JCT Walking the West Highland Way

Monday, 2 September 2013

Day 2 Monday 02/09/13 - Drymen to Rowardennan (15.36 miles)

Day two and we look forward with confidence to the ascent of Conic Hill. We've done this before in our training and then it was a breeze. We had not though done 12 miles the previous day. Conic Hill is right on the Highland Boundary Fault so it is really the Way's entry to the mountains beyond.

The walk uphill from where the Way leaves just outside Drymen takes you through the Garadhban Forest where the Forestry Commission have been clearing many of the trees so its a bit desolate at times but the clearing has enables you to get first views down to Loch Lomond.

Walking towards Conic Hill.

Looking back towards Dumgoyne

Starting to see the trail up and over Conic Hill. Beyond the woodland boundary the Way enters open pastures with a view towards Loch Lomond.

We cross a wee bridge over the Burn of Mar and make the steady climb onto Conic Hill. This was much harder than it was when we did it in training, perhaps because we had walked 12 miles yesterday and had a few beers in The Clachan in Drymen.

Conic Hill has fabulous views over Loch Lomond, and back over the lowlands but today it was a bit drizzly and misty. The descent from the top is a leg shaking stretch and its quite difficult not to start running it because you can't stop yourself. But I was glad not to be going the other way at this point!

Down through a small wood just behind Balmaha

The harbour at Balmaha. We stopped at the Oak Tree for a drink (soft drink!) before we headed for the second stage today. Rejoining the Way as it cuts steeply uphill over the little headland of Craigie Fort.

Views of the back of Conic Hill. The weather has changed again and at this point it was sunny and hot.

The Way on this stage has a mixture of road and wooded sections. Into Criteoch. It's really tough after the morning's walk as it goes up and down quite a lot and there is a couple of notable climbs.

Wee rain shower when we hit Cashel so Jack and Victor had a seat on a great seat under a tree for a bit of shelter.

Eventually after a long muddy descent we rejoin the road into Rowardennan and head for the bar for a beer.

Of course where else would Jack and Victor drink? 'The Clansman' of course! We are heading back home again today and Anne and Charlie pick us up. Day 2 complete!

Total distance covered: 27.87 miles

Tomorrow Day 3 - Rowardennan to Inverarnan.

Sunday, 1 September 2013

Thank-you Bex!

Today as we were leaving Louise's daughter Bex (I'll always shorten your name..) handed Lily this to give to me....

This was an angel that Winnie gave to Rebecca Bruce when her dad Aaron passed.

Bex gave it to Lily to give to me. XXX Bex

And We Are Off! - Day 1 - Milngavie to Drymen (12.51 miles)

So we are starting! We met with Jen's Girlfriends, Maggie-Francis, Karen and her husband Stuart, Louise, Elaine, Monica, Serena, Franny, Susan, Julie, and Leah, Sophie and Rebecca, Jens gt niece Eilidh & Andy's colleagues Bill and Lesley & Alan at the starting gate in Milngavie.