Thursday 19 June - Ben Lomond

Today I completed my first Munro - I hiked Ben Lomond including the Ptarmigan Ridge path, making it a circular track. And what a hike it was!

Before I set off, I made sure I applied my insect repellent, many reports of insects along this hike and had plenty of water and snacks in my pack. The reviews and comments on the AllTrails listing indicate it is a 7.5mile walk, 3,188 foot elevation, and would take somewhere between 4-5 hours. So off I set and within one minute a badger galumped out of the bushes across my path and off in the bushes on the other side. I didn't have time to get my phone from my pocket, I just stopped in pure awe. What a way to start my hike.

At first it was fairly quiet, not many others, at the start but it is a popular hike, and recommended as the first Munro people to climb. A few people passed me along the way to the peak as I enjoyed the views, took my time, I was in no rush, I had all day if I wanted. During the last section of elevation before the top I meet a young woman from Ireland, she passed me, I passed her, she passed me, etc and we learned a bit about each other each time. The last section was tough and I encouraged myself to keep going this made it so much easier.

The summit was amazing. About 8 others were at the top taking in the 360 degree views across Loch Lomond and surrounding mountains. Some were sitting having something to eat, this was my plan too. However, there were a trillion midges! After taking a couple of photos and a video, I sat to have a drink and a snack, but half a biscuit in, I just couldn't. I could see the hundreds of midges covering my clothes, I could feel them all over my face and neck, I just had to leave. My new Irish friend was the same, she didn't even finish her cup of tea, tipping it out as she started heading down the other side in front of me.

Once I had gone down for about 10 minutes (it took that long to lose the midges) I found the Irish lady perched on a rocky ledge having her lunch and I asked to join her. We sat enjoying some food, conversation and the view, midges free. This was her first Munro too, and she'd driven from Edinburgh (where she's studying) for the day.

The light clouds thinned and eventually disappeared, warming things up on the descent. Not long after heading off after my drink and snack, I stopped and chatted to a lovely couple with two beautiful cocker spaniels while the dogs splashed in the little pond of water. This meant the Irish lass and I continued on alone, I did enjoy the connection with her.

The descent seemed long and was very steep in some places. I took my time navigating the rocks, water and little sections of mud remembering to stop and take in the views as well as the wildflowers. My legs were certainly getting a good workout and my knees began to ache. It was quite a relief to make it to the road at the bottom and have an easy walk along a road beside Loch Lomond back to the carpark. I stopped at a picnic table to have a drink and another snack.

I had promised myself a reward and followed through with a stop at Balmaha located right on the edge of Loch Lomond. This was a beautiful and busy place with loads of hikers, walkers, campers and other tourists. I ordered myself an ice-cream (chocolate and raspberry swirl) and sat in the part shade (body and head in shade, legs in the sun) to enjoy the summer vibes and my achievement.

On my way back to Arrochar I stopped in at Firkin Point. I had driven passed several times and was curious. It was a lovely spot with a few campers and families enjoying the summer by the Loch, people were swimming too. If I had a towel and my bathers, I would have ventured in, too. It was probably about 23 or 24, and I must admit this temperature does feel warmer than at home.

By the time I reached my accommodation I realised my arms were a bit pink and I could feel my neck was a bit warm. Looking in the mirror I saw I had caught a bit of sun today - my neck (front, back and sides) was very pink! And I could feel the midges bites starting to flair too, so I had a quick shower and covered myself in moisturiser. Who'd have thought I'd go home from Scotland with a tan!?!

I had a quiet evening, with a quick dinner in the very quiet hotel restaurant and watched a movie on my phone. I was exhausted.