Friday March 10th

Ben Vane

David had been invited to join Steve Jeffs and members of his walking club who had formed a Scottish Winter Walking group. Having taken the train to Grange on Thursday evening and slept over at Steve's, we picked up Dorcas and John and made our way north and arrived at the parking spot just beyond the Inveruglas power station just before 11:30- a great time to start our walk. As we were getting kitted up we were accosted by a typical car park robin touting for food.

John taking a mugshot of a typical car park robin
We were following the directions in the SMC's Hillwalkers' Guide, walking along the track until we reached and passed an obvious disused quarry, and then on to just beyond a tunnel entrance. The ascent from there looked pretty steep, so we walked back a bit and made a rising traverse to the path along the main spur of Ben Vane. Once we arrived there, we had our lunch and took in the views.
Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond from our lunch spot
The ascent was quite steep with minor scrambles from time to time and the weather variable, with the occasional flurry of snow.
Contemplating the next scramble
We were very lucky with the changing conditions, with frequent bright sunlight and clouds passing below us.
Loch Sloy and passing clouds

Steve and Dorcas on a great vantage point
We arrived at the top at about 15:20 and took a few summit pics before returning.
John taking a summit picture of Dorcas and Steve

Descent to the sunshine

A great day out with friends old and new. 10.2 miles, 1100m ascent.

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