Ben Ledi

Among your grasses fiery red,

I unpack the worry clear my head.

soaked up by peats that’ll burn away

I tred your path to find my way.

There’s many a soul lost out here,

So fill me up with auras near.

This morning as I drove through a Christmas cake world dusted in glistening frost I was slightly anxious about the walk ahead. It had been more than a few weeks since the last Munro and the festive season in between had relaxed muscles that would need to be called on today. I wasn’t doing a Munro though but the Corbett Ben Ledi. It’s one I have admired from below in the waters of Loch Lubnaig. Ben Ledi casts its shadow over Lubnaig making it one of the coldest lochs I have swum in. As a milky sun rose I started my assent and I felt good. The path was a little icy and I contemplated pulling out my microspikes but it felt overkill so I just meandered carefully. The path passes through a very tranquil wood that feels sheltering before hitting the higher more exposed slopes. The stepped path was easy to negotiate although I suspected my knees would complain about those drops on the way back.

As I came out of the trees the view back to Loch Lubnaig was beautiful, the light reflected across the water. Waters I have swum in and looked up at Ben Ledi many times. Now I looked down and it was spectacular. The weather was good and layers needed to come off as I generated my own heat slowly wending up the hill. I was passed by a few groups all out enjoying nature at her best.

I struggle with time. It’s a huge anxiety for me. It feels like I’m too slow, like I should be doing something else, like I need to get to the top and back as quickly as possible. In reality I had nothing else to do today. I also need to recognise that I am slow and it’s okay if other people overtake me. I’m in my fifties, new to hill walking and as long as I am enjoying myself it doesn’t matter how long it takes. But this internal niggling time piece of mine is always going to take a bit of bossing. It’s something I’m mindful of and working on daily.

As I got higher the breeze picked up a bit; it was a lazy wind the kind that goes right through you and freezes your bones. Back on with all the layers and one foot in front of the other. As I got higher another loch came into view; Venechar, one of my favourite places to swim. Its tranquil and serene waters provide a very special experience and many good swims with good people have been had there. Now, onwards and upwards. The hill opened up and the contrast between the lower slopes was stark. I saw figures in the distance and the small image of the cross that marks the summit. I was getting there. The last push was hard. I was tired and the cold wind was sapping my energy. I kept looking ahead; finding rocks as markers, then I’d keep going til that one and then repeat. This method works for me as I tire, it keeps me putting one foot in front of the other.

Finally the cross was there; guarded it would seem by a very friendly and beautiful raven. A cross erected to Sgt Harry Lawrie who was killed while on duty with Killin mountain rescue team in 1987. A stark reminder of why we shouldn’t take risks and head into the hills if the weather is poor and we don’t have experience; someone else may need to come find you and that’s then putting them at risk. A reason I’m not attempting Munros in the winter.

The views were wonderful. Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps along with Ben More and Stuc a Chroin prominent in the distance, just awe inspiring.

The wind was cold. I didn’t hang around. I decided to retrace my steps and returned the way I came, it seemed the safest option. It was so beautiful walking back towards the lochs with the light settling across the lower slopes but a damp cloud blowing behind me. I found a sheltered spot half way down to take in the views and have my packed lunch. My knees and legs started wobbling as I got going again and I was very glad of my walking poles. The wood was a very welcome sight and although my legs were struggling I knew I didn’t have much further to go. The steps as anticipated proved a little awkward for my tired limbs but I just took my time……and reached the car. It had taken me four hours; pretty good. But really it doesn’t matter.

I’d love to do this hill again in the summer, set off before sunrise and watch as it rises over Venechar. So Ben Ledi you were amazing giving of your magic and I will be back.

i had definitely earned my chocolate brownie from Hansons and in front of the fire I switched off the clock.