Today was one of the best days of the whole trip -- we kind of did a Biking and Bagging (hiking) duathlon. We started the day with a hike up Conic Hill above Balmaha, then went back to the B&B, got on our bikes and rode about 10 km to Coille Mhor (our next B&B), then we hiked Ben Lomond.
The Ben, as everyone in the area calls it, is a fine walk. We went up on the tourist track and came back on the Ptarmigan Ridge. The ridge walk towers over the east side of Loch Lomond and, when combined with the main route up, makes a nice full traverse of the area. Some guide books suggest that Ben Lomond is a bit overdone -- but if our hike was anything to go by, I would say it is well worth the time. The views are fantastic, there were only a few people on the mountain, and the trails are steep enough to be interesting.
Earlier in the day we joined Jan and Alan for a hike up Conic Hill. This trail takes you right up the Highland fault and gives excellent views. It is a very interesting walk because you are right on the fault -- you see the Lowlands stretch out to the south and the Highlands rise above you. Like much of Scotland -- geology in action.
I can't let this post go without saying how much we enjoyed our hosts on Loch Lomond -- last night with Betty at Passfoot, and now with Fiona at Coille Mhor. They really made our double-dipping mountain day a real success.
ttfn
Mary
Route info and pictures:
Pictures from Conic Hill and Ben Lomond.
Our hiking and biking routes in the area.
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