tghe hills, particularly when off lead....I have Beagles (show dogs) and terrified to let them off lead as they would pick up a scent just dissappear....and they are stupid enough to run off a crag in search of the scent......can't wait for better weather to take some up hill...on lead of course.

MW.... Are you sure about that.....Woooooooaaaaaahh!!

[Merry-walker]

MW.... Are you sure about that.....Woooooooaaaaaahh!!

That's one crazy howl Bruadair.... what have you been eating ...

brilliant report

[allister3]

hi B,we seen you at the top of beinn each,did you make it to stuc ?.will you send some information on that walk for 2 Scots please...


A3

[allister3]

hi B,this is you at the top of beinn each,could see with the binocular`s as we were about to ascend SaC..did you have to catch me pulling my trouser`s up,ha ha.thank`s for the 2 Scot`s website,we will have to register our munro`s asap..


cheer`s a3

[allister3]

hi,i have sent the requests for steven and i to climb ben cruachan and coire caorach on 1st april for 2 scots, although coire is not on thier list of munro`s..we intend to do as many as possible that day seen as we are up there..

a3