Ben Vorlich (3231ft) & Stac a Chroin (3198ft) to the south of  loch earn can be very popular peaks, although extremely southern both munros offer a challenging climb.Ben Vorlich is a steep climb with huge scree slopes over looking Meall nan Fearna & Beinn Domhnuill as you ascend to the summit. The views from the top can be stunning in good visibility with the lawers range to the north. By crossing the Bealach an Dubh Choirein to Stac a Chroin the northern buttress is a scramble over boulders & loose scree with several paths leading to the summit ridge. 

Ben Vorlich

summit view at (750m)

Stac a Chroin

several cairns on summit

Beinn Bhuidhe (3110ft) to the north of loch fyne lies the most isolated peak in the cowal & arrochar alps range. The munro is accessable from glen shira or via glen fyne, best to leave until clear weather is forecasted for navigation & breathtaking views over loch fyne & loch awe to the nwest.

view of Beinn Damhain

view of summit from meall an daimh (753m)

summit (3110ft)

loch awe & surrounding mountains

Stac a' Chuirn summit

Ben Vorlich (3093ft) a munro offering superb views over loch sloy, loch lomond & surrounding mountains. Ben Vane, Ben Narnain & Ben Ime the highest munro at (3316ft) in the Arrochar alps.

loch sloy dam

view of loch sloy

view of loch lomond

(a cauld trig point)

Last monday the opportunity came up to spend the morning in Arrochar, a place that is surrounded with some fine munros & corbetts. Beinn Narnain a munro I personally enjoy & with heavy winter conditions looked perfect. I usually  start from the Forestry Commission car park (charge) at Succoth on the south side of Loch Long, opposite Arrochar. From here I cross the main road and follow the marked path opposite through the woods. This is the main route to the Cobbler. After a very short distance turn right up a faint path through the undergrowth. The path soon becomes clearer and starts to climb steeply; it is often very wet after rain in summer . The trees are left behind and the climb continues past a series of concrete bases which are remains of the hydro project here. When a track is reached, go straight across it and continue on the rugged path over a rocky step. There are good views back down to the loch and Ben Lomond beyond. Higher up, a path traversing the side of the hill is reached. Although the OS map shows the route up Beinn Narnain turning left here, the main route continues straight on, bearing slightly right at first and then continuing the climb up rough ground. There are a couple of rocky scrambles which can be a challenge with snow & ice covered paths. After the next steep section of ascent, the Cobbler can be seen to the left and there is a brief flatter section before the continuing ascent to Cruach nam Miseag. There is a brief descent before reaching the prominent rock buttress of the Spearhead. The route, on a small path, is to the right of the main buttress and follows a rock-filled gully with no difficulties. The summit is shortly after the spearhead.

The views  from the summit were picturesque especially to the west, with Ben Arthur (the cobbler) Beinn Ime & Beinn Narnain looking spectacular with heavy snow covered tops. One of the most enjoyable hill walks for sometime.

On the way through Rowardennan woods & up as far to Sron Aonaich the conditions were pretty good with light fresh snow & ice. However as I made my approach to the slopes of the ben, the ice formation was treacherous (crampons on). Three young lads had past earlier in a rush but didn’t expect the ben to be so frozen, as I watched the three tackle the ben head on (off the beaten track) I was impressed with the idiotic act.

The winter weather conditions in Scotland over the last few weeks have been excellent for hill walkers, as I approached Rowardennan Lodge at 08.30am the sky was blue & not a cloud to be seen. I quickly sorted out the gear & off I went wondering what the day would bring.

 Ben Lomond the southern most munro & standing at (3195ft) (974m) the views from the summit are spectacular. The most popular route is through Rowardennan woods following the path to Sron Aonaich, however there is a more challenging route via ptarmigan.