North again to Inverlochlarig and back along the M80 with the Averaging Speed Cameras, I hate them. You spend more time watching the speed than you do the traffic and the road. When you're as focused on one thing like for a while that it's easy to switch off. Is there a better / faster way north?

On the way up the A84, I was surprised by the number of tents cluttering the banks of Loch Lubnaig. I don't think I've seen this many tents outside a festival camp site. This scene was repeated along Loch Voil too, with cars parked in passing places. I think I now appreciate some of the issues raised by the recent anti camping campaign along Loch Lomond and in Perth and Kinross. Anyway, ignoring the poor parking, I hope they enjoyed themselves and cleared up when they left.

Eventually I arrived at the car park at the foot of Stob Invercarnaig and headed on up the slopes.  It was clear that life had returned to the hills along with the hint of summer Sun and the smell of warming grass. Hill spiders seemed to be every where running for cover as I approached. I hope they eat midges.

Near the summits of Stob Binnein and Ben More I was glad to have my Crampons with me, however the snow was getting soft now and gave way in places zapping my energy, especially going uphill.

Given the number of people out on the hills I was able to observe the sort of kit in use and one thing that really stood out was Trekking Poles. Those with poles seemed to have a clear advantage over those without and this was most notable on the ascents.

Every walker I met was full of the joys and no wonder with the clear sky affording long distant views and brilliant sunlight making up for the rotten weather earlier in the week.

I sat for a while at the top of Ben More enjoying my lunch and having a blether with the other walkers comparing notes on the snow and surrounding hills.

On the return to the summit of Stob Binnein I drank the last of my water and stared into the distance, thinking about where I’ll be next time I’m up this way.

I made a couple of mistakes on this walk, I didn’t think about the Sun and subsequently now suffer from  Sun burn. It’s going to be a while before I’ll feel happy about shaving again. Good excuse to grow a beard. Next time I’m out I need to remember Sun Cream. I also didn’t bring extra snacks and drinks to keep in the car for the return.

I'd been watching the weather forecast on TV and online at the MWIS site for days, willing the weekend to be clear and dry. My will power wasn't quite strong enough as the forecast for Sunday was to be windy with strong gusts. Still it looked like it was going to be clear at least with a good chance of cloud free summits. (It wasn’t in fact)

I did the usual, set up my gear the night before, got up at 5am, quick breakfast, into the car and off to Inverlochlarig.

When I arrived there was clearly a lot of snow and as I drove along the single track road from Balquihidder to Inverlochlarig I was worried that it would be blocked and I’d have to turn back. Luckily the road had been cleared all the way by the local farmer, I assume. There was no way a big council snow plough was going down this road.

Parked the car, and headed up the side of Stob Invercarnaig. After a few minutes slipping about I strapped on my new crampons for their first outing. These really are easy to fit and I didn't have to take my gloves off to do so either. I was a little nervous at first, but that soon gave way as I gained confidence with each step. It wasn't long before I started taking on more technical climbs that I would have avoided at all costs before. I felt almost invincible on the snow and ice now.

My Ice Axe was also in use, and from the beginning too. It performed superbly mainly by giving me an extra leg to balance on, but It also gave me a feel for the snow and ice beneath me. A lot of the time the axe was buried right up to the neck and still wasn't hitting the ground.

The climb to the summit of Stob Coire an Lochain took me longer than expected and the wind was fierce up there. As I started to walk across the ridge to Stob Binnein the wind got even stronger taking what was left of my confidence and stopping me from making it across to the top of the Munro. I had to turn back, but I took my time trying to take in as much as I could.

Disappointed? A little, but I'll be back again in a couple of weeks.