At the end of April six members of Biggar Ramblers set out to climb Scotland’s most southerly Munro, Ben Lomond. From Rowardennan they started up the Ptarmigan path and shortly after clearing the wood the sound of a cuckoo could be clearly heard. But it was further up the path the interest of the walkers was drawn to the Luss hulls across the loch. Then there was the first sighting of The Cobbler above Arrochar. And further on the Arrochar Alps, the hills of Beinn Narnain, Beinn Ime and Ben Vane came into view. On reaching Ptarmigan the hills opened even more to reveal Ben Vorlich and the Tyndrum Hills and the first of the Crianlarich Hills.
At this point the group were ready to make the final ascent up to the summit but had lunch first. The last 500 feet was their most challenging but once the summit was reached they felt the views after the ascent were well worth it. The weather was dry and clear giving views into the Highlands to the north. The walk leader was able to name several of the hills and was delighted to be able to point out Ben Nevis to the group. After the customary group photographs the walkers descended the now named Ben Lomond Hill Route but previously known as the Tourist Route. After the walk one of the group said, “it was a good to be alive day”. www.biggarramblers.org.uk
