Stay at home

[Woodsy Boy]

After many months now of hearing of mine and Dooterbangs exploits on the hills my youngest brother Andrew finally accepted the challenge of his first munro. Not playing his beloved football as much due to niggling injuries his weight had steadily increased and he was now getting out of shape with his general fitness was starting to go.
Ben Challum was his test for today.

Go along this road going left behind the farm buildings

As you follow the road left behind the farm buildings you pass this notice board on your left hand side.

A little bit of history

The first cemetry of 2 on your right as you head towards the gate.There is another small one on your left slightly further along.

Straight ahead to the tyre track path

Follow the path uphill then go through the railway crossing gate.

From here we started our ascent going North East towards the fence line which takes you basically all the way to the South Top. This makes for an excellent navigation handrail.

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A hot and sweaty Andrew

Getting closer to the South Top

On the ridge heading towards the summit

Almost at the summit

After leaving the car at 9-35 we had arrived at the summit in 2.5 hours (12.05) which i think was quite good considering Andrews fitness and plus the fact he had drank a bottle of red wine the night before . No wonder he had been sweating so much . Still a great effort to reach the top.

A bit happier now after a change of top and some food

After the rest and photo shots it was now 12.30 and time to set off again back down.

The cloud now starting to lift as we descend

The fence line taking you down to the farm buildings

Arriving back at the car at 2-15 pm (4 3/4 hrs inc 25min summit break) it had been a good day with a top effort from Andrew . With no rain and midges it had been a good first munro experience for him. He also said he was glad the tops were cloud covered as if he had seen how high he had still to climb he might not have made it . Lets hope he has now got a taste for the hills.

Thanks to Dooterbang for the loan of some kit .

[pollyh33]

Another smashing step by step report Woodsy. My daughter (21) has asked to come walking with me and this looks like a possible candidate.

Well done to Andrew, hope he's really pleased with himself


PS having problems viewing photos, might be my laptop.

[Woodsy Boy]

Haha , no it's not your laptop . Whatever i have done this end the photos never appeared , although they were showing when i was doing the report

[Woodsy Boy]

Managed to get the photos on

[lomondwalkers]

Great detailed report Woodsy, planning to do this one soon, so this is a great help

[pollyh33]

Managed to get the photos on

Photos def worth waiting for!!

Now if could just repeat that process for all the munros !!!! Be much appreciated!!

[Woodsy Boy]

Haha , think i'l get the munros done quicker than the time it took me to do the report

[dooterbang]

detailed clinical report Woodsy Boy, sure will help others when doing this.

Nice to see Andrew escape from the local drinking hole and experience TGO.

Well done to Andrew and hopefully he has got a taste for it now.

[Jockstar]

Thanks for this report as I am getting towards that area where Ben Challum is having worked my way through The lawers range and Glen Lyon, and a great effort by your brother. . It looks a good walk and looking forward to it.

[jmoran12]

great report , doing this soon . great info on route and pics .cheers