Nice to get out for a walk, Ben Lomond via Ptarmigan ridge

Hill: Ben Lomond
Category: Munro
Height: 974m
A day out with the Ayr OIR and delighted to get a proper hill walk, it feels like ages.
The weather forecast predicted a generally fine day with occasional showers.
Our plan was to ascend via the Ptarmigan ridge and come back the tourist route.

Looking north from the start

The car park was very busy for a midweek, mainly foreign voices, probably looking for their trophy hill for their trip. Many that we saw on the day woefully under equipped for a serious hill walk.

Ascending the bracken slopes

We started by zig zagging up the bracken encroaching path, single file only, a good pace maintained, sweating already.
Stopped for a short break mainly to put on waterproofs, yes we had met that occasional shower, more like a downpour. Some young kids came bounding past us further deflating the group egos.

The Cobbler

Great views across to The Cobbler and its companion hills, thankfully the rain has cleared so we can see them.

Interesting landscape

The showers were off and now blue sky above as we approached the final ascent of Ptarmigan ridge. 

Ptarmigan ridge climb ahead

In the winter this is a totally different proposition, a dangerous area, but today just hard graft.

I said it was busy!!

However the winds increased and it was bloody cold, many extra layers and gloves donned, yip still summer.
Relieved to reach the top, bio rhythms out of sync today this was harder than it should have been.

Don't see a brolly on top of a Munro every day

A short food break before making the long trail down the tourist path. There were many still ascending. It is an easy descent but it is also a bit of a drudge, good views though.

Long descent but take in the views

Looking back the cloud had covered the top, yet again, but we were shedding clothes, that type of day.
As always a good hill, excellent views with this air clarity, good company and humour, a fine day out.

Wildlife: As expected on a hill with so many people only the ravens!!
Time: 4.54
Ascent: 3172ft 
Distance: 7.85m