Hill: Ben Donich
Date: Friday 29th January 2010
Company: Myself and Beinn
Time: 3Hrs 15Mins
Dog friendly: Yes

We parked at NN228070 where there is room for 6-8 cars (with plenty further parking back at the Rest and Be Thankful). The ground was frozen solid from the start so I opted to wear my four season boots and carry my crampons. Right from the start the wind was bitterly cold, not a day for hanging around.

Beinn waiting at car parking area (Ben Donich summit in distance):


We took the sign-posted footpath up through the initial grassy slopes and was pleasantly surprised to find a new gate through the fence instead of a stile as mentioned in previous reports of this hill.

Footpath up Ben Donich:


New dog-friendly gate:


The surrounding hills looked quite frozen too.

Beinn an Lochain and Loch Restil:


Beinn Luibhean:


We continued to follow the path over a couple of small grassy tops.

Looking back towards Stob Coire Creagach:


Beinn Narnain and The Cobbler:


Upper section of Ben Donich:


Looking towards first rocky top:


Just below the first rocky top I decided to put on my crampons as I was aware of a short scrambly bit ahead.

Gladiators on!:


Looking over the short icy down-scramble:


The scrambly bit was really straight-forward. Was a bit worried about how Beinn would cope with it but he managed it fine with his in-built crampons.

Looking back to wee scramble:


I found this section of the ridge to be very interesting. A large jumble of boulders stretching across the ridge. Would be easy enough to disappear down a hole in this section if some of the gaps were covered in snow.

Looking back to wee scramble, rocks and fissures:


The Cobbler:


After passing the jumble of boulders the walk to the summit is straight-forward.

Heading towards next rocky top:


Distant trig point:


We stayed at the summit for a few minutes before heading back via the same route. The views down to Lochgoilhead were nice.

Beinn at summit:


Lochgoilhead:


Summit trig point:


On the way back I went for a bit of a tumble. Smacking the rocks and frozen ground was a bit ouch. Thankfully no damage done.