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Even though as a youngster I'd stayed with a cousin near Ben Rinnes and my Granny and other members of my Mother's family lived in Aberlour, I was oblivious to the delight of climbing, or indeed, that one would even consider climbing Ben Rinnes. Now I was looking for something to climb near at hand, "The Ben" seemed the obvious choice. Plus, it was a Corbett, and although I have a few Munros under my belt, I've never bagged a Corbett. So the decision was made!
After a few annoying false starts, I was finally on my way. But it was by far plain sailing. My sat-nav had never heard of Ben Rinnes or Glen Rinnes and I spent a lot of time checking my maps for somewhere nearby that would help navigation. I eventually settled for Favillar, and off I set. Although I usually have complete faith in my sat-nav, I'm afraid I didn't feel comfortable at all with it on this occasion. Probably because this was pretty unfamiliar country for me, even though it is practically on my doorstep! Anyway, my fears were unfounded and my faith was restored when I saw a sign indicating "
Ben Rinnes 1 ->". And although I still had a little trouble finding the car park at the path start, I knew that with the Ben looming over me like a behemoth, I couldn't be far from it. Perseverance prevailed and I was soon wending my way up the well-worn pathway leaving my car behind as the only one in the tiny car park. I hadn't gone far when another climber arrived to make it two cars!
- And off we go!
As usual, I had to stop regularly, and although the weather was dull, I had high hopes of some superb views. I found the first part of the path to be a little rough under foot, and a little tedious. But the widening views were promising enough to ensure I didn't get bored.
- Pity it's so dull
After Round Hill, the path levels off long enough to get over the strain and tedium of the first section before the steeper zig-zagging path to the rocky tors of the summit. I couldn't see the summit for low cloud for most of the climb, but a descending climber assured me that although, cloudy, the views were still impressive. Another climber, (well a runner actually) passed me on his way to the top and told me that he had run all the way from Dufftown over the Conivals and that when he reached the summit, he was going to run all the way back! Fair play to him I thought. He was up and back before I had progressed much further. I wished him luck and watched him trot into the distance.
- The lonliness of the Long-distance runner!
As the tors of the summit came into view I was glad I had persevered. I had been a little discouraged by the delays to my trip and the frustrations had given me thoughts of giving up earlier. As usual I got over that and before I knew it, I was within reach of the top. I had relished the tremendous views on the way, despite the dull weather and the cloudy outlook. And my anticipation of the summit views was not to be misplaced. As I scrambled about from tor to tor, snapping away like a man possessed, I realised I had just completed the ascent of my first Corbett!
- A view from the summit.
There were no disappointments here, apart from the dull weather, (June in Scotland eh?!) and a now quite chilly wind. The views were terrific, and although you couldn't really make out any landmarks or see the East coast. The scenery in all directions could not have disappointed. Naturally, a clear day would have been preferable, but all in all I thought the vistas were immaculate.
I had planned to have my lunch on the summit, and although the tors provided plenty of shelter from the cold wind, I could smell rain on that wind. I decided to make my descent and have lunch in the car. I bid a fond farewell to the summit of my first Corbett and headed down the crooked path.
- The long path back to the start.
I met quite a few fellow climbers on my way down, and my fears were realised as the rain started as I greeted the first of them. It is testament to the spirit of we climbers that those I met, stayed determined to proceed in the hope that there would only be an odd shower to contend with. I wished them all good luck and went on my way.
As ever, I'm so glad I climbed Ben Rinnes, and feel it apt that it should be my first Corbett. I was quite satisfied with a 2-hour ascent and 1-hour descent. For me, that was pretty good going really, and the pure distance in all directions that can be seen from the top are just one reason to climb it. I recommend it to anyone, but personally I hope it's just the first of many more Corbetts that I'll climb in future. As they say.....watch this space.