A Winter walk on Beinn Ime

Hill: Beinn Ime
Category: Munro
Height: 1011m
Although we did not have the crisp blue skies of previous days the forecast was still in our favour for this late Autumn walk. I say late Autumn but up here Winter has been around for weeks so snow expected up top.
Today I am rambling with the AYR OIR for a straight forward Munro outing. Traffic delayed our start so it was after 10.30 when we were booted up and on our way. Interesting that with the sheer greed of Dumbarton Councils parking charges there were only 4 other cars in the car park, an unbelievably low number. It went from £1 a day to £9, nice one, not.
Still our walk plods up the zig zags where it was already warm enough for me to take my mid layer off, too early in the walk to be sweating.

Lots of frozen ice sticking to the rocks

It was with relief that we exited the tree line and finally got a view of something that didn‘t resemble a pine tree. A tumbling burn with ice still coating the sides of the boulders.

The Cobbler

Also ahead The Cobbler, even in monochrome was still spectacular.
As far as the walking is going at least the gradient was kind as we followed the excellent path, surprised, but pleased, at how little ice there was.
A quick snack at the Narnain boulders before wandering further up the hill to the junction of The Cobbler, Narnain & Ime. 

Final 400m from here up Ime

Proper snow ahead as Ime now has its early winter coat on. It will have a few more layers soon.

On the icy track now

Spikes donned as the track was icy and the final 400m of ascent is taken on. Surprised that it is mostly hard packed snow but step off line and sinking knee deep was the outcome, hard going so avoid at all costs.
We meet some workers who are rebuilding the path, a very muddy hill track in the summer, but today hardy boys.

On the snowy ascent, Narnain left and Cobbler right

Continued plodding up the white landscape, should put the sun glasses on but lazy, no snaps on the climb, just all white.
Despite the low cloud the light is stunning at times and so variable, what a landscape we live in.

Looking towards Loch Fyne

The long ascent is nearly over, we reached its steepest pitch and finally the long walk was over. The wind was now buffeting us, strong and cold but stand in the cairn top and look around, it doesn’t get much better than this.

The Summit

The snow makes it a spectacular 360 degree view of high summit tops with their snow hats on, too cold to stand and count them. 

Ailsa Craig just visible on horizon

Far away Ailsa Craig shimmers on the southern horizon. All the Arrochar Corbetts look so close as they encircle Beinn Ime, truly beautiful.

Getting gloomier time to descend

For the descent we followed the long walk back to the car park. We descended before stopping for lunch out of the wind and the workers have disappeared, not surprised. Clouds are thickening and the wind is rising.
We spotted a red deer stag in the trees near the finish. It was either not bothered or not well. I suspect the latter but still a magnificent sight to finish the walk.
No complaints about today’s walk, enjoyed by all, another mid week success, well done Dick.
Just don’t talk about the drive home, a nightmare!!

Wildlife: Raven; Robin; Vole; Red Deer.
Time: 5.29
Ascent: 1060m
Distance: 15.2km