For years going hillwalking has been a relatively straightforward process - a few pints with some friends to decide where we are going, pack rucksack, drag oneself out of bed then drag oneself up a mountain or two. Now, Baggers five year old son has decided he wants to come hillwalking with Dad and only a 'big' mountain will do for him.
Last year I took him up Auchineden Hill near Glasgow and to my surprise he really enjoyed himself and didn't seem put out by the climb. So how ambitious should I be. I obviously don't want to force him up anything he isn't ready for, but he did well last time and is determined that he wants to go to the high mountains.
So after much deliberation I've decided to take him up Conic Hill at Loch Lomond this weekend, weather permitting. One of his pals and his Dad will be joining us so here's hoping the two boys encourage each other. I suspect that mucking about is a more likely outcome! Most of the walk is on the West Highland Way so the track will be decent and I know that the views of Loch Lomond, its islands and Ben Lomond and the Arrocher Alps will be spectacular. Lets hope two 5 year olds think so as well.




Comments