Ben Lomond AKA Ben Sparkle

So here we are - another weekend when the north-south divide in the weather means  - for a change - that we are enjoying a weekend of glorious blue skies, snowy mountain tops and, wait for it, sun! While the southern half of Britain cowers under grey skies, torrential rain and gale force winds.
So, an easy day on Saturday with an eye on an early start for our first real Munro, Ben Lomond.
Away from Alloa by 08.00, easy drive to Rowarddenan, parked up in the surprisingly busy carpark and enjoyed our breakfast. NB: car park machines not in use so free to park.
We had studied the maps and routes (not absolutely necessary for such a popular hill) and had decided to make it as circular and go up the rocky ridge way and down the "tourist" path.
We watched a bunch of cyclists strip their bikes and themselves in preparation for the next part of their challenge - a run up the hill. With much shouting encouragement and a few choice words they were off and silence reigned again. 
Changed and ready for the off, we took the much less travelled Ptarmigan ridge route. I was pleasantly surprised at how nicely the well defined path contoured the mountain with zigs and zags when the ground got steep. I recommend ham and cheese sandwiches for breakfast - I got my energy from somewhere and felt very comfortable going steeply up. The views opening up back down Loch Lomond were stunning. We carried on up, playing leapfrog with a group of older gentlemen from the Manchester area, eventually choosing a nice spot for our first coffee break.

View from coffee spot - lovely

 Refreshed, we carried on up until we reached the summit of Ptarmigan, then we had to lose some height (not good) to pick up the ridge and onwards to the base of the cone that forms the slopes leading to the summit of Ben Lomond. It was at this point that we hit the snowline. Gorgeous views across to the Crianlarich hills, the highlands and the mountains of Arran over the sea.

Loch Lomond from much higher up

Under normal circumstances, ie no snow, this would have been an interesting scramble / climb. Today it was certainly interesting! Very steep, old snow, new snow all laced with slippy ice amid a scattering of sharp rocks. Looked lovely but resulted in some raised adrenaline levels to reach the top. As we climbed over the edge of the final slope, it was like entering another world. Many, many people were enjoying the summit and celebrating making it to the top via the tourist path. Surprised a couple of people by almost popping up in the middle of their lunchbox. Much chortling as we took a few photos and left the trig point and the crowds to find somewhere sheltered for our lunch break.

View north east

View back towards home

Out to sea - our route up was along this ridge in the foreground

After a break in the sunshine sheltered from the wind we packed up and started the long slog back down to the car. An easy path with the odd tricky rocky bit thrown in. Not a walk in the park but it seemed to take forever to get back through the forest to the car. 


The plan was to change out of our sweaty walking gear, clean up and eat dinner at the pub in Balmaha. But we were too early for dinner so a quick change, a sit by the loch to drink the welcome cold drink waiting for us in the car and a drive home to revamp our dinner plans.

Home tired but happy with faces glowing with the effect of a touch of the sun.

Oh, The title ? - Everything sparkled today - the rocks, the soil, the snow, the loch. Just beautiful.

Anyway - today (Monday) our architects are meeting with the planners. We wait with bated breath for the outcome. decision should be made by 8 May but we hope to get some idea of what this might be this week.

Meanwhile the world of work awaits to distract me for another week.

Killin time and where's Leny?

A bit of a pun there - have just spent a peaceful Easter weekend that included a lazy day, a shopping day, a climbing day and an exploring day.

Today we explored Killin and surrounding area. Up the good old A84 but this time we turned off half way down the hill that leads to Crianlarich (and has some of the best views of the higher mountains) On through a tunnel of forest and down to Killin. Briefly saw the Falls of Dochart from the car once we had negotiated the sharp left to cross the bridge - following a towed caravan so on-coming traffic kept well clear. If there was one place that could do with traffic lights, this is it.
Parked up (for free, tick in the box) and wandered through the village. Found a good outdoors shop that rented / sold snowshoes. Had been searching all winter so will return in the autumn when it snows again and rent a pair for the day then purchase if good. Very helpful in the shop too. We like Killin - Marie and John said we would!

We then walked through the trees to Loch Tay and found our way back via the river bank - a nice little circular, although if the river was anything like flowing it would be difficult if not impossible to do the return bit of the circle. Plenty of debris on the path to remind us that nature was in charge not too long ago. Saw plenty of people fishing and a family picnicking on the sandy beach. 

A couple of pics of Loch Tay from the Killin end. April skies - with the showers soon to follow!

 
Decided to eat out (no provisions with us) and had lunch at The Smiddy - very good, freshly cooked food with friendly service and a nice dining area. Walked back up to see the falls - water flowing quite fast but shame the bridge is the best place for a photo - you take you life in your hands just crossing the bridge let alone setting up for a pic.


Drove east along Loch Tay towards Kenmore, searching for the Ben Lawers Hotel, just to check it out as a starting point for a future walk. Didn't get as far as the hotel, but plenty of campsites, static and mobile pitches plus a range of lodges, heated teepees and yurts. No wonder there were so many motorhomes / vans / caravans on this road. Spotted the road to the nature reserve, where we can tackle Ben Lawyers from in the future.

Headed home with a quick stop at Lochearnhead - nothing to see apart from a couple of jetties. Also decided to call in at the Falls of Leny - they had gone! At least the information board and parking area were desolate with no indication of where or how far to the Falls. Onwards then, back through a very busy Callander and home.


Looked up the hotel on the internet when we got home. Looks lovely with some good offers on-line. Decided it would be nice to stay overnight - especially if food & drink were available at the end of the long day on the hills with a few more steps taking you to a comfy bed.

The day of climbing (Sunday) was another round of Ben Cleuch - up The Law this time. Followed and caught a group of slow students - made us feel positively sprightly. They did have hangovers though; will take any handicap offered. Lunched in a small shelter just below the top of The Law. A force nine was blowing when we re-emerged so we hastened on with all available layers firmly on. Warm enough despite the wind-chill, we zoomed over the summit and carried on down through some deep but small snow fields and finished on the farm track as the weather came in and the clouds came down. Completed the round in just over four hours today - finally the fitness levels are returning.

Legs feeling fine today. Unlike last week when we both struggled to walk properly until at least Wednesday.


It's all a distraction really until the planners at the Highland Council make their decision. Consultation period finished - we can but wait. Am trying for patience and managing it some days, on others we just want it to be done. Spending useful time choosing flooring, colour schemes, bathrooms and kitchens so will be ready to roll once the call comes.