Over The Hill

Ptarmigan ridge never looses it's appeal as you climb steeply from the shoreline of Loch Lomond and the views open up for almost the entire length of the loch, and westwards to the mountains of Arrochar, and finally, as you near the summit of Ptarmigan, Ben Lomond itself makes an appearance and a fitting backdrop to this fine ridge walk. Although, today we were going beyond Ptarmigan, ignoring the recognised west ridge route to the summit of Ben Lomond, and continuing generally north over the broad, open moorland towards the distant top of Cruinn a'Bheinn.

The short, tufted grass and generally dry conditions underfoot made for a pleasant descent from Bealach Buidhe at the base of the west ridge of Ben Lomond down to the peat hags of Bealach Cruinn a'Bheinn, where even these often wet hags were dry and easily crossed to gain the southern slopes of Cruinn a'Bheinn. A short, steep climb from the bealach and we were standing alongside the small cairn and lochan which mark this grassy summit and enjoying some fine views from this remote viewpoint.

Departing the summit, we descended generally north west swinging through to west before crossing the Cailness Burn and making the steep descent on the south side of the burn to link up with the West Highland Way on the shores of Loch Lomond which we would follow for our return to Rowardennan. En route we called into the bothy at Rowchoish which has been somewhat transformed since I was last there some 5 years ago, the earth floor being replaced by wooden flooring, the completion of a workbench/cooking area along one wall, and the sleeping area revamped and separated by a railing from the main area of the hut. It was all looking very plush thanks to the work of the MBA.

And, not to be outdone, the National Park had also been hard at work to clear the landslip debris and fallen trees that had blocked the lower shoreline path on the original WHW and is now a fine, if somewhat, rocky and undulating path between Rowchoish and Ptarmigan Lodge, a much more interesting walk than the diversion that had been in place using the high level forest track.

Another great day on Ptarmigan and surrounding hills - Thanks Lawrie.