20th June 2013 - Ben Lawers to finish the 'Big 10'

Low cloud on the walk in

Mark wraps up before the final steep ascent

Graham  looking rather thoughful as that cold wind makes itself felt!

Ben Ghlas (L) & Meall Correnaich (R) from near the summit of Ben Lawers

The guys successfully on the summit of Ben Lawers

Cloud free on our way back down!

Today I met my two clients, Mark and his son-in-law Graham, at 08:30 before we headed down to Loch Tay in order to tick off Ben Lawers. The guys have come up from Dorset to raise money for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Poole Hospital for personal reasons, and are so far looking at donating a whopping £10,000 which is a phenomenal effort. Their target this week was to nail the ten highest peaks in Scotland, starting with Carn Mor Dearg and Ben Nevis, then conquering Aonach Mor, Aonach Beag, Ben MacDui, Cairngorm, Cairn Toul, Braeriach, Sgur an Loachain Uaine and finally, today, Ben Lawers.

After a long drive down, we got to the new visitor car park at about half past 11, and set off under grey skies towards our target. Ben Lawers was my first Munro many years ago, and so it holds a very special place in my heart. I have done it countless times since, and will never tire of it. I also did some Winter ML training here with Climb MTS under Stu Johnston. I have neglected to visit for some time and was surprised to find the visitor centre no longer standing! The lads set a good pace, and we were soon covering ground quite quickly. I guess with the end in sight, and their families awaiting them back in Helensburgh, they wanted to get this final peak over and done with quickly. As neither of them had done any hillwalking prior to this trip, I wondered how they would cope on this fifth day, but they did tremendously well, only stopping on occasion to admire the scenery and listen to me babbling on about plants and history (apologies guys, think of it as a sure fire insomnia-killer!!).

Before we knew it we were heading up the final steep section, with Mark doggedly determined and making good progress up in front until we topped out, relieved and justifiably full of pride and relief at having reached their target! After a spot of lunch and a few photos, we packed up and headed back down again, enjoying the chat and good craic as we went. The hill was quite busy today, and we were fortunate enough to have a fairly cloud free summit, unlike others who went before us.

Back down at the cars we said our farewells before departing. Hopefully the guys raise all the money they hope for - they have certainly earned it, taking the hillwalking charity challenge one step further and making a real full on challenge of it - so well done both Mark and Graham and all the best with everything in the future guys, thanks for your company today!!

Today I was working for Abacus Mountain Guides.

Day off tomorrow and off for a fun filled Stag doo this weekend - can't wait!!