This time to the W face of Beinn Luibhean above the Rest and Be Thankful pass in Arrochar with Daniel, Stu, Jules, Victor and Khaled. This hill may have been flown by Mark L and other locals but was new to our group.
Very wet ground, high pressure, a polar maritime airmass and a W face meant a late climb out just before 2pm. Daniel and Jules led me across Loch Lomond in light conditions - spectacular views and a long term ambition achieved! As we got into the Balquidder valley, where Bob and Trias started, the wind and the pace started picking up. A lot of patience was needed with thermals that kept squirming and moving downwind at stable layers before concentrating in strong but very small surges.
By 5pm, base had risen to 2000m and I shared a memorable climb with two golden eagles N of Blairgowrie. I just risked a glide into Glen Esk at the end in increasing winds before spending over 30 minutes trying to get down and land in the widest, flattest place I could find. Well done to Khaled for his first 100km and thanks to Scott M for rescuing me from a deserted Glen Esk.
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| Victor pausing for breath during the brutally steep walk up |
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| Khaled and Victor getting ready to go |
