West Highland Way Day 2

Drymen to Rowardennan GPS - 30miles

We left the B&B which was almost a mile from the path at 9am. And yes it's raining but only light rain. Today it is showery all day Jackets on and off a number of times- it's raining, it's not raining, it's cold, oh now we're too hot and it went on all day like that.

The walk starts by going uphill through Garadhban Forest all the way to the ascent of Conic hill. The forest track gives us some tantalising views through the cloud of what lies ahead.

As we walk we discuss will it be clear enough to see at the top. One minute yes the next no. And as we take coats of it would be yes.

We've well and truly left Glasgow behind as the landscape changes and becomes more rural and bleak at times in the rain and wind.

The top of Conic hill again reappears from cloud and you can make out the path which skirts around the hill.

The ascent of Conic Hill gives us our first real taste of Highland country. While it had us panting and thighs burning, the path doesn't go to the top but obviously we decide to take the detour to the summit via a small scramble at the end to enjoy the magnificent views over Loch Lomond. We have to make it hard it's for charity. It was a quick stop to take a few photos.

 

At this point we descend and a very serious injury is sustained by Kirsty. While pulling up her leggings after again removing her coat, 'a major incident' stuck a broken nail. You would have thought she had broken her leg with the fuss she made.

We head towards Balmaha and stopped off quickly at the National Park visitor Center and the obligatory ice cream purchased. A quick photo at the statue in memory of Tom Weir.

As we head out of Balamaha, it's uphill and through the woods to the summit of Craigie Fort Which provides some stunning views across the Loch.

The route starts to take us back down again through the solitude of the woods around Strathcastle Point before a short walk along the road. Walking the shore of Loch Lomond is beautiful, with many lovely views across the water.

however, we have many ups and down sections which are short but steep.

But we did mange to take lunch  in the dry at the shore edge

The section from Sallochy to Ross wood we passed through a beautiful oak woodland with some great views and vistas through the trees at low level.

We knew we were getting close to Rowardenann as we spotted Ben Lomond towering in the mist sorry but no pics they just look like a white out. As we head to the Hotel we pass quite a few people camping along the shore nice on a warm summers day but we need a dry comfy bed and the midges are out in force now.We reach the hotel at 5pm it felt a long walk, we are very tired and looking forward to food and drink. At the hotel reception they said we don't have two rooms for you!" our hearts stopped .. 'But we can put you in a lodge.'The Lodge is fantastic with views to the hills across the Loch.

We have no blisters or bad pains which is great Kirsty's nail the most serious problem ;)

End of day 2 and we are feeling good but knackered that 16 miles was tougher terrain and felt a lot longer.

Hoping for a good nights sleep and wonder what day two holds in store for us.