Ben Lawers 1 and Beinn Ghlas 2

After weather thwarted my first attempt on the Southern Scotland's Highest Mountain, I went back for another go!

Despite the weather scuppering my last attempt, the drive to Lawers was one filled with optimism. I knew the route and I was looking forward to reacquainting myself with what was a stunning part of Scotland. I was also looking forward to a fine view with the summit reputed to give sight of both East and West Coasts of Scotland simultaneously on a clear day. When I parked up at the National Trust Car Park once again, it was misty.

The Highest Peak in Perthsire, Ben Lawers is part of a Ridge Range that includes no less than 7 Munro Summits along its 12 mile (19k) route

The Edramucky Trail is the name given to the early part of the walk though the National Trust Nature Reserve. A truly stunning area carpeted with rare Alpine and Nordic plants and enshrined in pioneering conservation work. A beautiful and tranquil walk into the foot of a summit.

Determination versus Optimism - Determination Wins

The familiarity with the early part of the route combined with a renewed determination led to a quicker pace that saw me on top of Beinn Ghlass rather sooner than anticipated. The snow and ice I encountered only 2 weeks prior had largely disappeared but a thickening mist loomed large ahead. I found myself again at the summit of the final ascent to Ben Lawers with nothing to look up at but a grey, desolate curtain of low cloud.

The isolation, the mist, the silence and the wet, black rock gave the mountain a very other worldly atmosphere. Picking my way cautiously up the steep rock face I suddenly stopped. I had hit a wall. All at once every last ounce of energy seemed to evaporate, my breathing was laboured and it was as if my body had just decided to stop in it's tracks, taking me by surprise. I had clearly been far too quick in the pace to this point and possibly under prepared in terms of fuel consumption. The conditions meant I had no idea of how far the summit was but something told me it wasn't yet within easy reach.

More experienced climbers will undoubtedly scoff at this inner turmoil but I was still very much a rookie and it this situation was presented as a brand new challenge. Visibility wasn't great but conditions were otherwise OK. This time it was my mind and body telling me enough was enough. After 5 or so minutes of recovery and decision making I plodded on. Reaching the summit some 20 minutes later I wasn't rewarded with any views of any sort but it was only 9.45am and the sense of achievement and relief was better than any view.