Читать книгу Not the West Highland Way. Diversions over mountains, smaller hills or high passes for 8 of the WH Way's 9 stages онлайн

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2 Rowardennan Outing: Ben Lomond

Start/finish Rowardennan pier car park Distance 10.5km (6½ miles) Ascent 1050m (3500ft) Approximate time 5hr Maximum altitude 974m Ben Lomond Terrain Wide, smooth path up: steep rough one to start the descent, then a small but comfortable one

Ben Lomond used to be Scotland’s most ascended mountain. In recent years it has been overtaken by Ben Nevis – but Ben Lomond’s better. It has lovely Loch Lomond views, and a gentler slope, and a little ridgeline along the top. Plus, it doesn’t go on upwards for the grumble-inducing extra 370m.

My son when walking the West Highland Way attempted Ben Lomond by its more ambitious Ptarmigan route, and was turned back by strong winds. To avoid such disappointment, this excursion uses the busy and straightforward south ridge path for the ascent. The descent will be by that dramatic northeast ridge and the Ptarmigan. From the top of Ben Lomond you can assess the first few metres of this ridge, contemplate the wind speed and the slipperiness, and decide to return by the easier southern route.