Ben Lomond

Sunny Ptarmigan Adventure

From Rowardennan, under skies so clear,
We set off in laughter, full of cheer.
“Let’s climb via Ptarmigan, the airy route’s best!”
Someone’s forgetting, this ways a slightly bigger test.

Through sun draped woods, we skip and stride,
With Loch Lomond gleaming, a jewel at our side.
The air is crisp, and the mood is bright,
Today is gonna give us, pure hikers delight.

The trees fall away, and the ridge comes near,
“Just look at that view!” we all stop to cheer.
To the Arrochar Alp hills, our gaze takes flight,
Their jagged peaks bathed in a golden sun light.

Up through the hillside, we puff and climb,
Our jokes don’t stop, they pass the time.
This Ptarmigan route feels so wild and free,
It’s crags and cliffs and the odd bit scree.

On we scramble with the summit in sight,
Each step brings us closer to dizzying height.
Views of Scotland rolling vast and grand,
Mountains forever in this magic land.

Ben Lomond’s crown, eventually won,
It’s grandeur basking in the midday sun.
The loch sparkles bright, the other peaks gleam,
It’s a postcard view, a perfect dream.

We sit and snack with a satisfied cheer,
“Views like this deserve more than one beer!”
We can’t stay forever, so reluctantly push on,
Happily whistling together, we merrily march along.

Back to Rowardennan, our hearts still soar,
With tales to retell of this hill we now adore.
Ben Lomond you welcomed us, so mighty and calm,
A hike to remember, full of fun and charm.

©️David Clark