Arrochar Alps Sat 15th

Todays excursion was all about steep ups and downs, close on 7000 feet of climbing within 12 or 13 miles. Starting out from Succouth straight up Narnain then Ime and Vane with the 4 mile run back down Glen Loin to finish.

Took the first climb up Narnain nice and steady covering the 3000 feet and 2 1/2 miles in an hour 25, overtook a few groups of walkers on the way and had the cool breezy summit to myself for a short break to refuel.

The run into the Bealach a'Mhaim a bit stop start as I kept crossing the rubble strewn path trying to find a better way down. Crossing the stile at the bottom I could see some walkers further up, something to aim for. A steady plod brought me to the summit cairn and a seat out of the wind.

It's a steep drop off the back of Ime into Glas Bhealach but peace and quiet again as only a few pass through this glen. I start down a narrow twisty track which drops you on the wrong side of the Bhealach and I soon leave it to traverse east to avoid the boggy run towards the final drop into Lag Uaine, too soon, and I have to slow up to pick my way through steep lumps, bumps and boulders.

Chose a new line for the run into Lag Uaine to the south of a rocky outcrop, after a couple of double backs found a nice path running down the crest of a small ridge, turned at the bottom to prime the memory cells, that's always a tough climb.

The direct route up Vane would be a challenge when you are fresh so I loop round to take the sting out of the steepest sections and pick my way through the many sloping terraces between the crags. Hit the ridge and its only a short way to the summit, another wee rest before the tricky run off.

Quite a few walkers going up and down and a lot of loose rock and dirt about so take it nice and easy though the knobbly bits that give the mountain its name. After clearing the crags and cliffs a nice steady plod to the bog at the bottom, reached the Glen Loin track just over 4 hours after I set out.

Run all the ups through the glen to the finish in 4 hours 45. The tide is in and wash the remnants of the bog away in the loch before shotgunning a recovery of 2 cans of full fat Bru.

Pleased to complete the planned route and felt fine, no major physical or mental distress, only the odd consideration given to easier routes on the first climb of the day and by the time I reached Ben Ime, no worries and plenty of drive left in the legs for the trials of Ben Vane and what felt like a nice short run out through Glen Loin. Great views all the way and a couple of hail showers on the tops of Narnain and Vane to remind me winters not long gone. Some pictures from today's run .
Sunday and made time for a recovery run going up behind the Carman reservoir, through the quarry and along to the top of the StoneyM, a run down the track and along the bypass to finish.