Over The Hill

After the rather convoluted travel arrangements of last weekend at Corrour, Ben Donich was a sweet reminder of the spectacular mountains on offer in the "Arrochar Alps", a mere thirty minutes drive from home; and at a starting height of just under 300m, it is not long before the views over Glen Croe begin to open up all around as you set out from the forestry car park just beyond the high point of the Rest and Be Thankful.

Initially, the narrow, twisting track winds its way up the steep grassy slopes of the north ridge towards the prominent mound that is the un-named 660m top from where the rugged, and rockier upper slopes of Ben Donich come into view. These rocky slopes can look intimidating at first sight, however, the track winds it's way generally to the east of the rockier sections, and, apart from one minor scramble down a rock step at around the 750m height, they are easily by-passed.

The final approach to the summit sees a return to grassier slopes as the ridge broadens on the approach to the 847m Trig Point with it's southwards views over Lochgoilhead and Loch Goil. The weather was fine, better than forecast, however, it was still chill enough on the summit for us to seek a sheltered spot out of a strong breeze and the threat of a shower in which to take a relaxing break.

For most walkers ascending Ben Donich, the return route is simply to reverse their steps back down the north ridge to the Rest and Be Thankful. But not for us; we set off down the very undefined east ridge for a short distance before making a steep descent, dropping off the broad ridge and contouring around it's southern slopes over very uneven and rough ground, where deep grass obscured a multitude of holes and water channels, each waiting to swallow the unwary boot, making for slow progress as we traversed the ground with some caution.

It was with some relief that we reached the path over the Bealach Dubh-lic leading to the solid surface of the forest track and a much gentler stroll back through the forest to our start point above the Rest and Be Thankful.

A fine mountain in unexpectedly fine weather - Great Company - Thanks ian.