Arrochar Alps Sun 11th April

Forecast was perfect the only problem where and what. Ben Lui maybe still too much snow. Arrochar has been neglected, the last time I was on the hill was a run over the Beallach last December, before that it was July. So easy choice Bens Vane, Ime and Narnain, 12 or 13 miles and 6500 FOA.

Sluggish start but I could see the sun through the curtains and left the Vale just after 8, Ben Lomond looked close enough to touch across the Loch. Started running before 9, almost freezing running up through Glen Loin to Corriegrogan and the Vane path in 50 something minutes. Vane ascent...

No more than a steady plod up Vane, a bit hotter now, just over an hours climb. Views opening up all around. From Vane the plan was to drop into Lag Uaine but as this was where I DNF'd the AA race use the compass, 280 degrees takes you away from the crags then drop into Lag Uaine. So easy. Met a new friend in Lag Uaine, Lars or Larry, he likes to run on the hills, here with Ben Lui in the background.

Picture below is Ben Ime from Ben Vane, the Ime ascent is in two parts, first a tussocky trudge to the Beallach between Ime and Chorranach then hang a left for a 20 minute push up steeper ground to the top. Reach Ime summit in 3 hours 20 something.

Ime is the highest point of todays run, superb views all round, mountains for miles, Arran and Jura mountains all visible in the distant haze with a white Ben Nevis clear on the horizon. Sat in the sun taking it all in for a few minutes, some more food and drink then off towards the last hurrah up Narnain. Had to stop and take a picture, too many favourites to miss, Gnarly ridge, Lochs Lomond, Arklet and Katrine, Ben Lomond.

15 minute run down to the Beallach, no problems today but this is a tricky run in the mist and its very easy to go off course, too far right ok you just have to climb back up but go left and soon you are in amongst seriously steep crags.

The last climb of the day to Narnain, 30 minutes up, quite steep but soon levels off, through a couple of rocky terraces and your on top.

Have a seat and last lingering look around with some more food and drink then off through a thankfully snow free Spearhead for the 2 mile 3000 foot drop to the finish. Quite a few walkers about now, most still going uphill. About 50 minutes of hard work to get back to the car. Just over 5 hours with about 25 minutes of stops for food, scenery and chatting to Larry. A few more pictures in the Galleria.