Myself, Bob, Campbell, George, Stewart and David Gray met up at at Crianlarich, amidst snow-clad peaks and clear-ish skies... looking quite promising! We plumped for Ben Dorain, so set off up to Bridge of Orchy. However, as we drove over the hill from Tyndrum, the cloud level lowered and the snow seemed to peter out somewhat.

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Another chin-wag at B of Orchy... should we head back down to Glen Falloch or Lawers where conditions looked better? No, stick with plan A. So we headed up the track in light drizzle, but on frozen turf/bog. As we gained height the clouds rolled in and the path became solid water-ice at points. At the col, the wind picked up a tad, so jackets on and up into the clag. Snow cover & quality improved greatly as we ascended, and by the time we reached the first cairn (false summit) it was proper winter conditions, but without any views. A short walk along the fairly narrow ridge took us to the proper summit, confirmed by GPS (George's Positioning System).

 

At this point Miss Crombie dropped a bombshell - he was planning to take up a new hobby - dressmaking!! This was no joke - he readily admitted to enjoying reading the ‘Encyclopedia of Sewing’ that Vin bought him for a ‘joke’ birthday present. And he told us how he had been captivated by a recent visit to Remnant Kings, with all the loverly colours and textures to inspire him.

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Campbell Crombie - Mountaineer, Endurance Cyclist, Seamstress.

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Anyway, descent back to col, with Stewart falling on his backside 6 or 7 times. From the col down it was fairly treacherous - slush on water-ice. Back down before 2pm, pints and (very good) coffees in B of Orchy Hotel.

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Alan