Cruach Ardrain

Despite a 'less than encouraging' forecast midweek, the Sunday Occasionals convened for the first  meeting of the year at Inverlochlarig.

Up at 7, on the road by 0745 into a better than expected day; Barry duly on board, we headed to seek recompense for last week's failed assault on Ben Vorlich's north face.

Of the A84 at Balquhidder and down the twisty 7 miles until the road ends. Then out on foot and up Beinn Tuliachean. Steeper than I remember (it was a dozen years since I trod these two - or am I just showing early senile tendencies?) but all the time, the gloom is lifting from Stob a Chroin to the south and Stob Binnien over to the west.

2 hours and 10 minutes in, we summit. To much relief.

And the gentle descent and climb up to the far end of the ridge for Cruach Ardrain spurs us on.
An hour of gentle strolling sees us up and getting tore into the mushroom soup and take in some light sunbathing.

A fabulous snowy descent into the glen and then a frankly delightful trudge out back to the car.

More of challenge than I expected, but it's done and I returned happy climbers to their homes that evening.

A quiet evening in. But smiling.