Reaching 50 is no bad thing
The Big Climb • Published 12 Apr 2010 16:32
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Alloa's Kenny Wilson is continuing his training for a trek up Africa's highest peak - Mount Kilimanjaro - for Asthma UK. His latest blog covers a walk up snowy Ben Challum near Crianlarich.
According to my Munro book Ben Challum is a dull walk! I disagree - there's a false summit, a lovely ridge walk and fantastic views of the better known hills in the area; Ben More, Stobinian, Cruach Ardrain, Ben Oss, Ben Lui and Ben Dorain. And so a great mountain for my walking buddy Rab to reach his 50th Munro.
Park in the lay-by across the road from the Kirkton Farm walk over the bridge and up to the farm. (part of the West Highland Way), turn left and pass through a gate beside an old burial ground - past the sign about the remains of St Fillan's Chapel. Continue on this farm track, passing another burial ground on the left with some nice trees as the track starts to climb up to cross the railway line at a level crossing.
Once safely across the railway crossing the track veers away to the North West - DON'T FOLLOW THE FARM TRACK! We did and had to double back.
The path fades as you follow it up the slopes over rough ground in a north east direction until you meet a modern fence - stay on the west side of the fence and follow it up the hillside. You will pass some large rocks on your left, here the going eases for a short way - in wetter weather I can imagine this area to be really boggy as even on a freezing cold day it was wet. Continue up the slopes still following the line of the fence crossing over a few small fences eventually the faint track crosses a little knoll before the start of a long steep slog up before easing to a gentle stroll to the first top. Once clear of the first (false summit) it's a nice easy walk over the ridge to reach the summit marked with a cairn and a great place for a dram to celebrate number 50. Well done Rab, good choice, only 233 to go!!!
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