Arrochar 1999 Trip Report

Most Recent Hiking Report

Friday 16th - Sunday 18th November 1999

The hiking club's first trip of the year to Scotland was enjoyed by all. The Ardgarten Youth Hostel is (at the time of out visit) for sale along with a handful of other highland hostels. We booked the entire place out using the SYHA's rent a hostel shceme. The main bonus of this was apart from on arrival, we never saw the warden and there were no other guests to disturb with over enthsiastic games of Jenga. All in, 21(?) people went.

On the Saturday, two groups walked. The early morning mist shifted and cleared enough to let the sun through and give spectacular views as we drove along Loch Lomond to start walking. The first and by far the most energetic group climbed Ben Vane and Ben Narnain, starting at the Hydro electric power station at Inveruglas. They reported fine views from above the clouds. The second group and had no such luck, their summit being in cloud all day. They climbed Ben Vorlich from Ardlui.

Sunday morning dawned misty and drizzly. The target for the day for most of the group being the Cobbler. Fortunately the rain and drizzle held off until shortly before everyone arrived back. The shifting mist layer was low enough to allow brief glimpses of Ben Lomond and the summits to the east from the top. Those who decided climbing the Cobbler in mist was worth a miss drove to Inveraray for the day and enjoyed tea and scones the West Highland Whiskey shop, but not the wildlife centre (shut 'till March!).

Friday 4th - Sunday 6th February 1999

It was a very good weekend overall.The weather stayed reasonable on Saturday despite periodic blizzards and on Sunday the weather was very cold but very good. We had a good mix of people coming with us including some who brought along their acoustic guitar for a sing-a-long!

It is, however, noted that many people didn't have adequate footwear. Bad footwear, especially combined with winter conditions greatly increases the chance of having an accident.Please read the equipment section and heed the advice given.