|
|
Alan Melrose
wrote on May 4, 2014:
|
Took the Ptarmigan route up; still snow on the path at the top which made it a little tricky; especially for the young party types who were
coming off the other side in an interesting array of clothing!.. went down the tourist route, hundreds of people on the path including a
group of young guys who had speakers and were playing gangster rap at full blast as they walked down.
Interesting day in the hills; there's only one way to climb this hill if you want peace.
|
| |
|
|
John Drummond
wrote on November 26, 2010:
|
Who is it that gives us real hill walkers a bad name???
Well take a trip up Ben Lomond on a mid November typical winter's day, with thick cloud at 2,000ft, constant seasonally cold drizzle, approximately a foot of wet snow and slippery ice from 2,500ft and then marvel at the crazies and dummies out on the tourist path. Turns into somewhat of a fashion parade as we see young girls in long flowing light dresses, athlete types in nothing but tight lycra & trainers, 2 Irishmen in golf shoes and chinos, OAPs setting out on their accent in late afternoon, need I say more?? Idiots!!
|
| |
|
|
Jean Moore
wrote on September 12, 2010:
|
Done my first ever Munro today, went up and down the Ptarmigan route, took 6 hrs up & down with a few stops on the way, didn't realise how steep it was in places, my legs were killing me on the way down, good job I had a walking pole with me (nearly never took it) got some good pics on my phone on the way up but the top was too misty for any decent pics, then I dropped my phone (only got it last week) and cracked the screen. Barring the phone incident (still fuming) it was an enjoyable day out, hopefully the first of many more Munros.
|
| |
|
|
Kenny Wallace
wrote on September 7, 2010:
|
Went up on the Ptarmigan route and came back down on the Tourist path. Started walking early in the morning so didn't see anyone on the approach to the summit. Visibility was zero on the summit so no good views but must have passed about 70 people walking the tourist route up. Having went both routes was well happy I went up on the Ptarmigan route. Took just about 4 hours.
|
| |
|
|
William Mulholland
wrote on August 15, 2010:
|
climbed my first munro today with my son (18) silly name for a boy, started at 7am and made the peak at 8.40, went the easier way anti clockwise from the car park at the pier through the woods, and came down the steep way, glad it did it that way!
great views and a great day for both of us
ill be back one day to do it the other way...
|
| |
|
|
Gerry Delaney
wrote on August 6, 2010:
|
Climbed via Ptarmigan route on my own, bit steep mostly all the way up with a few flat bits to rest my weary legs! Didn't see anyone coming up in front or behind me tho passed a few people heading down the route. The last 400 feet was done on hands and knees in pea soup mist in driving rain !! Made it tho. Couldn t see a thing from the summit and headed back via the tourist route which was busy with walkers and bikers. Good day out!
|
| |
|
|
Steven Budd
wrote on August 2, 2010:
|
Excellent route, missed all of the crowds only seen 2 people on the whole route up and down. Weather was very wet and windy at the top but still very enjoyable. the last 400ft was a good climb, and no one at the summit which was unusual, although saying that all the sane people probably stayed indoors on this day.....
|
| |
|
|
Allan Campbell
wrote on July 10, 2010:
|
first munro father in law dared me
|
| |
|
|
James Corrigan
wrote on January 24, 2010:
|
Like so many, it was the first mountain i walked on.Even seen one guy pray to Mecca from the top!
|
| |
|
|
Ashley Robinson
wrote on October 5, 2009:
|
Climbed Ben Lomond on 4th Oct 2009 leaving the car park at 10am and returned to car at 2.45pm.
Climbed via Ptarmigan and would highly recommend this route.
It is steep from the start and can be quite daunting but keep with it, it is well worth it. Fantastive views all the way up and also at the summit.
Great climb, great weather for our first Munro.
|
| |
|
|
Bruce Donachie
wrote on September 13, 2009:
|
FORGET THE TOURIST ROUTE, do Ptarmigan Ridge. It may look a little daunting from afar, but a lot of Scottish mountains do, but in the end they are nowt but a little exposed routes, with minimal scrambling. This is one, and is a far superior walk to the other route, and has nowhere near the same amount of tourists. Sadly, from a purely selfish point of view, there's nowt you can do about the crowds at the summit.
|
| |
|
|
Iain Munro
wrote on August 14, 2009:
|
Kirsty and I walked up at 2 0'clock following driving up to Rowardennan from Leicester. What a great walk. The weather was sunny and kind for our first Munro, and we enjoyed fantastic views. We could see Ailsa Craig, Arran, Jura to the west and all sorts around the compass. We walked up by the tourist route and down via the Ptarmigan ridge. Ended up in the Rowardennan Hotel for beer and food, one great day!
|
| |
|
|
Andrew Blair
wrote on July 23, 2009:
|
From Rowardennan with 3 brothers & my then 7 year old nephew. My first Munro! Hellish conditions! Galeforce winds, rain, summit in cloud. I have returned many times since in rain, shine & best of all deep snow with perfect visibilty. I now much prefer to go up via ptarmigan, down via tourist path.
|
| |
|
|
Jason Glencross
wrote on June 13, 2009:
|
Bagged our first Munro today,loved it but no views at the summit as it was too foggy.Hopefully going to bag some more asap,walked it early in the morning to miss all the crowds of underdressed tourists.
|
| |
|
|
Lesley Walker
wrote on May 30, 2009:
|
Fantastic weather today! Climbed via the tourist route as had child in backpack! Views at the top spectactular. Only downside of the day was the amount of litter dropped by others. Many thanks to the person who picked up my daughter's sunhat and left it on a boulder for us, didn't think we would see it again!
|
| |
|
|
Stuart Combe
wrote on May 25, 2009:
|
This was my girlfriend's and my first attempt at climbing a munro and must say we thoroughly enjoyed it. The conditions were pretty good albeit it was very misty at the summit and slightly damp on the descent down the Ptarmigan Ridge! Looking forward to doing the next one but would welcome any suggestions as to anyones favourite climbs.....
|
| |
|
|
Neil Dymock
wrote on February 21, 2009:
|
Climbed ben Lomond on the 21/02/09. My first Munro. Great fun and a good experience for a novice like me. Came down via tourist route, not a great way to descend..should have gone over Ptarmigan Ridge. Weather not great towards summit (cold, windy, wet)but a great test of my gear!! Pleased to summit and learn so much on the day. Took my 2 spaniels and a walker freind, very cold and tough with 2 livley dogs at this time of year but a great experience and now want to do more. may invest in gaiters and poles and keep dogs sleeping until spring!
|
| |
|
|
Bruce Donachie
wrote on January 14, 2009:
|
Yes, the tourist route is a bit of a downer, a real grind and would definitely descend via Ptarmigan Ridge, next time. BTW...this was my first Munro, bring on the next 200+
|
| |
|
|
Andrew Hart
wrote on October 13, 2008:
|
We went ascended by the Ptarmigan ridge, which was perfect- just challenging enough to keep it interesting. Although I did make the mistake of descending via the tourist track! An extremely depressing way to end the day. 7/08/08
|
| |
|
|
William Brown
wrote on May 16, 2008:
|
Whats wrong with it being on the outskirts of Glasgow? (from a Glaswegian)
|
| |
|
|
Alan Pack
wrote on April 30, 2008:
|
Climbed on 27th April 08. Lovely clear day in the end with fantastic views all round. Ascended by busy tourist route but enjoyed the relative quiet and different scenery descending by Ptarmigan. Made a nice change to do a circular route.
|
| |
|
|
Samantha Munro
wrote on April 20, 2008:
|
Definitely agree with taking Ptarmingan on ascent, steep in places but the summit is reached in a cracking final climb/scramble. Did on a busy Sunday and tourist route was extremely busy, brilliant views down Loch Lomond, Arrocher alps and over to the Crainlarich Mountains and Loch Katrine
|
| |
|
|
Kevin Woods
wrote on October 15, 2007:
|
The route down Ptarmagin ridge is great, do it if you can as it offers a different perspective. It's also much quieter than the main route which some might like. (The Arrochar Alps look great from here also!) Done Lomond in cloud and sun, and had a great day out both times.
|
| |
|
|
Jon Pleasance
wrote on October 4, 2007:
|
Definitely take the Ptarmigan ridge on ascent. It's steep in places but the views are fantastic and it is less uniform than the main track. A great hill
|
| |
|
|
Martin Joyce
wrote on September 10, 2007:
|
Gentle, elegant hill. Should really be on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
|
| |
|
|
Andrew Gifford
wrote on August 15, 2007:
|
Don't let the weather put you off. A great half-day out on the hill whatever summer throws up!
|
| |
|
|
John Gilchrist
wrote on July 10, 2007:
|
If you've climbed Ben Lomond in the past, don't discount another ascent. The clear fell of the conifers at the base has opened out the views wonderfully and gives the hill a totally different feel.
|
| |
|
|
Sam Barber
wrote on February 11, 2007:
|
Heavy initial ascent to Ptarmigan and its adjoining beleach to the Munro. Great fun ascending the final fifth in heavy winds. Views across to the Arrochar Alps are stunning (look out for the
Cobbler!)
|
| |
|
|
Leon Mooney
wrote on September 24, 2006:
|
My second Munro - the view was fine until half-way up, then the cloud dropped and we could see nothing. Spent nanoseconds at the top for some photos, then descended only for the cloud to clear behind us. Typical.
|
| |
|
|
Craig Robinson
wrote on August 30, 2006:
|
Having climbed this mountain in both summer and winter, l have to recommend the latter of the two. The snow turned a routine slog up an badly eroded path into a good tough outing. Along with my mate Donny, this was our first winter outing. This gave us the confidence to do many more. Great fun in the winter and the best time to climb this hill.
|
| |
|
|
Fiona Johnstone
wrote on May 13, 2006:
|
We went up via the Sron Aoniach ridge on 13/05/06, which was pretty easy going but very busy. The summit was also packed with people (some not very well equipped) and some were drinking what looked like wine!! Despite the crowded summit the walk was very enjoyable and offers some brilliant views. We descended the Ptarmigan route which was a quiter and more interesting.
|
| |
|
|
Andrew Bassett
wrote on May 8, 2006:
|
We climbed Ben Lomond on a lovely crisp sunny Christmas day. Set off very early from the car park at the shore of loch Lomond. The clear path leads all the way to the top. The route its self is fine for anyone with a moderate level of fitness. To our surprise even on Christmas day there were several people at the summit. The views around were truly breath taking. What a way to spend Christmas day. Beats sitting in front of the telly eating turkey.
|
| |
|
|
Rob Pearce
wrote on August 7, 2005:
|
First munro bagged (cheesy yes) today with the misses...07 Aug 2005. Went up the tourist route met a lot of tourists and day trippers that seem 2 take the shine of the acheivement! Made it up in 2 hours exactly with a 10 minute fuel stop. Great weather (up without a top on but at the top needed a couple of layers) makes 4 stunning views from the summit. Took the ridge route on the way down (1.30mins) stunning views this way, 1st one in the bag only 2 million 2 go lol
|
| |
|
|
Donny Mckie
wrote on July 31, 2005:
|
I would really recommend climbing this one in the snow as my mate Craig and I did on the 18th December. Excellent fun, very few people on the hill and the snow covers most of the godawful eroded path. Unbelievably cold on the summit but the views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding area are second to none.
|
| |
|
|
Frank Thorpe
wrote on July 19, 2005:
|
Climbed on 13/7/05 for the umpteenth time. Great starter for the climbing season whatever your fitness level (except Graham ). Suggest if you dont want to be climbing along side kids & dogs choose the Ptarmigan Ridge ascent. Head for the youth Hostel from car park then follow path to the right for beggining of the path up (can be missed and u end up walking to Inversnaid alongside the loch). A respectable climb with decent fitness required and a bit craggy just below the summit (hands required at times) a couple of false summits along the way but very enjoyable with superb views.
|
| |
|
|
Brad Macleod
wrote on July 10, 2005:
|
Climbed Ben Lomond with my fiance Dawn on saturday 9th of july . We climbed the more difficult Ptarmigan ridge on our first ever Munro , descended via Sron Aoniach and managed it in 5 hours. It was a great experiance and we are now taking up the challenge of ascending all the munro's. The views were amazing and the weather was very hot , which meant plenty water was needed !
|
| |
|
|
Andrew Murray
wrote on July 7, 2005:
|
Climbed it for the first time today with my daughter , through the forest and up the Sron Aonaich ridge then back the same way and it was really busy , although i find it hard to believe the amount of people that we seen who were so ill equipped for such a trek some people were wearing sandles shorts and t-shirts and not even carrying the very basics and none of them even carrying any fluids great day out with my daughter all the same and got some great pics of the cragged north face.
|
| |
|
|
Gordon Rankin
wrote on June 26, 2005:
|
Climbed on Sun 26th June 2005 in glorius weather. 2.5 hours up and 1.5 hours back down. Some sections are difficult on the legs but a very enjoyable walk nonetheless and my first Munro. Leave early to avoid the crowds.
|
| |
|
|
Heather Turner
wrote on June 20, 2005:
|
I climbed this with my dad on 22/5/05 It was my first munro I found it easier to go down than up I was exhausted!!!
|
| |
|
|
Laura Murray
wrote on June 19, 2005:
|
Climbed with two friends on 18/06/05. Ascended via the Ptarmigan Ridge. A steep route, it took us 3.5 hrs to reach the summit. Having started late in the day it was 8pm when we got to the top. Everything was in cloud and so there was absolutely no view. Spent five minutes taking photos then descended down the tourist path. Fairly easy descent, taking only 2 hours. Cloud began to clear slightly lower and we could see a bit across Loch Lomond.
|
| |
|
|
Marlon Sayle
wrote on May 23, 2005:
|
Climbed it for the fourth time on 21/5/05. Every time I have climbed it the weather has been good. Very busy on the route today with a large party up from the south celebrating a birthday and a school trip. Great views south across the loch and the islands. Decended via the Ptarmigan ridge which was much quieter.
|
| |
|
|
John Malcolm
wrote on May 20, 2005:
|
Very busy mountain, would advise a week-day ascent. Have climbed this Munro several times and would recommend going via the ptarmigan either on your way up or way down. Good path all the way so good for beginners. Great view of Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond's islands so well worth the visit. Should take about four hours up and down.
|
| |
|
|
Duncan Copland
wrote on May 18, 2005:
|
Climed Ben lomond with my daughter Alicea (her first Munro) on the 14th May, beautiful sunny day, views from the top were unbelievable. Day was made all the better by the friendly people we met and the pride I felt for my daughter (aged 9) making it to the top and asking me what was the next munro we were going to do!
|
| |
|
|
Alan Hiddleston
wrote on March 18, 2005:
|
Climbed it on 12th March, good clear day with great views. Still a lot of ice and snow at the summit, was a bit slippy underfoot. Great climb even though its busy.
|
| |
|
|
Eoan Kerr
wrote on November 15, 2004:
|
Climbed again via route 1 on the 13th November 2004, a beautiful winters day, with only around 5% cloud coverage. It took 2hrs 10m up and 1hr 40m back down. Time going up was hindered by a hangover (not advised). :-( Time going down was hindered by taking around 70 photographs. :-) Absolutely spectacular views.
|
| |
|
|
Eoan Kerr
wrote on November 10, 2004:
|
Climbed this with my son Dylan (age 6) and dog Fizz on the 7th Nov 2004. Our first munro. It took us 7 1/2 hours, but a most enjoyable day. We were on the hill at 10am and back down for 5.30pm. Coming back down we reached the forest as night fell. I'm going to walk this again this weekend, but without Dylan. I think it can be done in around 3 - 3 1/2 hours. I may try the Ptarmigan ridge, we'll wait and see. Great starter Munro.
|
| |
|
|
Alan Cantwell
wrote on November 1, 2004:
|
This was my wife Jackie's and my Border Collie Tino's first Munro, Tino found it a breeze, Jackie kept going despite it being much tougher than she expected, thanks Jax, major effort! ALXX
|
| |
|
|
Stephen Langston
wrote on September 19, 2004:
|
This was my first Munro and gave me the bug to start bagging. It was almost my hardest climb because it was the first. However, a great mountain. Nice forest bit at the beginning and then just as your about to die from exhaustion you find you have actually just reached the mountain. Great views but lots of those nasty "Oh Gods" when you turn a corner to discover there's along way to go yet. Very touristee but fun.
|
| |
|
|
Andrew Griffiths
wrote on June 6, 2004:
|
Climbed this today taking the Ptarmigan route up and the tourist route down. Low cloudbase to start with and squally conditions and strong winds on the Ptarmigan ridge, but some gaps appeared once on the summit and good views over Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine. I definitely recommend making the circuit this way round. The top section of the ascent was slippery and would have been trickier to descend, whilst the somewhat characterless tourist route has better views coming down. Also, start early if you're planning to go at the weekend.
|
| |
|
|
Alison Forbes
wrote on May 17, 2004:
|
Climbed Ben Lomond on Friday 14 May. Pleasant at the start but cold, misty and very wet at top. 3 hours going up, 2 hours coming down. Would love to do it again on a good day for the views.
|
| |
|
|
Kevin Mckeown
wrote on February 28, 2004:
|
Climbed this one on the 24th February 2004. Very good clear day. The pathway leading to the summit is well sign posted and according to older climbers has improved over the past 10 years or so.
There was some snow and ice on the top. The views from the top are spectacular, unfortunately the information plate at the top seems to be missing. I thought about going down the Ptarmigan route but the ice at this end was too thick to descend with no axe or crampons.
|
| |
|
|
David Pringle
wrote on January 16, 2004:
|
This was my first munro a couple of years ago on Boxing Day. At the start it was cloudy with about a foot of snow lying, but by the summit there was a temperature inversion and we had a clear blue sky with the surrounding white peaks poking up through a blanket of cloud. Amazing and unforgettable!
|
| |
|
|
Andy Johns
wrote on November 23, 2003:
|
An early start is one way of avoiding the crowds but does have the drawback of losing the path on the Ptarmigan ridge in pitch black conditions. The 'partly cloudy' forecast should have read cloud base below 2000ft with snow on the summits, but the paths are so obvious (once you're above the trees for the Ptarmigan route anyway) that the compass wasn't needed. Rumours of any scrambling on this ascent are much exagerated; no hands needed at any point. Back at the car just before 10:30am having passed about 30 walkers ascending the normal route. 3 & 3/4 hours and back home in time for lunch.
|
| |
|
|
David Johnston
wrote on November 15, 2003:
|
Climbed just after easter 2003 went up main path through woods then out into the open where it starts to get steeper, then levels off before the final climb to the top. The views from top were excelent went down the ptarmigan route and only met 2 people on way down but past 50 or so on way up. 5 hour round trip with about an hour at summit as it was such a good day. Climb on a week day if possible as it is much quieter.
|
| |
|
|
Ron Veltkamp
wrote on September 7, 2003:
|
'Climbed' on Easter weekend 2002, started at 08.30h, back at 13.00h. Took the main path, which leads through the woods (slippery) at first and then soon climbs up in the open sometimes rather steep. Went alone, but passed "hundreds" of walkers on my way down. At the start it was cloudy, no wind and ten degrees(c). Two hundred meters from the top there was a very strong wind, temperature dropped to below zero and the path to the top was covered with snow and ice. Visibility on top: 20 meters, no views at all. Next time with clear sky and on a working day.
|
| |
|
|
Derek Wallace
wrote on July 27, 2003:
|
Climbed Ben Lomond on 29/6/03 via route 1(up & down).The air is very sticky in the wooded section but once on the hill the going gets better. We met a French chap half way up who played the bagpipes for us. Views at top are wonderful. Took us little over 5 hours
|
| |
|
|
Martin Nowakowski
wrote on July 14, 2003:
|
Walked from the Inversnaid Hotel via the West Highland Way.Then followed a complicated and tough ascent from the Loch side with no discernable path up steep slopes and thick vegetation. Eventually joined the Ptarmigan track having ascended the upper NW Ridge.Returned by the same ridge in full. Warm and sticky day. No midges. Clear views. Took 6 hours for round trip. Longer route than tourist path or Ptarmigan. Pay off was no company until we hit the summit and the Hotel bar is the start and finish. What a bonus !
|
| |
|
|
Stewart j Perrie
wrote on July 7, 2003:
|
Climbed Ben Lomond on 29/06/03. Went up the easier side through the woods and the long haul up the slopes. Went down the trickier 'Ptarmigan' ridge. The weather was cracking and the views breathtaking. It took about 5 hours in all. Very tiring in the heat.
|
| |
|
|
Colin Schafer
wrote on January 10, 2003:
|
Did Ben Lomond on 23rd December 2002. Went up route 1 and down via Ptarmigan. Dropping off the summit towards Ptarmigan was a tad hairy - steep, icy rocks. Otherwise fine, if wet with no view.
|
| |
|
|
John Walker
wrote on June 20, 2002:
|
I chose the Ptarmigan route, and would recommend it that way around, especially as I prefer even minor scrambles upwards rather than down! Great views of the Loch
|
| |
|
|
Kenneth Bell
wrote on April 17, 2002:
|
Easy climb until about 2000-2500 feet, then hit by snow, visibility 20 feet. Going tricky. Very thankful that we took walking sticks. Tremendous views below cloud line.
|
| |
|
|
Eric Fisher
wrote on November 13, 2001:
|
The ascent via the Ptarmigan ridge is much more interesting however take care on your final 50 yards or so to the summit as the path is badly eroded and can be tricky in the mist.
|
| |
|
|
