West Highland Way Day 4

Inverarnan to Tyndrum - GPS 58.5 miles

Yesterday we had a super meal at Beinglas Farm and we needed it after a tough day. We saw one couple hobble in at 9.30pm. Having sustained a knee injury on the section of the walk we had just done.

Getting up we had breakfast and made an early start. The weather was a little misty but dry. The first section of today's walk follows the River Falloch.

We soon realise that our legs were heavy from yesterday's efforts and any incline seemed hard going but we will loosen up.

At first the river is quiet but is followed by gorges of waterfalls and rapids where we frequently stopped to admire them.

We finally leave the river and climb steeply uphill. As we climb we get a glimpse of the sun, a very rare occurrence so far on this walk, the mountains appeared from their coat of mist.

Now we join an old military road built towards the end of the 18th Century.

We pass under a railway at one point via a small cattle creep- not easy with your backpack on!

We then enter an unusual underpass beneath the road and continue uphill - all hills are tough today!

We soon reach the point of Crianlarich crossroads where the sign says we have reached halfway on the West Highland Way.

Of course this is not taking into account that we are taking on the challenge of Ben Nevis so it's not really halfway for us.

Looking south from this point gave a stunning view of where we had just come from.

We now have more uphill walking but gives us rewards of some beautiful scenery and a chance for the obligatory selfie.

From here looking North the weather stayed mostly dry but the mist covered the hills for the majority of time so the wonderful views were spoilt.

Our route now meanders on a made footpath through the forest up and down then we have a painful, long, steep downhill section where our toes start to scream at us for help. Kirsty amused us with a few chorus's of " These hills are terrifying my toes are on fire" to the tune of the footie chant Will Griggs on fire.

At the end of this torture we reach a footbridge over the river so stop for lunch on the side of the river and a chance to have a pic with our banner 

From here the route is fairly easy going.

With a few crossings over rivers and good paths

There are several information boards here telling you the mountains in front of you - that we could not see due to the mist, boooo!

The area of small hills and loch between the River Corninish and Crom Allt is known as Dalrigh (the Kings field) Legend has it that in 1306 Robert the Bruce suffered defeat here by the McDougalls of Lorne.

This Lochan is reputedly containing Robert the Bruce's sword...

We arrive in Tyndrum in good time so it's Shower, change, type up the blog and off to get something to eat. An early night is needed as we have a long hard almost 20 miles tomorrow. A warning now - tomorrow finishes in a remote area with no phone signal and little chance of wifi so the blog may be a day late.

Tomorrow is my Birthday so don't bother sending me Presents ;)

But all donations to the charity will be welcomed. We really appreciate everyone who has donated you have been incredible.

West Highland Way day 3

GPS reads 45.9 miles

Rowardennan to Inverarnan.

We have read before setting of today that along the shore of Loch Loman was going to be tough and it was! It was slow going in places, very rough underfoot and tree roots were nothing short of a pain as you gingerly stepped on, over or around them We felt with rough steps also that 10 miles of today was like an army assault course.

The first part of the day is steady up hill on a forest track with several waterfalls and occasional surprise views through the trees.

After a short time we come to a junction where we may walk up the forest track or take harder alternative route that drops down to the loch  small path which forges a tortuous route clinging as close to the shore as it dares. There are many short steep climbs, fallen trees and rocky sections making the going slow and arduous. How do I know? Well we took a vote between us as to which route to take. 2 for the track I voted for the hard route. But hey! It's for charity so hard it was.

Hold on Jane as you go down.

Some good views but we always have to watch our feet. We eventually reach the falls of Inversnaid that were amazing (photos don't to them justice)

We sat by the loch side for our packed lunch  headed off and pass what was supposed to be Rob Roy's cave- it's just a crevice in the rocks and wasn't worth visiting.

The next section is the hardest on route so far. It's rough, muddy, rocky very uneven and short steep scrambles - our energy was starting to flag.

A tight squeeze with a rucksack. 

We start to walk away from the loch so popped down to the shore to take in a beautiful scene.

Worth the effort.

After walking away from it we headed back towards it and the end of Loch Lomond. We felt sad as it had been a superb companion for two days.

Leaving the Loch we climb steadily to the Col by Cnap Mor, the last thing our legs wanted. The views here would have been amazing but the weather was starting to close in so the hills were beginning to disappear 

Once leaving Loch Lomond the rain became heavy and we get our first taste of remoteness as we head towards Beinglas Farm Campsite where we are staying for the night.

Our energy levels were low for the last couple of miles and the first twinges of pain are felt but nothing that is going to bother us yet. We arrive at Beinglas at 4.30pm. 8 hours after starting out it very hard walking.

So day 4 awaits.

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.

West Highland Way Day 1

Milgavie to Drymen GPS 14miles

Our walk started at The Best Foot Forward B&B in Milgavie, pronounced 'Mullguy' where the owner donated to our charity. As we walked to the start of the West Highland Way, an obelisk in the centre of Mulgavie, yes first morning it's raining. With just light rain we removed our coats to reveal our T-Shirts.

The rain was light and on and off until lunch time. We became quite warm and removed our T-Shirts (don't want them too smelly for later) while coats went on and off several times.

The first section of the walk takes you through Murdock Country Park with well kept paths and easy going. We were told the first day isn't the most exciting as you're on the out skirts of Glasgow, going away from the city there isn't a great deal to see Kirsty and I can always find something to talk about but not sure what was going on here.

As We walk along a disused railway we see our first loch and the volcanic shape of Dumgoyne is spotted through the cloud.

Not far from here we were warned by the owner of last nights B&B to watch out for a frauster who claims you are walking on private land and asks for a donation to keep the path open, he would be blonde and have a dog he claimed was half Dog and half wolf. We came across him talking to others so walked away quickly but he called me back, I must be honest I was rather abrupt with him, Kirsty said bad mannered. He looked at me and put money in our charity collection box. Oops! I felt quite bad and Kirsty  did rub it in.

We were making good time so made a detour to the Glengoyne Distillery. 

We had time so took the short tour and very informative it was. Obviously we had to taste the whiskey we tried the 12 year single malt. I think I'll stick to Guinness.

You've got to admire the guides nerve wearing those trousers.

After the distillery we push on until we reach Drumgoyne and ate lunch at the Beech tree Inn. 

From here the rain became heavier for a while. We were walking on a disused railway again and were quite wet. There a couple of sections where you need to cross the A81 so have to take care. We pass through Garness and just as the rain slows find an honesty box so Kirsty and I couldn't resist a lolly.

We love our ices.

We reach Drymen which is just off the main trail which is our stop for the night.

We walked 14 miles in total, during our training we have become used to this distance and with only a few ups and downs the going was not too bad and we feel in fine fettle ready for day 2.

Not long now!

We must thank you all for your amazing support our total it's almost £3,000 quite fantastic.

With our walk fast approaching we have pretty much finished with our training as you can see the three of us have enjoyed it

We still have several little minor things to sort out, but nothing major. We have just received our banner, we thought this would be a good idea as it will probably be a bit cold to strip down to T-shirts on top of Ben Nevis. 

I will be carrying a collection tin along the way as I did with the last walk. There is still plenty of time for anyone who wants to donate. 

Please feel welcome to comment on our blog as we walk, it does spur us on when the going gets tough. 

Latest total update

Just a quick update to say we have five weeks to go and we have already surpassed £2000 thanks everybody for their fantastic support. 

Training is going well with several long walks in Yorkshire during our holidays  The latest wet weather hasn't helped but we now intend to have a couple of really long walks to get us into prime condition LOL!!