Arrochar Alps

Forecast was for more sun as the day went on, good day for a long slow run. The plan was to run from Succouth up Glen Loin to Coiregrogain, then Ben Vane, Beinn Ime and Narnain, and a descent down to Succouth, about 13 miles and 6000' of climbing.

We started with low cloud and mist down below 2000'. Took it easy through Glen Loin, walking the bigger hills. Arriving at the Ben Vane path just after Coiregrogain we moved quickly across the bog and onto the 2000 foot in a mile climb, pretty soon we were into the clouds. Steady trudge up and as we made our way through Vanes knobbly tops we broke through into sunshine and stunning views of mountain tops piercing the clouds. We took in the views for a few minutes then set off on a crag avoiding bearing into Lag Uaine and back into the mist. We came down under Beinn Chorranach, too far North, a short trot up the glen and we set off for what we hoped was Glas Bhealach. A few minor zig zags on the way up and then a break in the clouds confirmed we were just about on track. A short stop at GB then up the steep North flank of Beinn Ime in glorious sunshine. A brief stop at the top and we were off back down into the mist towards Bealach a'Mhaim. Tried to run a bearing but came down slightly to the right of the style. Soon picked up the path to Narnain and back into the sun, even managed a wee jog as the slope eased towards the top. We set off with a scramble through the Spearhead to start the run down the steep twisting path, kept a steady pace going all the way. Keeping to the left of the stream we managed to stay off the concrete blocks and made good time on the bottom section leading back on to the forrest track. Only a short run down to the car park left with a quick stop at the jacuzzi refreshing tired legs.

Finished in 4 hours 50, a quiet seat in the sun before the drive home our reward for a fine day. Only met one person on Ben Vane then hordes of walkers as we ran off Beinn Ime and over Narnain. Misty glens made us think a wee bit about navigation and brought us back down to earth after the stunning views from the tops.