Ben Lomond
A much maligned hill. And yet some of my finest hill days have been spent on it. Like Ben Nevis it has a tourist track and also another way, a rougher, steeper way. Ptarmigan ridge is no CMD Arete, but on a clear midweek winters day, making the first set of footprints up the steep clamber from Ptarmigan to the summit brings joy to match that of any other ascent of a “grander” hill.
The summit ridge is a fine view point, the horizon to the south lies far in the distance. Look to the other points of the compass and your eye is pulled in all directions by the tumbling rocky waves of the Highlands.
The northern coire of Ben Lomond is another hidden gem. A dark and lonely place, holding late snow and summer shadows, any approach from this side is a labour of love and a test of resolve.
So decry this fine hill if you will. It suffers only from accessability and good looks, a popularity that makes it simple to dismiss it as a tourist trap. State your misgivings all you want, but rather I think you might look to yourself for the reasons that you can find no place in your heart for this beautiful Ben.
I has been responsible for many firsts for me.
I love it, and will continue to use it as our local test hill.
The motor had two inches of water in it when we got back to base.
I felt for Brian in that Patagonia duffel coat.
What horror. Bless Brian and his duffel coat.
In that fine orange Alpine Lite there, my phone is floating around in a waterproof stuffsack that’s full of water…
That was the day I came up with the concept of the “Tuesday Hill”; honeypot Munros that should only be climbed mid-week in order to avoid the crowds.
That Northern side of it does take you by surprise tho’. I really should go back but with a camera this time :o)
Ahhh,waterlogged packs,something very close to my heart,quite a regular occurance down here in south wales,the beacons have their fair share of the wet stuff.Still waiting for some snow down here,although the weather is getting colder,so hopefully we’ll get some of the white stuff soon.Theres nothing quite like breaking trail on the freshly fallen snow and wading waist deep in the stuff to get the blood flowing.Heading out into the southern beacons this weekend to do a nice 12 mile slog across the black mountain and onto the bannau sir Gar(carmarthen fans) my favourite stomping grounds.
Winter’s here for sure, just how commited it’s feeling we’ll find out soon enough. I really miss the good snow that would lie for months.
Wet winters are rubbish.
Wet winters do indeed suck…and its been very wet around here lately.I can see some of the southern peaks here in the distance from my house,first sight of snow on the tops and I’m off!
It’s a while since I was on a rigid bike. That’s one are where I’ll happy go heavier and enjoy the plushness of suspension :o)
This time last year e were working near Gartocharn on the southern bank of Loch Lomond. Every day we could see the snow gathering on the Ben, the Arrochar Alps and the Tyndrum and Crainlarich hills.
Unbearably frustrating. When we finally got out you can see the evidence of the conditions in Craigs photie above.
Not fair.