Ben Vorlich and the Glen Loin loop - 12th June 2021
Distance: 25km (Bike 20km, Boot 5km); Ascent 1200m (Bike 450m, Boot 750m); Time: 4h30m
This route combines the Walk Highlands ascent of Ben Vorlich with a circuit of Glen Loin from Arrochar; the two paths coinciding between x and y on the maps below. I started by cycling from the Village Inn in Arrochar (A) on the map and joined the track along the east side of Glen Loin. Most of this narrow track is cyclable but some parts are too steep. After ~ 1 hour I reached the track to Loch Sloy at "x" and continued up to B on the map, where the true ascent of Ben Vorlich begins. Being a Saturday and close to Loch Lomond this proved to be one of the most populous Munro ascents I have ever done - I overtook 30 people on my way to the top (yes, I was counting!). There is a trig point at the summit; beyond this to the north is a substantial cairn, and with the perspective illusions common in these situations, this appeared to be higher than the trig point - but is in fact 4m lower (I went to it to check). Descending by the same route I was soon back on my bike. Returning down the track to point "y", I then rejoined the Glen Loin loop on a broad stony track that ascends the southern flank of Ben Vane - this was a frankly unpleasant cycle - the stones were unstable causing some wheel slippage and the ascent was gruelling especially after the Munro climb. This went on for about 2km to the crossing of Allt Coiregrogain - from here however the reward was a speedy freewheeling descent through the forest on a broad track, nearly all the way back to Arrochar.
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