Ben Vane and the Rainbows

Hill: Ben Vane, Inveruglas
Category: Munro,
Height: 916m
The forecast was for blue skies after 11am but you would not have guessed it from the rain and very low clouds as I drove to the start at Inveruglas.
Cross the road and walk back to gate under the railway. Shortcut through the trees then on to the hard packed Loch Sloy dam road. The coos are around as evidenced by the many fresh dung heaps on the road.

Ben Vane taken on descent nicer skies

After the farm buildings turn left and cross the bridge, Ben Vane on your right.
Although the guide says there is a 2nd path further on we opted for the first path on the right, a mistake, it was a bog fest, at one point I thought my boot was staying in the gloop.

Loch Sloy dam

Still it wasn’t too long before the stony track at the base of the mountain was reached.
As we ascended there were good views up Coiregrogain and the bealach in front of Beinn Ime.
Looking up you can see that this is a steep climb today. The track does twist and turn as it gains height. There is a need to go hands on at times and there are lots of loose rocks, big and small, to slip on.

Getting near the top now the wind hits 

The steepness gives opportunities to pause and look across over the equally steep Ben Vorlich. At least the climb of that levels off for the final section but not this one. For some reason Vorlich kept its final third in the cloud most of the day when it was blue sky over here.

Ben Vorlich

I heard a voice and looked up spotted a red jacket, looked a long way away.
We realise we had been sheltered from the wind when we come to the open area and it is strong and cold.
Still a few false optimisms more turns to negotiate before we reach the cairn where a couple of people are and it turns out I know one of them.

Lunch spot Trossachs over there

Too cold and windy to lunch here so a couple of snaps and back down to find some shelter and take in the views.

Dont walk off the edge, long way down

On the way down the steepness is apparent giving great views with Ben Lomond a proud pyramid not far away.

Ben Lomond

One advantage of the rain and sun is the rainbows that we saw. 

Nice Rainbow

One of which this beautiful rainbow, the photo does not do the colours justice. It tried to form a double bow but did not quite make it. However stunning it was, as it seemed to end right on the dam at Loch Sloy. You might get fit but you don’t get sights like that in the gym. 

Loch Lomond and Inveruglas ahead

Entertained on the walk out as the shepherd was rounding up his flock on the rough ground above us.
Overall the weather was not quite as forecast but it was still a good walk.
  
Wildlife: Fieldfare, Stonechat.
Time: 5.40
Ascent: 911m
Distance: 12.9k