Arrochar and Glen Douglas

Only my second Arrochar hill run this year, plan was to run up the Glen Loin trail climbing into Lag Uaine, over Ben Ime, Narnain and the Cobbler, 16 miles and 6500' of ascent. The first 5 miles up the Glen in glorious sunshine, then as I trudged into Lag Uaine the sun disappeared, up into thick cloud keeping the gnarly ridge on my left I worked my way up to the summit ridge, painful cries of unseen birds flying from side to side overhead added to the atmospheric conditions. It was comforting to hear voices as I ran across to the main summit, about a dozen people sitting about in small groups. Sat behind the rocky top for a drink and some food then off down the scraggy path dropping out the cloud half way down towards Bealach A Mhaim. Straight up Narnain back in to the cloud, this summit quieter, about turn back towards the Bealach swinging round to the west and up the Cobblers rocky path, another busy top, although the East peak quiet on top, a few glimpses of the views as the cloud broke up, ran down the path beside the Alt A Bhalachain.

I looked back and the cloud had cleared revealing a classic Cobbler view, finished in warm sunshine just under 4 1/2 hours. A few more pictures here.

Sunday looked like another good day, drove along to Glen Douglas, parking at Invergroin, short run, 6 miles and 3400', over Beinn Bhreac, Ben Reoch and Tullich Hill. The first climb is the longest, feels fine apart from the Clegs nipping away at the start, above the tree line the breeze keeps them away. A short break at the top then easy running down the NW ridge, take a good line up Ben Reoch closer to the ridge than usual smoothing out some of the undulations. From the top I follow the old fenceline down steep ground into Ant Sreang, the sun comes out again for the climb up Tullich Hill, I leave it late to climb onto the ridge popping up a dryish stream, from there its only a few minutes to the top. Only sheep and a frog for company today, a quiet little group of hills. Run down the grassy slopes back to Invergroin, just under 2 1/2 hours. A few pictures here.