Keen to get some more hills in his legs, Bruce had been watching the weather forecast during the week, and off the back of this we booked an impromptu weekend away. Heading off on Saturday, earlier than planned due to big winds putting paid to his golf, we enjoyed a leisurely drive down the road with a lovely coffee stop in Crieff (I’d recommend Cafe Rhubarb if ever you’re passing through). As with all good walking weekends, food features strongly, and we very much enjoyed a couple of evenings in Ben Arthur’s Bothy – the chicken pakora is highly recommended!
Arriving in Arrochar we settled into a lovely B & B (Two Stones) and marvelled at the glorious view of The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) from the window. This is not a hill that either of us have climbed but I’d put money on there having been hoards of walkers up it on Sunday due to the magnificence of the day.
I’m going to record the weekend back to front, as Monday was not my best hill day ever! In line with finally reaching the holidays my body decided it was time to shut down and I succumbed to yet another sore throat. This didn’t impede me on Sunday due to so many other positives, but on Monday I really couldn’t be bothered! The forecast 40 mph winds for Ben Vane with 50 mph gusts did nothing to whet my appetite for walking, and after a lovely breakfast (waffles with bacon and maple syrup) we headed off. In fairness to Bruce, I had been given the option of going home, but the nature of our relationship is that we like to give one another the freedom to pursue what they wish, and as such I felt it would be unfair of me to stop him enjoying the walk. I therefore set off with a caveat in place that I may or may not go all the way up, wind dependent.
Parking up at Inveruglas I failed to see the coffee shop; probably just as well, as had I seen it I may not have gone any further! We set off, Bruce delighted to be out again, me trying to summon up some energy and enthusiasm for what lay ahead. I resolved to enjoy the walk, whatever it ended up being. While Bruce has completed 164 munros, I have ‘only’ (including Sunday) done 110. Running is my first love and while I do very much enjoy getting out in the hills for me it’s about the freedom and the enjoyment of the outdoor environment first and foremost. I tick off my list on Walk Highlands for interest, but have no inclination to complete all the munros at present.
The walk started off well, a good road leading up followed by firm tracks. The only downside was the wind. In contrast to Sunday, full waterproofs were on to keep the chill off, along with hat and gloves. It can at times be the case that the wind blows up the valley and once the ridge is reached it’s not as bad. Sadly I didn’t make it far enough to find out. I bailed when we still had around 400 m of climbing to go as I’d reached the top of the first big climb and just wasn’t feeling the love. Bruce continued solo and got these amazing views.
Retracing my steps back down to the bridge, I felt bad about leaving him alone, but comforted by the fact that I met a few others heading up the way. I had intended to go back to the car to wait, but the realisation dawned that he was less than a mile to the summit and would get there and back pretty quickly, so I decided just to have a walk up and down whilst waiting (also having a cheeky wee pause to eat a Snickers: mental note for future, on cold days these are in danger of breaking your teeth!)
Before long Bruce came back into view. I was happy to see him return safely, then enjoying the walk back together. Despite not completing the munro I’d still clocked up 8 miles so I was happy.
Sunday, as previously mentioned, was the polar opposite in terms of weather. It was forecast to be the perfect hill day – clear skies, no wind and cloud free munros. We met with Bruce’s friend, Davie, as they’d bailed on an attempt to tackle Beinn Bhuidhe a couple of weeks prior due to the poor, deteriorating conditions. This was the first time I’d had the pleasure of walking with Davie, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. As with the friendly community that is running, it’s rare to meet someone unpleasant in the hills, and with the love of outdoors in common the chat flowed easily throughout the day. My fears of not being able to keep up with them both were unfounded (except maybe on the downhills where Davie showed an ability to descend like a mountain goat!) but he had the good manners to wait for the rest of us (me!) to catch up.
There are no words to describe the spectacular day that we experienced on Beinn Bhuidhe so on this occasion I’m going to let the photos do much of the talking. The panoramic views were truly amazing, with Ben Nevis (I recognised this myself), Mull, and so many other hills (named by Davie who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the area, similar to walking with Bruce in the Cairngorms) visible to the naked eye. If every day in the hills was like this I’d defy anyone not to get out there and enjoy it.
The snow added to the experience without impeding our movement. As we reached the ascent towards the ridge we opted to get the crampons on as there was no longer any option but to walk through the snow. Ice axe at the ready, the poles were stashed away on the rucksack and off we went up the broad ridge, afforded yet more amazing views.
The summit reached we stopped for quite some time to admire the spectacular scenery and views all around. Lots of photos were taken, I was thoroughly fascinated by the beautiful snow and ice that had gathered on the cairn, and our hot chocolate tasted better than ever before!
This is why we walk!
Clare, happiest outdoors! 