Spring Bank Holiday.

We headed up to Scotland last weekend for our annual Spring Bank trip to the highlands. The weather was very mixed and as a result we didn't get as much done as we hoped. Despite this we had a good time and really enjoyed the break.

Saturday 23 May - drove to Loch Earn from Symington and climbed Ben Vorlich and Stuc a'Chroin. The latter was a new Munro for Susan and we were on the summit in under 3 hours. The initial descent was very steep and it took about 2 hours to get back to the car. The weather was cool but bright and we had some good views.

We decided to drive to Glen Nevis campsite for our first night.

A bright start to the walk in to Ben Vorlich.

On the eroded path to Ben Vorlich.

Looking to the final slope.

On the summit of Ben Vorlich in under 2 hours.

Starting the descent on route to Stuc a Chroin.

The view to Stuc a'Chroin.

Looking back to Ben Vorlich.

Starting the steep scrambling climb up Stuc a'Chroin.

Susan scrambling up the final section of the climb.

Looking back to the first top of the day.

Heading for the summit cairn.

Susan on the summit.

The first of Susan's last 50 Munros 'ticked' and Section 1 completed.

My second ascent of Stuc a'Chroin.

On the long walk back to the car after the steep initial descent.

Sunday 24 May - The forecast was for heavy showers and wind so we decided to make use of the mountain bikes. We rode from the campsite to the Caledonian Canal and followed the towpath north to Loch Lochy. Here we too the road to Spean Bridge from where we rode the Nevis Range Forest trails back to Fort William. Rain fell on and off throughout the day but we thoroughly enjoyed the 32 mile loop.

The Caledonian Canal near the Neptune Staircase.

Some bright spells along the towpath.

Looking across Loch Lochy.

Heading towards the Commando Memorial.

The Commando Memorial above Spean Bridge.

On the Nevis Range Forest Trails.

A much needed rest and feed.

On the '10 Under the Ben' Trail.

Should that not be 'Glen'.

Monday 25 May - With a slightly better forecast we decided to try and 'finish' Susan's Mamores Munros and Section 4. We chose to drive to Kinlochleven as this would give the easiest ascent of Binnein Beag and Sgurr Eilde Mor. The sky was grey and the tops in the cloud when we set off but the day improved and we had an excellent 8 hour 30 min. round. We met no one!!!

Climbing out of Kinlochleven.

Threatening clouds but the day was largely dry.

Sgurr Eilde Mor our second top of the day.

Heading for the first top - Binnein Beag.

Binnein Beag - still a long way to go.

Some bright spells made for a great day out.

On the summit after 3 hours 30 mins.

My second ascent of Binnein Beag the first was in May 1998.

Large snow patches linger.

The shapely Sgurr Eilde Mor.

On the final ridge to the summit.

The view east from the summit .......

..... and the view west.

Low on the descent from Sgurr Eilde Mor - our line down higher up was steep!!

On the long walk back to the car.

Tuesday 26 May - With a poor forecast for the remainder of the week we decided to stay in Glen Nevis which limited the new Munros on Susan's list. The best choice for a poor day was a round of two at the eastern end of Glen Shiel - A'Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-choire. It was raining as we parked up but we decided to head out. The steep climb up A'Chralaig was hard work but we reached the large summit cairn in under 2 hours. The conditions were poor with periods of heavy rain and a strong wind but we decided to press on. The ridge between the two tops is narrow in places and old snow patches combined with the wind made it tricky. Eventually we came to an impasse where the track crossed a steep and unstable looking snow slope. It seemed sensible to turn back so we did. The descent was wet, boggy and unpleasant.

Climbing steeply up from Glen Shiel.

On A'Chralaig's south ridge.

A wet and overcast climb.

The large summit cairn and Susan's 4th new Munro of the trip.

On the descent having turned back from the second summit due to the conditions.

A wet and boggy trudge back to the car.

Back in Glen Shiel with just a short road walk to go.

Still smiling after a cold and wet day out.

Wednesday 27 May - The forecast was for more wind and rain for the remainder of the week so we decided that this would be our last day up north. We had a pleasant morning ride up Glen Nevis and then spent the afternoon in a wet Fort William.

Riding up Glen Nevis.

Not a bad morning to be out in the highlands.

Approaching the end of the road.

The track up to upper Glen Nevis.

R. Nevis.

Off road riding back down the glen.

We had to head back to the road due to logging.

Back in a quiet Glen Nevis campsite.

Our wee home from home - very comfortable.

Thursday 28 May - After a very wet night with hill snow we struck camp in between showers and headed down the road after a Scottish Breakfast in Fort William. There were some good views on the way south especially as we drove through Glen Coe and across Rannoch Mor.

The road south through Glen Coe.

Leaving the Highlands.

Great views on the road across Rannoch Moor.

Despite the cool and wet weather we thoroughly enjoyed our trip north. Susan ticked off 4 more Munros (46 to go), we had 2 great rides and we slept like logs. You can't beat camping for a get away from it all relaxing holiday.

Saturday 30 May - Back in Cumbria with a forecast for dry weather we couldn't resist a day on the fells. We headed east to Glenridding to tick off 6 of the Lakeland 100 peaks. Our round took in Birkhouse Moor, Catstye Cam, Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Dollywaggon Pike and Nethermost Cove. The visibility was good but it felt very cold for the end of May. We felt quite fit after our week off.

Climbing out of Glenridding.