Stob Binnein, Ben More, Sun 15th Oct

Back to real running this week with a 10 mile 4800' of climbing 2 munro jog in the Braes of Balquihidder. The start/finish point at Inverlochlarig is nice and remote, 10 miles down a single track road past Balquihidder. Had planned this run for over a year.

After a false start to change into warmer gear left Inverlochlarig climbing 2000'+ in the first mile and up into the clouds, so much for the clear forecast. The 1st top reached is Stob Invercarnaig and then the gradient eases off past Creag Artair and along the Na Staidhricheon ridge, no I don't know how to say it, to Stob Coire An Lochan. Still in the cloud continue up the path to the summit of Stob Binnein in 98 minutes.

Nice surprise right at the top as I come up through the clouds into bright warm sunshine. Both Stob Binnein at 3822' and Ben More at 3851' poking through the cloud. Could only see one more top - on a bearing of 285 degrees - work that one out. (possibly Ben Lui @ 3707', only other one high enough and about 10 miles away).

Jacket & gloves off stopped for a drink, tempted to stay and sunbathe but continued on down towards the Bealach-eadar-dha Beinn, as I approached the top of the clouds once more I was rewarded with my first Brocken Spectre. Alas a pocket of fully charged batteries but no camera for the cloud and light show, it was lying in the car boot unseen till I got home.

Descent to the Beallach and a quick climb up to Ben More in another 44 minutes. By this time the clouds have covered the top so have to hide out the damp wind for a quick breather and drink then off back down to the Beallach.

The plan was to go back the same way but once down under the clouds at the Beallach didn't fancy the climb back into the cold and damp wind up and over Stob Binnein, so route change to drop into Inverlochlarig Glen, contouring round to avoid a climb back up, follow the stream and then pick up what is probably a stalkers path.

The return route is slightly longer but less climb and from the top of Ben more takes 94 mins. The odd bit of sun as breaks appear in the clouds in the surrounding tops makes for dramatic scenes all the way back down the glen.