Shivering Above the Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond…

After a very Brhhhhh cold night, I was awake early looking out onto Loch Lomond, with clear skies, red skies, and the prospect of it being pleasant, at least for a couple of hours, as the forecast said rain later…. where have I heard that before ?… so, butties made, Wally packed for the road, and I was off, only 5 miles along the Loch, to a big car park,where someone was waiting for me ?

No grub though, and off she flew !

Then I was away, and working out the correct route from the car par, initially going the wrong way through the forest, quickly backtracking, and starting again, this time in the right direction… The views across the still waters of Loch Lomond, were great…calm before the storm ?

Up I went catching up to a young couple, who would overtake me again and again,then stop for a rest – tortoise and hares ?  It was a good track, and I was making good progress out of the forest, onto the open hills, and further up towards the tops,however, the mist dropped, and wind picked up, quickly followed by that dreaded rain !- this being one of my last views of the valley…

All the way up to the top of Ben Lomond http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Lomond, which apparently has great views over  Loch Lomond, and all surrounding mountains – I’d even brought my binoculars…no use !

As I got to the last few hundred metres I was into deepish snow from yesterday, which had frozen overnight, and was quite hazardous..onwards I went, looking for the trig point on the top – although it’s a very busy mountain, only about 6 people came down before I arrived at the top,974 mts,all climbed, in a thick mist,driving rain, and stupendous views… as you can see !

I only stopped for a couple of minutes, to take a few pictures, and before I got cold,set off down again …

Oh, and the young couple ??—way behind me ,still struggling up !,well a few hundred feet !Then it was downhill all the way, into driving rain and mist, made easier saying ‘Hello’ to all the people still struggling up the hill

Within a couple of hours I was back at Wally in the car park, soaked to the skin, with fleeting views of the mist lifting on the top , and back to the rainy and damp campsite… where I was slightly extravagant and put ‘two bars’ on the  fire !!

So, a hot and humid Jotown wishes you good night ! before I settle down to a glass,or two of Red wine and hot food !