Ben Lomond

Peaks: Ben Lomond

Area: Trossachs, Scotland

In 33 years of Highland visits, I've always avoided this famous and popular peak, the most southerly munro. This is partly because of that popularity (I prefer my hills empty) but also because it is actually quite tricky to reach from the south: not really 'on the way' anywhere. It worked perfectly this afternoon, however. I drove up in the morning and was drinking coffee in Dumbarton not much more than four hours later. A windy drive south around Loch Lomond (the contrast between the loch's north and south side is always fascinating, this southern end is reminiscent of southern England, pastoral farmland). I'd never driven up the eastern shore before, and set off up the standard tourist path from Rowardennan at mid-afternoon. High cloud and warm temperatures, with the day improving and hints of sunshine. The path, very well travelled, curves round fairly gently up to an obvious steeper rise towards a vague plateau. A short level section and then a final climb curving round to the summit ridge: 1.13 at a steady, fairly relaxed pace, I didn't want to spend too much energy for obvious reasons. The view from Lomond is superb, genuinely panoramic as a result of its location right on the edge of the Highlands. Gentle flatlands to the south, then a vast panorama up to Cruachan, Lui and Ben Nevis. The Arrochar hills are particularly impressive from this angle, and I intended to take some of them in on Friday. I descended the more direct route over the subpeak known as Ptarmigan: this was a pleasant surprise, enjoyable and interesting, twisting over little lumps and hummocks with superb views down to Loch Lomond and across to the Cobbler's distinctive profile. Lower down, grassy slopes lead to boggier sections and a long haul back to the lakeside and car. It might have been better to do this the other way round, but it was still a lovely start to the trip. An easy drive to a fish supper in Callander, looking out at Ben Ledi from the little lake in town.