Loch lomond in all its glory
While spending a few days at my sisters house in Glasgow, we decided to go for a walk in the nearby Loch Lomond national park. We eventually settled on climbing the popular Ben lomond.
Our first glimpse of Ben Lomond covered in cloud
Our starting point was the car park at Rowardennan which we eventually arrived at after a long drive on the narrow road on the East side of the Loch.
Possibly the tallest gate i’ve ever seen
The walk started from behind the Information building and took us up through the woods.
A bridge amongst the Silver Birch trees
Once out of the trees, Ben Lomond came into view and we could see the route up to the top.
Ben Lomond, cloud and blue skies
At least we’re on the right path
Strill can’t get used to this selfie lark….. Selfie stick needed. Not a chance!!!!!!!
Looking back at the many islands on Loch Lomond
It was a straight forward ascent but the weather was looking like it could change at any moment.
T shirt weather
2 minutes later!!!!
Which it did……
The full waterproof ensemble as modelled by Mrs Kenny….
Saw a few people carrying flags
We spoke to these about carrying the flags and they told us it was for a charity to help the local hospital. Full marks to them.
The shower passing by
Loch Dubh in the background
The showers were passing over very quickly which enabled us to see the fantastic views that this walk offers..
Some of the local inhabitants
A loner
The impressive eastern corrie
Almost at the top now and the views were getting better.
The first glimpse of the summit
It was a relief to get to the top as it was a fair old slog to get there..
Belinda posing at the top
When we got to the summit (974m) it was covered in cloud and offered no views whatsoever, so we had our lunch and were just about to set off down when the clouds disappeared and gave us a glimpse the best scenery that I have seen on any of my walks.
Me at the top with a ridiculous expression
Is that a vulture waiting for its next meal?
As we were about to set off back down the Ptarmigan ridge route the cloud appeared once more which stopped us in our tracks as visibility was almost nil.
So there’s the path
A good job we stopped as it is a tricky steep decent onto the ridge.
Breathtaking views of the Arrochar Alps in the background
The pot of gold can wait for another day
Once we’d got down onto the ridge it was fairly easy walking on a descent path.
Looking over to Ptarmigan ridge
A great panorama
Still going strong
On the way down we were hit with frequent heavy showers but they were at our back so didn’t feel too bad.
Looking over to the summit of Ben Lomond hidden from view again
Here we we’re introduced to the “Wee Beastie” of Scotland
Walking down through the bracken we were met by the scourge of the Scottish hills…….Mosquitos.
Civilization again
It was good to be at the lakeshore again after a fantastic days walking.
Back at the Loch
The War memorial sculpture by Doug Cocker of Dundee. Ben Lomond and its slopes going down to the loch have been dedicated as a Memorial Park to commemorate those who have lost their lives for their country.
The memorial Stone
Back at the car park
What a fantastic days walking, We took about 6.5 hours in total and had to endure some awful weather, but it didn’t stop our enjoyment of what is surely one of the best mountain walks in Scotland. If you’ve got a day to spare, I would highly recommend it to anyone.
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