Same route as last week only in the opposite direction, Friday's blue skies had promised much but had been replaced by cloud overnight as we left the Vale around 8 am.
Set off at a gentle jog up the Glen road then left the road for the 1700' climb up Beinn Eich, sky clearing with our ascent. Well into the snow by the time we reached the top and the views opening up all round with Paddy's Milestone clear on the horizon over 60 miles away down the Firth of Clyde.
We continued along the undulating ridge from Beinn Eich over Beinn Lochainn to Doune Hill. The snow wind blown to a crisp surface making for a bit of fun on the steeper descents. The initial drop from the Trig point on Doune Hill quite tricky to pick out a safe route, snow changing from crisp ice to knee deep drifts within a few feet depending on slope aspect to wind direction. A bit of bumsliding solved the problem & we were soon off on the run down to re-group at Sith Mor.
From SM it's a 1400' climb up to the 2 cairns between the Corries and a fantastic snow covered mountain vista opened up all around, snow, sun & blue skies as far as you could see. Ran towards the top of Beinn Dubh and having met no-one since we left started to meet groups hillwalkers coming up from Luss.
Regrouped at the Beinn Dubh cairn then set off for Luss, avoiding the path which was mostly ice. About 1/2 way down had to stop to remove jacket, hat & gloves as the temp rose in the sun.
Dissapointed to have to leave the stunning views from the tops the extra thermal top seemed to make all the difference compared to last week. Left the camera in the car as usual when the weather & views are that bit special.
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