walkhighlands

First Munro

Route: Ben Lomond

Munros: Ben Lomond

Date walked: 04/05/2016

Time taken: 3.5 hours

Distance: 12km

Ascent: 906m

My wife and I have just recently started walking as a means of keeping fit while seeing more of Scotland, so after a couple of initial walks to Tinto, Ben Cleuch and the Cobbler we felt we were ready to attempt our first Munro. We were looking for something not onerously difficult but that would still give us a good workout and most importantly have great views. From speaking to more experienced walkers and checking Walkhighlands we identified Ben Lomond as a good place to go.

When we arrived early afternoon the car park was full but fortunately someone was leaving so we managed to get parked. Then a mild panic as we searched the car ashtray to cobble together £3 worth of change for the car parking machine as we hadn't thought to bring change with us. Fortunately we had just enough to pay for our ticket.

As we set off the weather was slightly overcast but that soon dispersed and it turned into a fabulous day, which was especially lucky as in my ignorance I'd chosen to wear jeans! :crazy: The path was fairly straightforward although they are doing quite extensive work at the start of the walk. The first part of the walk was definitely the most difficult and after about an hour my wife was a bit out of puff however it seemed to get easier from then on in. As we started approaching the summit of Ben Lomond there was still some snow drifts lying however the sun was shining and while it was a wee bit windy it was still pleasant and I was able to comfortably climb to the top in a t-shirt.

I must admit when we got to the top I was somewhat surprised it was quite so busy, with about 20 or so people sitting having packed lunches and suchlike. However from speaking to more experienced walkers this is completely usual and Ben Lomond is one of the most popular climbs. The views were superb as expected and with it being a clear day we could see for miles around. At this point we realised I'd forgotten to pack the zoom lens for my mobile phone camera :roll: After a quick snack we started the descent which was surprisingly quick, although in my limited experience so far it always seems shorter on the way down.

All in all it was a fabulous climb and day out and I would definitely recommend Ben Lomond to anyone looking to bag their first Munro.

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bazero


Pub: The Railway Tavern
Mountain: The Cobbler
Place: Morar
Member: Just recently started walking not a member of any groups or clubs yet.
Ideal day out: An ideal day out is somewhere moderately physically challenging with great views.

Munros: 4
Corbetts: 2
Fionas: 3
Donalds: 2
Sub 2000: 1



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Statistics

2016

Trips: 1
Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 906m
Munros: 1


Joined: Mar 21, 2016
Last visited: May 02, 2022
Total posts: 1 | Search posts