Over The Hill

A mixed bag of weather forecast for the weekend with Saturday being the more settled day, in fact the promise was for a completely dry day and good visibility, so Saturday it was and Ben Lomond the chosen mountain. I was parking up in the forestry car park at Rowardennan by 09:00 and even then I had to circle round to find a parking slot such is the popularity of this local mountain.

Thankfully, as I headed off towards the Ptarmigan Ridge route, anyone else I spied was setting off in the opposite direction for the more popular "tourist" path; and, by the time I was on the open hillside and passing Sput Ban I could only see one couple some way ahead and nobody in my footsteps behind, looks like it was going to to just me and the track again.

I really like this route, it offers great views back down Loch Lomond, and as height is gained there are enough twists and turns in the path, to keep the interest in what lies ahead around each knoll or minor top as you make your way up to the higher points on the ridge where fine views can be had as you gaze down on Tarbet and upper Loch Lomond; an ideal spot for a short break before making that final pull up the north west ridge to the summit.

Beyond Ptarmigan, a short descent down to Bealach Buidhe and it was head down for the steep ascent up the north west ridge on the twisting path that initially takes you on the northern side of the ridge before swinging across to the southern side, and offers once again some fine views of Loch Lomond and the islands to the south. A final, short scramble completes this excellant route and brings you to the summit plateau and Trig Point.

I have noticed on the last couple of trips up Ben Lomond, that a fair number of those ascending via the "tourist" path are making this a circular walk and returning via Ptarmigan Ridge; and so, as I ascended from Bealach Buidhe I encountered quite a few making their descent. Personally, I think if you are intent on a circular route, then up Ptarmigan and down the tourist path is by far the most enjoyable, both in context of the terrain and the aspect in which the views are presented; but, as I say, that is just my opinion, for what it is worth.

By the time I had a break on the summit and set off down the "tourist" path it was, as usual, buzzing with an eclectic mix of people, dress styles and equipment - All out for a fun day in the mountains.

Fine day and the weather held up, that's a bonus.