I had a trip to Scotland on my mind for quite a long time. But as you know, there are always other things to do. So after a planning period of only about 10 years I finally made it to Scotland in October 2016. I travelled with my own car. After arrival with the ferry in Newcastle I made a round trip with the destinations Loch Lomond, Oban, Speyside and Edinburgh.

During the planning of my vacation I decided to climb at least one Munro. I had two reasons for this:

- Quite a few of my colleagues and friends have cool hobbies: diving, sailing, mountain climbing, trekking, moto cross driving. So I felt the need to also do some cool thing.

- I am heavily overweighted and a real couch potato. The only time I was physically fit to some extend was about 20 years ago during my basic military service. Thus it was time to prove myself. (The alternative would have been to buy a Harley-Davidson.)

I decided to climb Ben Lomond as it is a quite popular Munro and not to difficult. At least according to the tourist guides I read. Furthermore the Loch Lomond area was a good starting point for my round trip.

It took me about 7 hours for reaching the top and returning to the Rowardennan car park. All other people climbing Ben Lomond on the same day were faster than me, but nonetheless I made it!

Here are some impressions of my ascent.

A slight rainbow showing up.


Some highland cattle (the black spots).


View back on the forest plantations.


Clouds casting shadows on the landscape.


View to the top of Ben Lomond (my favourite photo).


Looking back on Loch Lomond.


Looking back on Loch Lomond.


View on Loch Ard.


Approaching the top.


Finally made it. Mist all around.


Going down again. But still in the mist.


Left the mist.


Left the mist.


Things I learnt from climbing Ben Lomond:

- autumn in Scotland has beautiful colors to offer: the hills are yellow, golden, brown and red allover

- do not believe the tourist guides that state that Ben Lomond is not to difficult to climb; if you are an overweighted and untrained couch potato every Munro will be a challenge

- your legs will hurt for the next five days

- but the views are worth it all

- you will be greedy for more

I am already planning to do another trip to Scotland. I will never manage to do all Munros, but I set myself the goal to complete at least five Munros. Scotland, I'll be back!

Tobi H. from Germany