Luss Sun 9th Nov

Set out for a run round Glen Luss this morning. Plan was for an ACW Horseshoe, up Beinn Dubh, round the corries returning to Glen Luss via mid hill then cross the road and ascend Coille eughain hill for a run down the Paps, expected to take 2 1/2 hours + for approx 9 miles & 3500' of ascent. A bit windy at the start and looking to Ben Lomond the snow level looked ok at about 2500 feet.

Damp plod up Beinn Dubh, and the wind really blew, 1st time ok just hat blown off with a quick detour to pick it up. Then the cloud level dropped and a squally shower blew in, a bit higher up now and the rain had turned to needle like hail. Hat flies off a few times and soon quite adept at catching it before it hits the ground.

Head down, lean into the wind at 45 degrees and plod on, try to jog the flatter bits to keep the toes from freezing. Despite leggings, two thermal tops, jacket, buff, hat and gloves, start to struggle in the icy blasts. Had to stop using my hand to shelter my face from the hail as fingers were getting too cold and numb.

Becoming increasingly miserable and negative about the run so head for a sheltered spot about 100 yards from the style and put on some of my spare gear, Thinsulate gloves and a wooly Stuc A Chroin hat! Set off for the top where I planned to make a decision whether to go on or cut it short, however within minutes feel a lot better.

Pass the cairn on Beinn Dubh and continue along the ridge round the corries to Mid Hill via the snow covered un-named tops, more fun now although about 10 or 15 mins behind schedule as I quickly descend into Glen Luss to avoid the next squall. Usual fun towards the bottom, manage to limit the damage and only eat dirt once with another equally ungainly 360 spin. Cross the road in 1:40 odd, too late to try CE Hill.

To avoid the road head for a mini new route down Glen Luss beside the river. No sign of tracks or trods and cross a fence to try to stay close to the river then realise the fence is to keep stupid animals away from the steep bank and gullies close to the river. Cross back over the fence and soon pick up a small trod. Race a couple of deer for 50 yards until they turn uphill.

Path alternates between bog and marsh and makes for a tough but enjoyable 40 minutes. Overall about 7 miles and 2500' of ascent in 2 hrs 20. Couple of picture in the Galleria.