Glen Loin and Coiregrograin, Arrochar Saturday 17th March

Arrochar Glen Loin and Allt Coiregrograin via Loch Sloy Dam.

Distance: 16 miles

Ascent : 355m

Time : 6.5 hrs

Phone call on Friday from The Follower “I found us a magic wee walk for Saturday check out the Walking Highlands link for Glen Loin Loop” , so I had a look and had to agree it did look good, and with the return of the official photographer John (nae disrespect Charlie you’ve been a great stand-in) we were assured of some quality snaps along the way.. a selection attached.

Get you at 09:00am sharp, however punctuality isn’t one of John,s strong points and true to form he was 20 mins late..(and with no sandwiches).

Turns-out this was one of the best training walks we have done by far, and it had a wee bit of everything especially underfoot which was typical WHW terrain, this coupled with the  added miles made for sore legs Sunday a.m.

The views of the Arrochar Alps on this Walk are incredible, Bem Ime, Ben Vane, Ben Vorlich and Ben Narnain, are all in view throughout this walk, with a particularly good pinnacle/angle view of Ben Lomond on the return leg descent.(stunning)

The first section of the Walk along Glen loin is the easier part so you can pace yourself in nice and gentle on the way up. As per normal we were sauntering along gently when we where caught up by Lorraine who was motoring along at a fair wee pace and putting us to shame, Lorraine too is in practice for the WHW 2012  (along with 15 buddies) raising money for CHAS along the way ( The Slackers will donate a few quid via Lorraine,s Just Giving link)

So if you are reading Lorraine thanks for the company along the first part.. we enjoyed “yir patter”

After parting company with our walking buddy (we had intended in only doing the Glen Loin loop), we felt that we had to go an visit the Loch Sloy Dam which could be seen in the distance the history of its construction made it a must see (this added about 5 miles and 1hr 20 mins walking to the trip)

                                                             Loch Sloy Dam Wall

Dam Wall Walkway

Small Tunnel Access to Sloy Resevoir

Ben Lomond from Dam Wall

We stopped here for lunch only to discover that “The Followers” Petrol Station procured bacon and egg sannies where still lying on the back seat of his car.

However as always BLT was prepared for all eventualities, and The Follower was furnished with an emergency  bag of “mystery flavour” walkers crisps and a slab of Galaxy chocolate forthwith to help  re-energise The follower.

The return Journey to Arrochar via Allt Coiregrograin in my opinion was the most beautiful section of the walk but it is also the most arduous, as the climb is pretty constant, (about two miles) before flattening out at the sluice gates beneath Ben Vane,

(This was enough to push The Followers heart rate monitor to BPM  154 ) but on a sunny day like Saturday the effort was well worth it, with some great views of Ben Lomond on the descent into Arrochar

Allt Coiregrograin footpath towards Arrochar Ben Vane (background)

Small river crossing on return Journey

                                            Arrochar and Glen Loin Water form footpath

West Island Way (unplanned change of venue) Saturday March 10th 2012

Distance approx 4miles
Acsent 350m
Time : 2hrs

The Slackers were forced into an uplanned venue change on Saturday...

The Follower (John McKellar) failed a late fitness test and called off Injured , leaving 90Rocks and BLT to plough a lone furrow, with approx 6 weeks to the start of the West Highland Way , the team have some grave concerns about The Followers ability to achieve his goal of back to back West Highland Way walks..

It was decided to go to Balmaha and climb Conic Hill as part of the training, Conic Hill is an excellent starter Hill and good for building stamina,however it was exteremly busy with a party of school kids and a ramblers club climbing the Hill at the same time. however we managed to push on, on what was a pretty muddy path to the summit.

Busy Path on Way up

BLT and 90Rocks on summit

Very Busy and very windy Summit

Great views of Loch Lomond on ascent

The Oak tree Inn in Balmaha provided the required post walk Guinness

BLT

Corlic Hill Via Dowries Farm track.

Cornalees Bridge to Corlic Hill via Dowries Farm track

Distance 9miles (approx) Time: 3hrs 30mins

For today, s impromptu walk the team where a man down The Follower was unable to attend, due to other commitments (possibly hung over), as result the photographic quality IMO has suffered slightly but kudos to 90Rocks for the sterling effort, for his fans, The Follower should return to action next week on official walk training.

BLT and 90 |Rocks and Hugo made their way along the Forest track in the direction of Dowries farm , the initial weather conditions where dry and overcast however this had cleared by the time we reached  the top end of the Gryffe reservoir. At this point we picked up the trail towards Corlic Hill, as we made our way across we spotted a perfect site for our next wild camping adventure

As we crossed the reservoir route we started our ascent to Corlic Hill a climb of just under 1000 feet (303meters) across some fairly boggy ground however we were rewarded with some great views from the Summit., albeit a very windy summit.

Hugos first Cairn summit of Corlic Hill well done wee man :-)

90 Rocks Corlic Hill Summit

Gryffe Resevior and overflow from Summit

BLT what a Plank  :-)

"90Rocks" aka Charlie Mccabe reviews Vango Day sack

                         

                                      Vango Boulder 3.5L Day Sack 

Having recently taken a somewhat heavy pounding from BLT on the much maligned choice of pantalones (the Jada Junkie Brand – aka JJB Sports deluxe selection), it was with somewhat great pleasure that I had the opportunity to regain some respect within my peer group by parading a newly aquired Rucky from the local Outdoor Powerhouse of innovative design, quality and fashion that is none other than Vango (for those not in the know Vango is an anagram for the birthplace of one of it’s founding members - Scotland’s very own fashion capital Govan).

The Boulder 35 is the perfect size of Rucky for those simple day trips where you find yourself needing to pack only a few basic provisions , however, there is ample size and internal frame structure to accommodate carriage of larger loads,  essentials for more challenging pursuits where it would be foolhardy not to ensure potential life saving items are not included, such as (but not exclusive to) :

-          Tesco’s Indian Cuisine meal deal for two

-          Half dozen cans of Charger Lager

-          40 Lambert n Butler (with flint lighter)

-          Half bottle of Scotsmac

-          An iPood and some XL babywipes.

There is an area to secure your walking poles in the event that you feel the need to use these pieces of equipment after demolishing the contents of the Rucky, but it can also be used to accommodate XL Glow sticks which, when used in conjunction with the emergency whistle attached to the sternum strap, comes in very handy in the event that you find yourself partaking in an impromptu rave with your fellow Slackers . Those design Teams at Vango, I tip my TitFerTat …with this particular piece of “fierce” equipment, you’ve ensured I can hold my head high amongst the Brand Bigots !

90Rocks.

BLT (aka Denny McCabe reviews: Paramo Pajaro waterproof trousers

BLT (aka Denny McCabe pictured left) reviews: Paramo Pajaro waterproof trousers in a muted shade Ideal for Country pursuits.

Price £120 retail

Having Previously never owned a true pair of Waterproof / Breathable pants, I decided to push the boat out on the purchase of these wee beauties.(readers Im of the opinion you get what you pay for) some of the team are using Dunlop over trousers from Sport Direct not recommended on long distance !! “90Rocks (pictured) take note”

The Paramo pants use the new improved analogy nikwax technology which mimics the actions of animal fur even in high humidity the outer soft shell exterior coating (made popular in the late 90s by some high profile criminal cases) provides and excellent outer skin and provides both warmth and waterproofing to the wearer in cold and wet environments  this also proves invaluable to the wearer for the Apres Walk in the event of Splash back in the pub toilets, a common occurrence when using the loo next to the Wilder Beasts that are my walking buddies.

I can honestly say that these trousers are by far the best outdoor purchase Ive made to date, they make a statement and define the wearer a serious about their hobby, the rain and inclement weather are no longer a problem when wearing my Paramo Pants…..

 BLT

The Follower (aka John McKellar pictured right) Reviews Paramo - Mountain Vent Pull-on Jacket.

To all reading our Blog...What can I say...I was stopped no less than four, yes four, times today on my walk with admirers catching no more than a fleeting glimpse of my 'Paramo Mountain Vent Pull-on'. As part of my 3 layered 'keep warm' system, developed on 'The Ben' last year when I was left stranded and dehydrated while BLT and 90Rocks were in the Rowardennan Hotel on the bevy.comments by BLT: 100% communication was maintained via txt and Mobile phone whilst we enjoyed our beers.

This garment is the cornerstone of my custom survival system. As soon as I pulled the 'Vent' on and felt the warm sensuous fibres against my skin, well nearly against my skin but not quite as I was sporting my merino wool base layer (to be reviewed on a later trek), I was nothing short of elated. To be honest I never really noticed the rigours of terrain and weather as most of my time was spent just thinking of how comfortable I was.
As soon as my finely tuned athletic body, see accompanying pictures, began to build heat I was able to engage the deep chest ventilation feature and the movement through elbow articulation worked just dandy after the team completed the trail and sampled a few pints of fine Irish ale in the Anchor bar...What can I say ! Go Paramo.

West Kilbride to Largs Training Walk (11miles) time approx 4hrs 30mins.

Let me start this blog entry by thanking both 90Rocks and The Follower, for a tremendous effort today, a credit to the team guys well done from BLT…

I’m sure the lads will agree the weather today was far from perfect but we could have had much worse, a few heavy showers early in the day set the tone, however we had prepared well with some top of the range wet weather gear (namely Vango and Paramo) but we will review the clothing in a separate blog entry (check back soon for those reviews readers).

Have added some pictures of today’s walk and as you can see we ended up in “Ye old Anchor Bar” were the lads were given a warm welcome by some of the friendly natives.

This walk has some splendid views however the route takes you Via Hunterston Power Station and this place does give you the Willies...

Between West Kilbride and Largs (via the Coast line)  lies the beautiful Coastal Village of Fairlie.. We took some pictures on the Shore with a old boat shed,which characterises Fairlie

After approx 4.5hrs (incl 30 mins lunch) we arrived in Largs in need of some refreshment.. ........“Ye Old Anchor Bar” provided the required Guinness (x4)..

some great shots Im sure you will agree, 90Rocks has the "ole see dog look to go with "Ye ole Anchor Bar"

wearin his North Face Top Layer Ron Hill Mid layer and Sports Direct Waterproof over pants (not ideal). The Follower is Wearing Paramo (nic Wax jacket) Top layer,Paramo Merino Wool Mid and Base layers..BLT has Berghaus Top Layer, Helly Hansen Mid and M&S base,the key piece of equipment for BLT this trip was the Paramo Pajero waterproof trousers(all to be reviewd in a later Blog entry (check Back readers)

Team member No 3 "The Follower" aka John (Ian) McKellar, John is a WHW (tic 2011) veteran who has has seen action on Ben Lui (pictured) and Ben lomond in 2011,John was well on his way to a Quad of Munros in 2011 before his an unfortuante accident whilst mountain biking in the Himalaya,s (aka West Kilbride cycle path) where he sustained  a severely fractured clavicle with complications resulting in a very dangerous blood clot that nearly cost the follower his life..fortunately after a week in our local hospital (the IRH ) John has made a tremendous recovery and Im sure will Challenge "90Rocks" for No2 position in the coming year.

John is also the official photographer for the 2012 season, He is also a graduate of Glasgow UNI 2,1 honours in electrical engineering and is presently studying for his career encore' as a Web Developer...John is a valued team memeber.

Intro to Team member number 2

The Slackers Blog Welcomes team member No 2 "90Rocks" aka Charlie McCabe.

Charlie has proven his worth as a great wing man to BLT on their many sortees across the Hills and mountains of Scotland.. Once fully trained Charlie is expected to go on to be a lkely successor to the current BLT,although he has stong competition from team memeber No 3 (intro coming soon)

BLT (aka) Denny McCabe and Hugo, (Hungarian Puli pup) on Ben Mhor trainning Walk via Glen Massen